* Anonymity allows for inappropriate behavior
As an extension of our discussion of social networking, I feel compelled to mention the antisocial aspects that sometime accompany networking communications. In social networks, in which there is some degree of personal relationship, albeit perhaps not face-to-face, there is a relatively high level of civility. In fact, there is a level of appropriate discourse that tends to rather polite, just as there would be in person because people are naturally nice to each other and/or they fear being punched in the face.
Part 1: those in favor of social networking
This is one of the reasons that we love “community networks.” For the most part, we would put both Facebook and LinkedIn into this category. You don’t connect anonymously.
On the other hand, whenever there is a level of anonymity, people, for some reason, feel that it is quite permissible to be inappropriate. Even back in the very early days of social networking, with the community involved in unix-based “usenet,” some users would lash out with a “flame” that they would never consider doing in person. (And occasionally, according to our equally historically-oriented colleague, “trolls” would intentionally make posts simply to incite flamers.)
Technology for collaborative networking has progressed tremendously. Common decency, unfortunately, has not. And blogs, newsletters, and similar media particularly seem to attract comments that (we hope) were not thoroughly considered. (See slideshow of the jerks of online forums.)
So, in our tradition of sharing reader comments, we’re happy to share a part of a posting that appeared in response to our newsletter on Wi-Fi and cellular technology, titled “Don’t read this newsletter.”
The reader commented, “Since you guys have failed to respond [an e-mail he sent us], I’m doing as you suggested and didn’t read this story… I think your trend, as with all publishing, is to continue to produce manure and pile it up. And as any farmer knows, when manure piles up it stinks. Spread it around and it won’t stink plus think about all the fertile opportunities it will create. So, in the spirit of stink mitigation and group benefit, address the [the suggestion in the newsletter] before finding refuge behind the wireless curtain.”
Would this person have said this to us in person? I hope not. And, by the way, the comment was posted in response to a newsletter that was filed prior to his original e-mail being mailed.
Social networking? We’re all for it. Antisocial networking? Remember your manners.
