DISQUS

Eric Berlin · 2 years ago

It seems as though there's a growing consensus that says: golden rule, be conscious of others, yes let's talk about how all bloggers can do better, but a "code" is not the correct direction to take here.

webomatica · 2 years ago

Totally. At least on that, it seems bloggers can agree. And that's good...

Daniel DiRito · 2 years ago

Where is my Easter Bonnet?

While some may see the blogosphere and the behavior of its participants as a new phenomenon, it isn't difficult to find an appropriate predecessor model. That model is found on the streets of any metropolitan area and it is called traffic and the prevalence of road rudeness...or in its extreme...road rage.

Granted, personal attacks and snark on the internet are not likely to lead to fatalities, but if computers had wheels, it certainly would.

The problem on the highway or the internet isn't going to be resolved through a badge system. Did anyone attend Easter mass yesterday and witness the value of symbols...no not the crucifix behind the altar or the statue at the entrance; I'm talking about the pretty new Easter outfits...complete with bonnets and bow ties. These are the outfits worn by the same people who also attend Christmas mass every year without fail...and then get into their shiny clean vehicle and race out of the parking lot without ever yielding to the old woman walking to her car that is parked in the back row because she forgot that it was Easter Sunday and foolishly arrived at the same time she does each and every Sunday.

Read more on the relationship between blog civility and Easter Bonnets...here:

www.thoughttheater.com

webomatica · 2 years ago

Nice article Daniel, (correct me if I'm wrong) I think what you're saying is that a badge is a symbol but actions speak louder than words. And in a worst case scenario, having a badge may actually make people think they're immune to bad behavior and act badly, thinking their badge immunes them from criticism. Interesting point.

Hawaii Pictures · 2 years ago

Well... I was going to post a death threat here in your comments, but since it's against the "Code of Conduct", I guess I'll need to behave.

webomatica · 2 years ago

I'd like to think I've been behaving without a code of conduct, and it's been working pretty well (so far). :|

MG Siegler · 2 years ago

Definitely agree. Rules of any kind can open the door for more rule proposals, censorship, taxation, etc The Internet is what it is because it's so open, otherwise it would just be a larger AOL.

David Airey :: Creative Design · 2 years ago

It's all common sense.

People are always going to abuse a situation, but those who don't shouldn't have to adhere to some strict set of regulations just because of the tiny minority.

Nice post.