Anonymity + keyboard + Average Joe = ?

there is a common theme on the "internet" that everyone is a badass!!

epenis is one of the names associated with the internet alter ego

I would say it's not a display of who they are, moreover a projection of how they'd like to be perceived. In most cases the projection being diametrically opposed to who they actually are. A Jeckll and Hyde if you will, not in all cases but in quite a few to be certain......but then again, some people are just born assholes. Originally Posted by bigB

I tend to agree. I also believe it helps those who want to belong to belong. For instance, if one or two cool people bash a loser, and you want to be perceived as one of the cool people, you bash the loser too.

My friends like me any though, I can't quite figure out why. Writing gives me the opportunity to think before I react.

Anonymity + keyboard + Average Joe = I think my balls are bigger then yours.......

I've had this conversation so many times, but it usually ends with a conversation on how there should be an A-Hole clause when it comes to assault: Meaning, if enough people deem someone's actions to be that of an A-Hole, anyone within arms length is legally allowed to punch said A-Hole in the face.

Unfortunately, this does not work for online A-Holes. We simply don't have the A-Hole technology yet, but maybe in a few years.

I think the ability to be anonymous online does lead to a heightened level of venting, but maybe expressing ones anger in a blog or post keeps potential loose cannons from going "postal" in the flesh.
Originally Posted by AidanMacKenna

Yep.. I considered that as well. If blowing up online keeps someone from walking into the office with a gun....

but does it actually derail anything or simply slow the train down a bit before picking up speed again?

Many loose cannons have a history of hateful posts (Warning signs) prior to going postal.

I've had this conversation so many times, but it usually ends with a conversation on how there should be an A-Hole clause when it comes to assault: Meaning, if enough people deem someone's actions to be that of an A-Hole, anyone within arms length is legally allowed to punch said A-Hole in the face.

Unfortunately, this does not work for online A-Holes. We simply don't have the A-Hole technology yet, but maybe in a few years. Originally Posted by GRIN OF SIN

Maybe banning is our punch? If enough people RTM, the individual can be voted off the island .

Maybe banning is our punch? If enough people RTM, the individual can be voted off the island . Originally Posted by HoneyRose

If that gets a member banned, I'm all for it. There's a troll on the Austin forums in the past few days I'd really like to see gone. Here's a clue - egg in a popular nursery rhyme.

If that gets a member banned, I'm all for it. There's a troll on the Austin forums in the past few days I'd really like to see gone. Here's a clue - egg in a popular nursery rhyme. Originally Posted by Beagle

+1

If that gets a member banned, I'm all for it. There's a troll on the Austin forums in the past few days I'd really like to see gone. Here's a clue - egg in a popular nursery rhyme. Originally Posted by Beagle

I ran sort of an experiment to test the theory that what people say on the internet is not what they would say to someone in person. A few years ago my Company got some really negative Press. People on the internet were saying the most vile things about anyone working for this Company. When I challenged these people on the yahoo posts that they would never say such things in person, most of them swore they would. Some made outright threats (that yahoo didn't censor). So in my typical fashion, I got license plate holders with my Company's name on them and put one on my truck and one on my motorcycle. I put a sticker with my Company's name on it on the back window of my truck. From time to time, I've been known to wear a polo shirt with my Company's logo and name on it. The Company continues to be in the news on and off and people continue to threaten and spew hate on the internet posts. Yet, in 5 years of my publicly displaying whom I work for on my truck and motorcycle, not one single person has ever approached me to speak negatively about this Company. I find that rather interesting.

Wow, that's a great story! I love it. It actually reassures me about human nature~ that people still have the veneer or civility in most face-to-face intereactions.

I guess the behavior on the internet is more akin to stating out loud your private thoughts.