Thursday, May 07, 2009

BitchBuzz: When (Obsessive) Online Tribes Go Bad

My latest piece for BitchBuzz manages to fit in a little information about the Middle Ages (correctives to common misconceptions) as well as some well-earned hand-wringing about the easy tendency toward flame wars on-line. It's irritating to realise that so many of these virtual brawls could be avoided by the use of good reading skills -- and better writing skills. Willingness to take offense, intended or not, seems to be at an all-time high lately. Give the benefit of the doubt.

9 comments:

Alexis Grant said...

I know you linked to the piece, but could you cut and paste a paragraph or two into your blog post so we know more about what you're referring to?

I love that your blog is so different than the others! Everybody has their own flavor.

Alexis Grant said...

I just realized there are THREE of us in the Hudson Valley area! You, Julie and I.

Karen Brees said...

Being online is no excuse for bad manners. Some people are rude as a norm and don't understand (or care) how they come across.

These people seem to feel that the more obnoxious they get the more influence they'll have. Pity. It's just the opposite. It's very easy to hit the delete key and simply just not respond.

N A Sharpe said...

I followed the links in your post - wow! I have it bookmarked to go back later when I have a little more time. I love the period of the middle ages and there are some great links within the piece you linked to...hmmmm. Lotta linking going on here, but it is well worth following them!

Thanks for sharing.

NA Sharpe
http://nasharpe.blogspot.com

Elle Parker said...

Your linked post was fascinating, and the fandom examples were pretty good. I enjoyed that!

Elle Parker
http://elleparkerbooks.blogspot.com/

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

Great post. I've been really shocked at some of the back and forth flaming I've seen before. Some people never grow up, I guess...

Jane Kennedy Sutton said...

Wow! That was fascinating. I love blogs where I learn something new.

Jane Kennedy Sutton
http://janekennedysutton.blogspot.com/

Todd Mason said...

There now exists a blood feud between our clans that can never be slaked...except perhaps by a strum-off at ten paces. Near-beer optional.

And your mom types for you funny.

The bromide about academic fights being so vicious since the stakes are so low is even more descriptive of online brawling, alas...

C. Margery Kempe said...

And your mom types for you funny.Todd, that cracked me up! Everyone here in the lobby is lifting an eyebrow in my direction now.

Thank you all for showing the kinder side of internet commentary. Alexis, that's a good idea. I'll remember to add a couple paragraphs when I link to my other sites.

And yes! We need to get our Hudson Valley contingency together.