Mathew's comments - Latest Comments in Kathy Sierra: the dark side of anonymity

Re: Kathy Sierra: the dark side of anonymity

jdm — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 11:00:18 -0000

Shakespeare expressed our dilemma as succinctly as any: "The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, But in ourselves, that we are underlings." The moral slugs who fabricated the excuses for this war, and who helped to mobilize weak-souled men and women into a mindless support for it, are certainly accountable for their wrongs. But instead of focusing our anger upon them :)

Re: Kathy Sierra: the dark side of anonymity

Peter — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 17:14:37 -0000

Let me quote from Kathu Sierra's blog item:

“I wish to thank everyone for their support, but honestly–the high visibility and coverage of this one post has led to more trouble for me. Now, even people who had never heard of me are expressing hatred and creating new problems (posting my social security number and address, horrific lies about me, etc).”

Kathy Sierra was the tragic victim of criminal death-threats/”sexually harassing” comments, along with a hate campaign instigated by a group of “rival bloggers” and mindless trolls. The events were deplorable.

But was the blog-diva assaulted? Did she suffer an unrepairable physical trauma? No, she did not.

In fact, she widely publicized the incidents, and don’t we all know what happens if you feed the mentally unstable part of the blogosphere?

Re: Kathy Sierra: the dark side of anonymity

Phil Butler — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 21:07:17 -0000

One of the most frustrating things about blogging is sincerely wanting to share things with people, and for so many to either not care or exhibiting terrible behaviors.

I agree with with your assessment Matthew, and admire Scoble too, but I think this may only encourage the types that perpetrate awful behaviors.

The Internet community is suffering from some kind of psychological illness brought on by many factors. I think the largest variable is the disposable nature of real human interaction here. Perhaps we need to develop a more substantial and cohesive fabric to it all somehow.

Thanks,
Phil Butler

Re: Kathy Sierra: the dark side of anonymity

Ted Sbardella — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 13:40:27 -0000

This is the new trend of griefing - there are some really good articles about it out there - seems like a psychiatric disorder but it can be un-nerving like having a dog barking at you while you try to walk down the street you just never know what to do, unless you are trained in dog psychology.

The problem is that the poor guys find just the right person to do it to. I probably would enjoy it it would be better than the Nigerians I usually bait.

Re: Kathy Sierra: the dark side of anonymity

Creditwrench — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 13:19:32 -0000

This is no different than "Uncle Normie" making death threats and making obscene comments about me. I was publicly threatened with death on a forum not long ago and falsely accused of beastiality and other obscene actions. One of my domain names was "stolen" via a blog using the same name as my domain which was then used to discredit and defame me.

Uncle Normie also did the same thing more recently to another web master and blogger.

Re: Kathy Sierra: the dark side of anonymity

Steven Hodson — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 22:03:04 -0000

I've been following this since I first got tipped to the story by Michael Arrington on Twitter. I've also been updating my post with reaction; and links, since then.

This is disgusting behavior and while I to can understand Robert's desire to support Kathy I find myself agreeing with about needing to keep blogging.

Re: Kathy Sierra: the dark side of anonymity

Eric Berlin — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 21:56:30 -0000

Agreed - shining a light on these bozos is the best way to expose them for the dark-souled cowards that they are.