Way over the line
I’m on vacation and not really keeping up with things, but Ron at BrandCurve sent a note around about Kathy Sierra getting some very uncool comments on her blog. There has always been a segment of blog culture that thrilled on being edgy and controversial. Sometimes for the links, sometime because they really believe what they write. In either case, the stuff that Kathy is getting hit with is beyond the pale. Kathy notes an ongoing police investigation, and I’m glad to see that.
Frank Paynter (mentioned prominently in Kathy’s post, and cleared in an update at the bottom), writes that the folks at the now defunct meankids.org site were beyond moderation. In his words:
“…indeed the group there was of the “You Own Your Own Words” tradition, so moderating or central editorial control wouldn’t work. I tore the site down.”
“You own your own words.” Someone might get to learn about a new twist to that mantra, which includes “You are responsible for your own words.” I hope that the police investigation is fruitful and that there’s a definitive ending to this story that can give Kathy some closure and assurance.
BTW, props to the team at Wordpress.com for suspending the meankids replacement site.
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3 opinions for Way over the line
laurence haughton
Mar 27, 2007 at 8:36 am
I am constantly amazed that the blogs don’t publish and enforce a code for commenters. I’m also amazed that smart bloggers and commenters tolerate abusive comments when they agree with the abuser’s politics. If abuse is wrong it is wrong all the time.
I’ve exchanged some thoughts with a couple of blog sites (how to protect free speech for almost everyone and allow those who don’t like being personally attacked to be safe). It should be done and it can be done.
I used to produce talk radio shows and you bet I had rules for callers (I screened the crazies, bores, and jerks out). We had a 7 second delay. Yes we also had bullet proof glass.
Justice~!
Mar 28, 2007 at 3:11 pm
Actually, I’m more disturbed at the very recent comment by “Memphis Two” on Kathy’s blog. That seems to indicate a much deeper level of stalking.
Bren
Mar 28, 2007 at 4:00 pm
@Justice~!: no doubt. Just looked. What a lamer.
@Laurence: good point, and one I’m really considering here. I’ve seen such a code on other blogs and it always seemed like filler. Not so much anymore.