An SF/F author with something sensible to say

[sunnyskywalker]

Justine Larbalestier brings some common sense to the table in her post Online versus Offline behavior. To sum up, if you act like a jerk "only" online, you are acting like a jerk. There is no magic internet shield that makes things you say online not count just because they're zapped through the ether instead of through vibrating air molecules.

Comments

[sodzilla.livejournal.com]

A truth which I've preached since I got on the internet, back in '96. I'm glad to see there are so many people out there who agree with me, because I'm tired of hearing "it's only on the internet, why are you upset?" or "I know he said unforgivable things to you online, but in REAL LIFE he's a great guy..."

[sunnyskywalker]

I know! I mean, okay, a lot of it is spontaneous conversation which isn't super-considered... but so is spoken conversation, and you don't hear, "Oh, he's a great guy in email - ignore what he says." If there's a pattern of insulting speech in whatever medium, there's a problem.

[sodzilla.livejournal.com]

In some twisted way I actually have more respect for people who are assholes both in RL and on the net. At least they're consistent, and don't need a screen to hide behind in order to say hurtful things.