[BigJohn043]

I’ve interacted with GR online for over 20 years now, I think, both on forums such as these and in personal correspondence. I don’t agree with everything he every posts, including in this thread.  But I don’t find his “stridency” problematic in the least, as it has never, in my opinion, crossed the line into disrespect.

Pseudonimity can certainly lead to asshattery pretty quickly, and I think was the downfall of the Bootleg current events board.  On the other hand, humans being the social creatures that we are, real life tends to lead to a fair degree of avoidance of controversial subjects. This thread is a good example of that; while I am sure you might have like-minded people talking amongst themselves about how good or bad Lea Smith’s competing in the NCAA as a woman is, genuine discussions like this one are rare.

As long as Yvonne can keep this place collegial, I personally welcome the fact that most people can state their opinions in an unvarnished fashion.

BC

I really strongly agree with this.  And the Stanford boards have always been pretty good this way.  While the online format can lead to bad behavior it also creates better conversations in a place like this.

GR's friend who blazes away online is likely doing it in places where that kind of behavior is tolerated.  That is fine and it is generally easy to just not participate if you don't want to.

Like some others, I have been around since the "Rogue Rebel of Restroom Reading".  I enjoy this community immensely and I guess I am just old enough not really get offended....

[BigJohn043]

I’ve interacted with GR online for over 20 years now, I think, both on forums such as these and in personal correspondence. I don’t agree with everything he every posts, including in this thread.  But I don’t find his “stridency” problematic in the least, as it has never, in my opinion, crossed the line into disrespect.

Pseudonimity can certainly lead to asshattery pretty quickly, and I think was the downfall of the Bootleg current events board.  On the other hand, humans being the social creatures that we are, real life tends to lead to a fair degree of avoidance of controversial subjects. This thread is a good example of that; while I am sure you might have like-minded people talking amongst themselves about how good or bad Lea Smith’s competing in the NCAA as a woman is, genuine discussions like this one are rare.

As long as Yvonne can keep this place collegial, I personally welcome the fact that most people can state their opinions in an unvarnished fashion.

BC

I really strongly agree with this.  And the Stanford boards have always been pretty good this way.  While the online format can lead to bad behavior it also creates better conversations in a place like this.

GR's friend who blazes away online is likely doing it in places where that kind of behavior is tolerated.  That is fine and it is generally easy to just not participate if you don't want to.

Like some others, I have been around since the "Rogue Rebel of Restroom Reading".  I enjoy this community immensely and I guess I am just old enough not really get offended....