Civility vs anononymity
 

I have noticed from time to time, online in general, but specifically in this forum occasions of very severe troll-like behavior and harsh, critical attack posts.

Example:
http://www.the370z.com/nissan-370z-g...bless-you.html

Example: (not as harsh but one of mine... I was just trying to be helpful)
http://www.the370z.com/nissan-370z-g...ond-rough.html

I do not claim to be an expert about what the purpose of this forum is, but I do know that for me, it is a place for:
1. Posting knowledge and questions about our awesome 370Zs
2. Setting up meets and track events with local forum members.
3. Admiring some great 370 builds.
4. engaging in a little light hearted social interaction.

Occasionally I run across posts that seem completely inappropriate, and I ask myself "Why would someone be so harsh?". Many time they do not even seem to have taken the time to try to read understand the post they are criticizing!

I'm certain that if a Troll were standing in front of me, or knew me at work, or was a friend of my family, or belonged to the same church, or even knew that I would see him from time to time in a real life setting, he would NEVER be so confrontational and insulting.

It is only by hiding behind the shield of anonymity that a troll is able to be so... bold? Is that even the right word. How about this confrontational without fear of consequence. In short it is cowardice and immaturity, and not worthy of the brotherhood of Z lovers.

I respectufully ask you ask yourself the following questions before you hit send on a post.

1. Would I say this to someones face if I knew them ,and they knew my mother.

2. Why am I posting? Is it to feel self important, or do I actually have something positive to contribute to the discussion and to my forum community.

3. Am I just trying to make myself seem smarter and more powerful by attacking an anonymous poster.

When I see someone get flamed for a question or perhaps uninformed opinion (of which we ALL have many) I feel sorry for the troll(s). I wonder what in there life is so painful that they need to lash out at strangers. I wonder why they are so insecure that they have to build themselves up by tearing down others. (which doesn't work by the way)

I wonder how we have as a "community" failed to show them that only positive interactions lead to any kind of progress as a group.

My belief is that if we all imagined ourselves to be standing toe to toe with those we engage in online conversation, we would be better, more effective, less asinine communicators.

Respectfully submitted for your consideration.

(Now watch as the flaming begins!) :icon14:

A fair point. I think the difference between your thread and JohnYu's was the fact that he was attempting to shirk responsibility for his error, and stick Nissan or his city with the bill. You were simply addressing weak points in the car.

I only skimmed your thread, but I didn't see a great deal of hostility. I just saw people disagreeing with your position.

If you think this is bad, you haven't visited other forums..

Yeah, compared to a place like NASIOC, this forum is full of puppies and rainbows. :rofl2:

I like this forum :tup:

Surfdog you sound like an adult. What gives? :icon17:

:iagree:

This^^^^^^ Other forums are so bad I won't even post in them.

1. yes, i've met some people on this forum. they can attest that i say and do things in real life just as i do online

2. i enjoy posting stuff online even if i'm not contributing anything, don't like me? :ban:

3. yes,

:icon18: So equally abrasive in person? I guess were good then!:tup:

:tup: LOL!
I have seen similar comments posted before. I personally have not experienced that-this forum is my bar....it may be a very high bar. see below...

ME TOO!! :happydance:

:tup: stop it-you are NOT "that guy"...you are always polite and nice (to me!).

I totally agree.. and to be honest, I personally don't think its THAT bad here in this forum.. At times, when I've needed help with mechanical issues, fellow members are more than willing to help.

me too..

hey surfdog- SIA (sorry in advance) :D

not sure if i will ever offend you in the future, so just letting you know now that i meant no harm if i do offend you. :tup:


:icon17:

hmmm i try to be police and nice to everyone but sometimes i offend them unintentionally

i think 90% of the people here don't like me lol