On Wednesday, I took the unusual step of banishing comments from a reader after warning him that he was welcome to send his viewpoint, but that I would not tolerate personal attacks. I appreciate that I am not one to shy away from issues that attract passionate opinions. But, in my view, there is no reason to criticize the person when you are advocating your point of view.
I wrote:
it must be comfortable for you hiding in anonymity taking ad hominem pot shots at folks – like my son – while not using your own identity. Take notice now: if you make it personal, I won’t give you the privilege of posting on my website. Fair deal?
I allowed his comment to post, with the warning as a reply.
His next attempt to post a comment attacked the people, not the ideas, so I wrote him an email entitled “Bye bye” and I have not approved his comments for posting here since then. Late in the day, he decided to try another comment and then out of desperation defamed me in a series of tweets and bulletin board postings, complaining that I am actively silencing dissent.
I didn’t think I have that kind of power.
In my view, he is free to spew his venom – subject to usual Canadian legal restrictions – but not on this site. Anyone who looks at the comments from Wednesday’s post can see that I am happy to share diverse viewpoints.
We can debate the ideas for as long as you want, but if you want to attack me or anyone else, find another schoolyard for your bullying.
While I do participate in some forums where it is appropriate to be anonymous, in my specific case, stock forums where we are chatting about buying/selling shares etc.
But for most of us, this type of forum here should not be anonymous. THis is one of my pet peeves about the internet. Mark, from the comments I have read, you are much more patient than I would be.
If your readers have something to say, they should stand up and be counted. chicken sh..s
thanks.