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Today's Poll: Is incivility on the web a problem?

By Howard B. Owens
Tim Miller

It is rare that you find sites like The Batavian where there are spurts of definite hostility, but where the operator does a decent job of removing most uncivil posts, or at least tells the kids to grow up.

The few times I've been downright uncivil or I've seen others be so, Howard or Billie have been quick to either whack the offending post or remind us that there are rules of engagement here, and to please follow them.

I have not read the article this poll is in reference to, but I'd be willing to bet if I check the comments there will be references to "the monkeys/n****rs/animals" in Ferguson. Try reading the comments on articles just about anywhere on the current Israeli/Palestinian clashes - "civility" will not be the first word that comes to mind. You'd be absolutely amazed by the vitriol and threatened violence in comments by self-proclaimed "good christians" on atheist websites...

Basically, if you're not willing to say something to somebody's face one-on-one (as opposed to oh-so-bravely with 30 of your buddies behind you), reconsider what you will say.

Aug 16, 2014, 7:29am Permalink
Howard B. Owens

I'm proud of the fact that we can discuss as adults, for the most part, all the hot button topics that usually devolve into flame wars in other forums -- race, abortion, gay rights, religion -- all of those topics have come up on The Batavian and never have we had a real problem.

Aug 16, 2014, 9:19am Permalink
Bea McManis

The Batavian has a normal share of snerts and trolls. We are fortunate to have clear cut parameters that control the infestation of bothersome gnats . Those guidelines make the difference between civilized dialogue and a school yard free for all. Sadly, The Batavian's forum model is the exception and not the rule.

Aug 16, 2014, 8:15pm Permalink

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