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AINE MACDERMOT
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Member Since: 2/2006Last Seen: 11/21/2009
Member Since: 2/2006Last Seen: 11/21/2009
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Help Stop Online Harassment of Women
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A recent study by the Center for the Digital Future at the USC Annenberg School indicates that more females than males go online in the United States, defying the perception of the Internet as a male-dominated realm. Women are currently making numerous important contributions to the computer field and in online communities, and the proportion of their contributions continues to rise. Having been online for over a decade now, what bothers me is not the medium, but the lack of attention paid to how that medium may perpetuate misogyny, sexism, and violence against women.
In light of the incident involving the threats and harassment of blogger, Kathy Sierra, in March, the issue triggered a discussion on the need for a bloggers' code of conduct, which makes interesting reading if nothing else, although in some ways it does resemble Newsvine's own Code of Honor.
Kathy Sierra : "...nobody has yet been able to tell me that the person who did this is not a real threat. We've become so desensitized to vile comments on the net that many people can't comprehend why I would feel threatened. But if we dismiss every cruel, vile, sexually threatening comment as simply the work of an anonymous troll, we will no longer be able to recognize a real threat. Are we willing to stake our mother / sister / daughter's life on a sexually and physically threatening photo or comment, simply because it appeared on the internet and therefore must be harmless?
"That said, Chris and I are in complete agreement that it would be tragic if this incident were used as a weapon by those who would limit free and open exchange. My desire is for much more open debate on this issue, not legislated limits."
Trolling and spamming are one thing, this was something else entirely, but Sierra isn't the only one to endure online harassment and threats. Intimidation should have no place in modern civilized society, online or offline, whether public, private, political, or professional. Freedom of speech — however distasteful and crude the speech may be — we can all agree is crucial, but when those words contain threats of harm, or sexual violence, or death, they cross a line that makes plain old porn seem somewhat quaint, and what they do is a crime. In the United States, it is a federal crime to anonymously "annoy, abuse, threaten, or harass any person" via the internet or telecommunications systems, punishable by a fine and/or up to two years imprisonment (Violence Against Women Act - HR 3402, renewed on 05 January 2006 - .pdf). Free speech does not cover threats to a person, that's why it's illegal.
It is worth noting that our online communities are conditioned by the same sorts of socialization patterns that occur in society at large, and a significant factor in that society is discrimination against and harassment of women. While taking place via the medium of computers — be it e-mail, online forums, comment areas on blogs or web sites, MMORPGs, virtual reality, or instant messaging — online communications are still shaped by our beliefs, biases, and (mis)understandings.
"In the physical world there is an inherent unity to the self, for the body provides a compelling and convenient definition of identity. The norm is: one body, one identity. Though the self may be complex and mutable over time and circumstance, the body provides a stabilizing anchor. Said (Jean-Paul) Sartre in Being and Nothingness, "I am my body to the extent that I am," The virtual world is different. It is composed of information rather than matter. Information spreads and diffuses; there is no law of the conservation of information. The inhabitants of this impalpable space are also diffuse, free from the body's unifying anchor. One can have, some claim, as many electronic personas as one has time and energy to create." — Judith S. Donath, Identity and Deception in the Virtual Community (1996)
And therein lies the rub. As a woman who has moderated forums, mailing lists, comment areas, helped manage a virtual world as well as an online game, and having worked with other third-party public feedback systems for years, I've seen all kinds of hateful crap, including having to deal with my own virtual stalker several years ago, and I do know how real the fear can be. And it almost always originates from people (mostly males) trying to hide their true identity using multiple accounts and anonymity. The excuse given over and over again by the offenders is that it is 'just the internet' and one should 'grow a set...' or 'get a thicker skin'. And when caught in the act, the usual response is 'don't you have a sense of humor?' or 'you shouldn't be so sensitive' or 'it was just a joke'. But, until you are the victim, you have no understanding of the impact that such harassment and threats can have on your life, and that of your family, friends, and co-workers.
Clearly, anyone who enters the blogosphere needs to be aware of the types of people who get satisfaction out of online harassment. I think what I have trouble comprehending is just what sort of twisted mind makes the jump from "I don't agree with your position in that article" to "I'm going to start insulting who you are as a person", let alone escalating things to the extent of threats of sexual violence or death threats. The only sort of conclusion I've come to is that these are people who are serial bullies, but also serial attention-seekers. They don't care what type of attention you give them, just as long as they can provoke someone into paying attention to them. And when you have a woman in a position of perceived leadership (say, as the moderator of a forum or the person who does most of the blogging on a site), it's like a 2-year-old throwing a tantrum to get the attention of a parent. Your reaction, no matter how you publicly react, is like giving a crack addict his "fix"... and he thrives on it.
So how do we deal with them? First, become "The Observer." Refuse to respond directly to or engage the serial bully in argumentation. Don't reply to their postings, and carry on in your normal online routine of posting without reference to anything they are posting... as if they don't exist. In other words, "Don't Feed the Trolls."
Serial bullies hate this because what they crave is any kind of reaction from you. Although you may be the main target of the serial bully, you can train yourself to act as The Observer, taking you out of the firing line, which enables you to calmly study the perpetrator and collect evidence.
Use the tools that are available to you to make their messages of harassment invisible to the general public. Some blog software will allow you to edit a comment, and the simplest way to edit out their comment without losing the information (which you may need to save for law enforcement) is to simply "comment out" their comment via <!-- and --> code. It will still be available, it just won't be showing in public. On Newsvine, comments can be reported to Newsvine Staff, and Columnists can use the Delete function in their column which hides the comment, but does not completely destroy it.
Keep a log of their comments, emails, IP addresses, email addresses, links to their comments, phone calls, the time and dates each of these things occurred, and any other information you can glean from their communications with you. (A useful set of tools for gathering more detailed information from online may be found at DNSStuff.com. You might also find Google Notebook to be useful in keeping your log.) You'll need this log book of information in order to complain to the authorities, whether that's the forum administrators, blog hosts, or law enforcement, as it gives you some credibility when you are making your complaint. Whenever people use the Internet to perpetrate their bullying or other crimes, they leave a trail of evidence that makes it easier to both catch and convict them.
Serial bullies, trolls and cyberstalkers often project their own weaknesses, failings, and shortcomings on to you. Don't take what they say as really being true, because it's designed to get a reaction out of you. As The Observer, you can note what these weaknesses are, and with each subsequent hateful communication from them, you can train yourself to instinctively watch for whatever this person is revealing about themselves to you. Their behaviors may include projection, false criticism or accusations, disordered thinking patterns, dysfunctional aggressive behaviors, and patronizing sarcasm, while contributing nothing of value to the discussion of the topic at hand. Stable people simply do not continue, over long periods of time and in different locations or means of communicating online, to pursue someone and harass them. They almost all have some type of mental or emotional problem, and they thrive on the distress caused by provoking or tormenting others. Threats are only effective when you allow them to be effective.
Most of all, do not remain silent when you see women (or anyone) being harassed. Foster the kind of online community that finds this kind of behavior unacceptable and intolerable. Other people who see or hear this kind of thing going on shouldn't just stand by and say "well I'm not involved." You're not, but your silence tells us that you don't care, and I think that all of us should be fighting against this kind of harassment rather than what often happens, which is that it is tacitly accepted because people don't want to "rock the boat"... and sometimes it's even somewhat supported among men ("feminazi" - The term that Rush Limbaugh uses is simply a way to dismiss all feminism or even any group run by or for women as extreme or man-hating. Nazis, btw, were opposed to gender equality.)
Women are our moms, our daughters, sisters, wives and girlfriends, and they don't deserve the kind of intimidation and abuse that they are often subjected to... would you want some serial bully or anonymous cyberstalker going after someone you love? Don't tolerate the kind of abuse that includes threats or even suggestions of violence (especially sexual violence), and don't think that just because you only see it happening online that it isn't happening in the real world. I'm here to tell you, it does.
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead -
- - - - - - -
This article is my entry to the Take Back the Blog! Blogswarm in support of the rights of women to participate fully in all aspects of our society, including specifically online in the world of blogging but indeed everywhere and at all times, day and night, without fear of harassment, intimidation, sexual harassment, online stalking and slander, predation or violence of any sort.
54 Votes- Enjoy this article? Help vote it up the 'Vine.
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11
{"commentId":672252,"authorDomain":"ISPY"}
Nice Article Aine. Related Articles BBC Bloggers' search for anonymity and
Handbook for bloggers and cyber-dissidents Free Download
{"commentId":672252,"threadId":"98369","contentId":"689064","authorDomain":"ISPY"}
- 7 votes
#1 - Sat Apr 28, 2007 2:33 AM EDT{"commentId":672272,"authorDomain":"profwork"}
Dear Aine: Thanks heartily for voicing a widely shared concern, even among male Viners. Machismo and bravado appear tolerated even when harmful to others and to the sensibility of shared discourse. You have admirably provided an ennobling path, so your travails disturb our complacency.
I have been offended by a cascade of aggressive tone and behavior and, although generally tolerant, I've had my fill of abusive discourse on NV -- mostly from aggressive, hard-right bullies. The gender aspects come to the foreground in your excellent article, above. Viners have an obligation, as I opine, to defend the sensibility of our discourse. Our world, sadly, deteriorates before our eyes while the legions of status quo defenders harp disingenuously to advocate their personal delusions.
As my health has deteriorated, I find that I am less capable of tolerating the vitriol that, alas, I associate with the abusive free speech of NV. You, Aine, have been a beacon for which I will always be grateful.
Thanks for the courage, the insight, the knowledge, and the talent upon which you draw to provide your most insightful statement.
{"commentId":672272,"threadId":"98369","contentId":"689064","authorDomain":"profwork"}
- 13 votes
#2 - Sat Apr 28, 2007 3:26 AM EDT{"commentId":672329,"authorDomain":"indelible"}
Great article Aine, nice work.
{"commentId":672329,"threadId":"98369","contentId":"689064","authorDomain":"indelible"}
- 4 votes
#4 - Sat Apr 28, 2007 6:28 AM EDT{"commentId":672375,"authorDomain":"chill888"}
Very fine article.
I think your advice was excellent in terms of how to deal with trolls.
- ignoring is absolutely the first strategy and will get rid of much of the everday stuff; For the scary trolls your other advice seems very sound.
Given the heated debates and varying viewpoints at Newsvine, it is truly an oasis of civility (generally speaking) in the world of online discussion.
{"commentId":672375,"threadId":"98369","contentId":"689064","authorDomain":"chill888"}
- 7 votes
#5 - Sat Apr 28, 2007 8:32 AM EDT{"commentId":672383,"authorDomain":"jfxgillis"}
Aine:
I'm an authority on this subject. All of the Refugees are. The question arises: What do you do when "Don't feed the trolls" doesn't work?
There appears to be a contradiction between "Don't be silent" and "Don't feed the trolls."
{"commentId":672383,"threadId":"98369","contentId":"689064","authorDomain":"jfxgillis"}
- 8 votes
#6 - Sat Apr 28, 2007 8:48 AM EDT{"commentId":672387,"authorDomain":"chill888"}
I'd bet that part of the reason don't feed the trolls didn't work in your NYT case was because a few kept feeding - trolls require food but not much.
To me "don't be silent" does not mean responding to the trolls, it means taking other steps.
{"commentId":672387,"threadId":"98369","contentId":"689064","authorDomain":"chill888"}
- 7 votes
{"commentId":672500,"authorDomain":"PrimarySources"}
In particular, what it seems to me that Aine has suggested is voicing in support of those the trolls are being aggressive towards.
While this risks feeding them, it can also demonstrate that they're not in a community that will tolerate -- even through silence -- their bullying. The other steps, such as logging their abuse, etc., may come in handy.
In the case of the NYT refugees, it seems to me that they implemented the ultimate fix, and that was to vote with their feet. In particular, since (and I'm not familiar with the details, but I've heard some of the stories) in this case it seems as though the NYT was the biggest troll itself, not only tolerating but in all probability encouraging the trollish behaviour.
Aine, great article. I really enjoyed it, and it's an important topic. Thanks.
{"commentId":672500,"threadId":"98369","contentId":"689064","authorDomain":"PrimarySources"}
- 4 votes
{"commentId":672572,"authorDomain":"jfxgillis"}
chill 6.1:
You would lose that bet.
Synthesis 6.2:
Partially correct. One of us, ahem, altered the NYT's cost/benefit analysis enough such that it made more sense to shut the place down than to do their proprietary duty. The vote-with-your-feet thing is wrong, though. I wish we had so voted when it started because by the time we figured out how genuinely psychotically evil it was, some of us refused to yield on moral grounds. Sigh.
Aine 6.3:
Get back to you later on this, I'm writing an article on another topic at this instant.
{"commentId":672572,"threadId":"98369","contentId":"689064","authorDomain":"jfxgillis"}
- 5 votes
{"commentId":672782,"authorDomain":"anna1"}
{"commentId":672922,"authorDomain":"ISPY"}
We enjoyed it because the personal insults and foul language fired us up to respond. The forum became extremely popular, very busy.
I would have to agree with this and the rest of what you said. Civility can go to far and I think NV could do with a bit more serious debate and less Coffee house talk. I often get the feeling that people do not say things here because they think "They might not like to hear that" and so dont say what needs to be said or discuss topics properly. Another problem is No one ever dares to use the forum for serious development of idea's or arguments. I think that this sort of chatty type discourse should stay in the chat window and people should use these boards not just to learn but to develop concepts and idea's too. Ever since Reagan smashed all independent media in the USA, there has been a vacuum, which NV could fill, if corporate conditioning of the unhosed could be overcome.
{"commentId":672922,"threadId":"98369","contentId":"689064","authorDomain":"ISPY"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":673058,"authorDomain":"PamelaDrew"}
ISPY....I often get the feeling that people do not say things here because they think "They might not like to hear that" and so dont say what needs to be said
Some of us don't worry one bit what others think of what we say. *smirk* Aine great article and advice. People do need to know when to report a problem and how to deter a stalker in cyberspace as well as face to face. Nothing will replace common sense and neighborly watchfulness and support though. It is good for everyone to keep an ear open.
{"commentId":673058,"threadId":"98369","contentId":"689064","authorDomain":"PamelaDrew"}
- 6 votes
{"commentId":678196,"authorDomain":"nck"}
Great article Aine. It's obvious you put a lot of time and research into this piece. I think we all have had our own experiences with trolls in varying degrees. Not to the degree you speak of, but none-the-less they can at times be painful and mind boggling.
@synthesis
In particular, since (and I'm not familiar with the details, but I've heard some of the stories) in this case it seems as though the NYT was the biggest troll itself, not only tolerating but in all probability encouraging the trollish behaviour.
Correct me if I have misinterpreted your comment, but it sounds to me as if you are taking at least 2nd hand information (stories) and formulating an assessment of an entire group of people. I have seen this happening throughout many articles of late here on the Vine. IMHO, this is not fair to our new members here.
Again, if I misinterpreted your comment ... oh, just never mind the above paragraph then.
{"commentId":678196,"threadId":"98369","contentId":"689064","authorDomain":"nck"}
- 5 votes
{"commentId":678337,"authorDomain":"jfxgillis"}
Noted. Thanks.
:^{)>
{"commentId":678337,"threadId":"98369","contentId":"689064","authorDomain":"jfxgillis"}
- 4 votes
{"commentId":678351,"authorDomain":"jfxgillis"}
Nance 6.8
I read synthesis as directing blame not towards forum members but the sysops--a blame richly deserved.
{"commentId":678351,"threadId":"98369","contentId":"689064","authorDomain":"jfxgillis"}
- 6 votes
{"commentId":678369,"authorDomain":"nck"}
I guess I was the unusual kid in school, as I always loved to see the new kid join the class. This was just one more kid to get to know and play with. I am still that unusual kid ... just a "bit" older, lol. I have always welcomed change. It is just so darn much fun!
I too have gotten to know a few of our new arrivals, and the ones I have met are exceptional. They have a lot to offer and I feel they will bring a bit of spice to the Vine. They are intelligent, witty and some have very dry sense of humors. Therein may lie part of the problem, but I can relate to that. My sense of humor has been taken out of context A LOT. Like they say, it takes one to know one.
{"commentId":678369,"threadId":"98369","contentId":"689064","authorDomain":"nck"}
- 7 votes
{"commentId":678382,"authorDomain":"nck"}
Jack 6.11
You are correct ... the comment was directed at NYT and not your group as a whole.
My apologies, synthesis. Where is Evelyn Woods when ya really need her?
{"commentId":678382,"threadId":"98369","contentId":"689064","authorDomain":"nck"}
- 4 votes
{"commentId":679222,"authorDomain":"PrimarySources"}
The comment in 6.11 is correct insofar as it explains my intent. Although, I am guilty of getting the info second-hand...It was from one of the NYT folks themselves, though, as they tried to explain what had befallen them in their previous home. It really sounds like it was quite a trial, and seemed to have ended with the owners/sysops first getting rid of a popular and well-loved moderator, then ruining the rest of the community.
I'm certainly not trying to give any of them a hard time. I welcome them with open arms to Newsvine, and can't do anything differently, seeing as how I was welcomed so warmly by so many when I arrived (and am still being warmly welcomed.)
So, if I came across as critical of our NYT brethren in any way, the apology is mine.
{"commentId":679222,"threadId":"98369","contentId":"689064","authorDomain":"PrimarySources"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":679256,"authorDomain":"ISPY"}
PROFESSOR BOB CUMMINS: We've got a pretty robust system for keeping ourselves feeling good about ourselves. This involves all sorts of tricks that we pull. If something bad happens to me, I always blame somebody else and I find that works perfectly for me.
{"commentId":679256,"threadId":"98369","contentId":"689064","authorDomain":"ISPY"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":679893,"authorDomain":"nck"}
synthesis 6.14
I am the one that took your comment out of context. My reading comprehension left a lot to be desired yesterday, lol. So, my apologies again.
I vow to myself and to others, if I can't see the bottom of my desk, I will not make snap judgements of others comments. In other words, if I have to "speed read" through anything I will keep my big mouth shut. ;)
I Spy ...
I take back my comments above. It was not my fault! The Devil made me do it! Or, anyway I think that's who it was and I'm stickin' to my story.
:D
{"commentId":679893,"threadId":"98369","contentId":"689064","authorDomain":"nck"}
- 5 votes
{"commentId":681849,"authorDomain":"PamelaDrew"}
jfxgillis :^{)>
That is the cutest face and that's the kind of thing that always impresses me, cyberchallenged 7 wpm typist and this! :~)
{"commentId":681849,"threadId":"98369","contentId":"689064","authorDomain":"PamelaDrew"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":681959,"authorDomain":"jfxgillis"}
Pamela 6.17
Thanks.
Compare my smiley to my avatar:
:^{)>
{"commentId":681959,"threadId":"98369","contentId":"689064","authorDomain":"jfxgillis"}
- 4 votes
{"commentId":686187,"authorDomain":"PamelaDrew"}
:^{)>
Now I have my glasses on so I'll try it solo :^{} my goodness now if I can remember that, it so fun!! oops, one dropped character, well the block quote was there, it's so silly but it feels more artistic, lol. thanks!! :^{}>
{"commentId":686187,"threadId":"98369","contentId":"689064","authorDomain":"PamelaDrew"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":672485,"authorDomain":"witchofthenorth"}
And when caught in the act, the usual response is 'don't you have a sense of humor?' or 'you shouldn't be so sensitive' or 'it was just a joke'.
Just like in real life; bullying is just bullying wherever you find it.
Have there been actual incidents of stalking on Newsvine? I suppose the Watch and Friend features somewhat enable it although I had not thought of it that way.
{"commentId":672485,"threadId":"98369","contentId":"689064","authorDomain":"witchofthenorth"}
- 5 votes
#8 - Sat Apr 28, 2007 10:24 AM EDT{"commentId":672619,"authorDomain":"Pasi"}
{"commentId":673082,"authorDomain":"marita"}
It was shocking to read what happened to Kathy Sierra. But then I thought, why would I expect the online world to be different from the face to face world? Maybe attacks and general sexism are even worse online, because they can be made very easily and in an anonymous fashion.
Good article.
{"commentId":673082,"threadId":"98369","contentId":"689064","authorDomain":"marita"}
- 5 votes
#10 - Sat Apr 28, 2007 7:15 PM EDT{"commentId":673406,"authorDomain":"rythan"}
Great Article.
It is extremely important that free speech be maintained. However, free speech should never mean harassment. While women online are often the targets of harrassment I feel it important (As you mentioned briefly) that everyone be included in the anti-harrassment movement. Online everyone is equal as it should be in the "Real World" Threats and intimidation are equally reprehensible against a male as it is a female.
There is no excuse to threaten anyone in any form anywhere.
{"commentId":673406,"threadId":"98369","contentId":"689064","authorDomain":"rythan"}
- 7 votes
#11 - Sun Apr 29, 2007 12:39 AM EDT{"commentId":674117,"authorDomain":"marilynl"}
Now let's see if we can apply your wisdom here at NV. We have a great start, with you being here, Aine. Thanks for posting this here.
{"commentId":674117,"threadId":"98369","contentId":"689064","authorDomain":"marilynl"}
- 6 votes
#12 - Sun Apr 29, 2007 3:30 PM EDT{"commentId":674138,"authorDomain":"aine"}
I just want everyone to understand that I'm not calling for a bunch of comment police to jump down anyone's throat for snide remarks and what-not. There's a big difference between heated argumentation and the kind of harassment I'm talking about.
I'm not even sure the problem exists here (yet), but I felt that making people aware of the problem that can crop up from time to time was better than keeping silent. And I also felt that those who are subjected to this kind of harassment needed to have some advice on what to do if this should happen to them.
It was because of my own logging of events that my cyberstalker was identified and lost his access to the internet (and at the time, there were only 2 ISPs in his geographic area, so he had incentive to stop what he was doing).
{"commentId":674138,"threadId":"98369","contentId":"689064","authorDomain":"aine"}
- 5 votes
#13 - Sun Apr 29, 2007 3:45 PM EDT{"commentId":674544,"authorDomain":"PamelaDrew"}
I just want everyone to understand that I'm not calling for a bunch of comment police
I think you make a good distinction about fear vs. annoying CoH type and nit picky things. It is good to know from someone with some vineacity or maturity, that the rules in cyberspace are like life. If something is really feeling a bit frightening the best thing is to be overly cautious.
Since you Aine, run the Help Group, it's a probably a great place to find a sounding board if it's a confusing call. It's helpful to have more eyes to sort out something a little funky and see if it's an over reaction or a prudent precaution.
What's more, a problem for one person is seldom an isolated problem. With more people speaking up, any problem shapes up more clearly and we see all the players for who they are. "Better to be safe"- every mom
{"commentId":674544,"threadId":"98369","contentId":"689064","authorDomain":"PamelaDrew"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":674611,"authorDomain":"redruby"}
Thanks Aine. Good article w/much needed information. I'm just coming out of over a year of being harrassed by some anonymous ass who figured out how to find me and instigated a frivolous lawsuit. I made the mistake of arguing w/him and calling him out but he showed me who had the power. I had to get an attorney, and the case was eventually withdrawn for lack of substance. I just got the bill for that baby. Luckily it was in the hundreds and not more.
{"commentId":674611,"threadId":"98369","contentId":"689064","authorDomain":"redruby"}
- 3 votes
#14 - Sun Apr 29, 2007 8:58 PM EDT{"commentId":674618,"authorDomain":"aine"}
{"commentId":674656,"authorDomain":"redruby"}
He was never identified other than his nickname. That's part of why they threw it out. Frankly, I want nothing to do with anything about him, whoever his sorry ass is. It took up my energy for way too long.
{"commentId":674656,"threadId":"98369","contentId":"689064","authorDomain":"redruby"}
- 5 votes
{"commentId":676553,"authorDomain":"redruby"}
I've also been online for over ten years but had a certain naivete about the way some people hiding behind their shield of anonymity could be so truly mean and even criminal. I still feel like an innocent in this regard. *shaking head in disbelief* One of the sad things is this whole escapade with me has really frightened me about sharing much of myself here on newsvine. In the back of my head sometimes is a relentless questioning...am I provoking anything, revealing too much, is someone going to go after me for some unknown thing. Not to trivilalize PTSD but there are some similarities right now.
{"commentId":676553,"threadId":"98369","contentId":"689064","authorDomain":"redruby"}
- 6 votes
{"commentId":676693,"authorDomain":"aine"}
{"commentId":676726,"authorDomain":"marilynl"}
I also worry some about over-sharing and trust issues. I won't give my birthdate, for instance, even though I wanted to on the earlier thread (identity theft and all that). I know there's a trend here towards transparency, of which I basically approve, but nonetheless, we never know who's reading and not participating, even when we've developed trust with those participating. Sometimes I even feel it's a good idea to take a personal discussion offline.
{"commentId":676726,"threadId":"98369","contentId":"689064","authorDomain":"marilynl"}
- 5 votes
{"commentId":675187,"authorDomain":"Henryvii"}
Having been online for over a decade now, what bothers me is not the medium, but the lack of attention paid to how that medium may perpetuate misogyny, sexism, and violence against women.
Mediums don't promote anything, people do.
{"commentId":675187,"threadId":"98369","contentId":"689064","authorDomain":"Henryvii"}
- 1 vote
#15 - Mon Apr 30, 2007 7:51 AM EDT{"commentId":675777,"authorDomain":"aine"}
{"commentId":676702,"authorDomain":"Henryvii"}
In that case, the medium does not perpetuate anything - people do.
{"commentId":676702,"threadId":"98369","contentId":"689064","authorDomain":"Henryvii"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":676774,"authorDomain":"aine"}
{"commentId":676871,"authorDomain":"Henryvii"}
So ideas such as misogyny and racism have increased with technology? I find that is simply not the case. While some may be promoting these ideas, the amount of interaction with different types of people has an opposite, and much stronger effect. So, while we are changed - it isn't necessarily negative, or the fault of the medium.
{"commentId":676871,"threadId":"98369","contentId":"689064","authorDomain":"Henryvii"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":677063,"authorDomain":"aine"}
{"commentId":677180,"authorDomain":"ISPY"}
A recent study by the Center for the Digital Future at the USC Annenberg School indicates that more females than males go online in the United States, defying the perception of the Internet as a male-dominated realm.
and here as well http://www.iwpr.org/index.cfm
Henry VII So ideas such as misogyny and racism have increased with technology?
This question does not make sense. With the increase in technology, there is an increase in population so, so there is an increase in misogyny and racism. Duh !
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{"commentId":675198,"authorDomain":"schnoo"}
Mediums can promote tightness in the waist and crotch area, if you still haven't dropped those pounds you promised yourself you would.
{"commentId":675198,"threadId":"98369","contentId":"689064","authorDomain":"schnoo"}
- 7 votes
#16 - Mon Apr 30, 2007 8:02 AM EDT{"commentId":703616,"authorDomain":"newbroom"}
Best stay with large or xxlarge then, eh?
{"commentId":703616,"threadId":"98369","contentId":"689064","authorDomain":"newbroom"}
{"commentId":676150,"authorDomain":"theinsideofmybrain"}
{"commentId":687833,"authorDomain":"raatkiraani"}
But, until you are the victim, you have no understanding of the impact that such harassment and threats can have on your life, and that of your family, friends, and co-workers.
Aine - I wish I had come across your words of wisdom and real life experience at the beginning of this week as opposed to end. I wholeheartedly share your concerns about the new paradyms that apply to online communities. And I deeply feel that as members of this community, it falls upon each of us to raise the bar for our fellow Viners about the dangers of the new paradym.
Above all, I wish I had read your article about the importance of becoming The Observer. My biggest problem sometimes is that I cannot help myself from speaking out. That makes me guilty of feeding trolls and bullies.
I think most people know I am male. Most people also know that I operate under an alias. I am no cyber stalker. That's what I say. However, I do not want anyone in this community to accept what I say at face value. Charcter is defined by our identity. On the Internet, identity is different to name in real life.
Thanks for helping me to learn something new today.
{"commentId":687833,"threadId":"98369","contentId":"689064","authorDomain":"raatkiraani"}
- 4 votes
#18 - Sun May 6, 2007 5:24 AM EDT{"commentId":688219,"authorDomain":"aine"}
{"commentId":1443946,"authorDomain":"raatkiraani"}
An article at the Top of Newsvine as I write this comment calls out for this excellent masterpiece from Aine to be given new lease of life. And hopefully help raise awareness throughout this community of the bottom line here.
Hope and Harrassment. Often, on Newsvine, they can be two sides of the same coin.
Where is Aine? Haven't felt her calming presence for a long time. Hope all is well on the home front
{"commentId":1443946,"threadId":"98369","contentId":"689064","authorDomain":"raatkiraani"}
- 6 votes
{"commentId":691633,"authorDomain":"a0ted"}
and some have very dry sense of humors.
Nance
Survival is a favorite of the masses and this is why dry humor keep them with their head above the water.
{"commentId":691633,"threadId":"98369","contentId":"689064","authorDomain":"a0ted"}
- 4 votes
#19 - Mon May 7, 2007 9:48 PM EDT{"commentId":703533,"authorDomain":"nck"}
Amen, Det.
{"commentId":703533,"threadId":"98369","contentId":"689064","authorDomain":"nck"}
- 4 votes
{"commentId":693822,"authorDomain":"Quicksilver"}
Your reaction, no matter how you publicly react, is like giving a crack addict his "fix"... and he thrives on it.
AMEN!
I've moderated rather large groups and dealt with my fair share of stalkers and harassers as well. I couldn't agree more with your assessment, Aine. My responses were identical to yours to these "wannabe" bullies.
Stranger-stalkers who have malevolent intent look for convenient targets, targets who will not pose much resistance -- in short, weak. People who are paralyzed by fear provide the most convenient targets. Denying a predator this convenience is often enough to end the harassment.
I have been stalked in my off-line life. My general feeling is that those who pose the most danger are those with whom we are casually familiar. The stalker-stranger, on the other hand, is looking for a convenient target since s/he lacks enough social hooks upon which to mount a serious attack.
There is no doubt in my mind that some political agitators during the last seven years employed intimidation against others. This type never tarries in one place long enough to have his/her true identity discovered. So, typically, no credible threat there. They flattered themselves that they were accomplishing some important mission while my colleagues and I laughed in derision at them.
I would never prescribe my tactics for others. I just wanted to add my experiences.
The tools you suggested for documenting this behavior are indispensable, Aine. Thank you.
{"commentId":693822,"threadId":"98369","contentId":"689064","authorDomain":"Quicksilver"}
- 4 votes
#20 - Tue May 8, 2007 8:51 PM EDT{"commentId":693898,"authorDomain":"Quicksilver"}
That's hilarious, Aine! I'm a Texan, have been to Crawford for the screening of Moore's movie in the field. It's not that hard to find.
There were four of these agitators standing behind my daughter and myself making a spectacle of themselves in support of the war in Iraq. One was wearing a Marine t-shirt, as I recall. My son was in the Iraq invasion. So I had enough information about the reality on the ground there to know none of these guys had ever been there -- or any battlefield for that matter.
I turned around and asked them rather loudly if any of them had served in the conflict. They said something to the effect that they hadn't but were headed there. I told them that my son WAS there and to shut up and sit down. They did exactly that and never spoke out of turn again that evening.
The faux Rambos are the funniest like the one you described. I mean, it's so cartoon-ish!
{"commentId":693898,"threadId":"98369","contentId":"689064","authorDomain":"Quicksilver"}
- 6 votes
{"commentId":703621,"authorDomain":"newbroom"}
My oldest son is currently in the USMC... it's looking like Baghdad later this year
I wish he would not go. I'm pretty sure you feel the same way. How does he feel? (no, I'm NOT a psychiatrist)
{"commentId":703621,"threadId":"98369","contentId":"689064","authorDomain":"newbroom"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":703649,"authorDomain":"aine"}
{"commentId":694384,"authorDomain":"Quicksilver"}
Your son is in my prayers. My son's unit is not currently deployed. And I'm not sure they are deployable after all their equipment came out last year in October shot to hell. There's a way for soldiers to be deployed as modules apart from their unit, however. I call it the body-snatching approach to deployment.
I know this is completely off-topic to your thread, but Pepe Escobar is reporting a growing consensus among sectarian groups in Iraq for a withdrawal timeline for U.S. troops. (Sunni and Sadrists-Shi'a)
And Roy Blunt and other Republicans actually mentioned their own brand of time-lining -- giving the surge until September/October to show results. So they've broken their own rules on that one, for whatever reasons.
{"commentId":694384,"threadId":"98369","contentId":"689064","authorDomain":"Quicksilver"}
- 4 votes
#21 - Wed May 9, 2007 4:11 AM EDT{"commentId":694434,"authorDomain":"ISPY"}
Wednesday, 9 May 2007,
US Vice-President Dick Cheney has arrived in Iraq's capital Baghdad, amid an ongoing drive by the US military to contain spiralling violence.
After meeting US generals, Mr Cheney is expected to urge Iraqi leaders to work harder to heal political rifts.
His trip follows an announcement that 35,000 more US troops may be sent to Iraq to maintain current levels.
A truck bomb has meanwhile killed at least 19 people in Irbil, a city in Iraq's usually peaceful Kurdish region.
Another 70 people were hurt in the explosion.
{"commentId":694434,"threadId":"98369","contentId":"689064","authorDomain":"ISPY"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":702668,"authorDomain":"anna1"}
{"commentId":753688,"authorDomain":"sbutki"}
Great article, Aine.
{"commentId":753688,"threadId":"98369","contentId":"689064","authorDomain":"sbutki"}
- 2 votes
#23 - Sun Jun 3, 2007 3:51 AM EDT{"commentId":753702,"authorDomain":"aine"}
{"commentId":753943,"authorDomain":"raatkiraani"}
I had mentioned this article elsewhere to Scott. Glad he came here.
{"commentId":753943,"threadId":"98369","contentId":"689064","authorDomain":"raatkiraani"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":880078,"authorDomain":"sbutki"}
I've been trying to go back and read a lot of the older material at Newsvine rather than just focusing on the newer stuff. It's educational – in that I learn Newsvine history and what's already been written – and adds to my understanding of this place
{"commentId":880078,"threadId":"98369","contentId":"689064","authorDomain":"sbutki"}
- 2 votes
#24 - Thu Jul 19, 2007 11:10 PM EDT{"commentId":880171,"authorDomain":"aine"}
{"commentId":880497,"authorDomain":"raatkiraani"}
Scott - your timing, especially picking up a thread from some while back, is impeccable! You commented so that Aine's excellent piece here comes into my CT just at the right moment whilst I am moderating on a hot topic! Thank you.
Aine - I think I have heeded to your advice here during the moderation in question. But it will still help me to refresh some of the finer points. Cheers...
{"commentId":880497,"threadId":"98369","contentId":"689064","authorDomain":"raatkiraani"}
- 1 vote
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