Reply #201: Good one, Mr. Pitt. :) [View All]

I especially liked this observation:

"After all, they dare not use their real names. Names like Truth_Eagle, upchuck and AntiChris are shields behind which cowards hide. It is easy to speak when no one can see your face. A veteran of many email flame wars, I know well how brave a person can be when shielded by the anonymity of a computer keyboard. Those who sexually stalk teenage girls in internet chat rooms use similar tactics.

"It is very effective.

"My screen name, on each and every board I post to, is WilliamPitt. I am easy to find. I do not hide, and I never will."

You're so correct. I've oftened wondered if the anonymity of the Internet brings out the worst in people or their true colors. It's a sad thing to behold, especially when I've engaged in things I might not have had it been "real life."

I try to keep this from happening by not varying my user name, but I picked up a cyber-stalker last year. I won my cyber-stalker by trying something I'd never tried before: revenge. It didn't work very well for me. :( It was more guilt than it was worth, plus I ended up being followed around the Internet by a sociopath who hated me.

(Note: I've found the "turn the other cheek" thing doesn't work for me, either. Anyone find an alternative path that works? I think forgiveness is overrated, but at the same time don't want to be consumed by hatred. Thanks.)

Now back to your regularly-scheduled thread, already in progress.