From: Harvey Newstrom (mail@HarveyNewstrom.com)
Date: Sat Jul 19 2003 - 03:10:22 MDT
Samantha Atkins wrote,
>On Friday 18 July 2003 16:55, Spike wrote:
> > Sure but the action is on the part of each one
> > of us, not anything on the part of ExI or a
> > list moderator. I am not proposing we moderate
> > the list at all, but rather suggesting that when
> > flamed, take the high road, don't flame back,
> > let it slide like water off a duck's back.
>
> This is not really helpful. If we can and should criticize
> ideas we can and should certainly criticize actions that
> are inappropriate to a reasonable discussion. Not doing
> so creates a culture where such is tolerated. I
> don't think that is what we want.
I agree with Samantha. I don't how this idea that people should not defend
themselves became so popular on this list. I know it seems easier to just
ignore problems and hope they'll go away. But it hardly ever works out that
way.
When someone is attacking or being insulting, keeping quiet just encourages
them to continue. When someone is posting rumors they heard, misquoting
someone else, or posting false stories, keeping quiet just lets the lies
continue without contradiction. In fact, during our recent flame-wars many
of the victims did exactly that. They dropped off the list, stayed silent,
or refused to participate. Instead of quenching the flame war, it escalated
it as the attackers demanded a response, claimed that the silence was proof
of guilt, and as they sought out new targets to attack.
Frankly, the "let is slide" approach doesn't work. The "do nothing"
approach accomplishes nothing. These flame wars didn't stop until ExI
resurrected the inactive moderation program, appointed a new moderator, and
announced that the rules were going to be enforced. Then we saw a change.
I have no more intention of letting ad hominem slide then George Bush has of
letting terrorists slide. Letting them get away with it will only encourage
more attacks.
-- Harvey Newstrom, CISM, CISSP, IAM, IBMCP, GSEC Certified InfoSec Manager, Certified IS Security Pro, NSA-certified InfoSec Assessor, IBM-certified Security Consultant, SANS-cert GSEC <HarveyNewstrom.com> <Newstaff.com>
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