I know the mentality of the "internet tough guy".  I've been using the Internet for a long time, and I've been moderating various Internet forums for about 8 years.  I've noticed a disturbing trend over the past several years where people will just, well, be a total jackass for the sake of being a jackass.  I'm not sure it extends to real life, and in some cases I'm sure it's a case of hiding behind an Internet persona where one can do and say anything they like with little or no fear of retribution.

Many times [but not always] it's teenage boys, fueled by a youtube mentality that the more shocking, the better.  In any case, I can certainly see why people would not want to put out their real name and information, and it's exactly why I don't.  In some extreme cases I do think authorities should investigate and bring charges, but in reality I don't think that is going to solve anything.

I prescribe to the idea that I don't post anything on line that I wouldn't say in a group of strangers. Yes, there are certainly different circumstances and types of forums where you might be able to get away with a bit more colorful dialog, but generally speaking you still need to know your audience, and in the case of the Internet, you don't know who is reading it so don't post anything you wouldn't want your grandmother to read.  Kids today don't separate the Internet from their little group of friends.  They'll just blather anything and everything out, not understanding or caring who is reading it or how hurtful, ugly, or frightening it really is.

of what I mean.

http://www.msnbc.msn...

The kids is being charged for writing some fairly disturbing things in a school assignment.  Some people, including myself, might want to think that he was just following the guidlines of the assignment...to be creative and write anything you like.  But, you have to think, who here that has been out of school for 5 or more years [or 25 like me] would have ever dreamed of writing that kind of thing for a class assignment?

One thing I've noticed on blogs is the deep anger and hatred some have for people with opposing views.  Can't speak for someone being upset about "happy software" but maybe there are people also trying to design the same type of thing who feel threatened.??

But basically -- when some get really angry at women they personally attack them -- and with the anonymous factor of the net -- think they can get away with it and intimidate them into submission.

But will women be silenced?  Seriously doubt it.

If they feel threatened will they use a pseudonym and not use real pics of themselves?  Probably.  But if they're already out there -- I hope they would keep on keepin on.

Law enforcement should get involved if the person is "researching" the blogger and posting personal information or information otherwise not available to the public along with the threats.  If that makes sense.  If they cross the line they should be held accountable.  But while a photoshopped pic of someone in a noose is scary -- how many times has "W" been photoshopped in that manner?  Sometimes it's just the shock factor people are looking for and the person is mad - not homicidal.

Lots of wackos out there though.

I usually hate the idea of monitoring e-mail with the intent to track someone down, but it might be justified in some cases. I have no doubt that sick people on the internet are just as sick in person though maybe less detectable.

Harrassment is the oldest tool in the world for keeping people down and "in their place". Harrassment of women and other minorities has been used for hundreds of years to chase these groups back into the shadows so the bullies can stay in charge.

And let's not fool ourselves. If there are criminals on the street there are criminals in the internet. I think the recent events at VT illustrate why we shouldn't just ignore these things. There is a difference between free speech and speech which threatens the life and liberty of another person. Some people think they can cross the line on the internet because they believe they can't be held accountable.

This sort of harassment is dispicable. And I understand that women have a different experience.  But when Kathy Sierra cancelled her speaking engagements and says she is "afraid to leave her yard", I have to question her common sense.  Or maybe it is just blind fear.  Either way, the harrasser won. There are other ways to deal with this sort of stuff.

There's a certain element of males who cannot get over the fact that women are equals.  They lash out on the blogs.  They feel really threatened because they grew up thinking -- a woman is supposed to do what I say.

That attitude is nothing new. You always have to consider the source.  Sierra got a photoshopped photo with a noose, another with a muzzle or some such, some hateful language...and now she won't leave the yard?  Hopefully she will regain her composure and return, this time without abiding a bully.

Perhaps the decreasing participation of women in blogs is more about their recognition that most blogs aren't worth reading, let alone participating in. If it is a stupid blog, run by stupid people, having stupid arguments, then you would have to be stupid to participate, right?  Men seem to be wired for contentious argument, and endless angry sputtering only draws them in. Looks like women are looking for more.