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Welcome to the archived messages from In The 00s. This archive stretches back to 1998 in some instances, and contains a nearly complete record of all the messages posted to inthe00s.com. You will also find an archive of the messages from inthe70s.com, inthe80s.com, inthe90s.com and amiright.com before they were combined to form the inthe00s.com messageboard.

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Subject: Why do some people become meanies online?

Written By: NASCARnut on 01/24/04 at 06:21 p.m.

>:Why is it that some people show meanness and hatred for others while online? Some of that meanness has been directed towards me at times on my ISP(AOL!) I worry that someone who does NOT understand that the "Net can be a tough place sometimes might take someone's offhand comments SERIOUSLY and try to harm themselves. Some of the stuff said online has absolutely NO PLACE there. Is it that some people are afraid to say things directly to a person's face? Or is it some teenager somewhere trying to get a laugh at someone elses expense? People need to start using their NETIQUETTE! Any other thoughts about this?

Subject: Re: Why do some people become meanies online?

Written By: LyricBoy on 01/24/04 at 06:44 p.m.

I think it is because of the impersonal nature of the internet.  Here is an example to illustrate what I mean, albeit a 26-tear-old story.

When I was going to college, a bunch of us in the dorm went to the recreation area to watch a Pittsburgh Steelers football game.  Anyway, Franco Harris muffed a play, and somebody in the room yelled out "Franco, you SUCK!"

Interestingly, Franco's brother was attending our school and was also in the room watching the game, and, let's just say, he was not very happy.  The guy who dissed Franco quickly (and wisely) apologized.  If he had known that Franco's brother was in the room, he surely would have been quiet!

I think some people see others on the 'Net like they see characters on TV, and make stupid remarks because they forget that they are talking to a REAL PERSON and not a "character".

Subject: Re: Why do some people become meanies online?

Written By: Howard on 01/25/04 at 10:55 a.m.

People just want to start trouble in the chatrooms. >:(



Howard

Subject: Re: Why do some people become meanies online?

Written By: AndrewTalkingWalnut on 01/25/04 at 01:25 p.m.

Maybe it makes them feel powerful?
or because the Internet is annoymous.

Subject: Re: Why do some people become meanies online?

Written By: lebeiw15 on 01/25/04 at 02:08 p.m.

Because they have nothing better to do. ::)

Subject: Re: Why do some people become meanies online?

Written By: Secret_Squirrell on 01/26/04 at 07:12 p.m.

Quoting:
or because the Internet is annoymous.
End Quote


Not so anonymous as you'd think..  ;)

Subject: Re: Why do some people become meanies online?

Written By: Fred on 01/26/04 at 07:39 p.m.


Quoting:
Because they have nothing better to do. ::)
End Quote


That is quite true.
Also these people may be weenies in real life, and are too afraid to say anything to anybody in reality. But online they talk like real "tough guys", and try to intimidate others.

Subject: Re: Why do some people become meanies online?

Written By: My_name_is_Kenny on 01/26/04 at 10:33 p.m.

It's because the Internet is full of stupid people.  Stupid people like to make jerks of themselves online, of course, but stupid people also make people who are smart (and people who think they're smart) angry and ill-tempered.  The result is a worldwide web of enmity and bad manners.

Subject: Re: Why do some people become meanies online?

Written By: LyricBoy on 01/27/04 at 06:13 a.m.


Quoting:
It's because the Internet is full of stupid people.  Stupid people like to make jerks of themselves online, of course, but stupid people also make people who are smart (and people who think they're smart) angry and ill-tempered.  The result is a worldwide web of enmity and bad manners.
End Quote



It's a good thing that ChuckyG has banned stupid people from the Decades Messageboards.

;D

Subject: Re: Why do some people become meanies online?

Written By: NASCARnut on 01/27/04 at 07:37 p.m.

:DI find this messageboard to be the friendliest on the 'Net. Unfortunately,because of the right to free speech,ISPs like America Online(my ISP)cannot really crack down on meanness and stupidity,and some folks online consider notifying AOL being a 'tattletale'! But on AOL,I can always use the 'ignore' button to keep the unpleasant stench off my screen. :P

Subject: Re: Why do some people become meanies online?

Written By: Howard on 01/28/04 at 10:28 a.m.

I once got into a verbal arguement with someone from a chatroom a year and a half ago. >:(

Howard

Subject: Re: Why do some people become meanies online?

Written By: NASCARnut on 01/28/04 at 11:27 a.m.

I've learned to be extremely cautious not to mention certain things about myself in chatrooms. For example,I don't mention my disABILITY anymore in non-disabled friendly chatrooms. But AOL DOES have chatrooms and message boards where disABLED people,their friends,and their families can go to recieve support,advice,and acceptance from others who are in the same situation! 8)

Subject: Re: Why do some people become meanies online?

Written By: Hairspray on 01/28/04 at 11:53 a.m.


Quoting:
AOL DOES have chatrooms and message boards where disABLED people,their friends,and their families can go to recieve support,advice,and acceptance from others who are in the same situation! 8)
End Quote



Cool! Perhaps you can refer Andrew to them by placing a link in this thread. :) It's always nice to have options! :D

Subject: Re: Why do some people become meanies online?

Written By: NullandVoid on 01/28/04 at 09:00 p.m.


Quoting:
It's because the Internet is full of stupid people.  Stupid people like to make jerks of themselves online, of course, but stupid people also make people who are smart (and people who think they're smart) angry and ill-tempered.  The result is a worldwide web of enmity and bad manners.
End Quote



My thoughts exactly...just ignore 'em that's what I do.

Subject: Re: Why do some people become meanies online?

Written By: NASCARnut on 01/28/04 at 11:16 p.m.

unfortunatelyBIGOTS seem to love using chatrooms to spread their hate-filled propaganda! Go in the AOL news chats,I've seen so much HATE and PREDJUDICE and NASTINESS spewed at African Americans,hispanics,the disABLED-name your minority,someone in the room hates them!  Why doesn't AOL censor these sick people? Oh,how I love that IGNORE button sometimes!

Subject: Re: Why do some people become meanies online?

Written By: 1992thousand on 01/28/04 at 11:19 p.m.

boredom

Subject: Re: Why do some people become meanies online?

Written By: goodsin on 01/29/04 at 12:03 a.m.


Quoting:
Because they have nothing better to do. ::)
End Quote


I think that covers the reasons people go to chatrooms/ bulletin boards in the first place also...most of the people who write on this site are so darned politically-correct & 'right-on' that anything that differs from the US/Canada mainstream opinion is generally ignored here; for this reason, I don't often write here anymore as I feel my 'controversial' comments would offend people...just like I probably just have! Best Wishes from the read-only Goodsin!! ;)

Subject: Re: Why do some people become meanies online?

Written By: Secret_Squirrell on 01/29/04 at 12:50 a.m.

Quoting:
>:Why is it that some people show meanness and hatred for others while online? End Quote


ToO mUCh rAdiATioN eXpoSUrE fRom tHe vIdEo dISpLay...  ;)

Subject: Re: Why do some people become meanies online?

Written By: Bobby on 01/30/04 at 04:03 p.m.

Quoting:
It's a good thing that ChuckyG has banned stupid people from the Decades Messageboards.

;D
End Quote



He can't have - I'm still here.  ;D

Subject: Re: Why do some people become meanies online?

Written By: Bobby on 01/30/04 at 04:07 p.m.

Quoting:
I think that covers the reasons people go to chatrooms/ bulletin boards in the first place also...most of the people who write on this site are so darned politically-correct & 'right-on' that anything that differs from the US/Canada mainstream opinion is generally ignored here; for this reason, I don't often write here anymore as I feel my 'controversial' comments would offend people...just like I probably just have! Best Wishes from the read-only Goodsin!! ;)
End Quote



This is a shame that you feel this way, Goodsin. We are missing out on your comments if you choose to just read only.

I admittedly have felt a similar feeling but I just shrug it off and try to talk on an international level (that is apart from when I say 'bloke' when I mean 'man' and 'fags' when I mean 'cigarettes' - that's a mistake you don't want to make too often  ;D).

Subject: Re: Why do some people become meanies online?

Written By: goodsin on 02/09/04 at 11:58 a.m.


Quoting:


This is a shame that you feel this way, Goodsin. We are missing out on your comments if you choose to just read only.

I admittedly have felt a similar feeling but I just shrug it off and try to talk on an international level (that is apart from when I say 'bloke' when I mean 'man' and 'fags' when I mean 'cigarettes' - that's a mistake you don't want to make too often  ;D).
End Quote


God, someone noticed I was here! Thanks for the affirmation, Bobby! When I first came to this board, there were loads of issues I felt I needed to comment on. Having commented on some of them (I believe I have a right to do so & that this is what such boards are designed for), I gradually became more & more despondent with the replies (or lack of them!). I feel somewhat ostracised for being British, like my comments are not worthy of reply because I am not from Northern America. As I don't wish to upset what is obviously a carefully-contrived atmosphere of PC banality, this will be the last time I use even mildly 'provocative' language here. At the end of the day, I don't want to be considered offensive just for stating an opinion in a forthright fashion... :'( :-*

Subject: Re: Why do some people become meanies online?

Written By: Howard on 02/09/04 at 06:10 p.m.

They like to flame people. >:(



Howard

Subject: Re: Why do some people become meanies online?

Written By: CatwomanofV on 02/09/04 at 06:52 p.m.

Ok-here is the situation. I play a lot of games on-line. Sometimes my husband plays too-using my name. Why is it that some people think that just because your name is Catwoman that you want attention from men? But, the funny thing is, is that hubby seems to get hit on more then I do. I think because he usually plays poker and I guess all the sleaziods hang out in the poker game. He said to one guy, "Married-and male" the guy disappeared faster then you can say "cyber-space." Another guy I guess didn't believe him that he was male-just using my account/name. The guy was obnoxious and very rude. This is only two of the many incidents that has happened.  Why are guys like this?


Cat

Subject: Re: Why do some people become meanies online?

Written By: CurtisLowe on 02/09/04 at 08:04 p.m.

I think it's a combination of many types:

Those who just talk big online and like to make trouble because it makes them feel big.

Those who are very passionate about issues and are percieved as being mean when mean isn't the point.

Those who just need a reason to hate.

And those who are just naturally mean. Society has alot of them.

Subject: Re: Why do some people become meanies online?

Written By: Bobby on 02/10/04 at 04:41 a.m.

Quoting:
God, someone noticed I was here! Thanks for the affirmation, Bobby! When I first came to this board, there were loads of issues I felt I needed to comment on. Having commented on some of them (I believe I have a right to do so & that this is what such boards are designed for), I gradually became more & more despondent with the replies (or lack of them!). I feel somewhat ostracised for being British, like my comments are not worthy of reply because I am not from Northern America. As I don't wish to upset what is obviously a carefully-contrived atmosphere of PC banality, this will be the last time I use even mildly 'provocative' language here. At the end of the day, I don't want to be considered offensive just for stating an opinion in a forthright fashion... :'( :-*
End Quote



The way I see it Goodsin is that we are people of the world and not people of a continent or way of life. This was one of the main reason why I came to this board. Everybody has experiences and ideas they can share. We all have similarities, we just have to tap into them. Maybe we can learn from the people over the other side of the pond and vise-versa.

Make your views known, Goodsin. There are people who are likely to agree with you as well as disagree.  ;)

Subject: Re: Why do some people become meanies online?

Written By: Bobby on 02/10/04 at 04:44 a.m.

Quoting:
They like to flame people. >:(
End Quote



There are a lot worse websites than this, Howard. I have come off a couple because of their 'them and us' attitude (and I was on the 'them' side!)

The fact that I am still here is a testament to how much I love this place.  :)

Subject: Re: Why do some people become meanies online?

Written By: 80s_cheerleader on 02/10/04 at 06:30 a.m.


Quoting:
Ok-here is the situation. I play a lot of games on-line. Sometimes my husband plays too-using my name. Why is it that some people think that just because your name is Catwoman that you want attention from men? But, the funny thing is, is that hubby seems to get hit on more then I do. I think because he usually plays poker and I guess all the sleaziods hang out in the poker game. He said to one guy, "Married-and male" the guy disappeared faster then you can say "cyber-space." Another guy I guess didn't believe him that he was male-just using my account/name. The guy was obnoxious and very rude. This is only two of the many incidents that has happened.  Why are guys like this?


Cat
End Quote



Cat, the same thing has happened to me, except when I'm using my name.  If I don't want to talk to them, I tell them I'm male, 38 & from Berkeley, CA.  They usually are shocked, but leave me alone.  And, this isn't in poker, it's on almost every Yahoo game I've played. ;D

Subject: Re: Why do some people become meanies online?

Written By: Howard on 02/10/04 at 06:04 p.m.


Quoting:


There are a lot worse websites than this, Howard. I have come off a couple because of their 'them and us' attitude (and I was on the 'them' side!)

The fact that I am still here is a testament to how much I love this place.  :)
End Quote



Hey,I'm still here as well. ;D

Howard

Subject: Re: Why do some people become meanies online?

Written By: Fred on 02/10/04 at 07:26 p.m.


Quoting:
Ok-here is the situation. I play a lot of games on-line. Sometimes my husband plays too-using my name. Why is it that some people think that just because your name is Catwoman that you want attention from men? But, the funny thing is, is that hubby seems to get hit on more then I do. I think because he usually plays poker and I guess all the sleaziods hang out in the poker game. He said to one guy, "Married-and male" the guy disappeared faster then you can say "cyber-space." Another guy I guess didn't believe him that he was male-just using my account/name. The guy was obnoxious and very rude. This is only two of the many incidents that has happened.  Why are guys like this?


Cat
End Quote


Most of the time guys have nothing better to do, so they just go online and see if they can score some "cyber".  :(

Subject: Re: Why do some people become meanies online?

Written By: Tony S N Jr Fan on 02/14/04 at 05:36 p.m.

I think the reason that AOL and other ISP's don't have stricter standards is that most folks feel that the Internet is a place for "freedom of expression"-in other words ANYTHING GOES-and those subscribers would move to another ISP rather than complying with standards that would censor them. Also.it's not cool with some folks if you report them,they find ways of getting even with you,even finding ways to attack your computer!

Subject: Re: Why do some people become meanies online?

Written By: GBH on 02/14/04 at 05:48 p.m.

The main reason they dont have stricter standards is that, if they keep banning people from using their ISP, they will lose money and potential future users.

Quoting:
I think the reason that AOL and other ISP's don't have stricter standards is that most folks feel that the Internet is a place for "freedom of expression"-in other words ANYTHING GOES-and those subscribers would move to another ISP rather than complying with standards that would censor them. Also.it's not cool with some folks if you report them,they find ways of getting even with you,even finding ways to attack your computer!
End Quote

Subject: Re: Why do some people become meanies online?

Written By: 80s_cheerleader on 02/14/04 at 08:18 p.m.

Because they have no life ::)

Subject: Re: Why do some people become meanies online?

Written By: 80s_cheerleader on 02/14/04 at 10:07 p.m.


Quoting:

I think that covers the reasons people go to chatrooms/ bulletin boards in the first place also...most of the people who write on this site are so darned politically-correct & 'right-on' that anything that differs from the US/Canada mainstream opinion is generally ignored here; for this reason, I don't often write here anymore as I feel my 'controversial' comments would offend people...just like I probably just have! Best Wishes from the read-only Goodsin!! ;)
End Quote



I agree with Bobby, you should post more often.  I realize we may not agree on certain subjects, but that's one of the reasons I come to boards.  Most of the "moms" in my neighborhood could care less about most things that don't involve shopping, spending $$, or their kids so it's nice to have other adults to "talk" to.  I come here because I usually don't have to worry about being called derogatory names just because my opinion differs from someone elses.  Also, I think it's interesting to see how other people view our country and hear what they think on different subjects, from the hard-hitting to the purely trivial.

Subject: Re: Why do some people become meanies online?

Written By: lebeiw15 on 02/14/04 at 10:19 p.m.


Quoting:
I come here because I usually don't have to worry about being called derogatory names just because my opinion differs from someone elses. End Quote


:)

Me too.  Some may find moderated boards not very fun, but I like this board because I don't have to worry about seeing cussing in all capital letters every other post, like some other boards I've seen.  Sure, unmoderated boards might be more fun for some, but they are way too junked up with too much unnecessary crap from trolls, etc.

Subject: Re: Why do some people become meanies online?

Written By: 80s_cheerleader on 02/14/04 at 10:28 p.m.


Quoting:

:)

Me too.  Some may find moderated boards not very fun, but I like this board because I don't have to worry about seeing cussing in all capital letters every other post, like some other boards I've seen.  Sure, unmoderated boards might be more fun for some, but they are way too junked up with too much unnecessary crap from trolls, etc.
End Quote



The only other boards I go to regularly are pretty much unmoderated.  At one, language is not censored, but personal attacks are not allowed.  At the other, everything is allowed, but we're all a group of moms that have been "chatting" for years.  We rarely swear on that one, but it's still more trivial "what I did today" kind of stuff.

Subject: Re: Why do some people become meanies online?

Written By: Race_Bannon on 02/15/04 at 00:04 a.m.

I think people can be "meanies" online because they don't choose to get to know the people they are chatting with.  I came to this board 18 months ago and fortunately for me I took the time to read posts and get to know the people, and the attitude before I started posting myself.  
My experiance with other forums had been unmoderated boards, and mixing it up with the people posting in rude and vulger ways was fun... for a short period of time.  It didn't take long to see that very little was discussed, resolved, or intelligentlly debated.  
It takes much more intellignece (and therefore a more interesting read) to disagree with a post in a mature and coherant way then to curse, swear and threaten.
Thanks for this board, it's much appreciated. :)

Subject: Re: Why do some people become meanies online?

Written By: Hairspray on 02/15/04 at 00:52 a.m.

Quoting:Thanks for this board, it's much appreciated. :)
End Quote



You're very welcome. :)

Subject: Re: Why do some people become meanies online?

Written By: Hairspray on 02/15/04 at 00:55 a.m.


Quoting:
You're very welcome. :)
End Quote



ChuckyG has done the world a wonderful service by creating this site and its forums. I am very proud to be a part of it and glad you are all part of it as well. Thank you ChuckyG and all!

Subject: Re: Why do some people become meanies online?

Written By: Howard on 02/15/04 at 12:45 a.m.

people just enjoy starting trouble just like last night. >:(

Howard

Subject: Re: Why do some people become meanies online?

Written By: Tony S N Jr Fan on 02/19/04 at 02:16 a.m.


Quoting:
I think the reason that AOL and other ISP's don't have stricter standards is that most folks feel that the Internet is a place for "freedom of expression"-in other words ANYTHING GOES-and those subscribers would move to another ISP rather than complying with standards that would censor them. Also.it's not cool with some folks if you report them,they find ways of getting even with you,even finding ways to attack your computer!
End Quote

What really gets me poed is what is said about alternative lifestyles. My best friend is gay,and NONE of the stuff said online about gays is true according to this person. They say stuff like "gays are child molesters' and stuff like that! How can gays be"molesters"if there are gay couples ADOPTING kids?

Subject: Re: Why do some people become meanies online?

Written By: CatwomanofV on 02/19/04 at 10:45 a.m.


Quoting:

What really gets me poed is what is said about alternative lifestyles. My best friend is gay,and NONE of the stuff said online about gays is true according to this person. They say stuff like "gays are child molesters' and stuff like that! How can gays be"molesters"if there are gay couples ADOPTING kids?
End Quote




This is a bit off-topic but I will answer your question as I understand the answer. Some people are afraid of gays. Why? That I do not know. I think some people think that being gay is contagous and someone might "catch it." So, to justify their fear, they turn these people into monsters-i.e. child molesters. That is same as any prejudice towards race, religion, etc. If you turn a group into something despicable, you have justified your reasoning for fear and hatred.  I'm sure there are probably child molesters who are gay but NOT ALL. Just like not all Catholic priests are molesters either. Being one does not make you the other. Personally, I think any prejudice stems from igornance.




Cat

Subject: Re: Why do some people become meanies online?

Written By: 80s_cheerleader on 02/19/04 at 10:53 a.m.


Quoting:

What really gets me poed is what is said about alternative lifestyles. My best friend is gay,and NONE of the stuff said online about gays is true according to this person. They say stuff like "gays are child molesters' and stuff like that! How can gays be"molesters"if there are gay couples ADOPTING kids?
End Quote



I agree with Cat.  But, I would like to add that almost anyone can adopt a child.  Yes, there are strict guidelines, but molesters have been able to adopt kids in the past.  Now, if someone was a convicted child molester, they wouldn't be able to, but it's not something people would put on an adoption application.  And, as most molesters try to keep that part of their lives as private as possible, and are usually pretty good liars, it's difficult to tell if someone is a child moleester or not.