[Schenk]

Just my observation: It seems like a bunch of folks have been pouncing on every little opportunity to deride, criticize, and ridicule people for petty little things. I usually notice this about late January, or in February. Things like diction, choice of words, or a clumsy phrase, are all targets. Also, I have seem at least one case of someone criticizing what they assert is another person's assumption, but their assertion is based on their own assumption...that is just comical. Sometimes I notice that if nothing really exists to condemn or criticize then purposeful misinterpretation and twisting of meanings will supply ammunition for some folks which is nothing but a contrived conflict. I cannot claim to be a saint and I have reeled myself in a few times. Is it the heat? Is it the dry weather, fire restrictions, and the fact they can't have a campfire? Elections are on the horizon; are we generally mirroring the politicians and what we are exposed to on a daily basis in mainstream media?? Is it the simply the way the world is going now and how people now conduct themselves....build your self up by putting down others? Whaddayathinkitis?

[ScottP]

It's called the online disinhibition effect, which is interesting since such behavior was observed and described as early as the CB radio era. The webcomic Penny Arcade once provided a corollary: "Normal Person + Anonymity + Audience = Total F@#kwad"

[NacMacFeegle]

Well, Washingtonians are used to plenty of good clean rain washing away our nasty streaks. The long drought has made us all really ornery!

[Ski]

[Backpacker Joe]

Ive been working the propulsion system of the USS Nimitz all summer and have only gone on ONE bloody hike!!! Im getting ready to finish the job and hope to have all of September off! Im going to hike my BUTT off.

[mike]