Discover the best of the web!
Learn more about Digg by taking the tour.
Out of Line - Online!
networking.entrepreneur.com — Out of line behavior online.
misner- 85 diggs
- digg it
- taijirich, on 10/31/2007, -3/+0Great article and how true!
- WarrenRAI, on 10/31/2007, -3/+0Proper response, and done like a gentleman
- realtydreams, on 10/31/2007, -0/+4It never ceases to amaze me how arrogance and ignorance seems to be increased by anonymity. I sometimes call people on this type of behavior, but NEVER spend more time than an initial contact unless well received by them.
- cdrew, on 10/31/2007, -0/+5Due to the anonymity of the Internet, people tend to behave much differently than they would in a real world setting. On the other hand, I know people who are just plain obnoxious both online and off.
- bethmisner, on 10/31/2007, -2/+0It is amazing to me, too, at just how many people behave totally differently online than they would behave offline. When using the Internet to further your networking potential, I think it is critical to have consistent behavior; you can't hide behind your avatar forever!!!
- dgboyd, on 10/31/2007, -2/+0Is this activity the next spam? Is the Internet losing value as those who have none start to use it? I don't think so as long as there are people like you - with the understanding and insight to realize the source and nullify it. Good job, Ivan.
- col323, on 10/31/2007, -2/+0This is similar to road rage and it is sometimes better to ignore the rude behavior. Your response was an example for us to follow and to not let it bother us. :)
- STELLAR59GUY, on 10/31/2007, -2/+0Get these once in a while. I also write them but just before I hit send, I hit delete. Feels good to write once in a while but totally NUTS to send to anyone.
- bniriverside, on 10/31/2007, -2/+0Good point. A moment of reflection, especially in a potentially emotional situation, is prudent.
- Aslite, on 10/31/2007, -2/+1Thank you for raising this point. Not only is negative commentary easier in writing, but misinterpretation is easier. Sometimes people are hasty when replying to emails and end up making matters worse by not being specific in their language. Or, if in person they would have ended the conversation, in writing it just bounces back and forth until both parties start saying things they both regret. Words create reality. It's so important to be thoughtful and careful when choosing words - particularly in writing. It's hard to take them back when they are in print. Great article!
- joespeaks, on 10/31/2007, -2/+0Way to go. Unfortunately I have encountered this sort of behavior on a few occasions myself, and I did not have the presence of mind to stand up for common decency. Thanks to Ivan for setting an example for all of us to follow. Next time I'll take the time to stand up for decency.
- StacyLuke, on 10/31/2007, -2/+0Excellent. Your response more than made up for this lack of professionalism, Ivan. I am certain this article will be widely read and shared so the disease of Internet Tactlessness will be eradicated.
- BevT, on 10/31/2007, -2/+0Great response! Success comes in all forms. Better to remain a “nobody” than be a “somebody” who has successfully made such a negative, but lasting impression.
- corpfocus, on 10/31/2007, -2/+0It's amazing how some people get their kicks by assuming an unreal sense of their own importance when they are anonymously communicating on the Net. I don't usually engage with them, unless I am bored. The delete button is my friend in these situations.
- HL29, on 10/31/2007, -2/+0I think you can't teach this people that they are wrong. They have to learn by experience.
- DantheMoneyMan, on 10/31/2007, -2/+0Its unfortunate that several large segments of our society have become obnoxious as a matter of course. But that attitude has no place in business or personal dealings. It has no place anywhere, but we have allowed to fester. Thank you for an insightful blog.
- rubyb, on 10/31/2007, -1/+0Great topic. A small business owner I know suffered one of these anonymous attacks on a website yet had not had a complaint from a customer. Makes it hard to correct a problem when there is one. On the other hand, consider the recent stories about how some social networking sites are being used to "gather intelligence" in order to undermine former friends, rivals, competitors, etc. Argh!
- BNIBOB, on 10/31/2007, -1/+0This person showed his true character and so did Dr. Misner. He was correct in ending the communication with him as soon as he did and its clear that he wouldn't understand what you were trying to convey to him. Reminds me of this saying.... Never teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time and it annoys the pig. Keep up the good work!
- SteelGuard, on 10/31/2007, -0/+0Guess this guy had an over inflated sense of self worth. Thanks for letting a little air of his balloon! A basic principle of writing a nasty is to write, but not send it ... at least for 24 hours. It's amazing how much the dig will change when exposed to some time.
- gnomey, on 10/31/2007, -0/+1This is a wonderful article! I completely agree with you that people get way out of line when they are "hidden" behind a computer monitor. It seems to be the place for a lot of big talking.
- MamboManor, on 10/31/2007, -0/+0WOW! I love that some people feel they can say anything, but bristle at the thought someone else may not want to hear their POV. It's like they say...some people's kids....
Glad you replied to him as you did...doesn't matter if he 'got it' or not. - mrdonovan, on 10/31/2007, -0/+0Email is evil! It can bring out the worst in people. Our high tech society continues to feed the avoidance of personal contact. It's the ying and yang of technology!
- DvidY, on 10/31/2007, -0/+1the vale of the internet hides who we really are.
- rtsemb, on 11/01/2007, -0/+0Great article!
- bluesbassplayer, on 11/01/2007, -0/+0Reminds me of youtube as well. Ever read some of the responses there? They go from advertising a gambling site, to offending entire cultures, to "I was the first to respond". Sadly I think it can really take down the professionalism and potential of the format and cause people to "tune out". That's a shame!
- AxionFrank, on 11/01/2007, -0/+0I always say "Why bother" They're are only 3 or 4 nutcases like this in the world ! They just seem to roam around a lot !!
- bnimontreal, on 11/01/2007, -0/+0Glad to see you took the high road. No need letting him find out about our business - this way we may be lucky enough never to cross paths again. Continued success
- OzNetworker, on 11/06/2007, -0/+0Absolutely right. I think Ivan was very restrained in the circumstances. By the way, who the heck is Ivan Misner? Is he another Aussie?
© Digg Inc. 2008 —
Content posted by