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113 Comments
- Lechku, on 10/12/2007, -4/+81This is really scary, sick and wrong. The jerks who are responsible for this need to be held accountable and everybody should rally around Kathy in support.
I love her blog--it provides all kinds of useful information, and I'm not even a software developer. Her blog is a good example of what being of service means and it would be a horrible thing for it to go away because this juvenile and messed up behavior goes unpunished.
We should keep an eye out for ways to ways to support Kathy because this does not bode well any of us. - heavensblade23, on 10/12/2007, -0/+45I thought she was a political blogger at first...but no, she's a tech blogger. Who gets that worked up about tech issues that they're writing death threats?
- trekkie, on 10/12/2007, -2/+32I've never heard of her blog until this post. I read the sick ***** of a post and then went back to look at her blog to see what weird thing she could have done to come remotely close to doing that.
And I find some of the most cognative thinking on a real way to design products.
Un real. It's idiotic ***** like this that will bring in the government, that's for sure. The wild west days are going to be numbered at this rate. - KAIZENfocus, on 10/12/2007, -2/+30I strongly agree. I love her blog as well and I am in sales, not even in a realted field to her blog. But I love it just the same.
I hope her life can return to normal as soon as possible - rocket2dmn, on 10/12/2007, -3/+31I hope diggers recognize the seriousness of such postings and refrain from making them here and elsewhere on the internet.
- johnsee, on 10/12/2007, -3/+29She's an awesome blogger, and I always look forward to her new entries in my RSS feed. On the few occasions I've emailed her she's always been polite and helpful.
I hope whoever is doing this is caught and sent to a very dark jail cell. - engtech, on 10/12/2007, -1/+26What is it with Digg commenters?
@robbh66: "I don't condone anyone making death-threats, but I also don't condone the blogosphere which seems to think that an opinion and a blogger account makes you important news."
She's an established tech author (7 books) and tech conference presenter who has her own Wikipedia entry and is considered Notable. Just because someone blogs doesn't make them a shut-in living in their parents' basement. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathy_Sierra
@savageblackcat: "It sounds like she needs to put her big girl panties on and grow up."
By "big girl panties" do you mean the ones that were photoshopped on her face with the insinuation that she'd be raped? Is that what you would tell your mom/sister/girlfriend/daughter if someone posted something like that about them? Keep in mind that the originator of these threats wasn't "an anonymous dude on the Internet" but rather someone she at least peripherally knows from tech conferences. - ChrisMDP, on 10/12/2007, -2/+25I might point out that the webpage contains details of disturbing death threats - not one for the kids. Let's hope they catch them.
- justnick, on 10/12/2007, -0/+19I have never heard of her before and I still want the people who made those comments to go to jail. Threatening someone like that is amazingly wrong on many levels. The people who threatened her need help.
- THX8612, on 10/12/2007, -0/+17Internets: -1 to your Humanity pool
- futureb, on 10/12/2007, -4/+21every public figure gets death threats at one time or another. perhaps this is just a sign that bloggers are now public figures?
- EricWeaver, on 10/12/2007, -2/+17BrooklynBoy: you might cut her some slack. I'm not sure there's such a thing as a woman "overreacting" to sexually-themed death threats. We're not women, and we didn't receive them, so I'm not sure that as men we can say where that line is for her. It's an emotional thing to happen to someone...I'm not going to judge her legal knowledge after she's been shaken up like this.
The IP address listed (62.37.152.243) is from a Spanish ISP, and siftee@yahoo.com has mentioned being in Barcelona...if that's the actual email address. Why this person feels the urge to be such a mean-spirited, misogynistic ass is beyond me.
I'm hoping that he and "Rev ED" get outed online. - inactive, on 10/12/2007, -0/+12What are the chances it would be ANOTHER siftee who submits a link to a Barcelona networking site, i.e. the place where the person making the threat's IP is registered?
It's the same guy. - aukxsona, on 10/12/2007, -8/+20I'm sorry...what was said was wrong and all. But if I got this kind of heat...I would just apply for a conceal to carry license and go on with my life. I might even ask for a restraining order ...if I really felt there was a danger.
The point is she is scared...and rightly so. But putting people away for what they say isn't the answer. Never is. No I don't take this lightly...such as just blowing off steam. They are seriously ill and need mental health treatment. I do think they are a threat and a danger to the general public at large, BUT we can't convict on what a person says they'll do or would like to do. I have said numerous times all the people I wish I could kill if it were legal...but it doesn't mean I will ever even come close to doing something like that. (This was said out of frustration however...nothing like this stuff)
Kathy I'm sorry your going through this. Get a restraining order and a concealed hand gun. They can't sexually assault you with 6 lead nails in their skull. By the way, I am a woman with children that has been threatened and had my children threatened with death. Nothing is scarier than your kids or your mom being threatened. But, you can't run to the cops to help you. I couldn't anyway...so rely on yourself...you and your mom could go for your Conceal to Carry together. Make it a bonding experience...as weird as that sounds. - deanpence, on 10/12/2007, -1/+13> But here's the problem: Some of you want to have your cake and eat it too. You don't want the government to monitor or "spy" on your packets, but somehow you wish for them to be able to track down anonymous posters who threaten peoples lives simultaneously? Can't have it both ways.
>
> You're either going to take the position that the internet must be monitored, OR you're going to have to accept that with Internet independence comes independence from government protection.
On the contrary, brooklynboy, this is exactly what the government does all the time. It can't prevent crime, but after one is committed, it can investigate (with coercive power) the crime to prosecute the criminal. If we were to follow your logic, then the government wouldn't be allowed or be able to investigate and prosecute murders unless they were able to monitor every second of everyone's life. However, a crime has already been committed here (at least it seems so), so *now* the government has the power to investigate, to use coercive power to find the criminal(s) ... and nothing else.
If we were to accept your assertion that freedoms of speech and from unlawful/unjustified search and seizure require giving up the right to not to be coerced, then the US Constitution itself is a sham and we should all give in to Big Brother. - badken, on 10/12/2007, -2/+13@aukxsona: "How are we free if we can't say what we want to say? How is it a free society that suppresses some speech but allows other? WHO decides what is terroristic threatening and what is blowing off steam? Is there a clear definition? Can they bend the line to allow some people to get away with stuff and others to go down for nothing?"
The title of this article is correct. Death threats are not protected speech. Yes, there are limits, and the courts decide what those limits are.
You can not get on an airplane and joke about blowing it up.
You can not yell "FIRE!" in a crowded building.
You can not incite violence toward someone because of their race or creed.
Your right to freely swing your fist ends at the tip of my nose. There are LIMITS to your freedoms.
Sane, stable people do not threaten to kill someone, and they especially do not photoshop a picture into some gruesome image of sexual torture just to attack someone. I can see saying things you might want to take back in the heat of the moment, but the things that were done to this woman were way over the line. I do not want a sick person with sexual and/or revenge fantasies about me wandering the streets freely. They are a danger to themselves and to others, and that's all it takes to get locked up for a long time. - Fordi, on 10/12/2007, -6/+17Feh. I'm no advocate of death threats or the stupid misogyny involved here, but honestly, just ask for some extra security at the talk and show up. The best that can happen is nothing. The worst that can happen is the ***** who attempts any of this ***** will get caught. Being actively scared enough to cancel ***** and post about it just fuels these pinpricks' egos.
- inactive, on 10/12/2007, -0/+11When sexual threats are made, it is usually always by a moron with a small penis.
- wjglenn, on 10/12/2007, -0/+11Unfortunately, probably not. I read Kathy's blogs routinely and she's never been anything but professional to my knowledge. I have, however, seen other female colleagues in the tech writing/speaking community treated just awfully. I really don't know what to say about it other than that my thoughts are with Kathy and I really hope it doesn't dissuade her from continuing her blog. She's one of the most talented writers around.
- inactive, on 10/12/2007, -2/+13Registered Digg user..
http://digg.com/users/siftee/ - CourtesyFlush, on 10/12/2007, -1/+11This sort of thing should have legal consequences. Death threats should not be tolerated in any way.
My best advice would be to show no fear and tell the wimps who hide in the shadows while they make this type of ***** threat to bring it the hell on.
A direct approach by calling an *****'s bluff while preparing for the worst is sometimes the best option. I would rather taunt an idiot into either doing something ineffectively stupid in order to get caught or being publicly shamed by yellow hearted inaction than to live in fear.
It worked with me with open threats on the phone, it will work with dumbass goobers on teh intarwebs who should remember that it can be fairly unhealthy to blindly threaten people one doesn't know.
Kathy needs to get out of victim mode and stop letting these idiots have their way with her life. It's what they want. - AshtonKe, on 10/12/2007, -4/+14Of course, it's easy to say she's over reacting, you're not the one being threatened. And, you think you're anonymous right now (you probably aren't, but for the most part we're all low profile enough for nobody to really take the time to try and trace us).
And at the same time, I'll bet you're male. Not that the internet is all male, but it sounds like a male response (my apologies if you aren't).
It's generally easier for males to take threats than females, since males tend to be more testosterone filled, and willing to defend themselves, etc. etc. (And threat of violent rape simply plain out scares the ***** out of women. Men really don't have a similar fear, since the raping of men is relatively rare (comparitive to the rape of women), so it's not on our minds at all).
But that being said, if someone started seeking me out like that, it would scare me too. Do I think she's overreacting? Hardly. She's a woman, being threatened with rape and horrific death, that's something most males can't quite comprehend (at least the rape part). And as a woman, she is probably afraid of being overpowered by some male (sorry to be politically incorrect, but most women are weaker than males. Their muscles are roughly equal in strength, if you compare equal amounts of muscle mass. But men's muscles tend to be larger, due to hormones. There are some women out there who are very strong, and some men that are weak, but for the most part, women tend to be weaker than men. Sorry, it's life). etc. etc.
If the threats get closer (addresses posted, etc.) I'd filed for a concealed carry permit, etc. Even disturbed people tend to lose the will to fight if they're staring down a gun barrel (or receiving what comes out of it). (Although I strongly hope this blows over without any violence). - justnick, on 10/12/2007, -0/+9Everything someone does on the Internet can be traced right now. This isn't an all or nothing thing. The Internet should be treated like every other form of communication. The police can not tap your phone line unless they show a judge sufficient evidence to support a warrant. The police can not read your mail unless a judge feels the evidence justifies a warrant. The Internet should be, and could be, treated the same way.
- K.Restoule, on 10/12/2007, -0/+9I'm constantly amazing by some people and their "free speech" rants. Here's a novel idea. Take responsibility for what you say. This was a death threat and the person who made it should be held responsible for what he/she said. This is not free speech, this is a crime.
- charmander, on 10/12/2007, -0/+8She writes tech books! I thought she would be some kind of political blogger or something. Do people really get so threatened by the presence of a woman in the tech field?
- captinherb, on 10/12/2007, -8/+16@imperium2000:
Calm down. He didn't say he condoned what was posted, he just suggested that she is over reacting. Saying that she will never be the same and she won't leave the house, etc.. would point to an over reaction. I also don't condone it and think whoever did this are some world class ***** heads but you don't think public figures get death threats? I would think this would be mild compared to what some celebrities get. While she should report it to the police and take necessary safety steps she shouldn't let it completely control her life so much so that she can't even leave her yard, I don't think that would qualify as a healthy reaction. - randysouth, on 10/12/2007, -0/+8I'm perplexed. Was there anything in particular she wrote that set this guy off or is it just the random ravings of a sick person?
- epilonious, on 10/12/2007, -0/+8I'm guessing people who want attention and get pleasure from the idea of being agitating... but with no actual devices on her life. I'm also guessing that now that they got what they wanted (her to freak out publicly) and will quit bothering her lest they get caught... or they will continue doing it, get caught, and turn out to be generic losers who do something silly with their 15 minutes...
- acceptab1euname, on 10/12/2007, -1/+9Death and rape threats have never been "free speech".
PS: I'm an atheist and I rather like Capitalism. Door's to your left. - vblvbl, on 10/12/2007, -0/+7Kathy is a great thought leader in the realm of customer experience. It's awful that this kind of crap happens at all, much less to such a good person. I hope they catch the guy(s) and I hope that she can feel safe again.
- drewolanoff, on 06/10/2008, -0/+7Either way it's disgusting.
- badnewsblair, on 10/12/2007, -1/+7@badken
"Your right to freely swing your fist ends at the tip of my nose. There are LIMITS to your freedoms."
I was just going to say that. One of my favorite teachers and perhaps one of the people I look up to the most used to tell me this way back in high school (all those years ago). It rings true here as well as throughout the Internet.
I've said this before in the comments section of other stories. I'm so sick of people on the Internet saying whatever they want because they know they can get away with it. They can hide behind and use their Internet anonymity as a crutch for spouting off at the mouth. They think they can say anything they want to here, because there is no personal aspect to it. They use racial slurs and other language that would get their asses pounded into the street if they dared say it in public. Unfortunately, immaturity reigns supreme on the Internet. - brooklynboy, on 10/12/2007, -11/+17I think the threats are sick and vile. I also think that Kathy needs to do more research before overreacting and posting false information.
There have been arrests made online for EMAIL, thus there is a precedent set for this type of thing to be protected in court. Read on: http://news.com.com/2100-1023-210845.html
Excerpt: "In 1996, Machado was accused of sending an email to a group of fellow students, most of whom were Asian, threatening to "...make it my life career to find and kill every one of you personally." The email, sent from a campus computer, allegedly was signed "Asian Hater."
The verdict validated the prosecution's argument that sending threats via the Net is the same as doing it over a phone or through the regular mail.
Initially, Machado was charged with ten counts of civil rights law violations, but his first trial ended in mistrial after the jury deadlocked. After the second jury found him guilty, Machado faced a year in federal prison and a $100,000 fine. "
But here's the problem: Some of you want to have your cake and eat it too. You don't want the government to monitor or "spy" on your packets, but somehow you wish for them to be able to track down anonymous posters who threaten peoples lives simultaneously? Can't have it both ways.
You're either going to take the position that the internet must be monitored, OR you're going to have to accept that with Internet independence comes independence from government protection.
Having said that... I hope those bastards that threatened Kathy burn in hell. - delong, on 10/12/2007, -0/+6It is a crime in most states - it's a terroristic threat. Because it is a threat made by telephone or wire across state lines it is probably also a violation of federal law. Terroristic threats are usually felonies, with serious jail time. Terroristic threats are very easily categorized as a "true threat" which is unprotected speech under the First Amendment, no intent to actual carry out the threat is required. True threats are essentially strict liability.
- AshtonKe, on 10/12/2007, -1/+7This is probably true, if you just "Hope someone may die." But when you start including details, pictures (photoshopped or otherwise), you are stepping well out of bounds of the precedent set in Brandenburg v. Ohio.
And it's important to note that Freedom of Speech doesn't mean you don't have to own up to what you say. It means (this is philisophical crap) that you are free to speak your political/personal freedoms without fear of GOVERNMENT retribution. However, it is a well set precedent (can't look up cases now, sorry) that threats are not protected it at all. You own up to your words. If you lie, you can't say "Oh, freedom of speech," you still lied; so you face the consequences. If you threaten somebody, especially in this manner, you can't go "oh, free speech," no, that's a terroristic threat, across state lines even (bringing in more than local authorities), so now you'll face the consequences. Etc. - galtroarc, on 10/12/2007, -0/+6This is sick...I have never read Kathy but this is just unacceptable whoever the target is...
- RickLeeFS, on 10/12/2007, -1/+6I've been active online since the mid-80s before there was a web and I've always used my real name everywhere. There's no better way to keep your base instincts in check. I have always advocated for the use of real identities, but I really feel bad for the girls. It's really different for a female online. Most of them wouldn't think of using a real name and I sure understand why. For people like Kathy Sierra who have a writing and speaking career, they don't have the option of hiding behind an anonymous ID. For guys, I think it's just a real wimpy thing to hide behind an ID.
- badken, on 10/12/2007, -1/+6"The U.S. Supreme Court reversed Brandenburg's conviction, holding that government cannot constitutionally punish abstract advocacy of force or law violation."
Brandenburg is in no way the same thing as this situation. The court held that the government can not punish *abstract* advocacy. The threats posted in these blogs, and the photoshopped picture were directed at a specific individual, with specific acts being threatened. AND from what I understand, some the people making the threats were known to the victim.
This was no anonymous, abstract hate speech. - crashutah, on 10/12/2007, -0/+5Scoble decided to stop blogging http://digg.com/tech_news/Famous_Blogger_Scoble_Taking_the_Week_Off_from_Blogging
- vonnie, on 10/12/2007, -0/+5Granted, I am not a medical doctor, but I'm pretty sure that slitting a throat might be deadly. The whole choking with a rope thingy also seems not at all healthy. Again, I did not have medical training, so I am sure you will explain how those threats are *not* deadly threats.
- roamzero, on 10/12/2007, -0/+5I often wonder what kind of personality it takes to be motivated enough to take time out of the day to threaten a person's life simply because of someone's thoughts and opinions rubbing you the wrong way. You see this too much in today's society IMO. Someone goes against a status quo and invariably you hear about that person receiving death threats. It's hard to believe these types of people exist in today's society, I'd almost like to meet some of these people in person just to see what makes them tick.
- Red_Eye, on 10/12/2007, -0/+5This unfortunately is not uncommon, there have been a few podcasts that have abruptly ended due to threats and in some cases even some actions.
- bokchoy, on 10/12/2007, -0/+5The guy who sat there spending his own time creating that image and having those words and images in his brain bringing him pleasure doesn't deserve anyones respect. Sadly, this is nothing new. Insecure men throughout history have always abused women given a location and anonymity(a closed door, an open proxy,etc.) We only heard about it because she is well known. We can all make a difference by not giving traffic to those that take things too far ie: threats of rape murder and intimidation for pleasure.
Who really cares what those guys have to say anyways if this is how insecure they are...they obviously have issues beyond the nightly pr0n addiction...I for one wouldn't be following what they say or think too closely! - aukxsona, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4I did ...what now?
- badnewsblair, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4@ fathed
Well put. You sound like a well spoken person with a good point. However, the old "The right to swing your fist..." phrase is figurative saying about one's intent. Not to be taken literally as someone swinging their fist.
Sure. People have every right to say whatever they feel. But it's about being a part of a responsible, mature community. Just because you have the right to threaten someone "for the hell of it" or call someone a racial slur does NOT mean you have to exercise that right.
http://www.digg.com/apple/NIN_releases_Garageband_files_for_their_newest_single_Survivalism
(same discussion going on over here) - AshtonKe, on 10/12/2007, -1/+5Actually it is. It only provides an illusion of anonymity. With the proper motivation, you could probably be tracked down (I am not threatening you). Understand that the reason why most people aren't traced, is the lack of a proper motivation. Worse, if you own a website, chances are you have a Static IP, or are registered with some sort of service, and such information may be public (and her name is well known).
- MacParrot, on 10/12/2007, -1/+5You must be new to digg
- DeflatorMouse, on 10/12/2007, -1/+5The misogyny has got to go? Death threats and personal attacks are only wrong when they're done against females?
- MichelleMacP, on 10/12/2007, -1/+5This is awful - and the person threatening her should be found & prosecuted.
It's not an "overreaction" for her to say she may never be the same - have your life threatened, have *visual* suggestions of rape, receive comments threatening torture - and you may look at things a bit different too.
Simply buying a gun doesn't solve the problem. If she doesn't have one already, it is her right to feel safe enough in her own home without having to own a firearm. And a gun doesn't help you when you're asleep.
It's easy to say what she should do, what anyone thinks they would do, but it's impossible to know until faced with the situation yourself. - tvfischer, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4Those who did this are just pathetic... It is a real shame that people with so much time on their hands can find nothing better to do than insult and threaten others! They are pathetic and don't deserve the time of day but deserve to be put in a deep dark hole.
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