OSNews

I could use a good, solid definition of what is and isn't appropriate on the Internet, both to monitor my own commenting behavior and to have a better feel for whose "fault" it is when comment threads spin out of control. The problem with the definition in this article, however, is that while all the bullet points listed are clearly bad things that we've all seen before, they are also all judgment calls. I feel this article could use some examples of both inappropriate and appropriate posts. What is an example of stating your opinion or disagreement tastefully and respectfully? What is, in contrast, an example of doing it trollfully? I imagine there'd be disagreement as to what constitutes respectful disagreement and what constitutes inappropriate trolling.

The Internet is difficult. The lack of body language and facial responses makes it hard to know when you've crossed a line, and unfortunately, everyone's lines are different. Unintentional trolling is not just caused by "immaturity" or "poor social skills", but by cultural differences, or people who are not used to such emotionless means of communication.