On the other hand, it may not be so good. Hard as it might be to imagine, what if the reason Microsoft is taking longer to change OSs is because they have finally recognized that corporate clients are not interested in upgrading every two years, just 'cause MS says so. Having them get religion and recognize that the clients should have some say so might actually be a step backward.
The idea that "intent" is the criteria for deciding what is legal or illegal has even scarier implications. Carrying their arguments to other civil liberties, almost any of our freedoms can be viewed such that some uses could be illegal.
Since we want to make sure that we don't inadvertenly do something illegal:
*Driving a car under any circumstances should be outlawed because driving can certainly be illegal, if it's to escape from a crime or to transport stolen goods.
* We should not practice any religion because some traditions advocate the use of "medicinal herbs" which are illegal.
* Absolutely no one should own a gun ('nuff said).
* There should be no newspapers, because those evil hacker publications are illegally promoting internet piracy.
This article http://www.familytherapynetwork.com/so00feat.html in Family Therapy Networker (yeah, well, I gotta make a living)talks about a decidedly unsexy approach that seems to work consistently to end the bullying. The interesting observation is at the end, when it talks about the commitment required by the adults that surround all these kids, and how they don't want to get involved.
While I agree that personal responsibility on the part of posters would eliminate the problem, I think that ultimately, personal responsibility on the part of readers will be more effective. Don't agree with a hostile post? Don't respond in kind.
With regard to hostility, I think that women have to take responsibility for their actions on the Net as well. There is hostility on the Net, and women, in general, tend to opt out in the face of it. But just like in the "real" world, that's her loss and a lost opportunity to do things differently. If a women (or a man) wants to see the world, she has to be willing to face down the ugly parts. They are out there. And the best, most productive way to deal with them is to get on with life.
Slashdot Mirror
On the other hand, it may not be so good. Hard as it might be to imagine, what if the reason Microsoft is taking longer to change OSs is because they have finally recognized that corporate clients are not interested in upgrading every two years, just 'cause MS says so. Having them get religion and recognize that the clients should have some say so might actually be a step backward.
The idea that "intent" is the criteria for deciding what is legal or illegal has even scarier implications. Carrying their arguments to other civil liberties, almost any of our freedoms can be viewed such that some uses could be illegal.
Since we want to make sure that we don't inadvertenly do something illegal:
*Driving a car under any circumstances should be outlawed because driving can certainly be illegal, if it's to escape from a crime or to transport stolen goods.
* We should not practice any religion because some traditions advocate the use of "medicinal herbs" which are illegal.
* Absolutely no one should own a gun ('nuff said).
* There should be no newspapers, because those evil hacker publications are illegally promoting internet piracy.
Just a thought...
This article http://www.familytherapynetwork.com/so00feat.html in Family Therapy Networker (yeah, well, I gotta make a living)talks about a decidedly unsexy approach that seems to work consistently to end the bullying. The interesting observation is at the end, when it talks about the commitment required by the adults that surround all these kids, and how they don't want to get involved.
While I agree that personal responsibility on the part of posters would eliminate the problem, I think that ultimately, personal responsibility on the part of readers will be more effective. Don't agree with a hostile post? Don't respond in kind.
With regard to hostility, I think that women have to take responsibility for their actions on the Net as well. There is hostility on the Net, and women, in general, tend to opt out in the face of it. But just like in the "real" world, that's her loss and a lost opportunity to do things differently. If a women (or a man) wants to see the world, she has to be willing to face down the ugly parts. They are out there. And the best, most productive way to deal with them is to get on with life.
Gracie
Network Goddess