Quote:
Originally Posted by tompe
It was members here that started to be uncivilized and breaking the guidelines. Look for example at the three first posts. Number three says "Wow, Kaufman, drama queen much? What a turd. "
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I won't excuse bad behavior on the part of individuals in the forums.
However, you may want to read the initial article in question. Kaufman essentially opened his position by equating proponents of ebooks with Nazis and book-burners, and in his responses engaged in a variety of
ad homs, including referring to all ebook / tech proponents interchangeably as Nazis, fascists, mass-murderers, war criminals, nihilists, the Taliban, and so forth. (See posts #307, #309, #314 in this thread as examples.)
While the reaction
to him by some posters (far from all, by the way) is out of line, the reaction
by him has been equally lacking in basic tact, etiquette, reason, proportion and virtue. Even if Kaufman has been mistreated, his own reactions have thoroughly knocked him far off of any moral high ground. He hasn't replied by presenting facts, evidence, or logical argument -- just more insults, hyperbole, fear-mongering and emotional appeals.
In fact, I would suggest that the lack of tact in both his presentation and the vitriolic nature of his basic position is pretty much what has invited such invective. I.e. sometimes, you get what you give.
So even if he has not been treated well, as long as he disrespects the members of MR and cannot behave in a civilized manner, I do not see why this is the appropriate forum for his opinions, or at a minimum how most of his statements adhere to the posting guidelines.
P.S. Merry Xmas, for those to whom it applies
