'As a Web 2.0 site or a blog becomes more popular, a growing percentage of its reader
contributions devolve into vitriol, backstabbing and name-calling (not to mention
Neanderthal spelling and grammar). Participants address each other as “idiot” and “moron”
(and worse) the way correspondents of old might have used “sir” or “madam.”'
"One thing is clear, however: the uncivil participants are driving away the civil
ones. The result is an acceleration of the cycle, and an increasing proportion of hostile
remarks."
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/31/weekinreview/31pogue.html
Fred