Oskar Sigvardsson wrote:
On 2/20/07, Marc Riddell
<michaeldavid86(a)comcast.net> wrote:
But David, this takes me back to the original
question: Is it really
offensive to call someone abusive? I, personally, would not use the word to
define someone, I would, instead, describe their behavior as abusive; but
isn't that, in the context of this List, somewhat nickpicky?
It totally depends on the context. If you have a serious complaint
that you present properly with solid evidence to back it up, then
calling an admin abusive isn't all that big of a deal. If you can't do
that well and you are just throwing the word around, then hell yeah
it's offensive.
It's still a judgement call that needs to be viewed in context. Enough
needs to be let through to provide the context.
Historically speaking, something like 95% of all
incidents of people
calling admins "rouge" or "abusive" have been wholly without merit.
It's been people that have been reverted, people who want a specific
agenda but isn't allowed, annoying vandals, etc. After a while, when
you hear about an email such as was sent to the list and rejected, you
kinda get the picture of what is in it, and you're glad when it is
moderated out.
I'm willing to concede your 95% figure, but it's good to know what
problems are being raised. The ones who act consistently without merit
will soon develop a reputation, and no-one on the list will be willing
to take up their cause. A moderator should not be painting a target on
himself to take the flaming arrows intended for a less than wholesome
complainant.
Ec