> In fact the lack of accountability in the online world lets people get away with MORE toxicity than they would in the physical world. Yes, that's a big part

> In fact the lack of accountability in the online world lets people get away with MORE toxicity than they would in the physical world. Yes, that's a big part of it. You guys are making me feel old today, citing Usenet and IRC, but here's another one from the past that makes a lot of sense: "The social dynamics of the net are a direct consequence of the fact that nobody has yet developed a Remote Strangulation Protocol." -- Larry Wall. That's why this is in the guidelines: "Be civil. Don't say things you wouldn't say face-to-face. Don't be snarky. Comments should get more civil and substantive, not less, as a topic gets more divisive." I humbly think that "don't write what you wouldn't say to someone's face" bit should be called Welton's Rule or something like that :-)