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I don't think that's generally true. I was using Usenet during that time, mostly CS groups for C++ and Lisp, and there were many established users that were tox

I don't think that's generally true. I was using Usenet during that time, mostly CS groups for C++ and Lisp, and there were many established users that were toxic jerks. They were constantly being called out and nothing changed. I do agree that the general quality of Usenet nosedived around then but it had more to do with the transition to other forums than with the influx of AOL users.

Lutzb 6y ago
There is a pattern here, I've seen this over and over for the last 25 years. Every community has something like a resident troll. This person opposes the social concerns us and mostly never contributes positively. His arguments have been debunked analysed over and over but he keeps on posting. Has this ever been researched? Named?
- friendlybus 6y ago
  The village idiot? I'm sure it precedes the internet.