USENET had an entirely different set of users than today's anonymous trolls, which minimized flame-fests. Sure, disagreement drove much conversation on the gro

USENET had an entirely different set of users than today's anonymous trolls, which minimized flame-fests. Sure, disagreement drove much conversation on the groups, but it was generally topic-driven and constructive, targeting ideas much more than people. Vitriol back then was the exception rather than the rule. Those groups (aside from alt.*) where denizens crossed the line often added moderation, which usually tamped down the flames. No, I think things are MUCH worse now than USENET ever was.