“I did not choose to make it a link-bait fight with much handwaving and false indignation (while watching hits)”

A fine thing to say about someone in Kathy’s situation. ‘Oh yes, I’ve received threats of violence, but I’m so much better than Kathy because I didn’t freak out about it.’

I particularly liked the bit about watching hits. Charming.

Have an opinion
State it
Let the chips fall where they may.

I did all three things in this case, and they have fallen.

You seem to have a pretty low opinion of others’ motives based on very little evidence; maybe you should examine your own.

End of story. No one says any opinion matters than most. We all have blogs because we THINK that ours does.

How did your post help Kathy? Everyone else?

There are ways to deal with all of these things legally, quietly, and effectively. Hiding behind a locked door doesn’t really accomplish anything.

This did happen to me. In fact, in the 15 years I’ve been on the Internet, similar things have been said about my wife, myself, my sister and my family. I was fearful for my personal safety at times (a few of them), and the safety of others.

There was in fact an entire discussion board centered around a group of people and their hatred for me.

However, when presented with this, I did not choose to make it a link-bait fight with much handwaving and false indignation (while watching hits). Instead I made a calm and reasoned and private response.

This whole episode reeks of self serving indignation, nothing genuine from any party. Its much mock terror and holier-than-thou attitudes that comes down to people saying the same thing:

“On the Internet, people are mean!”

NO SHIT

I’m sorry, but this is like a pity train gone out of control, and everyone is jumping on board to see their name in lights on techmeme rather than saying anything meaningful or adding to the discourse in any way, shape or form.

But at the same time, I’m no one in particular, no where in particular and feel very good about that.”

Isn’t that partly the point – and the reason that Kathy is afraid? She is Kathy, highly visible and traceable … you can find her at a conference easily, a book signing or even at her workplace or home.

This turns an anonymous threat into a veiled and persistent personal terror. Sure this sort of thing is not new — but it certainly makes you draw breath when it happens to you. As Michael says above “in the real world there are no choices and the consequence are very tangible.”