From: jdrout@scott.skidmore.edu (JTD is lost)
Subject: Netiquette & the moral QUANDRY
Organization: @ Wits end, Skidmore, Srtga NY! Yeoow
Date: Mon, 23 Nov 1992 19:50:46 GMT

Dear netters


Recently wwein@scott.skidmore.edu posted a quiery about problems with
the clutch of his Mitsu  Eclipse GSX.  Rather unusuaully he received a
letter from someone telling him that his car was a piece of crap
because it was Japanese.  No relevent information.  Warren forwarded
it to me so I could see it (we were swapping useful relies in an
effort to understand his problem) and I couldn't help but reply.  It
went like this:

>  <sarcastic remarks about author and his useful letter deleted>
>why don't you stop wasting the time of someone actually looking for a
>little serious advice with what could be a serious problem?  I hate
>to play net police, and really shouldn't since I'm studying for a
>HUGE exam tonight, and just logged on to check some mail.  Don't
>waste your time, my time, or anyone else's time with stupid drivel
>and Japan bashing.

So this morning I received this reply, and thought I would share it
with netland.  It brought an interesting question to mind.  I'll get
to that in a moment.  I figured everyone out there should know that
our dollars are going to support such useful communication and helpful
advice as this: 

>Look, I used to work in a tow yard and I've seen all the wrecked cars
>I need to to know that Japanese metal(rice-metal alloy) and construction is
>inferior. 

>If you're so in love with their products, why don't you go there,
>where you belong---your not helping our economy.

>If you so love the technological breakthrough of your MR2, I'll tell
>you what
>I'll take my Buick and we'll go Baja'n someday and see which one
>stays in tact.

>Lets not forget the one begging for help on Usenet because his new
>Jap clutch went bad.

>Let's end it here------ and if you don't like Jap Bashing, DON'T
>WRITE BACK!

>-"When I wipe my ass, I think of you".
>sorlin

What this all makes me wonder is- what is relevent to respond with in
situations like this?  When someone asks advice people are obviously
not relegated to only answering their questions, but where do we draw
the line between letter writing and personal insults?  Net etiquette
seems to say if you don't like someone then shut up about it.  I
believe that the FAQ list suggests keeping out of flame wars and
avoiding useless subjects like Japan bashing and 'my car is better
than yours' discussions.  What this boils down to is 'what is the
proper (net preferred and/or acceptable) response to this, especailly
when personal insults enter the case (as they sometimes do).  I could
refute someone's letter line by line, prove my points against raving
arguments, correct grammer, ignore letters, post things like this,
etc.  I fail to see what most of the above would accomplish.
Unfortunately my system does not have a kill function that
automatically deletes mail from certain people.  A shame.  Flame wars
are a waste of time, but when struck, should I naturally strike back
in this type of forum (email, nets, etc)?  It seems inappropriate, but
when things get personal and when someone is wasting my time and my
friend's time...


Just lookin' for some views on the matters.

Jonathan
jdrout@scott.skidmore.edu
4A-GE w107300+mi @7kprm = Smile!


Xref: sparky rec.autos.tech:15511 rec.autos:26975