If I read the OP's topic correctly, his problem is that the internet has become a place for rants rather than discussion. I agree. It is sad that manners are not transferred to the internet. Many, many times on this board I have seen a poster correct someones horrid mangling of the English language followed by the defensive, "It's the internet. I don't have to use proper English, spelling, etc. and damn you for suggesting I should!!"
Starship sang, "Video killed the radio star..." I posit that, "Internet killed manners..." Because we do not see the other person face-to-face, we often feel they do not deserve respect as a human being. It is sad, but often true.
In my opinion, this is what leads to personal attacks rather than a proper debate based on the movie's characteristics. Instead of, "I don't like this movie/episode/series because of...." we now hear, "Anyone who doesn't think what I think was never a fan of movie/episode/series and is a hypocrite/loser/basement-dweller..." while "Anyone who agrees with me is an intelligent person who is better than you..."
If the same discussion took place face-to-face, one of a few things would happen:
-the discussion would be more polite
-the discussion would end in both parties walking away
-the discussion would end in a fist fight
-other options I may not have thought about
On the internet, most of us know we may never meet the other person so we feel more free to say things we would never dare speak in person.
Manners should be mandatory on the internet, but is impossible to enforce. It is up to the individual to police themselves, which does not work in practice. This is why Moderators often say, "Respond to the post, not the poster." I am as guilty as anyone of occasionally breaking this rule, although I try (as do most people here).
As a child I was taught to mind my manners. We should all strive to do this... even online.
