Of abusive behavior in programming communities
I completely agree with rjbs's opinion of online discourse. It is positively <i>shameful</i> how many communities are filled with insults, trolls, snark, and incivility.<p>That said, I have some qualms with the proposed solution. In my experience, "patience, correction, explanation, and an outpouring of civilly-worded disapproval" are often not enough. Frequently, these methods do nothing more than increase stress and waste time.<p>After reading Well-Kept Gardens Die By Pacifism[1], I am convinced that banning is vastly underused. Many of us are professionals. Our time is valuable; our communities, even more-so. There are so many fools with so many maladaptive behaviors. Considering what else we could be working on, correcting them all simply isn't worthwhile. The opportunity cost is too high.<p>I wish this problem could be solved in a less forceful manner. Sadly, banning is the most effective solution I've found.<p>1. <a href="http://lesswrong.com/lw/c1/wellkept_gardens_die_by_pacifism/" rel="nofollow">http://lesswrong.com/lw/c1/wellkept_gardens_die_by_pacifism/</a>