Dawkins Drama

http://timesonline.typepad.com/science/2010/02/richard-dawkins-unleashes-tirade-against-fans.html

It looks like things are getting ugly over at Richard Dawkin’s site. I’ve never spent time on the forum myself but, Dawkins comments in regards to what is going on at the forums appears to be reflective of the sad state of internet discussion forums across the web.

“Imagine that you, as a greatly liked and respected person, found yourself overnight subjected to personal vilification on an unprecedented scale, from anonymous commenters on a website. Suppose [...] that somebody on website expressed a “sudden urge to ram a fistful of nails” down your throat. Also to “trip you up and kick you in the guts.” And imagine seeing your face described, again by an anonymous poster, as “a slack jawed turd in the mouth mug if ever I saw one.”

It is wonderful that Dawkins has invested his own time in money into a forum where follow atheists could meet to discuss topics relevant to them. Unfortunately, people often feel as if they are entitled to say whatever they want, including insulting comments towards the gracious host. The owner of the forum has the right to deal with the “trolls” in the manner he sees fit.
Dawkins has every right to restrict speech on a forum he has personally invested in. If you want to insult him, go to another forum to do so. Do not do it on his personal site. You do not enter a person’s home allow them to treat you with kindness and open arms, only to start behaving in a disrespectful and childish manner.

I say bravo to Dawkins for taking a stand against the often vile internet community.