FLAMING. In my opinion, this is the number one (by far) stupid activity that prevails in the e-World. What is flaming? Ever call someone a douche bag, then proceed to continue the verbal attack by posting stuff about them being gay, stupid, moronic or other personal remarks? Well, that's flaming. It's when you argue, debase, insult, put down, verbally harass...etc, etc, others in the hobby, usually by means of mindless, pointless forum posts. All the bad elements of the human condition spill over in these posts as racism, sexual orientation, body image, and gender issues are taken to the extreme all in the name of "telling it like it is". Such postings put not only the target, but other groups of people in a negative light. It has no place in the e-World right? Wrong. For some strange reason flaming is all over the e-fed world. Some places actually defend the practise with venomous fury.

How do some defend the practise of flaming? Two ways actually. One is the forementioned "telling it like it is" reason and the other is the "freedom of speech" defense. Never mind the fact that both reasons are ego-centric, both reasons for flaming are rather immature and completely baseless.

Fist off, let's discuss the freedom of speech reason, which is the most common reason for flaming. The, "I'll say what I want about anyone" because of "freedom of speech" Well, sorry to inform everyone that particular freedom is not transferable to the internet. Lots of countries have this freedom, but lots of countries do not. Just because the country you log on from has this freedom doesn't mean you get to exercise this freedom elsewhere. That's like thinking that whatever laws your country has, also apply to the entire Internet simply because you exist in both places and thus, everyone else has to follow your way of life. Since the internet is a place independant of countries, it can be argued that it is similar to going to a place on earth not claimed by any country. And as such, has no laws, rights or freedoms. Just because the Internet can not make and enforce a law to stop flaming, doesn't automatically mean that you now have a right or freedom to flame. That freedom must still be granted or So who makes the laws, who grants this freedom? Why the site you are on. They decide if you have this freedom or not, not you. Just like any other activity, the site you are on decides the rules. It's their little corner of the net not yours. Don't even think you can go around telling anyone your "rights" on the net.

The other reason, is those that flame others and then say they were just 'telling it like it is" This reason also make me roll my eyes in bewilderment. Really now, whenever "anyone" posts a comment, from saying how they like a RP to what they think was missing from a show's results, aren't they "telling it like it is" too? Any opinion is "telling it like it is." After all, you are not telling it like it "isn't" now are you? Everything we think and post is opinion. Every belief is subjective. Just because you see things one way does not mean that makes it "the way it is" thus allowing you to "tell it like it is". Flaming is not merely giving your opinion, flaming is venting your emotions. BIG DIFFERENCE! Those that claim to be people that tell-it-like-it-is are really nothing but loud mouths that can't enjoy putting people down. I'll not go into he pychological aspects of that except to say, if you need to tear someone down in order to feel better about yourself... that really says a lot about yourself.

As for flaming itself... regardless of the reasons, why even do it? Maybe someone is being a real douche bag and needs to be put in their place. Can't it be done in a civil and intelligent manner? No? Ok, then can't you rip into them once and then leave it be? Have e-Fedders become so filled with negative emotions that any wrong doer must immediately be harassed, humiliated, and insulted constantly by vile, immature and hateful methods? All in the name of telling-it-like-it-is, or because you think you have the freedom to?

Now who's being the douche bag here?