The Believer takes a look at the phenomenon in a piece titled “Haterade“:
[M]any readers seem to be approaching their commenting privileges like teenagers with newly minted driver’s licenses. Belted in by anonymity and often distracted by the equally reckless ravings of their peers, they take potshots, spread untruths, and, at their worst, spew racism and bigotry that would put a professional writer out of business in a nanosecond. In so doing, they spread a rancor that can eclipse not only the original article but also the comments of readers who take a more constructive, civil approach. They take the very privilege the internet has afforded all of us—the privilege of equal opportunity, instant expression—and spit on it, making the very notion of “speaking your mind” seem almost like a dirty practice, the national pastime of the lowest common denominator.
SOUNDS FAMILIAR.
OBAMA IS A MUSLIM SOCIALIST
Muslin. It’s pronounced Muslin.
ZIONISTS MADE OBAMA FLY THE CHEMTRAIL PLANES INTO THE TWIN TOWERS TO COVER UP THE DEATH OF CHENEY!!!!!!
He cavorts with terriers.
These people obviously don’t know what they are talking about.
Welcome to the internet?
Thanks for the link — that piece was worth reading in its entirety (I love the Believer), even though it’s long.
Stop posting juvenile material and you’ll stop getting juvenile responses.
PS. The Mission district is nothing but a modern day is like Disneyland for 20-Something transplants, desperately seeking affirmation cause they didn’t get it at home in Arkansas. Wanna hear “Shit San Franciscans Say?” How about, “I never go to the Mission anymore cause it’s self-indulgent, over-exposed incarnation of the Marina, only I prefer the Marina nowadays cause it’s less pretentous.”
The important thing is you’ve found a way to feel superior.
actually–i think what he said was really funny. aaaaand mostly, if not completely, true.
+1
+1
My evil twin likes to plus things.
Eric Sir, you got stallowned. Now that’s juvenile, yet funny.
Ur just jealous.
Also -\infty
Why be so affected and take those comments so seriously within a very unserious and unprofessional medium of comment-posting. This is subjective, opinionated, unintelligent rabble and you seem to be stooping down to the haters themselves with this romantic flowery article. You are simply revealing your weakness so quit whining about the intrinsic ugly and negative nature of the internet and deal with it you commie! What were you born yesterday?
wow–you totally popped AND locked it. i agree.
the weirdest thing is seeing this degree of earnestness emanate from the believer.
I’ve lived in the same apartment in the Mission for 23 years. The other night we went to dinner at a place on Russian Hill. I felt like I was visiting San Francisco.
Exactly.
Hey Tom,
Wonderful capture of my view as well. I’ve started my 3rd decade in the Mission. I go to Comstock to enjoy a drink and visit San Francisco.
yeah–welcome to the internet. also, 99% of us aren’t professional writers nor do we care to be. we’re allowed to express our opinions–granted, many people may be “stupid,” “retarded” and ridiculous (no quotations required) but that’s what it is. also–half of the silly comments people post are in response to equally silly posts! i totally get what this person is saying but really? don’t act so self-righteous, please. no thank you.
Tony Millionaire is more better than any of this crap. Long live TM!
I raped my cat.
IF YOU DONT HAVE AN MFA, DONT WRITE ANYTHING. UNLESS YOURE HIGH.
I’m not high but I’m still drunk from my “America Tripps” drinking game.
Does that count?? Can I still force people to read my stupid comments???
Interesting complaint from a site that let’s you know your comment has been replied to by sending and email reading:
“Are you going to let [person who replied] get away with that? If not, why don’t you reply back?”
This site is built to antagonize. It feeds on it. It would be nothing without it.
See, I wouldn’t know that because I’ve never gone out of my way to click “Notify me of follow-up comments via e-mail.” You’re complaining that MM is notifying you of replies to your comment after you ASKED them to let you know?
No, I’m complaining that the notification is hostile and asks you to get back at the person who responded to you. What are you, an idiot?
Speaking of hostility…
“The Marina feels less pretentious nowadays.”
Ouch. That stings.
I recognize that sting to be the hurt of truth.
I think you mean “pretentous”
That’s a joke, right?
Why not just do away with comments and publish letters once a week?
http://f0.bcbits.com/z/34/57/3457643837-1.jpg
hatin in the mission?dont beleive it!!!look(or read)at all the comments of SUPPORT for the 24th. st.(“alledged”)rapist on bygone pages..he had more support than mother theresa would have had..hardly ANY disgust;or revulsion for those unspeakably savage and predatory crimes against female residents;only a VERY FEW seemed upset at those vicious cowardly crimes..let alone hate!!!!!always concerned about his “civil rights”;always throwing dought about the crimes(dna AND his own confessions eliminated those doughts)hate in the mission??? ha!!!!!
Nice troll, troll.
No, actually, lousy troll — because I noticed it.