A man was convicted of unlawful wounding as a result of an incident of so-called "webrage". He had exchanged views with another internet user, but when things turned sour, he decided to hunt down his opponent. This was not difficult, with all the details that were available on-line.
The offended party went to the other's home wielding a pick-axe handle. The other man held a knife. A scuffle ensued during which the assaulted party was disarmed and beaten about the head with the pick-axe handle. The convicted man fled when his opponent's partner called for help. A police spokesman stressed the importance of protecting one's identity on the Internet. (Full story here)
Following my own experiences last night, when I was cold-called by another Internet user, I would like to underscore that advice. One of my blogs has attracted its unfair share of negative if not hostile comments. Pulling all the strands together has proved quite easy.
Be safe.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Oh my gosh!!! This is scarey "webrage" what insane peeps.
ReplyDeleteThat is scary and a very fair warning. I have had a few stalkers and negativity in my other journal. I'll be far more careful now.
ReplyDeleteNELISHIA
http://journals.aol.com/nelishianatl/WISHINGANDHOPING/
http://journals.aol.com/tsalagiprincess1/JumpingOffTheDeepEnd/
that is really nasty...
ReplyDeleteAstra!
This turned really nasty! Lots of information online, all the businesses do put their address, small and big business, individuals. Most people advertise now on the internet rather than the yellow pages. Private journals don't have to exchange those types of information though.
ReplyDeleteValerie
We must always be aware that there are some bad people out there. I'm sure the good outnumber the bad but it's the bad ones who get the publicity. Jeannette xx
ReplyDeleteI think your visitor who may have struck at the wrong time was just a happy visit though, right?
ReplyDeleteHow scary the world can be....
be well,
Dawn
You are being very forthright about how you feel about this person calling on you without any warning. I would feel the same way. Does this person know how you felt about it? I guess I'm just being nosy. I was just wondering what I'd do if someone stepped out of the ethernet and knocked on my door. I think your own personal experience provides a very timely and important warning for those of us who blog.
ReplyDeleteLori
I've had two possible dangerous situations with male lurkers...luckily they had no private information..but stephen King would have loved their inspiration for his future character analysis...lol..-Raven
ReplyDeletePharmalo; from what you've said it sounds like a frightening incident? Were you threatened or intimiated? Have you told the police?
ReplyDeleteWhile hostile or offensive remarks are pretty much uncalled for, I was intrigued by "negative" comments. Are you meaning people who are disagreeing with what you are saying? If so, this isn't necessarily a bad thing. This is how debate and discussion begin. Plus, if everyone agreed, then the world would be a very boring place would it not?
ReplyDeleteIt wasn't a frightening experience, it was just plain disconcerting. I do not like unannounced visits, although this one was pleasant enough, all said and done.
ReplyDelete