Your Stories

This page serves as the initial clearinghouse of your stories. Please share examples of online hostility that you’ve experienced – we want people to know that they’re not alone when they are targeted. And if you have an inspiring and positive story about online civility you want to share, of course we want to hear that too!

Share your stories in the comments below, along with any specific details you wish to provide. By sharing your story, you agree that the information is, to the best of your knowledge, accurate and true.

Please note that your story should not be shared in furtherance of a vendetta, for purposes of retaliation, in order to harm an individual, or for similar negative reasons or motivations, which would preclude it from being published. CiviliNation reserves the right to withhold the publishing of information it deems in violation of its organizational intent.

Jimmy
Dec. 30, 2009

I am openly gay and I choose nicknames and avatars to reflect my sexuality. I routinely get assaulted and harrassed with comments like ‘STFU FAG’

Linda Mather
Dec. 30, 2009

I was very pleased to read the WSJ article. Several of the points made reflect behaviors and procedures that I, as a facilitator, use in face to face meetings. As indicated in the article establishing appropriate behavior, for example, via ground rules helps “every person…participate in an open and rational exchange of ideas and information without fear of being the target….” Again, in face to face meetings, frequently people help each other when inappropriate behavior surfaces because the ground rules have established the parameters. The article and CiviliNation are helping by raising the issues and providing the support to define and practice civil discourse electronically. Thank you.

Patrick Ross
Jan. 6, 2010

It was great to learn about this site as a result of the recent op-ed in the Wall Street Journal, the message of which I fully support. I’ve included a link to the article in the Resources section of icivility.com, a web site dedicated to improving online discourse. We appear to have very similar missions, although icivility.com operates without funding from any foundations, corporations or individuals.

Good luck, and may we all make an impact!

Need Advice
Jan. 12, 2010

I recently was the victim of a vicious attack on Facebook by the president of a local journalist association. She apparently was unhappy with a recent business transaction, in which I purchased a product from her. Instead of dealing with it professionally, she took to Facebook. I was shocked and horrified that someone in her position could do such a thing.

Because of what happened, I have been afraid to apply for scholarships for which I am qualified, or to participate in activities associated with the organization. I contacted the Better Business Bureau, but was told there was nothing it could do about harassment, abuse or a company’s poor business practices. I was told the customer’s recourse is simply not to do business with the company in the future.

Before I read Jimmy Wales’ and Andrea Weckerle’s article, I had been silent except to my family and close friends. I did not realize there was an organization that addresses these types of situations, and I did not want to make the situation any bigger. I feared what this woman would do if I responded to her posts, because her reaction to a clarified miscommunication seemed so unreasonable to me.

I took screenshots of the things that she wrote and blocked her on Facebook, but other than that, do not know what action to take. I would appreciate any constructive advice or insight.

Barbara
Jan. 19, 2010

I really appreciate what you are doing. It is all to easy with lightning speed communication to forget with our speaking with human beings who have feelings. Anger, and hatefullness are not tolerated in personal contact. Neither should they be tolerated in cyberspace. Kindness and good manners are important in everything.

To Need Advice I would suggest writing an old fashioned letter to the president. Let her know that you feel you were treated unfairly and politely ask that she reconsider her position. Apply to your scholarships!

Leave a Comment