Unacceptable behavior…

One of the fundamental beliefs among bloggers is that we’re all part of a community, dedicated to an open, frank dialogue. Unfortunately, sometimes that dialogue takes an ugly turn. Kathy Sierra – a technologist and widely read blogger – started attracting death threats and misogynist comments on her blog as well as others. As an advance warning, it is disturbing stuff.

As a show of support, Robert Scoble has stated he will not blog all week. Seth Godin discusses his anger and the sorry state that creates a need for words such as “misogynist.”

While I agree with Scoble, Seth, and Kathy’s outrage – and share Scoble and Seth’s concern for Kathy’s well-being – I want more. I want to know what we can do about it. I don’t want to hear that it’s human nature. I do not agree with those who claim it’s inherent to the Web. Strong communities ensure that their members are safe and happy. They support one another. And in those unfortunate times when one member of the community gets hurt, they ensure that no one else suffers a similar fate. We know what the problem is. It’s time to find solutions.