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Avoid Getting Caught in the Flames
Introduction
”Words, have consequences, whether sent in mail or posted to global newsgroups.” [2] Communication over the Internet has introduced a cheaper, faster, and more convenient way to communicate with one another [1]. Because of this, we need to take pause and reconsider how the medium is changing not only our ways of communication, but who we are and how we relate to each other. With that in mind, let’s look at the definition of Flaming.
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| Definition of Flaming |
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Computer User states that flaming are "behaviors that are interpreted as inappropriately hostile. These behaviors can include sending angry or inflammatory messages, responding to a hostile message, and/or giving someone a verbal lashing in public."
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Flaming is poor netiquette. Flaming is often directed at a self-appointed expert rather than at the issues or information itself and can sometimes be directed at unwitting but opinionated newbies (Source: whatis.com). |
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Examples of Flaming
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It is not uncommon to inadvertently flame someone online. Behavior such as shouting, or typing all in capital letters is considered to be a form of flaming.
SHOUTING IS WHEN YOU TYPE IN ALL CAPITAL LETTERS.
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When you write in all capital letters, this looks and maybe sounds to the recipient as if you were shouting. It is a strong effect, and is undesirable to read (text in upper case is significantly more difficult to read than lower and mixed case text.) Imagine someone shouting all the time. Not only would it mean little when s/he shouted, it is also difficult to understand somebody who shouts. Here is an excerpt was taken from an actual email that was distributed amongst the Oregon Institute of Technology faculty. Typographical and grammatical errors have been intentionally preserved.
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Putting a Flame Out
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Fortunately, you will know a flame when you see it done -- by others. The goal is to detect one's own inappropriate messages. At this point, there are two options: either not to send anything at all or to rephrase. If you must flame, do it |
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| personally. While not all personal mail is flame mail all flame mail is personal mail. |
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Whenever somebody starts flaming, the best thing you can possibly do is nothing. Keep cool and those fighting will cool down as well. If it seems appropriate, you can remind the involved parties (or the sole offender) how to behave online in a private message. |
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Now that you've learned about flaming, let's participate in a self-quiz. Remember, this is not graded and you can take it as many times as you wish.Return to this page by clicking on the Refresh link in the Action Menu to exit the Self Test. |
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| After you finish participating in the self test, click on the Show your Emotions hyperlink in the navigation column, or, click on the next button on the upper left hand side of this page. |
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1. Dyrud, Marilyn. A. Flaming and thrashing: An examination of tone in electronic mail. Retrieved from http://fie.engrng.pitt.edu/fie2000/papers/1188.pdf on December 16, 2003.
2. Stoll, C. Silicon Snake Oil: Second Thoughts on the Information Highway. New York: Anchor, 1995.
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