h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Why isn't it o.k. to use simple curse words, while spewing hatred all over the beeb is just fine? Over the last few days, on far too many threads, the point of view has been made that the victims of a cowardly attack "asked" for it. Since when has it ever been o.k. to blame the victim?
I am very disappointed.

ISM, Rambling - if you're there - please don't leave h2g2.

I don't speak for the italics but as an ACE I am aware that all of the ACE's and The Towers have been kept well aware of the attitude of some people over the last few days. I cannot condone any postings which seek to justify the attack on the U.S on Tuesday. Nothing and I mean nothing justifies that. And those people who have posted those messages are gravely mistaken.
Experiences of other researchers using other ordinary chat-rooms is that messages posted on them after Tuesdays attacks have been for more explicit in making the sort of hurtful comments. The moderators have been hiding posts all over of content that breaks the house rules, and the ACES have been cautoning people who have taken the time to voice pet theories or politicise the attack. All I can say is that no-body is perfect. H2G2, unlike most of these chatrooms has some really cool people working for it and the majority of researchers here felt keenly for the plight of the Americans.
the talking point was supposed to be a place for people to console the American community - especially considering the large body of existing U.S researchers we have on site.

H2G2 is a very special place and I for one valued your presence here.
I plead with you not to go, and hope that you read this. If you leave then we've lost two decent people, and we'll just be left with the crummy ones with nothing better to do than make trouble.

The perceived disparity between swearing and hate messages is an issue best addressed by the Italics themselves- but I assure swearing just isn't nice and we try to keep it out of use but "hatemongering" as you call it is not something that should be allowed anywhere on site an I am sorry that it has upset you so much.


Clive

I agree that it's disappointing some of the views that have spread online. Hate from all sides has turned this tragedy into a reason for many very ignorant people to spew their often nauseating views.

As someone who lives and works in Manhattan and has the constant reminder of tuesday in the form of still rising smoke and an acrid burnt smell that permeates the city the words seem especially cruel.

I'm fortunate in that I'm still alive to be angered by the highly offensive posts. I just keep reminding myself of that and tuning out the foolish posts of certain people.

Any researchers who are thinking of abandoning h2g2 because of these posts please reconsider and just hold on. It's a truly wonderful village that like them all has it's idiots.

s everyone.

Please nobody leave.

I know there are people going round making horrible, insensitive, and often worse, comments. The majority of people here are not like that. I'm sure you know that, otherwise you would not still be here. I know that doesn't help because there is still the minority.
It will blow over with time, but still, it's now that's happening, so that doesn't help either.
Stay away from the places where these posts are made.
If you feel you can't take it, you can always leave for a while and come back when everyone has calmed down.

Do whatever. But please don't leave.

¦M¦

Hi guys,

As a member of the Editorial team I can assure you that we will not stand for anything that constitutes inciting racial hatred or personal attacks on Researchers. These postings will be removed if they have not been already and any relevant action taken against the people who posted them.

I am sorry that your experience of h2g2 has been at its worst rather then its best. As all the others have said, it is not characteristic of the site at all.

Best wishes
Abi