User blog comment:Goldenshane/Just... wow./@comment-1874924-20110814182237

I'm going to play Devil's Advocate for a moment.

While I have high opinions of both Lalainee and TDIWriter, and would be unlikely to agree with the negative things said about them based on my own experience, I can't overlook the fact that these things were apparently said in a private chat. It would be one thing if these comments had been made in public chat or on talk pages (which aren't really private) or, heaven forfend, a blog, but my understanding is that the broader community isn't supposed to be privy to private chats. It's also relevant that the people involved were apparently of like mind, as opposed to one troublemaker trying to poison the ears of others.

I submit that the people involved in that chat are also injured parties for having their private conversation publicized against their will. (And props to Fanny for owning up to his role in that.)

While I share Shane's distaste for dissing people behind their backs, I also make a distinction between public and private fora. So, before we break out the torches and pitchforks (if anyone is still inclined to do so), consider this question: would you really want to live in a society where people are afraid to speak their minds in private?