> However: in this case, the second point (downvoting) didn't prevent an uncivil (yet insightful) comment from becoming the highest ranked comment in the thread.
So? Does it happen often enough to worry about?
> still a lot lower than you'd find in most real-world situations.
It's not clear that that's true and even if it was, it's not relevant. The relevant comparison is with comparable real-world situations.
Which reminds me - there's an acceptable way to call someone an asshole in every situation. Are you measuring "civil" by whether the acceptable form is used or by whether any form is used?
If someone is being an asshole and pointing that out is useful, I don't have a problem with what form that takes so long as it doesn't draw unnecessary attention. In fact, failing to point out assholism in many cases is itself uncivil.
So? Does it happen often enough to worry about?
> still a lot lower than you'd find in most real-world situations.
It's not clear that that's true and even if it was, it's not relevant. The relevant comparison is with comparable real-world situations.
Which reminds me - there's an acceptable way to call someone an asshole in every situation. Are you measuring "civil" by whether the acceptable form is used or by whether any form is used?
If someone is being an asshole and pointing that out is useful, I don't have a problem with what form that takes so long as it doesn't draw unnecessary attention. In fact, failing to point out assholism in many cases is itself uncivil.
YMMV.