For those of you who don’t know, Patrick, the guy I’m talking about, wrote this rather inflammatory article. I’d suggest you clicky the linky before you proceed-y.

While I’m aware that I’m risking a flame war by writing this post, certain things cannot pass unquestioned, and certain things must be said. Knowing the risks, I question, and I say.

I’m perfectly fine with him being upset with UP—hell, I’ve had my share of bad experiences^[1]—and I’m definitely fine with him venting via blogging^[2] . What I’m not fine with is his severe lack of etiquette. There is an unspoken rule in the internet, and in general social interaction:

Only one of the following is acceptable, where applicable.

1. You may lambast a subject, rant about him/her/them, curse them to hell—as long as they are out of earshot. It’s also acceptable (but still hurtful) if they are in earshot but you didn’t know. The unacceptable behavior is known in Filipino as “nagpaparinig”. It’s a highly immature thing to do, and extremely unwise. (read: Restricting a post to “contacts only”)

2. You may talk out loud—or blog aloud—within earshot of the Subject, but do so with respect. Criticism is very different from insult. If you have a problem with the person or group, you tell them what the problem is, and try to resolve it in a civilized and constructive manner (read: constructive criticism). If no resolution can be made, you may revert to situation 1.

In the end it’s all about civility. If we don’t have that, then what are we?

[1] see: On the so-called “Cat Killer”, An open letter to the author of “Crumble Their Deception”

[2] for those of you who aren’t acquainted with my blogging habits, I rant to vent.