From a recent letter to The Free Lance–Star:
I recently discovered the FredTalk feature of this paper’s Web site, fredericksburg.com. I was excited to find that there was a place to discuss my views on letters to the editor.
However, I soon bailed out when these replies consisted, for the most part, of the worst epidemic of flaming I have seen anywhere on the Web.
For those who don’t know, “flaming” is the act of insulting and demeaning others online.
Fredericksburg.com seems to have become a breeding ground for flamers from every walk of life. There are the radical liberals and the radical conservatives. There are the most ridiculous conspiracy theorists I have seen anywhere, and I witnessed a post by at least one anarchist.
All these people had one thing in common: They refused to listen to any opposing views, and thus started “flame wars” that quickly engulfed the posts of the few calm, logical, respectful members on the site.
I abandoned my quest to voice my opinions and left these self-destructive bigots to their pointless arguing.
Still, it’s a pity that fredericksburg.com has become a haven for these sorts, who have quickly turned a respectable source of news into a battleground.
And for another case in point, just check out the insults directed towards Danny Carter, a respected member of the Caroline County community:
“franne64”, 03/21/08 11:41 PM:
I was told that Danny Carter (Village Self Storage)and a few people he knows was opening Iverson’s. It has been in the making for 3-4 years. Not heard about any bar, but was told that it will be a high class (proper attire), pricey place that would require reservations.
“blulady”, 03/21/08 11:46 PM:
Chuckle… chuckle….
“hopeful47”, 03/21/08 11:58 PM:
Franne, you mean you know the mayor of Ladysmith way over on that side of the county
“blulady”, 03/22/08 12:00 AM:
I cant help but laugh…..
“franne64”, 03/22/08 12:05 AM:
From working in the field of construction for all these years, not many I do not know.
But he can be quite the character
“blulady”, 03/22/08 12:08 AM:
Quite the ladies man, huh girls ?
“franne64”, 03/22/08 12:09 AM:
Yeah right…….lol.
“hopeful47”, 03/22/08 12:10 AM:
danny – ladies man…thats putting it mildly….
about the restaurant, what I was told that the name Iversons is what Tom named it after his deceased father.
heard danny among others are investors in the restaurant.
“blulady”, 03/22/08 12:12 AM:
In his own mind, lol
Who is the old guy that tans all the time in hollywood & wears the gold?? Mayor Dan is Ladysmiths version.
“hopeful47”, 03/22/08 12:13 AM:
he really is a nice guy.
and if you don’t believe it – just ask him he will tell you the same thing lol
“franne64”, 03/22/08 12:16 AM:
Got the name of the tip of my tongue……Hamilton?
That is who Danny reminds me of.
He is a nice guy, but he does portray himself as a person he isn’t. But then again this forum has a few of those floating around here.
“blulady”, 03/22/08 12:19 AM:
I agree ,
“hopeful47”, 03/22/08 06:41 AM:
right, Hamilton — George Hamilton. Always tan and dripping in gold jewelry…..
yep lots of them floating around
Susan Sili aka “oharascarlett”, 03/22/08 06:46 AM:
yall are killing me on Danny, I am rolling, rolling rolling rolling.
Yall better hope he don’t read this cause he is one preeening peacock! None of us will get in Iversons.
Interesting way to talk about someone that volunteers his time to organize a event which is the largest source of income for Caroline County Little League.
Interesting way to talk about someone that volunteers his time on the Caroline County Strategic Planning Review Committee.
Interesting way to talk about someone that received a special invitation for his support of the fair by the Caroline County Agricultural Fair Board.
Interesting way to talk about someone that volunteers his time on the Sheriff’s Business Advisory Team.
You know, I may talk trash about people, but at least I have the fortitude to do it using my real name (and I don’t act like I’m buddies with the people either).
Classy [trashy] as ever folks.