The last week has been kind of crazy on the webmaster boards. There has been much talk about tube sites which I will get into in a few days, but there have been many other heated conversations. There was a thread I was involved in that discussed a recent current event. Most people in the thread, as you would expect, were pretty cool. They made their points and debated others points and were always pretty respectful. There were a few people calling each other idiots, but that isnt abnormal. The stupid thing was when one guy in the thread started saying some really offensive stuff. He was wishing people dead, encouraging violence and calling for the murders of people. When confronted he struck back, calling people names and really attacking them personally. He got more and more pissed because people couldn’t see his point of view.

Here is the problem. The guy is a representative for a company that has a newer up and coming product. I was planning on giving the product a try because it might actually be useful for what I do, but after reading his words, Im not trying it. There are other like products on the market and this guy’s actions and attitude convinced me to give the other products a try. I was not the only person in the thread to say this. He cost himself at least a few customers including one really major affiliate program. There is no telling how many people read the thread and didnt post in it decided the same thing. Somehow I doubt the company that hired this person was looking for this type of representation.

Imagine if you worked for a company that sold a product. You are on a sales call and while you are talking to prospective customers the conversation turns to some recent news story. You disagree with their point of view and flip out. You start calling them idiots, tell them they should be shot and tell them because they dont agree with your point of view they are so stupid they should be fired and go work at a fast food place. How long do you think you would have a job? Why should the internet be different? Keyboard warriors will always exist. People like to flex and act tough when they can be anonymous and out of range. But if you are a pro and you are working for a company (even if that company is yours) dont be stupid and say things that could cost you customers and cause your reputation to get damaged.