Shut Discussionist down!...

[Ms. Toad]

230. Well let's think about that a bit.

On a fairly regular basis death threat guy posts long, extremely graphic death, dismemberment, and rape threats on DU (I have been the target of several - and believe me, they are far worse than the brief but unquestionably violent and disgusting posts on discussionist.)

DU responded, terminated his membership and (because he had fewer than 100 posts) wiped out his posts. But, according to your logic, that isn't good enough because DU attracts filth like that, and shrugging shoulders and proclaiming it was hidden isn't good enough. DU should be shut down.

Regardless of the intent of a discussion board, unless you are imposing background checks prior to joining, bad apples are going to join. My issue is trashing discussionist, which I think provides an important opportunity for broader conversations that need to happen, because (1) it exists and allows people from the entire political spectrum to post and (2) there are - and will always be - vile, evil people who join discussion boards. Discussionist responded appropriately - the same way DU responds to the death threat guy. It should no more be condemned and shut down for the actions of this jerk (and others like him) than DU should be condemned and shut down for the actions of DTG (and others like him) - or for the misogyny, racism, ableism, etc. that are daily fare on both places - it is just that you have to be a little more subtle to get away with it here.