Is Courtesy Out of Style?

"Rudeness is the weak man's imitation of strength."

         -Eric Hoffer, philosopher

I read a variety of weblogs practically everyday.  It is one of the most enjoyable means I have of keeping myself informed and entertained.  I almost always check out the reader comments because I like to see how others respond to what I have read on the log.  I also like to see how people react to each other.

For the most part, people who take the time to generate a comment or state an opinion do so in a thoughtful, objective and courteous manner.  Occasionally, however, some who comment get downright nasty.  Rather than debate the subject at hand they attack others in an antagonistic and demeaning manner.  I find this distasteful and wonder if other weblog readers do too.

It could be that the medium encourages this kind of behavior due to its impersonal nature.  Perhaps in a face-to-face discussion people would be more civil.  I do know that, for me, the nastiness detracts from the overall positive experience I get from visiting a site.  But, maybe it's just me.  Could it be that in today's world the "putdown" has become a necessary part of making one's point?