> (4) in the meantime, say stuff that you're prepared to stand by and pretend that 'online' is just like 'offline'.
Online is not just like offline. At all. Simply put, human beings are not made to have their beliefs set in stone. Also, anything you write can (and if you're famous, will) be used against you. It's an extremely stressful environment.
I've been harassed by a troll in a forum where I had my personal information spelled out. In 50 years, people will still have access to me trying to put some sense into a crazy user. I will never treat online like offline again and I suggest everyone not to be so naive.
Online is not just like offline. At all. Simply put, human beings are not made to have their beliefs set in stone. Also, anything you write can (and if you're famous, will) be used against you. It's an extremely stressful environment.
I've been harassed by a troll in a forum where I had my personal information spelled out. In 50 years, people will still have access to me trying to put some sense into a crazy user. I will never treat online like offline again and I suggest everyone not to be so naive.
Instead, I fully agree with point 3.