in article 41BCDB48.60508@yahoo.com, John W. at worthj1970@yahoo.com wrote
on 12/13/04 8:59 AM:

> Raj Feridun wrote:
>> On Sat, 11 Dec 2004 08:22:07 -0600, "John W." <worthj1970@yahoo.com>
>> wrote:
>> 
>> 
>>> Raj Feridun wrote:
>> 
>>  
>> 
>>>> Since when does being honest equal being mean-spirited?
>>> 
>> 
>>> Surely you're don't have to ask this question. Not here.
>> 
>> 
>> If Chris had a really useful and informative site about Japan as he
>> advertised and got pummeled with negative comments about it anyway it
>> would have been mean-spirited.
>> 
>> It's clearly a case of hurt feelings by a guy who was fishing for
>> compliments and got honest opinions instead.
>> 
> Last I checked he advertised that it was a site about Japan and himself,
> not a site offering wonderful advice and information. Besides, I don't
> think that would have mattered; probably would have made his initiation
> worse.
> 
> Not that I'm innocent; I just openly admit that we're a bit harsh on
> anyone new, particularly if there's an opening for criticism. It's our
> own form of hazing.
> 
> John W.

I think part of it is to destroy any innocence or joy in newcomers and make
them bitter trolls like Kaz, Raj Feridun, and Outland. Too bad