The New York Times (After Suicide, Blog Insults Are Debated) reported on March 5 that, "Visitors to AgencySpy and AdScam, two sharp-tongued blogs written by advertising industry insiders, posted comments blaming the sites for contributing to the suicide late last month of Paul Tilley, 40, the creative director of DDB Chicago."


Were personal and vicious attacks by bloggers responsible for Tilley's death? I don't know. However, although they might be a contributing factor to someone's suicide, I doubt that personal, mean-spirited attacks would be the only factor in a person leaping to their death.
That said, I have been at the knife point of personal attacks, and they hurt, deeply, and sent me into a mild depression. Following those attacks, I established comment guidelines that call for civility and forbid anonymous comments.
At our personal blogs we have the right and the responsibility to establish and monitor rules of engagement. But what about the bigger picture? What, if anything, can or should be done to create civility and decorum in the blogosphere?
When tragedy strikes and bloggers are blamed, as fellow bloggers, what responsibility do we have to respond to the incident? Should we name names? What roles do long-time and well-known bloggers have in creating an environment where all voices can be respected and heard?
Look, disagreement is important for critical thinking. In my mind, personal attacks do nothing to further a discussion.