I thought this exchange was really interesting.

My understanding of Elizabeth’s initial article was that when people behave badly online they should expect to face consequences, because while they have the right to say nasty things based on their freedom of speech, that freedom does not give them immunity from the consequences of their behavior.

Robert, you felt Elizabeth was being nasty by using the word “asshole” in her article.

What’s really great about this is that Elizabeth, as the only person in this conversation who works for Medium, is the one who could face real consequences if her employer agrees with you, Robert.

In essence, the entire exchange adds integrity to Elizabeth’s argument. Be nasty, but be ready to face the consequences. And if you threaten others, there should be consequences.

In addition, by calling people assholes and rallying a community for around the topic, Elizabeth is actually practicing what she was preaching by seeking to bring consequences through the weight of a community.

Now, if Elizabeth gets fired in the morning for calling people asshole on Medium and then complains about it online (something I don’t think she would ever do from reading her previous work, then Robert, you’ve got a case to make.