We, here on Daily Kos and the netroots in general, pride ourselves upon the fact that we use reason. That isn't saying passion and emotion are not used but, at the end of the day, we back up that passion and emotion with rational and logic based arguments.
Over the last few weeks there have been a number of events that seem to have pushed the netroots community over the edge. Perhaps it was inevitable. Perhaps it was the impact they have had on recent elections going to their heads. I understand the frustration over the now majority Democratic Congress still behaving like they are in the minority. I understand the anger festering in regards to how the Democrats are handling the entire Iraq War. I understand passions running hot for supporting your candidate for the '08 Presidential Campaign. However, none of the above excuses the viciousness and downright pettiness that has emerged lately amongst the netroots.
As I alluded to, I believe that part of what we are seeing on DKos is being a victim to our own success. Membership on the site has been growing rapidly and many more are likely to join in the future. I don't have any statistics to back this up, but my impression is that many of the newcomers joined in order to vent their frustrations as opposed to the stated goal of DKos, electing progressive Democrats and promoting progressive legislature.
There is a fundamental difference in mindset between the two. To put it simply, one is about building and one is about tearing down. Daily Kos has gotten the respect and influence not by threatening and bullying. It got its respect and influence by putting together and assisting campaigns like the Burn Bush. People Diary because there are storiesthey want to tell. Legislation they want to highlight. These actions haven't stopped and by no means are negative stories and diaries new. The difference is in the expectations and the tone.
UPDATE:Added poll