baiting = vigilantism? websters says yes.

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Posted: Thu Jul 03, 2008 11:03 pm

I saw the debate on whether or not baiting was a form of internet vigilantism. It interested me, so I did a little poking around in dictionary.com. I believe the answer is yes. Personally, I kind of like the label. Decide for yourself.

Definition #2 seems it could apply, depending on the definiiton of "avenge"

VIGILANTE wrote:

1. a member of a vigilance committee.
2. any person who takes the law into his or her own hands, as by avenging a crime.
3. done violently and summarily, without recourse to lawful procedures: vigilante justice.

Both #1 and #2 apply - depending on the definition of "vengeance". I say that as many baiters readily admit they bait for some type of satisfaction and/or exact some sort of poetic justice on behalf of scam victims.

AVENGE wrote:

1. to take vengeance or exact satisfaction for: to avenge a grave insult.
2. to take vengeance on behalf of: He avenged his brother.

I believe #1 applies - "injury, harm, humiliation, or the like". "Humiliation or the like is", I believe, is unquestionable. Injury does not necessarily mean physical injury, so I believe the infliction of injury also applies. So, #1 is clearly in. #2 - inflicting of trouble - in. #3 - depends on the definition of revenge

VENGEANCE wrote:

1. infliction of injury, harm, humiliation, or the like, on a person by another who has been harmed by that person; violent revenge: But have you the right to vengeance?
2. an act or opportunity of inflicting such trouble: to take one's vengeance.
3. the desire for revenge: a man full of vengeance.

here's the definition of injury - simply some form of harm, so it fits. if you extend to include definitions that stipulate 'wrong', 'injustice', or 'legal action', then injury doesn't apply. But, it could apply based on #1 and isn't required under the definition of vengeance

INJURY wrote:

1. harm or damage that is done or sustained: to escape without injury.
2. a particular form or instance of harm: an injury to one's shoulder; an injury to one's pride.
3. wrong or injustice done or suffered.
4. Law. any wrong or violation of the rights, property, reputation, etc., of another for which legal action to recover damages may be made.

#1 and #2 - let's look up punishment and expiation, but it looks like it applies. #7 - yep. this one works

REVENGE wrote:

1. to exact punishment or expiation for a wrong on behalf of, esp. in a resentful or vindictive spirit: He revenged his murdered brother.
2. to take vengeance for; inflict punishment for; avenge
3. to take revenge; retaliation for injuries or wrongs; vengeance.
5. something done in vengeance.
6. the desire to revenge; vindictiveness.
7. an opportunity to retaliate or gain satisfaction.

#4 and #X - certainly apply to baiters actions against lads
(X came from one of the many definitions provided)

EXPIATION wrote:

1. The act of making satisfaction or atonement for any crime or fault; the extinguishing of guilt by suffering or penalty.
2. The means by which reparation or atonement for crimes or sins is made; an expiatory sacrifice or offering; an atonement.
3. An act by which the treats of prodigies were averted among the ancient heathen. [Obs.] --Hayward.

PUNISHMENT wrote:

1. the act of punishing.
2. the fact of being punished, as for an offense or fault.
3. a penalty inflicted for an offense, fault, etc.
4. severe handling or treatment.
X. Any pain suffering or loss

Posted: Thu Jul 03, 2008 11:37 pm

Why not see it a bit more general: I get dumped so many times and don't collect pictures or tattoo's. I just give them what they want; A Pen Pal Twisted Evil

That's not bad at all I thought, keeps them busy and me some entertainment on a low level. I don't really want to do it, but they keep sending me those letters in my email (not a baiting account) where they need help, so I let them explain what I should do for them and try to help them, but as I have no money at all, we usually decide that it isn't going to work Wink

It's not all black and white here Exclamation

Posted: Thu Jul 03, 2008 11:53 pm

@voudoujoe - what is your point of posting all of that? We have discussed this exact topic more than I can count on the hands of every member of my family and friends. It's become redundant. Very Happy

Posted: Fri Jul 04, 2008 12:32 am

I'm locking this because it's redundant. There been an ongoing debate about "vigilantism" going on for almost a week in this thread.

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