I REFER to the article, 'Intellectual Snob riles netizens', (my paper, June 29).

While blogging is a personal pursuit, there is always a danger that some bloggers will use their blogs to make hurtful and insensitive remarks that may offend others.

For example, it is offensive to call people 'stupid', 'unsophisticated', 'annoying' and 'provincial'.

Such remarks by anonymous bloggers should not be condoned and the culprits should be punished.

With the growing reach of new media such as the Internet, these expressions can be transmitted to a wide audience.

As a platform for the dissemination of news and views, and a multiplier of opinions, blogs need to be moderated regularly to ensure that no hurtful or insensitive remarks are posted.

Blogs should be a place for healthy discussion that is carried out responsibly.

Any attempts by errant bloggers to make personal attacks on others, especially if the messages are posted anonymously, should not be taken lightly.

These insidious messages have the potential to cause distress to their recipients.

We have read about people who committed suicide as they could not endure being bullied online.

As more and more people access the Internet, I advocate a zero-tolerance approach towards those who bully or cause distress to others online.

Letting them go unpunished might send the signal that such actions and behaviour are tolerated.

Mr Sebastian Tan

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