We’re learning in class about the Slashdot technology blog as the place where the nerds will beat you up with a rating system, especially if you don’t post with your real name.   Now there’s a post there that bullies and nerds have similar personality traits.

Rob Maida runs Slashdot, which published the Scientific American story  indicating that the traits of bullies are quite similar to those of victims.   Author Christie Nicholson says:

 “Typical bullies have negative attitudes toward others, feel badly about themselves, and most likely grew up in a home with conflict. Victims share much of same, negative attitude, conflict in the family.”

At Slashdot, if you don’t use your name, you’re called an “Anonymous Coward”.  They also smite your “karma” with a rating from high to low.  The Gods at Slashdot are enormously popular and may represent the Fifth Estate at its best, or worst. 

Are there bullies at Slashdot?  It depends upon whom you ask.