Stand there and get shot!

[Gingersnap]

It's quite common. I've been to quite a few gatherings over the years and almost all the assholes that showed up were much nicer in person. Some work out their angst online, some are awkward in person and have to be nice to get anyone to give them attention but get to the the alpha dog online, some are very meek and insecure in person (usually because their lives are fucking trainwrecks) and lash out online. Some people just like to fight but don't have the self-confidence to do it when the repercussions are real so they fight online.

I don't doubt it but you can't be nice in person and vicious or a bully online and still be a "nice" person for real. It's all "real". That ugly part of yourself is your real self. Just not what you would express in person because you would be immediately rejected (or punched).

My issue isn't with people who generically get angry online. My issue is with people who do that all time but do a 'sweetness and light' thing in person or elsewhere online. They are "good" people by repute to their followers.

There's nothing good about that. At best, it's manipulative but at worst it's just terrible character. Someone with bad character is just that.

[Adam]

I'm actually a king-sized asshole in meatspace. Just ask Lanie.