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steve2470

(37,457 posts)
Mon Mar 5, 2012, 06:36 PM Mar 2012

Internet rules and laws: the top 10, from Godwin to Poe [View all]

An old article from 2009 but still a goodie

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/news/6408927/Internet-rules-and-laws-the-top-10-from-Godwin-to-Poe.html

1. Godwin’s Law

The most famous of all the internet laws, formed by Mike Godwin in 1990. As originally stated, it said: "As a Usenet discussion grows longer, the probability of a comparison involving Nazis or Hitler approaches 1." It has now been expanded to include all web discussions.

It is closely related to the logical fallacy “reductio ad Hitlerum”, which says “Hitler (or the Nazis) liked X, so X is bad”, frequently used to denigrate vegetarians and atheists.

Common Godwin's Law appearances include describing women's rights campaigners as “feminazis”, comparing the former US President George W Bush to Hitler, or saying Barack Obama's proposed healthcare reforms are the new Holocaust.

*end of excerpt*

More at link above, enjoy !

9 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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R&K longship Mar 2012 #1
The true rules of the internet Drale Mar 2012 #2
Well, hell, I just learned something. malthaussen Mar 2012 #3
I love this one! Hatchling Mar 2012 #4
Good thing for Aquinas he's dead. malthaussen Mar 2012 #5
and.... I've seen every example on DU Confusious Mar 2012 #6
To be fair... Leftist Agitator Mar 2012 #7
I DON'T WEAR MY UNDERWEAR ON THE OUTSIDE!!!!! Iggo Mar 2012 #8
HAHAHA...YOU, Sir, are a dirty liar. (but well-played) Volaris Mar 2012 #9
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