WIKIPEDIA: "Flaming" is the hostile and insulting interaction between Internet users. Flaming usually occurs in the social context of a discussion board, Internet Relay Chat (IRC) or even through e-mail. An Internet user typically generates a flame response to other posts or users posting on a site, and is usually not constructive, does not clarify a discussion, and does not persuade others. Sometimes, flamers attempt to assert their authority, or establish a position of superiority over other users. Other times, a flamer is simply an individual who believes he or she carries the only valid opinion. This leads him or her to personally attack those who disagree. Occasionally, flamers wish to upset and offend other members of the forum, in which case they can be called "trolls". Most often however, flames are angry or insulting messages transmitted by people who have strong feelings about a subject.

Hello, Community Members,

I am the new Sr. Community Manager for VMware Communities, working with Robert Dell'Immagine, John Troyer, and Eric Nielsen. I am excited to be at VMware, and to be part of an initiative to increase and enhance communication between VMware and its customers, users, and partners. Very briefly, my background is in product management, specifically in Internet services and enterprise software such as Oracle E-Business Suite. In a prior life, I was a management consultant.

I appreciate everyone's contributions to the forums, making our communities vibrant and an excellent source of expert information. I enjoy reading the lively debates and discussions. Unfortunately, while most members respect the rules of common decency and civility, even when in disagreement with others, a handful do not. When you respond to questions or comments with personal attacks, it lowers the level of discourse, hurts the feelings of others, and damages your own reputation. We are all guilty of losing our tempers, being critical, and being in a foul mood on occasion. Let's try as much as possible to keep hurtful putdowns in check and stick to professional demeanor.

Please review the COMMUNITY TERMS OF USE to which you agreed upon registration, especially section 4 (CONDUCT), clauses 4b and 4c. Remember that VMware reserves the right to warn and ban (last resort) repeat offenders from the communities, regardless of points status.

ACCEPTABLE: Your reasoning seems to be flawed; here's why I feel this way. You appear to misunderstand the functionality; allow me to clarify it for you. I disagree with that recommendation because of XYZ reasons.

UNACCEPTABLE: You're stupid/incompetent/lazy. You're not the sharpest tool in the shed, are you? Do you subscribe to the "Dumb and Dumberer" school of technology? *&^$#^%&*!!! (censored). Yo mama is so virtualized that...well, you get the point.

ROLE OF COMMUNITY MODERATORS:
I would also like to clarify that Moderators of the different forums (they have the icon next to their names), regardless of whether they are VMware staff or users themselves, have the authority to warn violators or escalate to my team, as the situation demands. Please respect their requests. They are your friends and mine. The Moderators spend countless hours keeping the forums free from spam and misplaced questions.

To find out more about the functions of Community Moderators, and to view a complete list of current Moderators, see VMware Community Moderators .

Thank you for your kind attention.

Badsah Mukherji
Sr. Community Manager
VMware Communities