I'm at ETech this week

Day one of ETech has been generally great but I'm deeply saddened by the situation that caused Kathy Sierra to cancel her appearance because of death threats made against her by some deranged, out of control people who lack the ability to show a fundamental level of civility and restraint. Anyone who hangs their thoughts out on a blog understands that there's a certain level of boorish behavior to be expected. In many cases, this is the bravado of anonymity - most of these people would never write the the things they do if their real name and face was attached to their bile.

But this goes so far beyond that as to defy description. This is a woman who has tirelessly worked to add real value to the conversation. She's written an number of great books, given many incredibly educational and enjoyable presentations, and writes one of the smartest blogs ever.

Now she's afraid to leave her home and fears for her personal safety and is seriously considering ending her blog.

And we are all diminished by the acts of a few losers who are unable to control their basest impulses and who hide behind a thin veil of net anonymity. I hope you are all hunted down and dealt with as severely as possible under whatever laws provide the harshest penalties available.