Please explain

It's an incredibly busy week in ad land (they seem to all be this year) but with mid week launches of new campaigns it is especially so. As usual I am incredibly shocked at the vitriol with which anonymous critics attack work and individuals.

A quick peruse of various industry sites today and you'll know what I mean. Yes, we touch on this topic from time to time but generally what happens is some ruffled feathers, heated debate and everyone agreeing it is a detrimental practice. Then, it's back to the same thing all over again.

Australian Creative is not against criticism and we are not for one second suggesting it should all be nicey nice - its simply that there are ways to do things. The sheer, nasty, bitter insults levelled at producers and creatives by unnamed readers achieve absolutely nothing.

Our recent Hotshop awards were similarly slammed with complete misinformation and unjustified commentary - all of which we could have responded to and clarified if only the no-names had bothered to just contact us.

What do these anonymous commentators gain from these remarks? What does this kind of behaviour do for the industry or anyone? Can someone please explain?