What does it mean to "flame" someone?

[luvflorida]

I'm new to these boards and several times I've read posts where people ask not to be flamed, or they're afraid to get flamed. What does that mean?

 

[Steve H.]

flame is a general, "netiquette" term for rude or derogatory comments

Here's a better description: http://www.clienthelpdesk.com/dictionary/flame.html

 

[Chuck S]

"Flaming" is an internet board term not unique to the DIS boards. Generally it means to strongly criticize and demean the original poster. We don't see true "Flaming" too often on these boards since they are fully moderated

 

[apagano]

Everybody probably has their own tolerance limits when it comes to flaming. One person's criticism is another's flame. I would say anything that constitutes a personal attack on another DIS member would be a flame. Unfortunately people who are very sensitive to criticism might think they are being flamed when they are not. Here's a completely made up example:

"Please don't flame me, but I cheated on my husband and I need advice. Should I tell him?"

Answer 1: "You're a slut." - That's a flame

Answer 2: "You really blew it. You need to tell him immediately before things get out of control." - That's not a flame.

Somewhere there's a fine line between strongly worded criticism and an outright flame.