[BoBoMasterDesign]

I agree, but I think it depends on the situation.

For example, one of our guys who has just finished his beginners, is in bogu and doing really well, was someone who got slammed for getting on some threads arguing about ninjas. Some people were especially nasty to him, despite the fact that he said from the very start that he was interested in doing kendo, wanted to go to a dojo, was polite and willing to listen to what people advised him. Even after he proved himself to be a good kid, he still got hammered by some people.

However, if someone is a deliberately obnoxious, offensive, little twerp then I think they deserve what they get. Not just the obvious trolls. I know there are meny divided opinions about our little friend KendokaHan on this basis. He keeps saying he wants to learn kendo but manages to annoy the crap out of everyone.

I invited him to train with us or watch a practice at my dojo (back when I thought he was a shodan). He didnt bother.
Someone from another club in Perth invited him to their dojo. He didnt bother.
A couple of us invited him to come along to a tournament to watch. He didnt bother. So I have no patience or sympathy for people like him.

So I guess I agree, in the way that people should be more encouraging. When a person proves themselves to be a waste of time, then I happy to sit back with the popcorn and enjoy the show.

Just my two cents worth.