9 AUGUST 2008, Page 23

Online vitriol

Sir: Toby Young is correct to expose the vitriol thrown at him by readers responding to his articles by email (Status anxiety, 2 August). He gives a few explanations as to why this is the case. I would add an extra one. The internet has afforded readers unprecedented freedom and ease to respond anonymously to what journalists publish. Rather than empowering readers to provide constructive feedback about what they have read, online journalism has become a punchbag for any old fool to lash out and relieve their general frustration. All it requires is a click of the mouse, and the comfortable knowledge of impunity.

I, for one, enjoy Toby Young’s columns. It’s rare to read a journalist who can actually laugh at himself.

Ethan Greenwood

By email