What exactly IS a Flame?

To give a supposedly unbiased opinion, I'll begin with a quote from an *old* version of the alt.flame FAQ file:

In article ([email protected]), Steve J Brown ([email protected]) writes:
What are flames?
Although by no means a comprehensive list, I include within this broad and ill-defined label all usage of words generally taken as insulting, discourteous, impolite, insolent, offensive, rude, uncivil, abusive, contemptuous, derogatory, disparaging, demeaning, humiliating, shaming, ill- mannered, surly, scornful, mocking, belittling, ridiculing, derisive, or taunting. (Aren't thesauruses wonderful? :-) What these attributes have in common is that they are directed toward the person, his/her motives, character, competence, intelligence, lineage, ..., rather than toward the idea under discussion.

My OWN interpretation would be that it's necessary and publicly beneficial to flame when an author's post has no logical basis, or when he/she uses defamatory language; again, without basis or proof.
Most of the flames I've engaged in have been centered around southeastern Massachusetts, where I reside. Bear in mind that some rather "choice" language will be evident should you decide to follow these links. You have been warned!

Flames explained
Flamage

To The Flames!!!

(Return to) Steve's Home Page
Revised by Steve Johnson on 22 February 2000