The current debate on a number of freelancers’ websites over Demand Studios’ new health plan, offered to contractors who turn in at least a certain amount of work each month, reminded me about why I am sometimes a reluctant blogger. Some freelancers took offense that Demand hyped the new plan for its “no deductible, no copay” features without prominently noting its limitations on coverage.

The plan is a “limited benefits” policy that offers members access to a preferred provider organization (PPO) network of health care providers, presumably at reduced rates, and reimburses the member a set amount for each office visit, procedure, or hospital stay. To some bloggers, the plan is worthless because of the limitations. To others, it’s a godsend because they have not been able to get or afford coverage that good.

OK, there’s the nut graph – now, here’s my issue with blogging: The tenor of the debate over Demand’s plan turned nasty very soon after the offering was announced. On one level, I understand that passion is a feature many Web publishers are looking for when they hire bloggers – and I am prone to passion about topics I care about. But on another level, I don’t understand what drives passionate people to lose their cool and resort to invective and name-calling (i.e., “liar”) in such a public forum.

I’ve been a journalist for long enough that I’ve grown a “lizard skin” – I usually let criticism of my work, and even my point of view, roll off my back. But passion doesn’t have to lead to discourtesy at the level I’ve seen in this debate. It seems to do so all too often among freelance writers and editors who comment on freelancers’ blogs. As writers, are we more prone to passion than others? Or, do we view these blogs as a private community where we don’t need to behave in a civil and courteous manner toward each other?

The Web is not a private place. In most cases, anyone can read what we write and get an impression about how we handle ourselves in different situations. Perhaps there are prospective clients who would be impressed by posts full of invective and name-calling. In all likelihood, the opposite is true. I hope freelancers will remember that when they discuss issues of importance to our profession in public forums.