The underlying assumption is that rudeness is sometimes necessary for effective conveyance of information, if only to signal a lack of patience or tolerance: after all, knowing whether the speaker is becoming angry or despondent is useful rational evidence.
Looking hard for another source, something called the DoWire Wiki has this unsourced:
By invoking these Rules, the recipient declares that s/he does not care about, and some hold that s/he gives up all right to complain about and must require others not to complain about, any level of emotional provocation, flames, abuse of any kind.
So if anyone is using Crocker’s Rules a different way, I think it’s safe to say they’re doing it wrong, but only by definition. Maybe someone should ask Crocker, if they’re concerned.
Wikipedia and Google seem to think Eliezer is the authority on Crocker’s Rules. Quoting Eliezer on sl4 via Wikipedia:
Also, from our wiki:
Looking hard for another source, something called the DoWire Wiki has this unsourced:
So if anyone is using Crocker’s Rules a different way, I think it’s safe to say they’re doing it wrong, but only by definition. Maybe someone should ask Crocker, if they’re concerned.