Counterflame

The initial reply by G.S., using a curious combination of concessions and refusal to debate specifics, managed to work up to a level of derogation that could reasonably be termed a counterflame: […]

"The discussion did not affect my perception of the o-l c [on-line community] because I viewed the flame/counterflame situation as an aspect of the medium of teletype e-mail—not as a reflection of any person or group in the community."