Chess etiquette??

just a quick question for the more experienced players, ive been playing bout 2 years, and one thing annoys me, im told its not polite or proper to disable the chat function, ive been called a coward for doing so, but when i leave the chat box open i get abused/mocked on a regular basis, on average, 2 out of every 10 players says something smart or insulting to me without provocation, especially when they are winning which in turn upsets me and my game and i have to resign. So, is it "OK" or within chess etiquette to disable the chat box? how can i stop people leaving me "coward" comments for doing it as ive seen these types of comments on other members pages after they have disabled chat.

thanks

It's perfectly fine to disable chat if you don't feel like chatting, especially if you've frequently experienced abuse.

imho, shit talk is somewhat a part of chess. psychology plays a part in success or defeat at the board. i've never really played an OTB tourney but I imagine it's not totally silent.

why don't u just ignore mofos who talk shit?  half of the crap they say is just to get under ur skin anyways.

i guess u guys are right, but it does get to me, id like to be able to ignore it but im weak!

ill disable the chatbox so, but it seems ill offend alot of players by doing it!

the lesser of 2 evils i guess. thanks

Simon if a person insists on talking to his opponent during a game he can , or at least back when I was in obts could, be forfieted.