Will the potential new Moderator tell us which side debates for "Great
Taste" and which side for "Less Filling"?
I understand why some of us feel the need to modify some of the rules and
guidelines of the list, but I personally will not support anything that
leads to potential censorship of any type for any reason.
I think that everyone is overreacting. I also get frustrated and angry over
how some people respond to some topics. Sometimes I think that some of the
responses are unnecessarily snippy and confrontational. I also think that
some people are unnecessarily rude to each other. So my advice to all of you
that are currently in turmoil is: LIGHTEN UP. GET OVER IT. BE AN ADULT
There are a few topics that I refuse to participate in simply because they
tend to get me worked up and sometimes pissed off. Gun control is one of
those topics. There was a recent discussion about gun control, and when I
saw the beginning of that topic, I decided not to get involved just because
I can get worked up and passionate about it. Also recently, John completely
shredded one of my posts, and he was not very diplomatic about it. I was a
little upset and my feelings were hurt. So I took a break from the list for
a few days. I didn't unsub and I didn't take any "shots from the hip", I
simply didn't read the posts for three or four days. After that, I was over
my hurt feelings and I was over being pissed at John. It is that simple.
I found out long ago (pre Brin-L) that intelligent people can be quirky,
eccentric, sometimes a little strange and highly opinionated. I am sure that
all of you have noticed that this list is packed full of highly intelligent
people that at times ARE quirky, eccentric, strange and very definitely
highly opinionated. I also discovered (also pre Brin-L) that I have to be
tolerant of these intelligent, quirky, strange and opinionated people that I
associate with.
Here is my plea and my suggestion:
1. If you are angry over the recent topics and attitudes, take a break for a
few days. Don't unsub, don't take any parting shots, don't send nasty emails
off list. Just take a short break. It's very simple and effective. The world
won't end if this is not resolved today. If we allow ourselves to respond
with knee-jerk reactions, we will regret it in the future.
2. After you have taken a short break and allowed yourself time to relax, if
you still feel the same way, then bring it up again. However, my feeling is
that if a moderator is created, postings are censored and topics declared
off-limits, that will be driving a wooden stake through the heart of Brin-L.
I have held this very small hope that someday Dr. Brin will make his way
back to this list. If we continue down this road, it is almost a certainty
that he will not return. Please reconsider your positions and your
attitudes.
