Marvin Long, Jr. wrote:
> Once upon a time, Jo Anne might have wielded her mighty Wand of
> Dings and soothed the situation with a rancorless and witty
> exhortation to gentle manners, before the particular debate
> leading us to this state of affairs had come to a head. Alas,
> only she can wield that wand, it seems, since it takes a
> uniquely deft touch that most of us lack.
>
> Oftentimes in those halcyon days it seemed that a mature and
> kindly bodhisattva-like soul could simply post a message asking
> for calm and consideration, without any need to single people
> out, and listmembers would consult their own consciences and
> make whatever adjustments were needed to their rhetorical
> styles.
>
> Or am I romanticizing the past?
>
> </nostalgia>
No, you're not. Jo Anne's presence here was a blessing. We had
our incidents before, but they were almost always smoothed over long
before they got out of hand. We miss her deft touch.
> Maybe I am, somewhat. For now, though, I'm most definitely in
> the corner occupied by Gautam and the honorable Robert
> "xponent" Seeberger on this one.
I don't think anyone should have been publicly criticized in this
case. I could be wrong but I'm guessing that there was no off-list
warning. I remember once when my own language became inflammatory I
received a friendly, polite message off-list from Jo Anne with just
a hint of criticism tucked in. Very effective.
Ah, well, this too shall pass. I, for one, resolve to fortify my
tolerance and to construct my criticism more carefully in the
interest of vigorous but civilized debate.
IAAMOAC
--
Doug
email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://www.zo.com/~brighto
