Erik Reuter wrote:

> That is how I understood your comment the first time. And I think
> Julia did too, as she explained that if it is a matter with real
> life consequences for Nick, then he is NOT acting unethically by not
> following majority opinion in favor of his own "ass".

I don't think I disagreed with that. But I'm not too keen on the procedure
followed either. Either it has or it hasn't real life consequences. If it
does, Nick should act and be done with it. If it doesn't he should stop
making such a fuss. I feel that either way it isn't our call, especially
since reading Nick's original post does make it appear differently. But I
could still be pleasantly surprised by Nicks actions. So, I guess we just
have to wait and see what happens. :o)

> I am noticing a pattern here. When people disagree with you, you have
> been assuming that they didn't understand what you meant, rather than
> that they truly disagree with you.

Yes, that is true and you noticed correctly. I'm sorry if I annoy people by
doing that (especially when I started out with a somewhat flippant remark).
But I'd rather overclarify something beforehand, especially when I'm not
sure whether it was understood as I intended it. The reason I've taken to
doing that is, because I noticed that there currently is a very low
tolerance for mistakes made by non native speakers with a good grasp of the
English language. There is no room allowed for error, especially with
respect to interpretation.

It is something I've had to deal with in Brussels a lot. I found that
speaking the same language can be a major obstacle when there are
differences in culture. So before I go get heated up and start a heated
discussion with someone I just want to know the sentiments involved.

> Also, you seemed concerned that people expressed strong disagreement
> with your opinion. If you want to express an opinion, don't you think
> you should be prepared to take some "heat" if people want to express
> their contrary opinions?

It is not 'merely' the fact that strong disagreement was expressed, but it
is the hostility I perceived from some of those responses. Hence my second
clarifying respons using all those smileys and stuff to show I'm of good
will, albeit opposite will to the rest of the list. I'm afraight you will
just have to forgive me, that because I'm not a native speaker, I first try
to 'get' whether hostility is merely perceived by me or is really present.
On average the approach works well enough for me, because a second response
usually clarifies it for me.

> Just a few thoughts. I could be wrong, but that is my opinion and "I
> think I'm entitled to it".

Of course you are. :o)

> > I (as in me, myself as a person ;o)) don't like more rules and
> > regulations, so I feel it isn't a good idea. But as I said, it is
> > Nick's list so he _can_ do whatever he likes.
>
> A legal notice is very much a rule or regulation. I haven't seen you
> expressing discontent at those.

Should I? Oh, heck, just because you insist....:o) I actually really don't
care what notice people put at the bottom of their e-mail. I usually don't
even bother to read them, because legally in the Netherlands there is no
way to enforce them. I imagine it would be equally difficult and
unrewarding for anything concerning this list in the US.

But remembering where the policy notice idea had it's origin and what made
it crop up it's ugly head, I think it is somewhat childish. Grown ups
poking each other in the tummy to see who gets annoyed first. On top of
that I really feel that this list isn't important enough to get worked up
about 'copyright', one way or the other. So I'd classify it as unnecessary
and over the top. But that is just li'll silly ol' me. ;o)

However what I'd advise anybody to do is that if one really doesn't feel
comfortable with legal notices, just work around them. Write a response as
something that stands on its own, bin messages containing them or just
plain ignore all of it and continue to play with the other kids on the
list.;o).

Sonja :o)
VFP: Legal notice: No legal notice..... ;o)
GCU: Tower of Babel

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