> Hey squad:
>
> Richard Budd felt the need to scold me for
> having the nerve to correct something he'd posted. I'd attempted to
> clarify the difference between two words that look alot alike, but
> have
> completely different meanings; mediate and meditate. It seemed he'd
> read
> one as the other and been confused by it. His response to my efforts
> was
> a little scornful. He wrote, "Great job exposing that typing error.
> You're quite insightful and should be very proud of yourself". That
> was
> it. He addressed none of the issues.
>
> Rick: I don't think there was anything about my criticism that could
> be
> viewed as a personal attack. It certainly wasn't intended that way.
> Why
> the sensitivity? Why the lashing out? Are you trying to SHAME me into
> submission? Are you just trying to hurt my feelings? Please let this
> serve as an apology, if you've really been injured.
> I say we can disagree vigorously on the issues, but please refrain
> from
> snotty insults. Personal insults are almost impossible to take
> seriously anyway, since we don't "personally" know each other. You
> don't know me
> well enough to deliver any genuine and valid insults. I just ends up
> revealing too much about the attacker.
>
> This is a forum where we all put our ideas on the table for everyone
> to
> examine. Criticism and disagreement are the methods we use to
> discover
> the truth. Our disagreements are more productive and fun than any
> small-talk tea party ever was. Each of us has a reason to think these
> are important ideas. We all care about this stuff or wouldn't spend
> the
> time. Sure, there's gonna be passion and some heat, but I think we
> all
> owe it to each other to be very clear about what we mean. We should
> be frank and pointed in our objections. We should even try to use
> proper
> spelling and grammar, include descriptions and definitions of the
> words
> we employ, and otherwise respect the time of those who will read what
> is
> written. Each of us should be able to engage the debate fully without
> fear of retaliation. We shoudn't have to walk on egg shells. That is
> simply too dishonest and distracting.
>
> I realize I may come off as a know-it-all here, but I really do have
> alot of experience with discussion groups. (Been doing it for over
> ten
> years including five years as a talk show producer and a little time
> as
> a talk radio host. It sure is nice to have someone else taking care
> of
> things for a change.) People will occasionally get their feelings
> hurt
> when a pet idea is rejected or ignored. Even when a flaw in logic or
> factual error is discovered it can sting a little. We just have to
> be
> adult about it and resist the temptation to hurt the messenger rather
> than address the criticism. If all you want in life is an un-bruised
> ego, this is not your kind of hobby.
>
> I hate to point fingers after having said all that, but ask yourself
> these questions. Do you imagine that threats and insults are
> productive in any way? Do you imagine that behaviour has earned
> any respect? Do think anyone was impressed reading abusive posts?
> The answers are no, no and no.
>
>
> David
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