[Delphinus]

Hi Guys,

If you want my advice. I think I said this once before: the collective memory of these kinds of incidents is very short. Let it drop for a day or two or three, and nobody will remember this.

Let it go.

The irony of this specific situation is that nobody disagrees with the original "spirit" in which certain posts were made, however, certain concerns were raised about the "letter" in which they were raised. Naturally, nobody likes to be told to back down, and it's easy to take things the wrong way sometimes, so things can escalate very quickly in a manner that really benefits no-one.

Sometimes I may not agree with something that is said, and I may even discuss my disagreement, as a "member of the community." That is the nature of this kind of forum and it is the only way we will ever learn anything -- if we all agree then really there is no need for a discussion. HOWEVER in all cases of a civilized debate, we need to have a referee, or a chairperson or a moderator. Whose job it is to step in when certain things, whether intentional or not, may be said that could be misconstrued. Or perhaps when the temperature of a topic gets a little heated. Just to step in and try to steer things back to a civilized tone. This happens in any organized dialogue. Meetings in the workplace. Debates between politicians. etc. The moderators are just doing their job here -- in the interests of protecting this board as a valued resource of our community. We need to have rules to protect our society and sometimes we need to be reminded of the rules.

When you're pulled over for a speeding ticket -- your opinion of the police officer may not be very high. But the worst thing you can do, is share with him or her at that moment your precise thoughts of them at that moment. Sometimes, it's in our better interest to take our lumps rather than share a little too much honesty. Remember, they are only doing their job, which is to protect the greater good. Even if you don't agree with their assessment or their penalty, there is a proper procedure to appeal your case. It is no different here.

[ 03 July 2002, 11:10: Message edited by: delphinus ]