Posted by Jock, on September 30, 2005 at 12:06:27 from 84.69.115.112 user Jock.
In Reply to: Re: Self discipline and Use of Language posted by Peter H on September 29, 2005 at 12:41:39:
Peter, I think that the way we address each other on Tarboard will be of interest to some, if not all, Tarboarders. That's why it's worth having this discussion out in the open and not behind the bike sheds. Our esteemed moderator does, of course, come along with his electronic shredder if Tarboard posts go beyond a certain line, but the essential style of the message board is up to all of us. It's certainly something that I care strongly about and that is why we are having this discussion.
You refer Prue's statement that too much seriousness could be a little tedious and the possibility that this referred to yourself. The meaning of English depends strongly on the context, this dependancy is much greater than in Polish for example. The context here is Dan Lind's post about the literary weekend. As one who has been at the giving and receiving end of countless presentations I know how important it is to capture and hold the audience. Once their eyes wander you've lost it. Humour, carefully used can be a valuable tool to hold audience attention. Prue is making a valid and relevant point.
In your post regarding losers you change the context by adressing Prue personally and moving the discussion on as to whether she had her books published. Having changed the context you make the assertion that people who play everything for laughs (and I've met them) are also 'a tad tedious', and they are usually 'losers'. The (and I've met them) doesn't qualify the context to only the people who I have met.
You clarify your intended meaning in your subsequent post. Re: Totally mistaken accusation of rudeness. I think this discussion would have stopped there if you had included the word "Sorry" somewhere in your post.