Posted by Dave Thewlis on March 15, 2008 at 22:58:56 from 75.111.50.119 user dthewlis.
In Reply to: Re: Where is this other TarBoard? (was Re: Beckfoot or not Beckfoot. posted by Jock on March 15, 2008 at 19:28:53:
I second Jock's and John's comments about Ed (perhaps I have to third John's comment?) I value everybody's participation and mostly enjoy their contributions. When I'm not interested in a thread I am still interested in who found it interesting and why. I sincerely hope Ed is still among us and will continue to post, because I particularly value his ability and willingness to help ground us by sprinkling the cold water of quotation and count upon our sometimes airy hypotheses. To say nothing of initiating some of the hypotheses.
It is far too easy to express an opinion in a way that seems to spill over to personal commentary or even accusation, even when not meant that way; in fact it is almost epidemic on discussion boards. In a medium where we have nothing to go on for the other's intent but the "printed" word, I think it is incumbent upon all of us to ensure that we cannot be thus misunderstood. And also to not assume of others that what they meant is what we think we would have meant if we'd said that.
I'm not arguing for what should or shouldn't be discussed on the Tarboard - I think it is self-correcting in terms of how long threads go on. But if how they are said causes distress, then the actual point is dimished. And so is Tarboard.
My apologies if this sounds like a lecture - it is meant to be a plea for civility all around.
Dave Thewlis