galenr@iddic.UUCP (Galen Redfield) (10/08/85)
[boom, shellac, shellac] Warning: this article does not discuss abortion, but it is tame. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- I've only received one complaint so far about my posting a followup to a followup (etc.) wherein I said nasty things to Charles Forsythe. But I'm sure it bothered many net.abortion readers, as I knew it would. So, I would like to explain my intent since it probably isn't obvious to everyone that I don't make it a habit of heckling, and I am well aware how inappropriate it is to flame in any newsgroup other than net.flame. Sometimes in a group discussion, a small group (two or three usually) get into a verbal war over some point of argument, which may be related to the original topic, although it is usually some relatively minor point not essential to the main issue. When this happens, if the group has a moderator, the individuals can be persuaded to cease their bickering so that the others can get on with the discussion. When there is no moderator, other measures may be taken. One method I sometimes use is to personally insult one of the bickerers, and not mildly if possible. I know it is not the most admirable approach, but it sometimes works. Other times, it just promotes more bickering. It is somewhat like using dynamite to extinquish a burning oil well. In this group, the situations where I consider trying this method abound. So, that is what I was trying to do to stop this particular dispute. I have done it a few other times. In each case, I do it only once, even if the other party counters my flame with another. I am not interested in "winning" any arguments with such people, but I think it is worth at least one try anyway. I apologize to everyone, especially you, Charles, if you thought I was serious. I think it is wonderful that your mom got a PhD, in spite of what I said. My mother went back to college when I was a second grader. I am sure that your mother (father, too) has done many useful things, especially raising you, even if you are a bit outspoken. ;-) So, I hope I have devilified myself a little, and I hope everyone can understand that I was not just shooting off my mouth in anger. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- By the way, this is only my second rational posting in this group. The other time, I simply stated my view on the subject, and a few people followed up to counter what I said. I, unlike certain others, did not attempt to rebut their arguments, not because I was unable, but because the network news is not supposed to be used for debating, as far as I can tell. One of these days, I may have something to contribute again, but for now, I will be a listener, and hope I don't feel compelled to insult anyone. Come on all you people who have never posted, let's hear it!! Warm regards, Galen.