On Monday, February 04, 2002 11:34 PM, Robert Emory wrote:

> Hello,
> I am a new diver and read with interest MOST
> of the posts here.  As I live in the northeast I
> marvel at the exotic things some of you talk
> about.
> But...the recent display of personal ego is
> not why I joined this list and if you folks would
> like to continue your cyber hormonal display
> I shall cease using the large delete key and
> say goodbye to the list I have enjoyed for a
> relatively short time.

G'Day, Robert!  You're not the first - and you certainly won't be the last -
person to post similar sentiments to one or other of the lists that allow
'freedom of expression'.  (The usual trite - and I find sad - response runs
along the lines of, "Don't forget to slam the door on your way out"!  The
sort of comment that merely confirms a person's decision to leave a list and
where everyone is the loser:  The person themselves because they no longer
have access to a wide ranging view of knowledge and opinions; and the list
at large because of that person's future possible contributions to the
list!)  :-)

There are plenty of diving lists and newsgroups around that do limit the
style of debate:  Some more successfully than others.  Inevitably, however,
the more dynamic forums, are those that tolerate free debate.  (At the very
least it's sometimes - depending on the protaganists - good
"info-tainment"!)  :-))

> If you have personal issues why not take them
> up personally and not through the list?  And the
> recent addition of four letter words does not
> add much to the already low level of personal
> insult.

Mate!  Whatever you do. don't log on to TechDiver!  :-)

> Just my $.02 worth and if you wish to send flames
> to an already chilly and ice bound New Hampshire
> please fire away.

From a wet and flood-bound Sydney:  "Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without
surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and
clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and ignorant; they too have
their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexations to the
spirit. ..." - Desiderata

Strike