John,

>Doug..
>
>So bascially what you are saying is that folks have been trained, in a pavlovian way if you will, that when I say something, folks will then tend to have knee-jerk reactions. And, as a result of that, I should then expect to get flamed when I post message regardless of the content of the message. And, since I have control over how I market myself, I could prevent this by changing my approach. In the end, if it is to be, it is up to me. Is that bascially what you are trying to say??

Yep - exactly what I'm trying to say.


>
>Here is what I have to say...
>
>Reasonable and mature people look at the merits of the message. Those that get emotional, all I have to say is that I am not in the behavior modification business. I have accepted the fact that some folks will get upset. I let most of this go by and let them vent. It is no sweat off my back. In some cases however, I will point out to the individual that they are off-base.

Ok.. As long as you never whine about how picked on you are or have been. <g>

>
>Folks that get this upset should practice some self-restraint and not reply. Ultimately, if you have nothing of value to add, you should not reply. In this case, the person made a statement and I posted a reply to the contrary, in a very civil way I might add. Again, that is what this place is supposed to be about - the free exchange of ideas and opinions.

Yeah, well.. That's like trying to answer emotion with logic. Are you married? Does this work with your wife? < bg >

I rest my case! <g>

>
>Again Doug, it is not important to me that you or anybody else agrees with everything I say. If it were, my approach would be different. There is a lot of over-sensitivity and emotion here. I can tell you right now, I am not going to change my approach to a significant degree.

Wl,, as I've said before, that's your choice. Personally I think that it will be counter-productive for you in the long run. If you're willing to also take responsibility for this then so be it.

>
>To those listening in...if you don't like what I say, fine. Debate on the merits of the post - not off the merits. If you don't, fine. It is more of a bad reflection on you than me...

This is unrealistic John. Even lawyers have rules by which they interact and no one lawyer can arbitrarily change those rules. When you make assertions as youhave just done in essence you are telling everyone that you are 'above' generally accepted social interaction rules. You must take responsibility for this and not pass it on.

I'm perfectly comfortable that we may disagree on issues. Goodens sakes - I sure need to continue the learning process and I learn the most from those with whom I disagree.

However, in order to have that discourse I need to have the ear of my audience. When, in so many words, you tell your audience you don't care about their responses you lose audiance share.

If you think about it a minute you'll see that I'm attempting to help you keep your market share.

Best,

DD