Paul

A wiser person than I said that the best way to learn is to teach and I'm sure that applies here as well. Yes, we all have our reasons for being here, both givers and takers and it is a shame if "flaming" changes the motivation of those who give more than they take.

However, none of us is so mighty that we cannot take a bit of criticism.

To quote another wiser man than I:

"We do not believe any group of adequate enough or wise enough to operate without scrutiny or without critisism. We know that the only way to avoid error is to detect it, and the only way to detect it is to be free to inquire. We know that in secrecy error undetected will flourish and subvert."
J Robert Oppenheimer

I have tried to adopt this principle throughout this thread. In response there has been some agreement, some precious pique that I would dare to question the mighty, and some directed flaming (literally).

IMHO we all need to stop, take a deep breath, and ask ourselves whether we are really so precious and perfect that we can sulk or lash out at anybody who questions us or the integrity of what we say.

IMHO people like ER will display sufficient humility and professionalism to be able to cope with criticism or even the frank "flaming" without trying to punish by withdrawing support, which is a crude form of bullying (don't dare confront me or I will punish everybody and make you a pariah). I don't believe he will do it.

If people think I "flamed" Ed or anybody else, my advice is: read the words, not a convenient "straw man" interpretation that allows you to avoid the issue.

Regards

JR