I like the fish quote!

Thank you, Doug: for me the difficulty is the one that Glen Domeracki has expressed, in that he felt a clash of opinions would lead to feelings of no longer being comfortable when posting on technical issues. I'm NOT accusing anyone here of anything, it's me who is feeling uncomfortable and having difficulties with it. I enjoy a good discussion, most particularly with those who do not agree with me - no point in preaching to the converted. I find the major problem is that, as others have expressed, written replies and discussions remove the additional social (cushioning) components of communication: body language, verbal cues and facial expressions. (Emoticons, as I think they are called, hardly suffice.) Without these additional clues I find it hard to know when I or others have overstepped the bounds of what is acceptable, nor how seriously some of the more, in my opinion, extreme views are to be taken.

At least I'm lucky enough to live in a country where I can freely express my views, within reason.

Best regards,

RJL

>Robert,
>
>>Not at all, please accept my apologies if I sounded (or read like that). My only excuse is that I and all around me were mightily depressed by everything - the event, some of the reactions, the whole lot - last week.
>>
>>Next time I'll stick to the barman's rule:no politics, no religion and no sport.
>>
>>
>>>
>>>Thanks, I was just curious, didn't mean to tick you off if I did.
>
>No, please don't stop! It's OK to disagree! It's in the give and take that we all learn. Please do not confuse strongly defended view with disapproval.
>
>Remember, only live fish swim upstream. <g>