Posted by Mark H. on July 31, 2001, at 21:36:29
In reply to More copyright violations, posted by LarryS on July 19, 2001, at 0:39:13
I'm not going to defend the original poster, but I would like to point out that, to someone who was new here and attempting to figure out what is appropriate to post, much of this thread would appear to contradict the broad guidelines of civility and supportiveness advocated by virtually all of us.
There is nothing civil or supportive about calling someone a troll, telling him to go away, asking why he returns when he is unwelcome here, questioning his motives, or otherwise directing blatant hostility towards him.
It's as though, because "boB" has been a focus for anger and hurt in the past (I won't say "caused" -- we're all responsible for our own feelings, right?), the guidelines fly out the window and attacks on him are encouraged, cheered and defended by others.
I see two problems with that. First, if we're only civil and supportive to the people we like, what does that say about us? Second, despite the heated opposition they elicit, outspoken critics of "common wisdom" are often right.
If we lose our compassion and violate our values out of anger, and in the end we turn out to be wrong about our position on the subject matter (which is at least a possibility), then we do a double harm to ourselves and others.
I'm not claiming to be anywhere near mastering the level of equanimity and fairness that I advocate. I'm still at the "bite my tongue and say nothing" phase of integrating my values, and I fail even to do that far too often.
But I have too much respect for many of the people who responded to this thread not to say something. This is just my opinion, of course, and I appreciate your consideration.
Best wishes,
Mark H.
poster:Mark H.
thread:1598
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20010718/msgs/1680.html