Danny,
You can be as magnanimous as you like Intro. But you must also extend that magnanomous attitude toward those, who see if from a different view.
You're welcome to your opinion, but just know that it's your own. You were right the first time, it is what it sounds like to you. I'm talking about accepting the situation of the board as it is right now AS A FACT, (even if you want to change it'll take time) as a whole, not when an individual engages in abusive behavior towards another. There's a big difference. You speculated that Joel's expressions are predicated upon some unknown need of his, when he basically expressed the same things I did, that it is what it is. I see no basis for this, although it may conveniently dismiss the points we make by implying some personal fault on our part. (this is, in fact an attack on the person - an ad hominem argument that doesn't address the argument itself) But you did say that you wish this is a place where your family members can come to get the facts about the witnesses, it seems to me there is more evidence pointing to a need on your part.
But I actually don't disagree with you about there being a need for better quality discussion, you can see that from my message about an alternative in a support group context. (however, it is discussion of a different type to be sure) But frankly, what can we do? Simon owns the board, so you can appeal to him. Is this board a democracy though? Can we vote on it? What do you propose as a solution? Do we need to adopt some policy? You have the right to complain, but what about actually changing the situation then? Am I to understand the new forum Simon has created is not enough of a solution as far as you're concerned?
By the way, you also misunderstood what I meant by reading between the lines. I was talking about looking at the board as a whole, that there are messages which are serious, respecfully addressing the issues and those which are not. You're under no obligation to continue reading a message if you find it objectionable. It should be clear that some authors rants are just not worth your time if you are interested in serious discussions. The fact is I am no doubt unaware of most of what has gone on, precisely because I ignore a lot of what is posted. I can't speak for others, but the fact that I'm not even aware of it shows that it has "worked" for me.
Of course, I realize that not everyone is as selective as I am in reading messages here. But it seems to me this new forum is a step in the right direction. I don't know how else we can improve upon the situation. So if you think more needs to be done, lets get down to the actual matter at hand then. Just what action can we take?
