Justin, I’m sorry you disliked my post, but I think you may have construed it in a manner I did not intend. Let me address your last point first.
You wrote: “I can hardly argue with that except to point out, if you will permit me, that you yourself have devoted a whole three paragraphs to admonishing me and just two lines to others.” I intended my first paragraph to apply to every participant in this forum, and to set out the topic of my post. I addressed it to Jeremy, Eric and you because you three were those most involved in the discussion at that time. I didn’t include Jeff for the reason alluded to in my second paragraph. So, if you construed my first paragraph to be an admonishment of you, it is not what I intended. Also, my second paragraph was not intended as an admonishment of you, and I really can’t figure out why you think it was so. All I can say is that is not what I intended.
I’d also like to make a general comment about something else you wrote: “Pray tell me where I had attempted to cast such unpleasantries before they were thrown my way?” My following comment, however, is not intended to relate specifically to this thread, you or anyone else. I don’t want to get into a discussion of who threw the first stone. I merely want to comment on the general implication of the sentence I just quoted.
When confronted with an insult, it’s human nature to retaliate in kind. We’ve all done so. I believe, however, that the better approach is to overcome our impulse, not stoop to the same level. I believe a better reaction to an insult would be to try to keep the discussion on topic and civil, not escalate the incivility. Perhaps if the insult is egregious (i.e., it’s obviously an insult and not perhaps a misunderstanding or just mildly confrontational, which can easily happen with written communication in the style of forum posts), point out that such insults are not necessary or appropriate, and perhaps suggest that the person making the insult could make his or her point in a more civil manner. To do otherwise and retaliate in kind, usually just escalates the insults and puts a stop to any useful, helpful, rational discussion. Please note again, this paragraph is intended as a general statement and not intended to relate to this specific thread.
Lastly, perhaps I should explain why I’m taking the time to weigh in here at all. Well, I’ve learned a lot of very useful information over the course of many years participating in this forum. It’s an invaluable resource with many extremely knowledgeable people participating. Therefore, I have a selfish, vested interest in this forum, and incivility diminishes it. In addition, although I may just be influenced by my recent personal experience in this forum, it seems to me that I’m seeing an increase in incivility. This is not the only thread that is currently active to show such incivility. So, my posts here are my attempt to stem the tide, although I fear in vain.
