Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1997/02/16
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]I have not confused the two. I support debate and love to both observe it AND participate in it, but civility is altogether different. For instance, while you disagree with me, your comments are quite civil. They are well thought out, go to the issues, neither attached my person, my parentage or knowledge. It is constructive debate. I have seen it with other groups many times. We have each stated our beliefs without being demeaning. When I first started on the web, I logged onto a few newsgroups of special interest. Most of the discourse on them had nothing to do with the intended subject, were commercial and more than 1 binary was of a nature which I'd not wish my pre-teen to view, though it was supposed to be of a different subject matter altogether. I discontinued newsgroups and would have no inclination to join that part of the web again. Thereofre, I think we are in agreement that in this case the status quo is the better choice. I agree with your quote of Dr. Johnson. I read Oddmund's statements in a different why than you and others, and did not feel that it was any further removed from the topic than issues related to say Zeiss (please no flames; I have used Zeiss-Ikon cameras for more years than any other brand), etc. Possibly he could have phrased his sentiments in a way which would not have evoked such a neg. reaction, but then again maybe he purposely wanted a strong reaction. I agree the through these debates we learn. I don't see our position on this matter as being that far apart. > > I think, Brian, you've confused lack of civility with robust debate. > Personally I find (and have said so several times) that LUG is one of the > most civilised groups on the Net. To paraphrase Dr. Johnson, I may not > agree with everything that's said in this forum, but I'd defend to the > death the contributor's right to say it. Providing, of course, it's on > topic. If Oddman(mund?) wanted to indulge in sociological and political > diatribes, he was perfectly welcome to do so - but not in a forum devoted > to Leicas. > > The great thing about LUG for me is that I'm always learning something new > and interesting. Quite frequently this emerges from quite impassioned > argument. And providing it doesn't get personal, the more diametrically > opposed viewpoints we have expressed within the group, the better. > > As you will have noted, my view is diametrically opposed to yours...;-? > > Best wishes > > Slan > > Alex Hurst > > Alex Hurst > The Brambles > Ballymaw > Waterfall > Nr. Cork > Ireland > > Tel: +353 21 543 328 (H) > +352 21 270 907 (W) > > Fax: +353 21 271 248 > email: corkflor@iol.ie > Website: http://www.flowerlink.com/corkflorists > > Brian Levy, J.D. Scarborough Ont.