Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/11/03
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]In a message dated 11/3/00 2:15:13 PM Eastern Standard Time, bdcolen@earthlink.net writes: << It is a bit troubling that we are expected to respond to Erwin differently than we would respond to anyone else on this list >> SNIP Actually, it is that apparent assumption which is troubling. If Erwin is an equal among equals, then why does he not have the right to leave the list, like any other participant, or announce his intent to leave, for that matter? Why is such an announcement on his part construed as a threat? Is he really that powerful? Is he a public official who is expected to set some kind of example or meet an unrealistically high standard of behavior? << There is no question this list would be poorer for Erwin's absence, but, by the same token, it would also be poorer if it's nature changed to accommodate Erwin.>> Damn right, but why infer that Erwin wants or demands to be treated with such deference? He was right back at it again after he cooled down a bit. By the way, this list would be impoverished if you or Walt left, too. Do we want to create a separate list of people who wouldn't be missed? I should say _not_, if only for my _own_ sake! <<And, let me add, as a reporter of many many years, that the questions raised by Walt are perfectly reasonable questions to ask someone who, like Erwin, seems to have such an "in" with a particular manufacturer. It's not insulting to ask those questions - but is rather bizarre to not have them asked. >> Correct, if one is writing an investigative news story. Otherwise, just take the information and opinion and process it, use it, reject it or ridicule it as you will. All testers and analysts have prejudices, to a greater or lesser extent. If Erwin has a bias in favor of Leica lenses, he is not very good at concealing it. Even if he were nothing more than a flack for Leica, he would at least be a highly informative one. Bottom line, the premise that his behavior or background should be scrutinized more closely than that of other members is questionable. If he is "just one of the guys", then he is entitled to be pissy now and again, just like the rest of us, except Tina, of course. Her behavior really _is_ better... Gotta stop now. Time for the blood pressure check and the paper bag over the head. I'll be okay, soon. Really. Apoplectically yours, Joe Sobel