J. Brett Malak wrote: <snip> ......I have gained some good knowledge, but my experience here has mostly been frustrating. It seems that many people on this list breed a lot of negativity. I've had internet access for about five years now, so I'm well aware that many people posting to lists like this, newsgroups, etc. often say some less than bright things. It has always been my philosophy, however, that responding to these posts would not benefit anyone. Rather than create flame wars, I would simply ignore them and move on. This list has gotten to the point that it is hardly tolerable. There still is valuable information here, but the number of pointless, negative posts one has to sift through is insane. I find it really depressing that the list I joined to foster my creative interest is such a let down. I plan to remain subscribed for a bit longer to see if things improve, but if nothing changes I think I'll need to move on. I just ask of you that you evaluate the benefit of anything you have to post. If you really feel the need to criticize, perhaps that would best be done via email...... -------------------------------------------------- Brett, Your point is well stated and is well taken. I would not argue with your logic at all. I would, however, offer some oft unstated comments. This list is good, very good, and that is because we have a lot of contributors with a lot of experience and with the willingness to share that experience. But, in many ways, this list is like a large family. We don't always agree with each other, and we ALL are capable of saying things we shouldn't have said. Sometimes these differences of opinion degenerate into arguments, complete with name-calling, insults and other offensive comments. Fortunately the nature of the list gives us all a chance to back off, cool off and come back to start again. And, yes it is true that sometimes contributors to this list turn out to be very angry, unforgiving, biased, or just plain spiteful. But even those contributors have something to say, something to teach us. Yes, we often go far afield, but we always come back to the purpose at hand, to learn and to teach. Stay with us, Brett. Learn to cut through the comments that burn, that hurt, that anger, that frustrate. In the middle of the most scorching comment may lie the answer that we have all been seeking. I'm not trying to defend myself or anyone else. We are all human, we all make mistakes. But, please don't give up on us. You have much to learn, and we have much to learn from you. Thank you Bill Cassing
