In long distance sailing there is a rule of thumb which advises not to make changes to the trim for ten minutes after small changes in sailing conditions, to ensure that these condition changes are true and lasting. I should have applied this rule to my response to Loy Chun's contribution to the list. It was afterall the first time he had made such a contribution and could not have known the conversations which had gone on on this topic before he joined us. Had I waited ten minutes before responding, I would probably have been a lot less direct and sharply critical.
Loy has kindly written to me privately, and I am delighted to acknowledge this and offer my regrets to him publically for the sharpness of my response. May I also thank all those who have written to me with advice on ways to overcome the problems of expensive downloads. We have some expertise on this list! Paul Murphy
