Frankly, I feel that this controversy is somewhat artificial. Once again, I had no problem with the content of Malcom's offering. I would truly regret it if he did not feel free to offer such content.
However, however... I also believe that we need to take care with the manner of how we put things. In such an environment is this, such sensitivity as to how things are put is important, and -- also frankly -- I feel not at all that difficult.
We're talking about courtesy and grace -- saying fully what we need to say, but going the extra measure to avoid the (inadvertent) offense of saying things in such a way as they cut to a person who may be present (even electronically).
It's called, among other things, being civil.
To be sure, in electronic communication, it is all too easy to forget this. I don't feel superior myself, in the slightest. There have been occasions when, a few minutes after I've left-clicked, I've truly wished to have put things a little differently (or not at all). But when I become aware that I've been experienced as personally hurtful, I always try to make amends.
The role of Moderators in forums such as this, is to help all of us, when we've lost touch with our best sense. They aren't perfect, but neither are we.
All the best, to all.
Adam Linton
