CompuServe Messages

Joe, I immediately let it go after responding to your message to me, and I didn't bring it up here – but why didn't you reply to my response with a message such as this ? I do not want to start trouble, but I do not appreciate your comments as below – partially because they're not true. << I thought that most of the members were reasonable adults on this forum, but the responses to that "cry for help" (other than Gary's considered and tactful reply) were the most childish things I've seen on this forum. >> First of all, there was no cry for help there…no effort whatsover was put into *_really_* trying to get help. The guy just wanted to trash the product and Gary by association – period. If that was a "cry for help", then please characterize my response as an "impassioned plea for showing some respect if you really want help", rather than a "childish" reply. For you to state that my & others' responses were the most childish thing you've ever seen on this forum apparently means: A) You have just forgotten or missed many messages here, and if this whole thing was really worth the effort (it isn't), I would be happy to send you numerous other examples. (even SINCE that incident) B) You consider one's taking offense and responding to a *_intentionally offensive_* message as "childish"….I don't. I consider it having the guts and principles to do it, without regard for the politics or consequences…sometimes harsh action is neccessary. I did consider the guy was having problems and I pointed out that he certainly went about getting help in the wrong manner. The "tone" of my message only matched the insulting tone that he demonstrated with his message, and it was done intentionally to drive home the point. Many messages (I'm sure from me as well) are posted here which show a lack of understanding and a cry for help – I have never flamed at these people, in fact I've noticed that some of the fundemental questions frequently get overlooked here, and I do especially try to respond to those. The message we're talking about was an exception though. It was composed with the specific purpose to enrage, and it did. I don't know how the sender got answers from Gary, because there were no specific questions asked. I told the guy that the routines do work well – that's all I could tell the guy. << And it will not be (though an occasional flame ain't bad for business …..<g>.) >> What does this mean, and what is your definition of "justified" flaming which "ain't bad" ? If my response to that guy prevents just one other person from outright insulting another without provocation, perhaps by simply stirring up all of this "awareness" – then I feel very justified in having accomplished that, regardless of the consequences. << Wonder just how he feels right now ??? Bet he has a VERY favorable impression of this forum. >> How do you think Gary felt ? How do you think I feel ? Why are you so concerned about someone who showed absolutely NO RESPECT for the product, developer, and forum in the first place? I really don't get it ! I absolutely agree with you in moving the OFFENSIVE messages, as once they're read by the receiving party, they serve no other useful purpose. I responded to your warning with a non-offensive message, and received no reply from you. Someone else had to explain that I could retrieve any messages waiting for me in that thread. And there were messages that were important to me waiting there, messages of support – not continued flaming. Listen, I FULLY UNDERSTAND that I am a "vistor in your home", and you have every right to ask me to leave your home if you so desire – but in the meantime, don't call my actions "childish" without expecting to receive a response from me while I am still able to reach you. This was a very special case with that guy and his message – maybe others here don't all feel putting him in his place was behavior only to expected from a child. I can't speak for everybody else, only for me and I did. BILL