Posted by Martin G. on July 07, 1999 at 15:40:08:
In Reply to: Voting with their feet posted by Nick Edwards on July 07, 1999 at 01:31:57:
Nick, in the name of sweet reason, allow me to be of help for a moment.
The easiest way to get discussion going is by throwing a specific idea into the arena, and see what happens. This gets much better results than only asking if people want to discuss, without naming what you want to discuss.
The best way to then keep the discussion going is by being friendly to all, and concentrating on the main issues rather than being side-tracked by non-essentials. Keep on throwing ideas in. Take a look at previous posts - you will see many threads to continue.
Also consider chat-rooms and IRC as venues. This may well be an idea for Mike Berro - a chat-room should be fairly easy to implement here.
As for your previous questions to me - you hit the nail on the head, old chap. I have nothing against contentious posts; what I like to be is to be sarcastic about power-play masquerading as discussion, or over-the-top attacks.
As for "withdrawing accusations": see my post in regard to ambiguity being the responsibility of the poster. Don't be so sensitive, old chum, my points are reality checks and not accusations. You can always write to me! at:
marting@bushdrums.com
Be as contentious as you like, but the more contentious, the more willingness for give-and-take and friendliness should be there. Let peaceful coexistence or an armed truce at least be our motto.
Heehee? heehee? Too much inhaling, I fear, old pip.