I'm posting part of what I wrote Michael K in a pm, mostly because it is important to me to recognize in myself the main reason I reacted so violently to ttcm's posts. Had I been 'disinterested', he couldn't have upset me.

"You never hurt me but I was terribly upset at the barrage of nasty messages you addressed to other members- until I stopped reading posts by any flamers. Which means, of course, that what I was upset by was my response not the impetus itself. We all want to think well of ourselves and when we flare in outrage we can't.

In my opinion, the worst effects of what you have done (other than your own loss of personal friendships) are the resultant loss of trust on the 'Cat and the role modeling and encouragement you have given other mean spirits.

I've now read all the posts submitted by ttcm, et al, and most of the posts by Michael K; I hope you stay. As Michael K, you have valid opinions, and in time this episode will be forgotten or absorbed into the fabric of the Mudcat. In the meantime, your voice will be a reminder to us that we all need forgiveness from time to time.

Best wishes. Ebbie"