One problem I've noticed with irony is that people don't expect it from Americans. I believe Abby is one of those creatures McGrath spoke of not existing: an American who thinks ironically.

Abby has since stated (paraphrasing) he'll be wearing his Mudcat T-shirt at Mystic, despite the possibility of attracting duffers. There should probably be a little winky-face after that for the irony impaired.

It might have been to have e-mailed Abby to find out what he really meant before starting this thread.

Shambles, what sort of "discussion" did you expect?

You said "Shooting the mesenger, whilst ignoring the message is also another less attractive trait." When the messenger takes a small part of the message out of context and re-posts it somewhere else, adding his opinion about what it means as if it were fact, perhaps the messenger ought to just paint a target on his shirt. You didn't get shot because of the message - at least not Abby's message. You got shot because you edited it, put your own spin on it, and posted it somewhere where people would react. You over-reacted and expected everyone else to.

One more thing. You said "It is the group identity/ loyalty aspect I find most unfortunate, whether on this forum or anywhere else." Isn't what you did a prime example of the damage group identity/loyalty can lead to when people get defensive about their group?

(McGrath - that t'weren't me up there.)

Please note, I'm sitting here very calmly, scratching insect bites. I'm not yelling at my computer nor foaming at the mouth. And yes - I'm done talking about this. Must go dig holes in my yard, feed the black flies, and mess with the guitar. Much more fun than being indignant.