It's interesting to me that the two Catters in the middle of the (easily avoided) public firestorm of a few days ago, Kat and Joe, have been, during the year I've been here two of the first to offer help and assistance. (whether solicited or not) Since Peter T.'s name has come up several times here for his "idiot" comment, I think it's fair to say that he is another who constantly offers his services when needed. I've gotten to know all three well enough to know where their hearts are...and believe me they're in the right place.

That doesn't change the fact that Joe's method of dealing with his frustration at what he felt was Kat's manipulation of Mudcat was BRUTAL. I'm sure he feels that he was being "brutally honest", but had that been aimed at me I'd have been really hurt.

Having said that, I think making a clearly edited private e-mail of his, public, was inexcusable (no matter what the rationalization was) and starting a thread dealing with EXACTLY what was at the heart of their disagreement-"compulsive thread posting" (knowing full well, that anyone who got involved would be literally forced to take sides)was deliberately devisive.

Peter's calling someone an "idiot" might have carried more weight if Gern had stuck around and argued his point, but from the way both posts were written, my guess is that Gern would have been out of his/her league, even if Peter had used milder terms. Peter me Lad, when you choose, you can use the english language like a rapier!

Recently I asked to be removed from a private Mudcatters' e-mail list. I have respect and admiration for every person on that list, but I will not be part of one "group" who feels collectively that they're "in the right"...meaning others (collectively) must be wrong. For all I know, I've lost friends, through that action, but I think carefully before I sign my name to something (still a computer dork, so I wouldn't know how to be anon. even if I was scared to take the heat) and I try to be true to my beliefs.

Like Catspaw and others, I've got buttons that can be pushed, but the only button that got pushed this time was the one that said "stop..don't take sides"

Rick (still firmly pro B.S. and pro music..but anti-power struggles)