Alex, ignoring the flames is a good philosophy in most instances, and I'm glad you want to live by that philosophy.

I think sometimes it can be helpful to put one neutral post in after a post like gargoyle's. Sometimes that seems to preempt some of the more inflamatory responses that posts like that one seem to get.

The key word here is neutral, containing no emotional content or inflamatory language of any kind. Not even sarcasm or irony.

I've been flamed a lot in the last week or so. I have responded as graciously as possible to some of them, and I have ignored others. Thankfully, this one was not aimed at me. Having flames aimed at you hurts, doesn't it?

I agree that in no instance is it constructive to respond to a flame with another flame or with any kind of emotional response. Thanks for your concern.

Carol