I would like to make an observation that may or may not be relevant to the topic at hand (What's too far?) and to one of the identifiable subtopics (Does the use of a qualifying statement like "In my opinion" have value?). My opinion is that we are way too self-conscious.

One of my complaints with "pop culture" is that it is so self-conscious and self-referential. An example of this would be songs about the life of a songwriter - how difficult it is, how it complicates your life, etc. Another example is a news report about a news report.

My point? We are in the midst of a discussion about discussion. We have taken one step back from expressing an opinion to expressing an opinion about expressing opinions.

I know that this seems to be a characteristic of the age in which we live. I also know that there have to be rules and that discussing the rules is not out of place. But there is a point where analysis (and a thin skin) leads to paralysis.

That is one reason why I don't particularly enjoy the "parsing" of postings and point-by-point rebuttal (except when John the Skeptic does it, he tends to lend support to my position). Lately I see too many discussions (not only here; this happens on news shows, talk shows, and in debates) get lost in minutiae and semantics.

We all make spelling and grammar errors. We all mis-speak at times. We all post while our "dander is up", from time to time, and later wish we hadn't.

We all deserve a break once in a while. In my opinion, when reading a post we should assume best intentions. Flamers tend to identify themselves clearly as such. Keep the best and let the rest float gently down the stream.

Enjoy the day. After all, "life is just a dream".
Bart