I know only two people who post to Mudcat with any regularity face to face. The rest, I know only through the posts themselves. There are some really nice people here.

When two nice people that I have grown to like very much through their posts have a disagreement -- well, that happens. That's just part of life. But when the level of heat begins to rise and things start to degenerate into real unpleasantness -- well, that really bothers me. It bothers me even more when other people join in and take sides. The whole thing can escalate all out of proportion, and the ultimate result can be bitterness and feuding that can have catastrophic results. I don't think anybody wants that.

But -- be aware that we've had at least one visitor lately who has tried to stir up trouble. That visitor has already posted a comment indicating downright gleeful over this disagreement between "members of the inner clique."

I understand both viewpoints, and I am sure that with some calm discussion, a win/win solution can be achieved here. Why doesn't everybody just pull in their horns, calm down, take a day or two off, and do some soul-searching. Maybe some PMs are in order. And maybe everybody else should try not to pour gasoline on the fire. Okay?

Calm discussion, mutual respect, and it's okay to "agree to disagree." There is a practical solution here that should be acceptable to everybody. All right?

Peace,

Don Firth