Posted by Simon (62.6.12.222) on August 23, 1999 at 08:26:14:
Dear All,
I’ve just put a long reply to Anthony, which I know will annoy some of you but please be patient.
1. I’ve tried to explain that we want everyone to feel at home here, including him if he feels he needs
what we have to offer (that must be the main criterion for us all).
2. Both sides have gone off the handle and need to cool it.
3. How is any newcomer to know the rules if no-one explains them at the time? Looking back at the
reactions to his post, no-one did this, and, apart from Donald, all the reactions were negative (and possibly
inexplicable to a newcomer who hasn’t seen some of the crap we’ve had to put up with). I know he did
things that are not regarded as quite the done thing, and I’ve said so.
4. I’ve said I will post something about hate mail, so here goes:
THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR IT! (first time I’ve ever capitalised on the board)
If someone posts something personal about you, by all means reply. Explain your point of view, and then
leave it.
If they make a cock-up in what you perceive as the collective manners of the board, post it on the board.
Remember that you’re probably not alone in sending messages, and an inundation of critical comments will
look like an organised campagin of hate mail, even if if not so intended. Then engage in a positive dialogue,
if possible, or leave it.
Don’t mess up the board with this sort of attack. PLEASE. (And that runs both ways).
Simon