[PLUG] FW: flame wars

["Howard Bloom" <lists@pc-man.com>]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Jeff Abrahamson [mailto:jeff@purple.com] 
> Sent: Tuesday, September 14, 2004 2:40 PM
> To: Howard Bloom
> Cc: Michael Toren
> Subject: flame wars
> 
> Hi, Howard.
> 
> We're concerned that your recent posts have been increasingly 
> off the topic of learning about linux and have been baiting 
> flame wars.  We'd really like this to stop.
> 
> Before taking any action, we wanted to give you a chance to change.
> Let us know before you post further.
> 
> Otherwise, we're prepared to moderate your posts.  This would 
> mean that we would review each post from you before allowing 
> it to go the list.  If we feel it doesn't meet our 
> (admittedly subjective) standards, we'll shunt it to a 
> special read-only list that we'll create.  That way your 
> expression will not be diminished, but the only posts that 
> will make it through to the PLUG list will be those that are on topic.
> 
> We're really sorry to have to say this.  We have seen too 
> many lists become too noisy and unbearable because of the 
> actions of a very few.
> We don't want that to happen here.
> 
> Let us know if you want a second chance to turn a new leaf 
> and stay on topic.
> 
>     - Jeff and Mike, list admins

This email went to my spam folder.  After reading the content, I would say
that it was an appropriate decision by my Outlook 2003.  I have been polite
if not downright cordial on this list and I have been called everything from
asshole to contentious bastard.  I only take exception to being called an
asshole.  

Where do they teach you to write and think like this Jeff and Mike?
Honestly, I nearly pissed myself laughing at the best example of
psycho-babble yet - "we'll shunt it to a special read-only list that we'll
create.  That way your expression will not be diminished".  That's
priceless.  It's also bullshit. But seriously Jeff and Mike, did you really
seriously write that?   Do you guys actually form thought this way and think
that somehow this rights the karmic universe of possibilities so that it
slants in a beautiful direction?  Really?

I really appreciate the "subjective" reference - I feel ever so much better
knowing that you guys recognize that you are totally one-sided.  And the
turn a new leaf stuff is wonderful - does that actually work?  Have you
actually spoken those words to a human being with a  straight face?  

And I loved the explanation of moderation - if only I were a newbie yet
again and needed to have that explained to me.  The word smarmy pops into my
head.

Know this Jeff and Mike, it takes two to tango or in this case, it takes a
whole lot of list members to line dance - I didn't do it all by lonesome. 

Let me be very direct in my response to both of you concerning the leaf
turning, shunting, and all the second chance stuff.

Go fuck yourselves.

I suggest you make sure this message hits the list as it shall be my last.  

Yours very truly,

Howard

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