Thanks brinkett and Jenna
But, I suspect that my welcome's been worn out given Dave's and Jame's posts.
True, I can't be sure James was calling me a moron or suggesting that I've given William Morris and Trident Media Group bad names because I responded to silly accusations that I was a troll, shill, plant, or worse with silly rejoinders ...
but I suspect he was.
And to think this all started because I posted positive comments remarkably similar to ones others on this board, including James, have made in the past about WM and Trident.
James, Dave -- I'm sorry I seem to have upset you, and perhaps I'll post more on that count later. But for now, some thoughts in a more serious vein, since responding to silliness with silliness seems to make one a moron here.
1) Yes, it is personal. When a person makes valid comments on a board and then is treated to suspicion and smacked with thinly veiled accusations that they're a troll, shill, plant etc. ... all because they declined to give their full name and full credentials identifying them for all the world on an Internet board ... that's personal.
2) When a person new to a board offers opinions -- not particularly radical ones either -- ones even regular posters like James have made before -- and then experiences hostility from people like Aconite ... there's VERY LITTLE incentive to reveal identity and whatnot and better reason not to.
3) When you tell newcomers to expect suspicion and cynicism -- even though their comments did NOT warrant suspicion and simply because they decline to give their names on an Internet message board -- yes, you are in some ways excusing behavior like Aconite's.
I accept the explanation of the cynicism on this board, I understand it, to a point. But, in this case at least, my opinions about William Morris and Trident were not so far out there that Aconite's behavior could be explained by 'cynicism.' Offering past instances where people's comments warranted suspicion and the resulting cynicism doesn't fly for me.
Why?
Because that kind of response is like telling newcomers, "Well, some of us may attack you if you say the sky is blue. We've had bad experiences in the past. Don't take it personal though. But you should know, even though I once said the sky is blue myself, I'm not going to tell that poster accusing you to stop the silliness, because, well ... I understand how he might be cynical and attack someone who says the sky is blue without giving their name and creds."
And if you're not so sure that your comments did act as an explanation that in some ways condoned Aconite's behavior, consider this -- Aconite DID indeed take your comments as license to continue his poor behavior. He did take those comments as an excuse and even used them in his next post.
4) If people like Aconite make silly sorts of accusations -- I'm going to respond with silly posts.