From: James Britt Date: 2006-07-26T10:33:12+09:00 Subject: Re: I'll have the duck! Hal Fulton wrote: > 7rans wrote: > >> Anyhow, as far as I'm concerned David has once again runied a >> conversation that was actually showing signs of baring fruit. As this >> point you can call it "donkey type" for all I care. Because a donkey by >> any other name is still as ass. > > > As far as I am concerned, David is smarter in his sleep than > you are awake. In addition to being knowledgeable, he is polite > and civilized and can speak his native language. On top of that, > he has made uncountable contributions to this community. Your > greatest contribution was during the time you quit posting. I like the work Trans has done, but I'm really surprised to read such harsh words about David Black. Hal's summation (sentences 2+3) is dead-on, though the personal sniping (however much I think I understand Hal's reaction) doesn't help. I fear that there has been a gradual shift in the group demeanor. Where once personal attacks were few and far between, and those who engaged in them were quickly called on it, it seems now that (some) people are more willing to toss around nasty, personal comments, and (many) more willing to excuse others or turn a deaf ear. "Matz is nice, so we are nice" was something of the group motto, but may become just another archaic phrase. -- James Britt http://www.ruby-doc.org - Ruby Help & Documentation http://www.artima.com/rubycs/ - The Journal By & For Rubyists http://www.rubystuff.com - The Ruby Store for Ruby Stuff http://yourelevatorpitch.com - Finding Business Focus