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Re: requests not to be posted to » Dr. Bob

Posted by Larry Hoover on September 8, 2004, at 8:58:36

In reply to Re: requests not to be posted to, posted by Dr. Bob on September 7, 2004, at 23:07:37

> > > Posting to someone means directing either the subject line or the body of a post to them. Replying to posts by someone isn't necessarily posting to them.
>
> I consider directing a post to someone to be posting to them, whatever the subject matter.
>
> > that's explicitly what I was trying to do. Steer the poster to facts/contended implications, or don't post (in reply to me) at all.
>
> What if you just replied to facts/contended implications?
>
> Bob

This is exactly the problem, Bob. This is what got chemist into trouble, and me, many times.

When you're not around, one-sided ad hominem content goes totally unchallenged. A deputy (if there is one) is explicitly precluded from sanctioning the ad hominem party unless and until the recipient of same also crosses the civility boundary. Even if there is a deputy, one is on one's own.

In this specific case, I asked my "debater" to remain civil, but he/she chose to intersperse ad hominem remarks with debate. I only want the debate (the facts/contended implications). And I am powerless to correct false statements, or to contend implications, without opening the door to further ad hominem remarks, because your rules do not do what they imply in the FAQ.

At some point in time, I might cross the line myself. Not because I'm so inclined, but because I am human, and provocation does have a limit. That's when you arrive on the scene, and sanction all concerned, rather than the provocateur.

The "do not post to me" guidelines are hopelessly unsuited. They are not worth even having, as they are presently constituted. They give free rein to derail debate, and do not permit civil posters the opportunity to restore order to the debate. If they did, your intervention might never be necessary.

Lar

 

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