Doonelm

[french frank]

Well, it isn't a question of libel, but of 'fair comment' as against 'unfair comment'. I think it's below the belt to use a public forum to discuss the perceived shortcomings of individuals who are obviously well known within this community, from a position of anonymity.

The use of pseudonyms here is to protect members' own privacy, not to give them the privilege of saying what they wouldn't be prepared to say under their own names.

[DracoM]

Well, it isn't a question of libel, but of 'fair comment' as against 'unfair comment'. I think it's below the belt to use a public forum to discuss the perceived shortcomings of individuals who are obviously well known within this community, from a position of anonymity.

The use of pseudonyms here is to protect members' own privacy, not to give them the privilege of saying what they wouldn't be prepared to say under their own names.

Completely agree and endorse FF's posting as quoted.

When DD made his / her first posting, I tried to demur in such a way that it might encourage him/her to either withdraw the comment or apologise for using the Forum's anonymity to attack a named person in such an unambiguous and demeaning way. The hint was not taken.

The Forum has to protect its own integrity for the good of all its contributors, and given that at the time there was no retraction ref the post that gave offence, hosts and administrators then had no choice. Sad but true.

[Chris Watson]

FF

Let's gt one thing completely clear.

Opinion and fair comment are not libellous full stop.
VCC

Indeed. But uninformed anonymous vitriol, of which you are regularly guilty VCC, is not really acceptable.

[french frank]

I have to go out in a minute, but there are one or two other (general) points I'd like to make later. Then I propose to excise this part of the thread and send it down to the 'Basement' (where it can still be read - and discussed for a limited time - by members but is out of the public gaze) as a diversion to the main discussion.

[Wolsey]

But uninformed anonymous vitriol, of which you are regularly guilty VCC, is not really acceptable.

Hear, hear.

[DracoM]

This ad hominem nastiness has to stop. It's like the playground yah-booh stuff I thought we only had at PMQ.

[W.Kearns]

Frank, Draco and Liz - it's good to hear someone speak up for circumspection and courtesy.

[Double Diapason]

Indeed. But uninformed anonymous vitriol, of which you are regularly guilty VCC, is not really acceptable.

I have read all the postings again and I don't believe any of it is uninformed or vitriolic. It is anonymous though but I have said my piece on that so will not waste more space on it. What is becoming vitriolic is the condemnation of myself and VCC for venturing an opinion and an informed one at that. I am sure I know what I am talking about and I am sure that VCC does judging from his opinions in the past - he rarely gets it wrong.

People, lets agree to differ and get down off our high horses. You do nothing but make the whole thing worse! Lets not squabble with each other but rather keep posting about a subject we all care for deeply. Sometimes our personal preferences and bias will come to the fore (Lizzie with Winchester, VCC with St Albans and St Barry!) but thats human nature and thats life!

I for one will be glad to see all this put in the basement by FF later!!

Hugs all round

[Chris Watson]

OK then. We'll just have to disagree on everything! Except that it would be good to end this thread. But if I read any more postings that contain what I (and many of my colleagues) consider to be unjustified criticisms of people who I respect and know well, particularly from people not brave enough or courteous enough to sign their own names, I will defend them.

[Double Diapason]

OK then. We'll just have to disagree on everything! Except that it would be good to end this thread. But if I read any more postings that contain what I (and many of my colleagues) consider to be unjustified criticisms of people who I respect and know well, particularly from people not brave enough or courteous enough to sign their own names, I will defend them.

Of course, that's what it's all about! There has been more attacking of some than defence of another on here though...........if you see what I mean.

[Anna]

I always listen to CE when I can, I rarely comment, never having been a chorister nor a musician I don't have the knowledge to comment on the Canticles or the voices and whether girls should be allowed in The Lady Chapel, I just enjoy it as an ordinary punter. I found the postings about so-and-so not being a worthy DoM and lacking in charisma rather mean spirited as the gentleman obviously did not have the right to defend himself. It's Choral Evensong, not a night at the Proms for goodness sake! You lot are making it sound like a competition, do any of you actually go to your local CE?

[Double Diapason]

I always listen to CE when I can, I rarely comment, never having been a chorister nor a musician I don't have the knowledge to comment on the Canticles or the voices and whether girls should be allowed in The Lady Chapel, I just enjoy it as an ordinary punter. I found the postings about so-and-so not being a worthy DoM and lacking in charisma rather mean spirited as the gentleman obviously did not have the right to defend himself. It's Choral Evensong, not a night at the Proms for goodness sake! You lot are making it sound like a competition, do any of you actually go to your local CE?

Just about to leave the house to go to one actually! There are those that argue that music, when given over to the praise of God, should be of the highest possible standard. That's what was instilled into me when I was a chorister and it remains my opinion also. So yes I go to CE quite a lot and as it's praising God it IS more important than Last Night (or any other concert in a hall anywhere!).

Only my opinion of course...........

[Lizzie]

I always listen to CE when I can, I rarely comment, never having been a chorister nor a musician I don't have the knowledge to comment on the Canticles or the voices and whether girls should be allowed in The Lady Chapel, I just enjoy it as an ordinary punter. I found the postings about so-and-so not being a worthy DoM and lacking in charisma rather mean spirited as the gentleman obviously did not have the right to defend himself. It's Choral Evensong, not a night at the Proms for goodness sake! You lot are making it sound like a competition, do any of you actually go to your local CE?

Well said Anna. Yes, I do go to mine by the way and am deeply grateful for it! All best. Liz

[Gabriel Jackson]

I have read all the postings again and I don't believe any of it is uninformed or vitriolic. It is anonymous though but I have said my piece on that so will not waste more space on it. What is becoming vitriolic is the condemnation of myself and VCC for venturing an opinion and an informed one at that.

I love it when the most vituperative posters come over all hurt when they themselves are criticised!

I am sure I know what I am talking about and I am sure that VCC does judging from his opinions in the past - he rarely gets it wrong.

Oh really?!

[DracoM]

There has been a real attempt to utter the words of truce, for which many thanks.