Goodbyee ....

[JK]

"Mutatis mutandis" you invalidated the parallel.

No, I didn't -

(used when comparing two or more cases or situations) making necessary alterations while not affecting the main point at issue

[Ein Heldenleben]

I can't help wondering if all members are aware of this House Rule:

Members are allowed one account only. If members are found to be using more than one account, the first one registered will be allowed and all subsequent ones deleted.

I didn't know that. But if the only identifier is an email address isn't it theoretically possible that all the other posts , save mine , are the product of some vastly fertile and productive brain ? Spooky....

[eighthobstruction]

I appreciate a considered answer when I hear one - and I particularly note the parenthesis "(nowadays at last)", though it is not clarified as to whom "the few" refers. I could extrapolate and, if correct, concur. We are all, in some ways, minorities but we should root out the inequalities and corrupt practices where found.

As to the political, I read the House Rules, as requested, before posting, and wondered to what extent people would find it possible to discuss "politics" as distinct from "party politics" or current affairs. Though I do know from experience that forums which have a specific focus (bird watching, cookery, ancient cuneiform tablets) don't welcome any political discussion because, whereas people will seldom disagree, to the point of exchanging insults and virtual fisticuffs, over birdwatching or knitting, it is seldom possible for a discussion of politics to avoid unfriendly exchanges which sour the general atmosphere. If only people did disagree on a purely intellectual or theoretical plane ....... Unfortunately human beings are all too human.

My own position is that I have found much to enjoy here, some quiet enlightenment in peering in on subjects about which I know nothing. I am satisfied with that. I would never think to impose my own demands upon such a place which, after all, hasn't invited me to join nor turned out to be a disappointment. I don't on the whole find rules irksome - a matter of temperament and upbringing. And having played cricket since the age of 11, I learnt at an early age that when the umpire gives you out, you walk. The question of whether the umpire is 'right' or not is irrelevant. Mistakes happen. I can apprehend that in professional sport that matters but not in every day life.

....give it a rest Eh?....I'm finding it hard to distinguish between humour, pedantry, gun sight, mumbo jumbo, over excitement, self indulgence, eagerness to display interlect, apophany, pursuit, out of control, trigger happy....can you please tell me what it is....or am I missing the point completely...

[eighthobstruction]

I didn't know that. But if the only identifier is an email address isn't it theoretically possible that all the other posts , save mine , are the product of some vastly fertile and productive brain ? Spooky....

....the Russians???

[Count Boso]

....give it a rest Eh?

At your bidding, signor. I will indeed bow out.

[Nick Armstrong]

Goodbyeeeee to this thread, maybe....? It seems to have become one of those pointless ill-tempered niggle-fests....

[eighthobstruction]

Goodbyeeeee to this thread, maybe....? It seems to have become one of those pointless ill-tempered niggle-fests....

....The HoRroR

[Serial_Apologist]

I think we've entered the Twilight Zone.......

[LMcD]

Goodbyeeeee to this thread, maybe....? It seems to have become one of those pointless ill-tempered niggle-fests....

I shan't be sorry to see the back of it - and I started it! (Oh yes I did!)
Mea maxima culpa...

[Steerpike]

As one who lurks a lot and only posts occasionally, may I say that I find this issue disturbing.

Of course, it's hard to comment in detail because the offending lyrics have gone with the thread. But I'm concerned that a new authoritarian 'tone' has crept in to this thread which I don't recall before, even going back to the BBC forum days. I mean the comments which suggest that a decision is always final, that negotiation isn't on and likening the forum to a cricket match where umpires must always be obeyed. Offensive words and rude references are objectionable if they are directed at other forum members, of course. I've formally objected to such posts myself in the past. But if Jayne was just quoting lyrics then I don't think the forum should react as though we were at a village fete presided over by the vicar. Particularly as Jayne hardly has a reputation as a troublemaker or a troll.

Steerpike

[Dave2002]

As one who lurks a lot and only posts occasionally, may I say that I find this issue disturbing.

Of course, it's hard to comment in detail because the offending lyrics have gone with the thread. But I'm concerned that a new authoritarian 'tone' has crept in to this thread which I don't recall before, even going back to the BBC forum days. I mean the comments which suggest that a decision is always final, that negotiation isn't on and likening the forum to a cricket match where umpires must always be obeyed. Offensive words and rude references are objectionable if they are directed at other forum members, of course. I've formally objected to such posts myself in the past. But if Jayne was just quoting lyrics then I don't think the forum should react as though we were at a village fete presided over by the vicar. Particularly as Jayne hardly has a reputation as a troublemaker or a troll.

Steerpike

Seconded!

I think this should be treated as a storm in a teacup, and the parties who feel affected by this need to calm down a bit.

Maybe we need guidance though as to whether "rude" words are ever allowed, and whether the trick of replacing parts of words with <asterisks> is permitted, and also whether some common acronyms should also be disallowed, or at least "deprecated".

[Serial_Apologist]

seconded!

I think this should be treated as a storm in a teacup, and the parties who feel affected by this need to calm down a bit.

Maybe we need guidance though as to whether "rude" words are ever allowed, and whether the trick of replacing parts of words with <asterisks> is permitted, and also whether some common acronyms should also be disallowed, or at least "deprecated".

IMO common acronyms are oh Kay - it's the uncommon ones that often defeat me!

[Dave2002]

IMO common acronyms are oh Kay - it's the uncommon ones that often defeat me!

Some of the "uncommon" ones actually aren't! Remember Decca ffs(s)!

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

Goodbyeeeee to this thread, maybe....? It seems to have become one of those pointless ill-tempered niggle-fests....

As you wish. Thread closed.