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sparhawk
November 14th, 2003, 07:56 PM
Interesting message Dharma posted this afternoon.

I was reading thru it: <BLOCKQUOTE><HR SIZE=0><!-Quote-!><FONT SIZE=1>Quote:</FONT>

In fact, I recognized Steve's behavior as one that I had "issue" with and was ready to confront it. All men, beginning with my father, that I have been in serious relationship in the past, have behaved in this way. I smelled the scent and curiously I was chasing it down.<!-/Quote-!><HR SIZE=0></BLOCKQUOTE> (Geeze Dharma, that's a wide brush you are using! You are splattering paint all over the male canvas!! http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/happy.gif Just in case I'm smelling myself and taking a long scrubbing shower... http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/biggrin.gif But maybe is like what you said about smokers: we cannot smell our own stench)

For the rest, I think it was a very honest explanation of the reasoning behind temporarily cloaking yourself to entice another person in dialogue. And I fully understand the purpose. It worked. Somewhat. And for the kind of replies we've been subject to read, it did in an scatological sort of way: there were mental droppings all over the forum.

Which brings the issue anonymity in forums like these. It is an open issue that, in my very personal opinion, must be addressed. (Dharma, since in the end you came out from behind the mask, this does not apply to you personally, so don't read it as an affront. There is a bigger issue to deal with)

My point of view is that anonymity has no place in a forum of your own peers. Assuming, of course, we are all equal peers in here.

This is the only Yi related list that I am or been suscribed to that has an open front and back gate. All the other lists have a subscription process one must go thru in order to participate in them. On the other hand anyone can come here and start sniping to their hearts' content and then just leave like nothing happened and the people affected must wonder for a lifetime who the heck was the sniper. Sure, you can reply to the sniper, even send him on a self fellatio quest, but "names" have a comanding force. Is not the same. An anonymous writer has impunity, both from his intended target as from his own selfserving mind. This is why one cannot know God's real name (oops, this is another potential new thread...)

My opinion, and this is addressed to Hilary as the owner of this park, is that the park should be converted into a club: you are welcome to visit and look around, but if you like it and want to participate in the amenities you must be a member.

I also understand that some people is shy about posting personal questions to an open forum and anonymity is a safe screen. My answer to that is: For God's sake! Hilary is running a consulting business out of this site, go ask her any question you want, in private. She will keep your privacy until the cows come home!

For the rest of us, geeze, we usually agree on disagreeing. And so what? Isn't that the fun of it? But, if at all possible, I want to know whom I'm disagreeing with.

Luis

wanderer
November 14th, 2003, 09:00 PM
I find anonymity fascinating. I do not wish to see it abolished as an option, even though I doubt I would ever use it. It is another way of saying something, and says something about the person using it. It is a complexity. I enjoy complexities.

sparhawk
November 14th, 2003, 09:09 PM
The Yi is complex enough as it is. If that's not enough, could I suggest approaching quantum mechanics with only a pre-algebra book under your arm? http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/biggrin.gif

L

dharma
November 15th, 2003, 01:46 PM
<BLOCKQUOTE><HR SIZE=0><!-Quote-!><FONT SIZE=1>Quote:</FONT>

(Geeze Dharma, that's a wide brush you are using! You are splattering paint all over the male canvas!! Just in case I'm smelling myself and taking a long scrubbing shower... But maybe is like what you said about smokers: we cannot smell our own stench)<!-/Quote-!><HR SIZE=0></BLOCKQUOTE>
Geeze Luis, you have this habit of picking out the juiciest fruit from the bowl. Actually, its more like fishing through the hamper of my post and displaying the most "interesting" piece of linen you find up on the proverbial clothesline. But what are good-will ambassadors to do but gleefully salute the treasures they find in other people ? - even if a second serving of my art does make me wince. http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/paperbag.gif

But seriously though, that's not a wide brush I'm using and no one should be getting splattered unless they're standing way too close while the arteest is performing. http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/biggrin.gif Now step quit scrubbing down and step out of that shower. There's work to be done. The posts await your keen eye and the clothesline awaits today's gem.

(I can only hope it's not one of mine. http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/messages/786/1227.gif)

sparhawk
November 15th, 2003, 05:32 PM
<BLOCKQUOTE><HR SIZE=0><!-Quote-!><FONT SIZE=1>Quote:</FONT>

But seriously though, that's not a wide brush I'm using and no one should be getting splattered unless they're standing way too close while the arteest is performing. Now step quit scrubbing down and step out of that shower. There's work to be done. The posts await your keen eye and the clothesline awaits today's gem.<!-/Quote-!><HR SIZE=0></BLOCKQUOTE>

Well, I like deep shades of blue. Now that I am squeaky-clean you are welcome to splatter. One request though: use acrylics or watercolors. After we play, I want to be able to get it off with another shower... http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/biggrin.gif

L

heylise
November 15th, 2003, 06:10 PM
I agree with Luis. After all it is very easy to stay anonymous, you can inscribe under whatever name you choose. But then the rest will know to whom they answer. There will be no confusion about which anonymous wrote what.

LiSe