The List

["Rob Tisdale" <rtisdale@wws.net>]

List members,

As I watch the insults fly back and forth (only a little bit more than
usual), I have a few thoughts on the state of the list.  I want to share
them, and I am sure some of you don't want to hear them.  If you are such a
person, please skip to next post now.

I notice that there are a lot of people who will routinely use their Celtics
fan status to bash others opinions.  Basically, these tactics go something
like:  "If you were a true fan like me, you'd agree with my opinion" or
"With that kind of opinion, you should be a Clippers/Knicks/Fakers/Bulls
fan."  These kind of arguments, by themselves, are weak ones.  You should
back them up with reasons why a true fan would think like you.  Better yet,
leave the "true fan" drivel out entirely.  It seem to me that on a list full
of Celtics fans, accusing someone of not being a true fan is close to the
biggest insult you could give someone.

Yes, the list is about discussing your opinion, and others opinions.  Of
course we are not all going to agree on everything (possibly on anything).
Of course not everyone is going to be civil.  But before you post insults,
try to think of a better way to make your point, unless of course you are
only here to fling insults at those who don't agree with you.  The rest of
us should just ignore the few that like to stir up trouble, unless of course
you enjoy that sort of thing (personally, I like Jim McMaster's
mud-wrestling with a pig analogy).

I would also suggest that the thin-skinned among us who cannot tolerate any
opinions different from their own should start a web page where they can
state their own opinions rather than participating in this list.  Keep in
mind that:

- everyone here is a fan even if their opinion is different than yours
- arguments, even heated ones are fine
- hurling insults shows you can't prove your argument any other way
- agreeing to disagree shows class
- admitting you were wrong when you were wrong shows even more class

Sorry this has no Celtic content, but I think some folks need to hear this
sort of thing.

Rob