All very good points, but on the other hand, as someone who has been on the receiving end of a barrage of undue criticism (and OK, maybe I've returned fire once in a while), commenting in the public square ain't tiddlywinks (do they still play tiddlywinks?).

When you venture into the arena, you have to expect some measure of rough, and sometimes unfair, play. As important as it is to not be too unduly malicious or mean in your comments, it is just as important to realize that receiving some hard blows is to be expected, and it should not always be taken personally. And no matter how vicious the game is played, at the end, we should all shake hands, say "good game," and go have a beer together.
Calculon | 08.23.05 - 12:47 pm | #

We should also remember that the person attacking us most viciously one time, may very well be our biggest ally the next time, so don't take it personally and, again, go have a beer together.
Calculon | 08.23.05 - 12:51 pm | #

Yes, I always am put in mind of G.K. Chesterton who was known for laughing heartily at "telling blows" by the opposition in a debate ... and then hosting them to dinner afterward. That attitude is really what all those rules are directed at.
Julie D. | Homepage | 08.23.05 - 1:09 pm | #

OK, everyone -- GROUP HUG!!!
Calculon | 08.23.05 - 1:19 pm | #

Only if we can manage it without spilling that beer you are going out for afterward.
Julie D. | Homepage | 08.23.05 - 1:25 pm | #

Step One: Remember that your opponents have come to their conclusions using more or less the same rational process you have. The difference is not necessarily their intellect, but rather the information they had at their disposal and the values they hold.

Rot and Balderdash! Anyone who disagrees with me on anything is either a cretin or immoral.

I'll still have a beer with them, though, as some of my best friends are immoral cretins.
Erik Keilholtz | Homepage | 08.23.05 - 2:28 pm | #

I've read a lot about comment-attacks recently just about all over the blog-shop, but I have very rarely witnessed it, and I've not yet had ad-hom directed towards me on my blog.

BUT, I have debated in forums and have witnessed the most repugnant goings on in the realm of point proving, and that turned my stomach a fair few times, especially when I was told that the Pope was in Hell (soon after he had passed on) and that I was a hellbound Catholic- Mother- loving daughter of a __________

Perhaps, some of those who battle it out in the comments box would do better to go and battle it out on a forum specific to that purpose?

God Bless.

I musn't be going where the blog-action is
ukok | Homepage | 08.23.05 - 3:56 pm | #

Perhaps, some of those who battle it out in the comments box would do better to go and battle it out on a forum specific to that purpose?

Personally, I prefer drunken street brawls, but from what I hear about cage fighting, there might just be something to it!

If you have never used a drunken street brawl to settle a matter of theology, then you just haven't lived yet.

"Come on and get a piece of me, you Pelagian $%#^$#$%$#!"

Then, after it is all over, and you are gushing your apologies, it is more a matter of "I love you, even if you are a good for nothing son of an Arian."
Erik Keilholtz | Homepage | 08.24.05 - 2:50 pm | #

I'm just trying to report a problem and Julie's 'contact me' doesn't work. I needed a picture of the Christian symbol Chi Roh and I noticed this site has a link to those words. When I clicked on that link inside this site, I was taken to a totally horiffic and ugly porn site. Please check your url's!?
Mary K | 11.26.06 - 7:57 pm | #

Actually, it does ... you just have to click on the words "Contact Julie."

Thanks for the heads up on the changed blog.
Julie | Homepage | 11.26.06 - 9:54 pm | #

If we're all working towards the truth I can't see the problem with a real dust-up among bloggers. Keeps the blood pulsing and the colesterol down.

Look me up at neilmckenty://wordpress.com
Neil McKenty | Homepage | 09.03.07 - 6:44 pm | #