I just wish I could be in the chat room more often, I’m missing all of the action! MurphyStout, you’re the man!
I am getting old. I must have missed all of this. Where were the nasty comments and general viciousness? (And let’s see some examples that are nastier and more vicious than what is being directed at the “vocal minority” by the slient majority in this thread).
Then I remember several posts, some humorous, some straight, and some a bit exasperated at what was perceived as Serpent’s abuse of this board for commercial purposes. And how ever we feel about that issue, I think everyone will agree that Serpent isn’t exactly one to take a hint, is he?
This is such a beautiful t-up, Sam, but I want us all to be happy and friendly, so I’ll restrain myself (barely… 
).
But seriously: message boards are odd communities because there is constantly a weird dynamic with the reactions to someone’s behavior. There are those who remember you doing this or that, or those who do chat and know what’s going on in there. Then there are those who don’t chat, and the constant influx of newcomers who form their oppinion on just recent posts & events. What I have learned about this for myself is that it is always safe to assume that people who say unpleasant things in the first post say a lot less than they could say.
edited because it’s not my place to give out information about things that have happened other people. sorry.
I’m going to miss his humor.
Bill first came here at about the same time I was having all that trouble keeping my mouth (um, fingers) shut, a year ago, I guess (before my life took a happy turn). His first approach was to antagonize everyone and I totally took the bait. I, like many people, thought he was a rough old jerk, and I fought with him publicly, but then over time, I realized he wasn’t a rough old jerk. He was the type to play devil’s advocate. Bill and I eventually made peace and even became friendly (on the board, with the occasional private message). I know he went completely over the top with commercial posts and I really don’t understand why. At his request, I did one public review of his prototype, but then I never mentioned his whistles again, because anyone is entitled to try to build a business, and I like the guy and didn’t want to hurt him. Anyway, I know how one can get cranky in life and take it out everywhere (I sure did), but I don’t think that’s what this is about. I think it’s about the commercial overload (but I don’t know what goes on in chat). I think he just couldn’t resist…all of his potential customers are here. I hope he’ll come back and just be a person, as opposed to a walking ad.
bloo, I was mostly referring to some behavior witnessed in the chatroom.
Cran: I stated specifically that I realize Bill has problems. He could use a good psychiatrist, in fact, and he definitely needs to grow up. But my point is that people have grossly overreacted to his antics and are occasionally very mean to someone of questionable emotional stability. He’s not Satan. His behavior isn’t the result of malicious intent, as some people seem to make out.
And as for you, “those in glass houses should not throw stones (or walk about naked).”
On several occasions you’ve gotten very upset when people weren’t completely kind and understanding with you and you’ve griped about percieved persecution as well. You and old Bill are quite similar in many respects. I think you of all people would be a little less judgemental.
Yeah.
Easy on the rough words and accusations of bribe, kid.
Also, please try to extend to others the tolerance you benefitted from, both on board and on chat.
Or keep private those matters which are supposed to be.
Everyone has had dirty underwear.
Cran, if you don’t like the man, fine. Ignore him. Avoid him. But public mudslinging is NOT going to change his behavior, or help anybody in any fashion. Like I said: he’s got problems, but dogging him and posting snide comments in every post he makes isn’t going to change much.
Cran, you do not have the whole story.
Also, you should not be bringing this up in public–it is very definitely not your business, and certainly not public business.
–James
'You just don’t send multiple love poems to someone 40 years your junior. ’
You don’t? Oh, oh!
Well, you know, he’s gone and whatever the reason, he had
a choice–he certainly didn’t have to go. As he hasn’t given
the reason, why twist ourselves in knots figuring out
why and blaming whomever for stuff that may be
offbase entirely? Peace to Serpent, peace to us. Best
James, it is my business because the person assaulted is my friend. I do realise that it’s not my place to discuss it further, though. I do have the whole story because I’ve been there, Sam does not.
Sam, I’m not slinging mud. I’m simply relaying the facts and nobody wants to hear them as they are. I won’t talk to walls.
How about somebody 37 years your junior?
Is three poems multiple? Am I in some sort of
trouble?
Stewy…I don’t get it! And how did I stumble into this equation?
Doesn’t it make you feel inferior when people speak in codes, emmline? 
I’m still trying to figure out the herbivore12 thing… :roll:
I’m gonna hafta go with Eleanor Roosevelt on this one, Cran, and remember that no-one can make you feel inferior without your consent.
Speaking of which, and I don’t want to hijack this thread, but you said you knew who he meant with the “My wife is the prettiest” comment…who was it?!?
precisely…unless I am the only one who sees “the pattern” here.
Or am I?
(Edited to remove unecessary content - Loren)