Date:         Thu, 18 Sep 1997 14:53:08 -0500
From: Rumbley <jrrum@FIDNET.COM>
Subject:      FILLER: Intro and comment

Hi writers.

I am new - to writing, to the net, to the list and to the flames.

Vitals:
Jim Rumbley, mostly retired, living in rural Missouri (just got the long
distance as local-call monthly plan -- next year, maybe indoor plumbing).
I drive a bookmobile part-time for a small regional library.  I smoke, I
drink, I'm opinionated, and I don't eat healthy if I can help it.  I am not
easily provoked.  Oh yes, I have had a vasectomy--voluntarily--and it
wasn't life or death.  That should cover the essentials.

Comments:
I've been lurking for a while.  I arrived just in time for the great
herbivore-carnivore-omnivore skirmishes which were immediately followed by
the futile abortion debate.  Not a pretty sight.  I had decided to
unsubscribe, when "beanie" appeared.  I liked "him" so much, I decided such
postings might make it worth the effort to wade through the flaming hate
mail.  Hopefully the wars are over now.

I offer this newbie observation:  when "discussions" deteriorate to
personal attacks and name calling, it is generally a sign that the
participant has run out of words to bolster their argument.  Since this
list is about words and writing (I think), when you reach this point, I
suggest that you either consider the argument lost and hold your tongue
(keyboard?) or gracefully withdraw by posting that the discussion has run
it's course and you will post no more on the topic.  One-sided arguments
don't last long in my experience. If you have to be hateful, consider
spewing your venom directly and privately.  In my case, to
jrrum@fidnet.com, but don't expect to offend me--I'm positively
pachydermatous--and don't expect an answer in kind.  I'm still a lurker at
heart.

One last thought: "Good Fences Make Good Neighbors" - Robert Frost.

I am a writer.
Now, does anyone know the other eleven steps?

Be warned: I never tell a lie.
Jaelar