[Digestion] An apology

[Duncan Martin]

I seem to have stirred up a hornet's nest with my rather flippant response
to what seemed to me an excessively elementary question a few weeks ago.
Donna's response (below) is the most pointed but I have taken note of the 
others.

My reply WAS inappropriate - in tone and content and I wish to apologize to
all forum members. I agree that it is important that users feel free to ask
any question they wish to in such a forum.

While I appreciate the postings from one or two colleagues giving some 
support for the view that some questions are TOO elementary for this forum, 
that does not justify me failing to treat the questioner with respect. My 
posting probably read more rudely than it was meant - my intention was a 
light-hearted reproof, not to 'flame'. However, I should know by now that 
humour doesn't travel well - especially via electronic media.

My only excuse is that I have perhaps spent too long working in universities
and fielding email enquiries about my research that rather too often turn
out to be from students trying to get a dissertation or thesis written
without once visiting the library. And, yes, there have been a few of them
visiting this forum. However, that's no excuse for discourtesy - even at the
end of a trying day.

Elitism? No. Regular users will know that I often answer the enquiries of
others, including the 'elementary' ones.

Intolerance of ignorance? No. Intolerance of laziness? Yes. But I was out of
order in assuming that was what lay behind the enquiry. And, as Donna
implies, if I hadn't time to answer it, I didn't need to.

So, lets keep talking!

Duncan

================================
CONTACT DETAILS
Duncan J Martin, PhD, CEng, CSci, MIEI, MCIWM, MIChemE
24 Townsfield, Cloughjordan, N Tipperary, Ireland
Home: +353 505 42087
Mobile: +353 86 8377 906
Email: duncanjmartin at eircom.net
================================
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Donna Soroka" <horses3dog1 at yahoo.com>
To: <digestion at listserv.repp.org>
Sent: Tuesday, May 15, 2007 8:03 PM
Subject: [Digestion] No Stupid Questions....


> Sounds to me like we have at least one elitist in this group that has
> shunned the idea of sharing information.  No, not everyone in this forum
> has unlimited access to internet resources.  No, not everyone in this
> forum is computer savvy enough at this immediate time to know where to
> even begin to look for answers to questions.  No, not everyone in this
> forum is rude enough to tell another member where to get off just because
> he didn't want to answer what HE determined was an impertinent question.
> If I may be so bold, I would think most of us joined this forum to LEARN.
> With all of the information on the internet to be gleaned IF you know
> where to look, it's easy to understand some possible confusion and
> questions asked to clear up that confusion.
>
>  Those with knowledge already attained are invaluable to this forum, but I
> do believe a little more acceptance and tolerance for those who DON'T
> happen know everything might be in order here.
>
>  -Donna
>
>
>
> ---------------------------------
> Got a little couch potato?
> Check out fun summer activities for kids.
> _______________________________________________
> Digestion mailing list
> Digestion at listserv.repp.org
> http://listserv.repp.org/mailman/listinfo/digestion_listserv.repp.org
>
>
>
> -- 
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> Version: 7.5.467 / Virus Database: 269.7.0/803 - Release Date: 13/05/2007
> 12:17
>