Perhaps we have different agendas ... you're out to change someone. I learned a long time ago that trying to change someone who doesn't want to be changed is a sure ticket to misery. Furthermore, you need to examine your intentions: if you're doing so for your benefit, I'll argue that's selfish. If you think you're doing it for his benefit, that's paternalistic. I get a strong sense that several people here aren't seeking to make things better, but are just looking for any excuse to start a fight. That's deplorable.

That said, there's a large gray area when it comes to "acceptable" behavior. FlyerTalk would be a boring place if everyone thought and acted alike. There has to be room for disagreement; there should be an opportunity to discuss opposing--even unpopular--views, without fear of reprisals. Also, it helps to have a few eccentrics to add "color" to the community.

It's unrealistic to expect everyone here to be happy all the time. What's happening is a natural process; new faces will appear, old ones will move on. Some will vanish as quickly as they came, while others will integrate themselves into the community. There will be skirmishes from time to time, and no doubt a few bruises will result. Some people won't speak for a long time. And you know what? That's OK, because that's the way it's supposed to be.

What you can't do is look back upon "the way it was" and yearn for "the good old days." What you can do is work for a better future. And that future starts right here, right now. What are you waiting for?


[This message has been edited by EPS (edited 03-02-2001).]