Alert!

[_Gadianton]

Well, I can definitely sympathize with Dr. Peterson if he really indeed did feel like I was accusing "FARMS" (not him since my sarcastic comment was to "FARMS" and not Dr. Peterson) of something illegal. I have never accused anyone (living) of breaking the law, it's not my style, even in heated debate or fun. In this case I apparently wrongly assumed enough continuity between a previous thread and this one and it didn't even cross my mind that my comment would be read as a serious legal accusation. That's just not the kind of thing I do. I would like to publically apologize to Dr. Peterson for any misunderstanding here. I wish I had seen the response earlier so I could have cleared things up then, I honestly didn't see it until someone alerted me via PM.

One final thing I'd like to say here, is that I feel the same way to a degree as Dr. Peterson, I try to "take" insults directed towards me and sarcastic remarks directed toward me as part of the game on the internet, but I would not and do not appreciate being accused of committing a crime nor do I appreciate speculation on whether or not I committed a crime. Dr. Peterson had his say, that's one thing. I haven't read the posts on the other thread in detail, but for those who want to debate cyber laws and so on, I would suggest keeping the debate neutral and avoid discussions of whether my words on this forum or anyone elses for that matter, have crossed legal lines.

I would also like to publically apologize to Dr. Shades for my part in a misunderstanding that oould have possibly put some stress on him.

[_beastie]

Gad has always been very good about tolerating insults from believers, and even stating that it's unrealistic to expect it to NOT happen, when they are feeling so attacked by our criticisms of their beliefs. He pretty much shrugs off attacks, and I don't ever recall having the impression he held a grudge or took it personally. In fact, in the past he's gone out of his way to state that he doesn't even think internet hyperbole has much to do with a person's real life character or personality, and would gladly sit down at a BBQ with folks like Pahoran, and would expect to have a good time. I think this should be taken under consideration.

[_EAllusion]

Subtle can be dangerous.

I usually know what point Gad is making, often subtle and humorous, but I benefit from routinely speaking with him, coming from the same perspective, knowing his posting style, and having decent reading skills. I'm pretty sure there are lots of people who haven't the slightest idea what points he is making when he goes into quasi-troll mode. Lately, I get the sense that if people aren't familiar with his posting history, and certain people clearly are, they'd have an easy time thinking he was a conspiratorial nutbag.

[_Moniker]

Shades, I posted advice for internet posters to consider cyberlibel when they are posting. Some are actionable and if you're dealing with someone who actually had damages from words written on the net they would certainly have cause to sue. I thought better of posting it after I did so because I didn't want it to appear as if the post was directed at this particular situation.

Beastie, I agree with your assessment of gadianton.

I'm pretty sure there are lots of people who haven't the slightest idea what points he is making when he goes into quasi-troll mode. Lately, I get the sense that if people aren't familiar with his posting history, and certain people clearly are, they'd have an easy time thinking he was a conspiratorial nutbag.

He's anything but a conspiratorial nutbag. He's often misunderstood it seems.

[_Jersey Girl]

He's anything but a conspiratorial nutbag. He's often misunderstood it seems.

And likewise, is Daniel misunderstood. This is why it's best to refrain from topics that are directed toward an individual.

[_Gadianton]

Tarski and EA have both made serious points that I should take into consideration, and I appreciate their criticism of me because I needed to hear it.

[_Jersey Girl]

You shouldn't have edited or deleted it.

Why?

[_JonasS]

10 and 20 K sucks big time. That is like 5-10 k in pounds per year. That sucks. I get more than that from the government in student finance. Some people get about that in a month.

[_Daniel Peterson]

I would like to publically apologize to Dr. Peterson for any misunderstanding here.

Apology accepted.

[_Gadianton]

You're a good man, Dr. Peterson.