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** This is an archived, static copy of the Casebook messages boards dating from 1998 to 2003. These threads cannot be replied to here. If you want to participate in our current forums please go to https://forum.casebook.org **
The BRB Board
Casebook Message Boards: Pub Talk: The BRB Board
Author: Alegria [Moderator]
Saturday, 02 November 2002 - 07:00 am |        | I am going to take a test on genetic metabolic disorders and I am going to kill myself so I don't have to. So I might be gone for a while.
Sorry...late night. 
 |
Author: Richard P. Dewar
Friday, 06 December 2002 - 10:42 pm | | Hi all,
For quite some time now I have been disheartened by what I consider mean-spirited personal attacks posted on these boards. My quarrel has never been with the website or its operators, but with the individual posters who post ugly, cruel, and sometimes untrue comments about fellow posters and celebrated contemporary authors working on the case.
Following such venomous postings, I have, at times, posted replies chiding the poster for failing to debate the topic honestly and resorting to childish and immature attacks.
The reasons I have done this are two fold - I regret when visitors to the website, some celebrated authors and others who are newbies, have told me or others that they would love to participate in the Casebook chats but are either disgusted or intimidated by the insults, the name calling, and sometimes the lies posted on these boards. Secondly, the way I was raised, if you see hate in any form its best to point it out for what it is rather than ignore it.
Certainly this approach has had both proponents and detractors. Some have thanked me for this campaign for civility. Others have criticized it - some saying it is fruitless and others saying it is self-righteous and sanctimonious.
Recently, I posted in response to some people who I felt had viciously and unfairly attacked and slandered a very popular author. I have no brief for the author in question, but I felt the allegations lodged against her were disreputable and contemptable.
Some, especially those who had launched such personal attacks, became enraged and made some false allegations against me (saying I was attempting to moderate or criticize the Casebook - which I explicitly said I was not or, that I was a defender of the author in question - even though I oppose her thesis and methods by which she achieved it).
My response to these charges was over-heated, angry, and hypocritical. In one post, I stated that people who resort to personal attacks are "dimwits." That was insulting, improper and, again, hypocritical.
I then went back and forth with these posters arguing over the appropriateness of their personal attacks. I became obsessive and hyperbolic. That was clearly wrong. And make no mistake, I do not blame anyone else for my remarks or claim I was goaded. I lowered my own standards - no one can do that for me.
To everyone on the Casebook, my friends who I have disappointed, and to others whose time and peace I disturbed, I express my deepest and most sincere apologies for my reprehensible conduct.
It is evident to me that sometimes the dialogue on the Casebook brings out the worst in me. So, for at least the next 30 days, I am taking a time out. This self-imposed exile should serve as a cooling off period. I may never return to the Casebook but I hope all understand there are no hard feelings.
I am doing this because I don't think the people I respect on this board deserve to be subjected to my participation in rancor and it is also in the best interest in my serenity. I don't have any resentments in my "real" life but certainly have built some up on the boards. That is not healthy.
Those who enjoy the policy of personal destruction need not be discouraged - there are plenty of people on the boards to keep that up.
As we know, some important and excellent writers have left the boards in the past because of all the personal attacks. The writer I enjoy most on the case, who has been so generous and kind to me, continually threatens to leave the boards when he is subjected to such attacks. Fortunately for Casebook readers his departures have been brief - and the audience of the website is better off for his contributions.
Let me also express my appreciation to Stephen Ryder for this wonderful site. Let me also make clear that in no way have any of my remarks been intended as a criticism of the Casebook - though I have criticized some of the remarks made by Casebook participants.
Anyone who has the misfortune to read the exchanges between Ally and I knows that I disagree with almost everything she says and especially the way she expresses her opinions of others. However, to her credit, she has never censored me and has allowed people to disagree with her publically - even when it may not be all that flattering to her reputation. I have no criticisms of her decisions as moderator. She allows a free and open discussion - even when the target of the missives is her own commentary. With the power and authority she has to close debate, she deserves credit for the character she has shown in allowing free flowing discussion.
So, with that, I wish you all the best and happy holidays.
Take care,
Richard |
Author: David Radka
Friday, 06 December 2002 - 11:30 pm | | Richard,
Speaking for myself only, I will welcome you back.
You are entirely forgiven.
David |
Author: Stan Russo
Saturday, 07 December 2002 - 02:38 am | | Richard,
Without debate, the case would wither and die. Everyone gets heated, myself included. I try not to take anything personally and understand that my opinions will not always be backed by everyone. If you feel the need to take some time off for yourself, then so be it. Welcome back when you return. Or just don't go, and take everything with a grain of salt, including your own passion for the case.
GOOD LUCK
STAN |
Author: Harry Mann
Saturday, 07 December 2002 - 03:53 am | | Richard,
Do not let people get to you.Put your case in your own way,there will always be someone willing to listen,and if not agreeing,at least respond in a pleasant and responsible manner.
When the only response is to accuse one of stirring,be assured that person can not justify their arguement. |
Author: Caroline Morris
Saturday, 07 December 2002 - 04:14 am | | Hi Rich,
Your post shows plenty of strength of character and not a jot of weakness - you have my admiration. I hope you won't mind if I take some of your words and repeat them here as I feel they apply so well to me too:
I regret when visitors to the website, some celebrated authors and others who are newbies, have told me or others that they would love to participate in the Casebook chats but are either disgusted or intimidated by the insults, the name calling, and sometimes the lies posted on these boards.
Anyone who has the misfortune to read the exchanges between Ally and I knows that I disagree with almost everything she says and especially the way she expresses her opinions of others. However, to her credit, she has never censored me. With the power and authority she has to close debate, she deserves credit for the character she has shown in allowing free flowing discussion.
I would just like to add that I know Ally enjoys putting her views across just as much as anyone else does, otherwise she wouldn't join in the sometimes heated debates. But she is also way too intelligent, too spirited and too strong a character to want or expect us all to either fawningly agree with every word she writes, keep quiet or else leave the forum. So anyone who accuses those who express disagreement with her of being poorly behaved or ill mannered are, IMHO, giving Ally very little credit.
So please come back, Rich, when you feel ready, willing and able. There'll be a debate just waiting for you to dive into. That's what we do here. It's not a vicar's tea-party where we all sit around saying "Yes, vicar, I totally agree with you. Well said vicar, of course you are right." 
Love,
Caz |
Author: Philip C. Dowe
Saturday, 07 December 2002 - 05:13 am | | Hi Richard,
I will miss you man! Already counting the days. Caz post says it all!
Yours
Philip |
Author: Ally
Saturday, 07 December 2002 - 06:16 am | | Caz and Richard, you are both wrong. I want fawning agreement, dammit.
Richard,
Don't give yourself an ulcer. It's easy to see that you are way too restrained and civil and there is just a demon of unmannerliness waiting to bust on out of you.
Because see what's going to happen is like those who have gone before you and illustrated by those obliquely mentioned by Caz, you'll not resist the lure of the boards and will keep reading, but rather than posting and letting it all hang out, you'll resort to emailing your answers to posters and telling them over and over why you had to quit the boards but here's what you think about them anyway.
Really it's more fun to just post.
Best Wishes,
Ally |
Author: Mark Andrew Pardoe
Wednesday, 11 December 2002 - 05:43 pm | | By jove,
Is that Ally and Caz being nice to each other? Please come back Richard so the World can be righted. You sometimes annoy me but I do enjoy your posts.
By the way, for twenty-eight years I worked for the BRB. Is this the same?
Cheers, Mark |
Author: Divia deBrevier
Tuesday, 31 December 2002 - 03:15 pm | | Greetings All:
I'm back... well, sort of. I'll be trying to catch up on the message boards but I am still not receiving email. Hopefully this will be resolved within the next 24 hours.
Warm regards,
Divia |
Author: Michael Raney
Tuesday, 31 December 2002 - 04:16 pm | | Divia Darling! Welcome back! My dear, you were missed! Everyone has been asking about you. So glad to see you back.
Mikey |
Author: Joseph P. Matthews
Wednesday, 01 January 2003 - 03:11 am | | Hello Divia,
I'm glad that you are back. I'm finally back myself. Some may remember my insurance company issues a couple of months ago, but I FINALLY have a computer again and am here. yay!!!
Glad you're back once again... take care.
Best wishes,
Joe |
Author: Divia deBrevier
Wednesday, 01 January 2003 - 11:03 am | | Dear Mikey and Joe:
Thanks so much, it's nice to know that I was missed!
Much love and a little bit of wickedness,
Divia |
Author: Monty
Thursday, 02 January 2003 - 11:16 am | | Divia,
  you too !
Why did you walk out on me woman ?!?!
Monty
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Author: Divia deBrevier
Thursday, 02 January 2003 - 11:26 am | | Dearest Monty o' my heart,
I did not walk out on you, sweetie. *sigh*
I told you that I was going to be away for awhile. Though honestly, I was gone longer than I originally anticipated. Not to worry, though. I still love you mostest of all.
*smooch*
Divia
PS: check out my new Bettie Page picture on my profile. |
Author: Monty
Thursday, 02 January 2003 - 11:48 am | | Divia,
"I told you that I was going to be away for awhile. Though honestly, I was gone longer than I originally anticipated. Not to worry, though. I still love you mostest of all."
Naturally !!
Nice pic....even nicer to have you back !
Monty
*moochas smoochas*
 |
Author: Divia deBrevier
Thursday, 02 January 2003 - 11:57 am | | Dearest object of my affection named Monty:
So, when are you coming here to massage my feet?
*smooch*
Divia |
Author: Monty
Monday, 06 January 2003 - 11:10 am | | Divia,
When you wash them Honey.......on second thoughts, I'll do that for you as well !!
Monty
x |
Author: Divia deBrevier
Monday, 06 January 2003 - 05:05 pm | | Dearest pookie pie:
Ah, you are a man unto my heart! I'm waiting for you in my sunken tub....
*wuf*
Divia |
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