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Subject: ERIK HUGHES: EGOTISTICAL PRICK

FWIW, I know Eric and can spell his name properly. From the numerous times I've been in his presence, it's my humble opinion that he's about the furthest thing from the bozo described in this flame that I can imagine. Whoever posted this rudeness is cruelly clue-challenged about Eric's character. From the content of his/her attack, this person should really apologize, but from the puerility of it, I doubt the author is mature enough to admit it. BTW, Eric was and is an early and consistent contributor of quality thinking to this list as far back as I can remember, which is early '92, has donate a lot of time and effort to helping maintain it, and I have no problem with him being photographed or known as a "founder." He's never in any way abused or even preened about it, afaik, and seems appropriately non-egotistical at all times, both in person and in posts. I'm pretty sick of ad hominem attacks like this on the net, but they usualy emanate from sleep-deprived teenagers with no manners who post anonymously, and not from responsible individuals trying to add a voice of humility to an important debate. Laugh it off, Eric, and ignore it (as I know you will). As for the idea of mandatory signatures: on the surface it's a pain and I don't much like it, but then, it does do an important thing in promoting "verifiable" posts. I don't post much material to the list (mostly I learn from you guys), and don't find it particularly onerous. Someone who contributes regularly might find it an inconvenience. Lots of things are way more inconvenient, if you ask me (like applying for an FOIA report). I think it might have the positive side-effect of providing an incentive for people to post meaningful information, and not lots of noise to the list (thereby somewhat diminishing the high volume). What effect does it have on anonymity, though? That could be a serious sticking point: as much as I dislike flames and idiocy from anonymous posters, I will defend their right to post anonymously regardless of how unpleasantly it smells. dave ____________________________________________ "Even the mad scientists called me crazy!" -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: 2.6 iQCVAgUBLt/zWaHBOF9KrwDlAQFzfAP+MusVHsSaPVq0jzLvqBCUVf8O+JAFbQXZ PKNHai6WXNJqECknifZ9GTYg0tccKY4G+xWjED6oLjeK3V1ds7hIaWNUrFg8Ok6r hH1oPnIMqxY6Iqc0XrgyY+5JnOBVWILA+Iwxy1I0UP+J10Tz8qUY1Q4CL5Ld7yqd FE7JafKUxOw= =Yoe9 -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----