news-record.com

This article has been closed to new comments. Comments are generally closed after 14 days. However, comments may be closed earlier at the discretion of the News & Record.

Inappropriate content? Please notify us.

scharrison

September 27, 2009 - 1:35 pm EDT

Before I proceed with my comment on a comment-related thread that references comments from another source, let me preface by saying that I liked the elephant article, and I agree with the author as well as the majority of elephant-loving commenters on that piece. I would also like to mention that it took me 20 minutes and several attempts to post this very comment (about comments).

While I agree with your assessment that the commentary was intelligent and informative, Allen, I'm not so sure about the respectful part. There are instances where the intellectual capacity and motives of the "zookeeper" are called into question, as a sort of "icing on the cake" of debate. They may have been delivered with a certain amount of refinement, but that's argumentum ad hominem, nonetheless. A thorn by any other name is still a thorn, and intellectual superiority is no license to insult. Now, I will freely admit that I have engaged in that sort of thing myself, but I'm not proud of it.

On the subject of why this particular exchange would be viewed by the editorial staff as a good example of what you would like to see in reader commentary, keep this in mind: In addition to being intelligent and informative, the bulk of the comments were in support of the article itself. Had that been reversed, where a group of knowledgeable commenters had systematically and accurately refuted claims made by the author/reporter, and maybe threw in a few ad hominems in there for good measure, would the exchange have been anywhere near as pleasing to you?

I know some of my comments may seem unnecessarily critical of you guys, Allen. I have a feeling a few of your colleagues wouldn't feel any loss if I refrained from taking part in the discussion, to put it in civil terms. If that feeling is correct, the fault lies solely on my shoulders. Let's just say that I have a strange way of showing admiration and respect, and leave it at that. ;)

Christopher Rees

September 27, 2009 - 2:44 pm EDT

I'm hopeless with computers, but I can't get to the article cited.
Hey Allen, when's the get-together for us B.S.ers (Blog Supporters)?

Christopher Rees

September 27, 2009 - 2:46 pm EDT

.....and wouldn't that be a lovely name for our rambunctious little club?

left-wing conspiracy theorist

September 28, 2009 - 2:47 pm EDT

B.S.'s. I like it!

Really, Allen. I can't wait. If we think we are so smart sober, imagine how smart we'll be when we're all in the same room with some beers (or ales!) in us.

Christopher Rees

September 28, 2009 - 6:39 pm EDT

For once (!) left-wing is right. Creativity and inspiration are so often enhanced by chemicals that it's legendary. Or as Benjamin Franklin put it "Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy".
Combined with the moderating effect on asperity that personal meeting engenders, I think the whole project would be a fabulous success.
C'mon Allen ... I propose Natty's - any seconds? (I'll explain ales to "left-wing")
Chris.

Allen Johnson

September 29, 2009 - 8:56 am EDT

Well, our friends in Norfolk met at the newspaper instead of a bar. It might make more a more focused, if less festive, occasion.

left-wing conspiracy theorist

September 30, 2009 - 8:56 am EDT

Yeah, a BYOB at the N-R! I'm bringing the Leinie's.

Christopher Rees

September 30, 2009 - 10:45 am EDT

So are you thinking BYOB, or just tea & crumpets? I don't think the latter would generate much enthusiasm, and we'd like a good turn out, wouldn't we?
Where can you find crumpets here, anyway?

Allen Johnson

September 30, 2009 - 12:54 pm EDT

Probably not at the Harris-Teeter.

Christopher Rees

October 1, 2009 - 6:01 pm EDT

The more I think about it, the more appealing the N&R location becomes. It would tend to curb any nascent hostility between our tribes. It's neutral ground and is the progenitor of our playground, so we'd have to be good boys and girls. We'd all be on best behavior!
In addition, we could each bring some rather expensive brews, because we wouldn't be paying retail at a bar ("Not that there's anything wrong with that"). Nothing out of line, just a six-pack or so ..... but the good ales and lagers.
And I dare say the wine folk might contribute a bottle to add to the occasion.
I think it would be splendid.