[meteorite-list] Dr. King collection ... and other arguments

From: Piper R.W. Hollier <piper_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Thu Apr 22 10:04:48 2004
Message-ID: <5.1.0.14.2.20020511115739.01e84d60_at_pop.xs4all.nl>

At 18:52 10/05/02 -0700, Rex wrote:
>Personally I think these arguments are kind of funny. Its sort of like
>sitting in the backyard listening to the neighbors fight. As long as
>nobody starts beating the crap out of their wife dont get involved, just
>sit back and watch the fireworks.

Hello Rex and list,

Admittedly every dogfight has some entertainment value. When the
participants are human rather than canine, who is to say that the spectacle
isn't even more amusing. Just the same, I don't look forward to the day
when most of the airtime of the six o'clock news will be replaced with the
Jerry Springer show. Nor do I consider this list the place for the kind of
cheap spectacles we have seen recently.

If I am not mistaken, this list is intended to serve (primarily?) an
educational function. We are fortunate to have the participation of many
professional scientists and serious amateurs. When the level of discourse
degenerates to that of a barroom brawl, not only does that distract from
the main purpose of the list, but it may tend to convince serious
professionals who contribute so much to this list that they are wasting
their time here. Those of you who, like myself, have been on the list for
many years know that this is not a hypothetical concern -- we have seen it
happen before. This list would not be what it is without the frequent
contributions of Ron, Allan, Bernd, and a long list of other professional
GENTLEMEN who undoubtedly are not here for the name-calling, back-biting,
and four letter words. I have great respect for them for their willingness
to put up with the recent distractions.

PLEASE, will those of you who are unable or willing to participate here in
a polite and civilized manner, take your gladiator matches to some other
arena. They don't belong here.

Best regards to all,

Piper Hollier
Amsterdam NL
Received on Sat 11 May 2002 06:26:50 AM PDT