If somebody of any persuasion does not appreciate something I say, I believe that he or she has every right to conceive of me as a jerk. And I can accept criticism with equanimity, even as I argue for my point of view. But I have my limit -- which kicks in as soon as some keyboard warrior moves the debate into personal messages. I got one of those yesterday from the always loquacious Gjohnsit and it pissed me off as you can see from the transcript:

From Gjohnsit
(Quoting me from another thread) This kind of formalism shows up on message boards quite often, as earnest advocates of particular points of view try to apply this zero-sum game logic to internet discussion. "Since you did not cover this point, you lose and my take is therefore true."

Do you really not recognize that you did EXACTLY this to me yesterday?

I replied May 14

Good luck with that kind of sniping, please post it in on the board.

I added May 14

And I just re-read what I did "to" you yesterday. I said you won. Irony, thy name is G.

Me May 14

Two hours later and three other members of the board have responded. And none of them reacted to this paragraph or showed any awareness that the quoted paragraph applies to you. I will be shocked if anybody else does.

This is exhibit A in my case against you for overweening self-importance.
Regarding my literal intent in writing that passage, let's just keep that our little secret.

gjohnsit May 14

Your complete lack of self-awareness is noted

You May 14

I am rubber and you are glue.

Neener neener neener.

Feel free to quote me and to repeat your latest insult on the main pages of C-99. I will then share with the group what I really think about you.

25 years of message board habit has taught me that the majority of posters do not like to see flame wars and I don't think it is in anybody's interest to play that stupid game out.

IT IS UP TO YOU.

You can make me aware of myself with more of your notions like "common courtesy" being your guiding light rather than misdirected ego. Part of me wants to see where your bile sends you even if you win over the couple dozen or so souls who still post here and I have to quit posting on C-99.
But I don't really care which way you want to go.

gjohnsit May 15

All of the bile appears to be on your side. It's you who wants to escalate this. You are obviously lying when you say that you "don't care".
But I'll keep replying just to see how long you can keep from "share with the group what I really think about you."

(emphasis added)

Me May15

Good luck with the self-righteous routine. I'll see you on the main board, liar.
Buckle up your chin strap.

This individual and I are incompatible. So I'm finally done with message boards.

Too many true believers who get bossy.