"FarmI" ask@itshall be given wrote in message
...
"BAC" wrote in message
"FarmI" ask@itshall be given wrote in message
snip

A few years back, when I was on the receiving end of the
rougher side of Janet's tongue, for having disagreed with her over
something (can't remember what), I received several unsolicited e-mails
of 'support' from urglers, who chose to keep out of the discussion on the
open forum. I didn't mention it at the time, because, frankly, 'flames'
don't bother me, and I didn't want to embarrass them, but it's true
nonetheless.

Well I have also had online disagreements with Janet, and they have been
fairly robust ones. I have never considered Janet's comments to be in the
category of 'flames', merely robust and vigorous disagreements.

I had a couple of disagreements with Janet, on this group and another, and
the occasion which prompted e-mails of support was when she made a crack
criticising my personality rather than my argument. I agree that was not her
usual MO, I must have got her on a bad day, nobody's perfect.

But then I
don't run away from disagreements either. Janet has a good turn of phrase
that has a bite to it on occasions but I consider pitting wits against
someone of Janet's abilities is all part of life's experiences.

I always enjoyed my discussions with Janet, and have great respect for her
intellect and her powers of expression. I thought she would have returned to
the group by now, but she must have found another outlet.


I do find it astounding however that anyone would feel the need to send
off e-mails of "support" to one side but then not be prepared to state
their views in the open. It says to me that such silent and hidden
"supporters" are inadaquate in a number of ways. But then perhaps that
just reflects my loathing for any form of sneakiness.

Some people have a fear/loathing of confrontation (perhaps that's one reason
why we have secret ballots), they just can't handle it - what more natural
than that they should empathise, privately, with someone they perceive as
being bullied, yet draw the line short of backing their 'friend' in public?
That's not being 'sneaky' if you ask me. Sending private e-mails supporting
one person whilst posting stuff designed to keep 'in' with the 'other side',
now that would be sneaky.


Hence it is possible IMO that Helene may well have 'supporters' who
choose to remain anonymous. It takes all sorts, you know, and the fact
you clearly can't stand her doesn't mean everybody else does, too.

It's true, I do loathe her. I can't stand stalkers or liars in real life
and I like them just as little on Usenet. It could be just possible that
she has the odd supporter. Clearly they could not be very fussy about the
company they keep and it is probably just the same strange ones we see
here.


Now I understand better why Burns said, " Oh what a gift, a gift to gie us,
to see ourselves as others see us".