On Sun, 11 Nov 2012 23:21:06 -0600, Bruce Hill wrote:

> If we also stick to helping someone with their problem, and refrain from
> replying about how bad or useless we think an app or ideal might be to
> us, we could avoid flame wars.

Unfortunately, there are times when it is necessary to point out how bad
an idea is in order to help someone. Recent example: the suggestion to
use dd to copy one drive to another with a different block size. While
this may have worked for the person suggesting it, it is a bad idea in
general and refraining from stating that could have resulted n problems
for someone following that advice.

Surely stating the merits or otherwise of an idea is a core element of
discussion, and discussion is what this list is about.

On the topic of swearing, some consider it "bad language", as you do, and
I respect that view. Others consider it a means of expression (others
seem to use it for punctuation, but no one is defending that). There are
times that some words can add emotion or emphasis to a statement,
especially when used rarely, but on a list like this there is generally
little or no need for it. However, not all users of this list are
native-English speakers and other cultures see use of such language
different - one only has to look at the comments made on the podium of
the Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix, made by professional drivers who are paid
not to offend.


-- 
Neil Bothwick

And on the seventh day God said :wq and then make