Please, let's not digress back to the defensive mode we were in last month. If someone makes a comment or supplies "fact" or "opinion" we don't agree with, it can be addressed to the list serve as a plain statement of disagreement, without adding to the name-calling. I know it is hard when you feel strongly about something, I often want to just shout over this list "What, are you CRAZY??!!". But I think we all suffered by the breakdown in communication in the past. I do not always agree with Bruce's way of wording things. I like to think his last message was trying to be more careful, and maybe even show some humor. I commented myself that as a woman I take no offense (didn't see that message posted though). Even tho' I may not agree with his tone, I realize that professors who are actively into research tend to take a stand, and defend their work, sometimes to the point of being beligerant. That isn't to say it is "right" or wrong, but being in an academic atmosphere myself I understand having to defend your beliefs or research to an unbelieving public and other researchers, and trying to "prove" your "facts". Just remember: Everyone's perception of reality is different. I guess this may cause more hard feelings. I hope not. I am one of those Carpenter "lovers", and I really hate people arguing. Let's just keep in mind that it is hard to discern someone's intended tone of voice on an e-mail. The best we can do is stick in a smiling face now and then to show humor or sarcasm :). Even if Bruce, or anyone else, is being insultive or aggravating (whether intentionally or not), it does not help the situation to say equally aggressive, berating remarks on the list serve where it can incite others into similar tirades. I think it is best to direct such comments to the author directly. Maybe it will even help change their own comments to the List. I would certainly hate to see someone boycott the List Serve completely because they feel anything they say will be criticized or worse. Everyone provides some important piece of information! We can comment without being mean. I may not agree with Bruce's comments, but he is supplying invaluable information that most of us would never have available to us in our lives. That doesn't excuse his bad behavior, but I try to glean the important stuff from the rest. John in CA as well provides much info and help to people as well, if he has views or "facts" I don't agree with, I use what is usable to me. Thanks for your time. I think we can all get back to serious genealogy AND some fun exchanges as well. Mary :)) === Mary C. Carpenter Quaternary Studies Program "Where Death is Just the Beginning!" NAU Box 5644 Northern Arizona University Flagstaff, AZ 86011 Ph. (520) 523-1718 __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Bid and sell for free at http://auctions.yahoo.com