<HTML><FONT FACE=arial,helvetica><FONT SIZE=2>In a message dated 12/7/2001 9:37:39 PM Eastern Standard Time, bone1966aYAHOO.COM writes:<BR>
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<BLOCKQUOTE TYPE=CITE style="BORDER-LEFT: #0000ff 2px solid; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px">It seems VERY impolite to post Howard's<BR>
private message to the list.<BR>
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Wholeheartedly agree especially when a sentence fragment is taken out of its context. Also, I am trying to avoid controversy that erupted when I simply suggested that endless discussions cluttering listserve about numbers of pilgrims during various millenia were not what I think most people would be fascinated by, save those vociferous folks who took personal umbrage and lashed out at me on listserve. <BR>
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In an attempt to spare all of you others from my comments directed at the perpetrators of the abstruse historical archeology, I decided to contact those who attacked me personally by using private emails.<BR>
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I enjoy listserve and want it to be fun to read. But after a while when some of the well-meaning members use it as a platform to "show off" their academic cleverness, I find it not a "goldmine" as Barry seems to celebrate, but tedious and boring. Also I find it condescending to be told to use the delete button if a topic like numbers is the subject. I refuse to delete messages I get because I'm afraid that part of the message from someone may have some merit even though the subject may not state everything in contained in a message. Enough said. Howard Mendes NYC</FONT></HTML>