Posted by 5GJW [5thGenerationJW] on April 03, 1999 at 18:49:05 {Ed9c7782HMlo6QIt25t6ZX9D1q7/.6}:
In Reply to: ***If Covert goes... posted by Friend on April 03, 1999 at 17:42:48:
Hi Friend
You said:
>It is difficult to ruffle Rick's feathers and he never uses derogatory language except on a rare occasion when he has been provoked. Generally, Rick believes strongly in turning the other cheek and acts
accordingly. Last night Covert needlessly insulted and provoked Rick, a strained man for our sakes.
Covert's unnecessary comment about pond scum was totally uncalled for and started the whole thing, that is, as far as the insults.
In
that same thread, Rick calls those who oppose the WT for doctrinal reasons rabid, and hypocrites.
(136616.html) This was posted 15 minutes before Coverts first response to the thread. I
took exception to this, and I suspect that Covert did also. However, not being easily provoked, all I did was quietly grunt.
>On the critical side of the issue having to do with the NIV, I actually mostly agreed with what Covert was saying and Rick would have too had Covert respectfully disagreed instead of what s/he did, which was rude to the extreme. Rick had a view of the NIV and was debating his understanding. He would have seen the point had Covert sought to educate instead of insult. Otherwise, yes, Rick made some derogatory statements towards Covert.
They both went too far, without a doubt. Both felt wronged, and both overreacted.
>Covert, on the other hand, is easy to start the insult business. That, IMO, is what separates how those two behaved last night. You and Cygnus have basically said, "Give Covert another chance," Well, I have news for you, IMO, Rick and other moderators already have done just that for Covert. Relative to our discussion here, my own experience on this forum has taught me this: They do not ban first time offenders unless it is for pornography or something just as bad. If you look down the board you will see where Covert actually baited one H2O moderator. That is Covert's style and it is diametrically opposed to Rick's. There is no comparison between the two.
It appears that Covert will be getting another chance, in 30 days. This seems fair, he did say some strong things that were poorly phrased. This will give him time to rephrase his strong statements so that they will be in compliance with FPP 2000. As far as being guilty of bating the moderators, that list is long and illustrious. When the debate is about moderator abuse, bating, to show bias, is a valid method. For the sake of argument about this point, I will concede that Rick shows the maturity of an older man, who has the experience that gives self-control. Covert is 19, and while quite eloquent, is not as diplomatic as he needs to be on such a diverse forum. As far as comparing styles, your style is not at all like Rick's, but that does not mean that there is anything wrong with it. I think that you support your beliefs in an extremely civilized manner, even though I disagree with you often. You should consider the job that Andrew has offered you, your style would help the board.
>Now, let me ask you a question: Do you think H2O would have banned Covert from this board if last night had been their first and only episode of insulting behavior?
No, I do not. I also do not think Covert would have been banned if he was pro-JW.
>Beside all the above, everyone here should cut Rick some slack regarding his behavior last night. We all know he is overworked and certainly that he is underpaid. Rick's actions and contributions toward this board have been sincere and impeccable since day one. Can Covert say the same?
I think that both Rick's and Covert's actions are sincere, and I think that neither Rick's or Covert's actions are impeccable. Rick has provided a fine service to all of us, for which I am grateful. Give Covert some time, and he may do the same.
Let's just agree to disagree on M 14.
5GJW