Quote Originally Posted by JerryMacP View Post
As you say, I suspect there's some cultural difference here, between us effete Brits and you straight-talkin' settlers. I was just reporting my own response when reading your initial words. I'm sure no offence was intended.

But without wanting to flog this to death, I'd like to clarify my point about politeness. For me there's a world of difference between being rude about someone behind their back, and being rude to their face. Maybe it's hypocritical, but it's also the stuff that makes societies functional, and prevents web boards descending into flame wars. So if I'm talking about someone I despise who is not present, I will happily criticise and condemn in no uncertain terms with the best of them. But face to face I'd still feel it important to maintain a basic tone of civility and fairness in expressing to them my reservations about their business practice. My point here was that the person who you were talking about in language that might easily be taken, even if not meant, as insulting (who'd already said they felt hurt by earlier words) was in the room and taking part in the conversation.
While I was not trying to flame anyone (really wasn't), I disagree. Anyone I say about anyone will be said to their face, and they have the opprotunity to rebut. now I agree that a fourm like this should be civil and respectful. There is one kiltmaker here (not a sponsor) that got an evil bashing from me in an e-mail once, that I never would have posted here (nor been allowed to).

But as porrick has said, we've veered from the topic. I am done other than to say, "I'm sorry if anyone was offended, it was not my intent."

adam