OT: Facing a Stalemate

[Steve]

No: HPFGUIDX 126350


I'm not a moderator or a list-elf here, so I'm certain that I am over
stepping my authority. If that is true then the Administrators can
feel free to delete this message, and send me a stern Howler; a Howler
which I will humbly accept.

That said, it has come to my attention (indirectly) that this might be
a good time to remind people that a majority of the debates and
discussion here in this group are going to end in a Stalemate. More
importantly, when that occurs, we all need to recognise it, and move on.

Opinions are like noses, everybody gets one, and nobody's is any
better than anyone elses (noses and opinions).

We ponder, we speculate, we expound, we pontificate, we /believe/, but
we do not KNOW if Lupin is Ever-So-Evil or Ever-So-Nice (just an
illustration, don't really care).

Once each side has stated their case, then re-stated, illustrated,
clarified, documented, counter opposition, and re-clarified their
position, and the discussion has decended into 'yes he is' - 'no he
isn't'; it's time to step back. 

When it becomes clear that each side is entrenched and unwavering in
their belief, that is definitely NOT the time to shift to personal
attacks, either on the person or on their opinion.

No, indeed, that is the time to shrug your shoulders and walk away.
Feel free to think what you will, but be careful what you say.
Remember, we are all friends here, bonded by a common interest, and
the world will not end if someone doesn't accept your belief that
Lupin is or isn't evil (again, just for illustration; don't really care).

Each game, each discussion, does NOT have to end in a WIN. When you
reach a Stalemate, shake your opponents hand, clear the chess pieces,
and move on to the next game. 

Remember, someday you may need a friend, but you will /never/ need
enemies.

Hope I'm not in really deep trouble for this.

Steve/bboyminn