For what it's worth

Some of the comments I'm going to make may be interpreted as incendiary (no pun intended); for an example of why I've created this thread, just follow "The Magic Bullet" thread.

As I'd indicated in that thread, I'm very new to this site. Being a history buff, I really enjoy it.

From what I've seen, though, it seems like there are a few people out there who seem to feel it's their moral duty to tear people down, sometimes for a simple choice of words in a post. After seeing this a couple of times, I finally responded to one in "The Magic Bullet", & was taken to task as somebody who "doesn't like personal criticism".

I guess that, unless one has served/does serve in the military & can TYPE IN CAPS SO AS TO SHOUT AT OTHERS ON THIS SITE, their opinions aren't valid.

I'm going back to lurking - it's safer for those of us who just enjoy reading about the history . . .

[PeterL]

Obbo, if you have the time to drag the forum archives you will perhaps not be surprized to find that yours is not the first post of this kind. Take a breather, then come back and be a tad more selective with the threads you choose to join in. Sad but necessary.

vbr

Peter L

I have been watching all this take place on the "Magic bullet tread". As a rule I try not to get in to one of these "fights" because it's all alittle useless. How does attacking each other about a opinion help solve the problem? I'm sure no one has all the answers because not one of us was there! If only a tenth of the energy used to slam each other, then we would KNOW every thing about WW1 aviation. So I ask, what does 95% of the content of the Magic bullet tread have to do with the question A.M.M. asked the first place? I think maybe someone should go back and read it. And if anyone wants to attack me for this "opinion" go right ahead, I'll just watch and laugh.

Mark P.

Find Steve D's thread on "The Horrors of War." and you will see, with some reflection, that you were picking at the scabs that cover deep wounds of some combat veterans.
Also, in reviewing the past postings, note the similarities of your posting to others in the past.
You are welcome to post at any time, but think twice and post once. Choose your words carefully. I'm sure you will integrate with this crowd nicely, but you have to read some posts and become familiar with the styles of various forumites. You'll soon get to know the forumites, their particular area of expertise, and actually get to like them. Just pretend that you have walked up to a group standing around a hangar, discussing flying. Join in when you have something to add or have a question about WW-I Aces, aircraft, tactics, etc. You may not believe this, but we all actually want you to join in.
In the company iof such strangers, one does not ask somebody: "What's that ugly scar you have disfiguring your face?" I hope you understand.
Using caps was no worse than your pointing a finger. If you need further illucidation, please provide your eMail address. You'll find mine in past postings.

I understand you completely. WRT to folks with military backgrounds having the only valid opinion, not all of us are guilty of that.

I know you don't mean to imply we're all like that. But you never know around here, somebody just might misread your post (irony mode on).

[thinking to myself...boy I sure enjoy civil discourse]

Cheers

Hmmm... I always thought that WW-I WAS a military subject.
It is the great diversity of people on this forum that make it interesting.

Stick with it observer. This site is a bit like the english weather, if you don't like it wait five minutes, and something else will come along.
I enjoy it, and get alot from it, well worth
braving the odd archie barrage from time to time. There's a side benefit, that when it gets too hot, you can always stop for a beer. A benefit not enjoyed our predecessors!!!!!!!

andy

Thank you Mark P. I am still hoping to have my question posed in the bullet thread answered!

I'm with ya in sort of lurk mode. I understood completely what you said about "IF MvR WAS put on trial".

I think they tore you a new one, because a while back someone actually DID call MvR a murderer because he collected trophies of his victories. Now that's not your fault Observer, they should have read your post more clearly!

I've had a few of my posts misconstrued by the very same individuals who put you to task. I really wish some forumites would CAREFULLY read and re-read a post which has set them off BEFORE they post what could be considered a torch post.

Now back to my lurking and only posting mostly in RB3D threads.

Correct me if I'm wrong but all the andy posts on the magic bullet thread are mine. The question posted above without an email was not posted by me. I can ask my own questions thanks.

andy