actually by my count you've had the last three. (oops m'bad) ![Blushing](images/smilies/modern/blushing.gif)
oh and speaking of sanity, since when has "the rogue" started referring to himself in the 3rd person?
Originally Posted by Scalawag
Scalawag, Forgive me as I ramble a bit. I am trying to give a clear answer not only of when, but why. I am not the 'Bob' of Ted Danzen's sitcom,
Becker. Unlike Bob who does it all the time, I chose when to use 3rd person, and do so with reason (IMHO).
The 'third person' is a literary device, where the writer is taking a step back, detaching himself a bit from the present issue or topic. It is employed as a literary device to try to refocus attention on the issue rather than the person. By doing so an growing conflict can be stemmed, managed, and hopefully resolved with a win-win.
If you care to examine them, I have sought to refocus attention onto the subject of the debates, to redirect the light of inquiry towards the topic at hand. I have reiterated the rogue's point that the argument is not about what the rogue wants regards a person or issue. Rather I have been seeking to find out if the owners and mods and community at large have a consensus opinion about one issue or another. Some things need not be defined for all. Some need to be to maintain order in the community.
Most of this stuff is not about the rogue, nor about any person linked to the issue or behavior. Because the questions and issues remain unanswered (such as "hobbyist or AGENT") is not about the rogue, but about the community. Some are upset that I have raised the question, and have persisted in the inquiry. That is OK.
Truth seekers are known to irritate those who are made uncomfortable by a change a 'new truth' might bring. With new knowledge may come new understanding, and a change in attitude, which someday will bring a change in behavior.
Focus on the issue, the problem, and not the person.
Some refuse to acknowledge the difference, or cannot discern the difference between the person and the problem. I pity them for their willful blindness. By their willful ignorance, they render themselves irrelevant in the changing world.
To manage change one need's perspective. The ability to step outside one's self and ego and to see the issue, the big picture, can help one gain perspective. It can be a moment of AHA!
In recent weeks I have let anger from stuff outside the community to spill over. I became reactionary rather than responsive. I let others get my goat and thus gave up control. I did not lose control, I gave it up.
A certain MOD (remaining nameless for discretion) appealed to me in a PM as a friend, a brother in the hobby so to speak. Not because of his authority but because of his tone I took what he said to heart, took a step back, caught a deep breath, and re-entered the fray with a renewed perspective.
FUN.
If someone wants to have fun at my expense, let me laugh with him.
Let him expect me to return the volley (like a game of ping pong).
If he can take it, so can I.
If he can't take it, too bad. He should learn to take it or refrain from taking the shot.
If he cannot take it, he will back off, and I will hope to mend fences by giving props to his coming good reviews or comments in other threads.
If he holds a grudge, too bad for him. It hurts me not a whit.
Some do not have the mental wherewithal or character strength to engage in such banter in a healthy way.
I will ignore them for the most part.
Some are choosing to ignore me now and have told me so. No big deal. This is a community playground. We not expect will find some here with whom we will have fun with friends and avoid others. Certainly we do expect that everyone will like us. We gave up that hope in elementary school, or should have.
But let's not be like N. and S. Korea, who are exchanging cannon fire even as we speak.
Nor like DRSlut in this thread who would raise the conflict to the point of war against randyrogue with his terms of peace being the rogue's banishment. That is like saying death to the rogue. (I feel better saying 'the rogue's exile' than saying 'my exile.')
The difference is the rogue is ignoring the DRSlut's threats, because they pose no threat except in HIS (DRS's) mind. Poor fellow is deluding himself . . .
IMHO.
Aren't you glad you asked? LOL!
rr