Conchlanders,
 
A positive way to deal with a rough conversation is to change the subject
to a more positive topic. Better to light a candle than to curse the
darkness.
 
One of the nicest things about Conch-L is that we always have several
topics of conversation going on at once. It's a lively party where you can
drift from one knot of people to another to talk or listen just as you
like. The music is never too loud. And if you want to fight, the others
will ask you to take your argument outdoors.
 
It's good to remember that everyone you write here is read by almost 400
people, all over the world, and then archived on the Web. It's best to use
standard, plain English most of the time. Remember that a few children
participate in Conch-L as well as adults. And to tolerate the occasional
lapses. In the past year, we've all learned that humor differs amazingly
from person to person as well as from culture to culture, and is more
important to some people than to others. I hope that the enjoyment that is
spread by a joke outweighs the displeasure.
 
Be yourself. An honest opinion is worth more than a "politically correct"
one. Don't be the salt that loses its savor and is good for nothing. Still,
there's another old saying that applies here: If you don't have anything
good to say, then don't say anything at all.
 
I think the world of you people. You keep me amused, and I learn something
new every day. I don't always follow my own rules, especially when I am
nervy about a deadline, but you usually tolerate my lapses, and I'm
grateful. As long as we keep focused on shells--any aspect of shells, from
dreams to details--the party will be a good one.
 
Andy
 
Andrew K. Rindsberg
Geological Survey of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA