Dan,
 
You and the other "flying pig people" (as opposed to us "non-flying pig
people" -- see, you've created two classes of Conch-L'ers.  Before you know
it, you'll probably suggest we enter shell shows through the back door --
you know, like moving to the back of the bus)(next, for the sake of brevity
you'll refer to us simply as "those people" and we'll have to refer to you
as "pigs" -- what next?)  Ah, but I'm getting off topic.  I was saying that
when you "pigs" suggest that we "people" use our delete buttons, keep our
sense of humor and be understanding you are missing the point (or is that
the slop spot).  It is you who should be showing us the coutesy and
sensitivity of restricting your banter to the subject matter of this site.
 That's why we're here -- not
for your barnyard chatter, even when it has lofty aspirations.  Suggesting
we should get off, we're over serious, dully single-minded, or
not warm or caring about others, is just plain self-centered and rude.   It
is  you "pig people" that are indeed being boarish by not respecting the
rules of the site.
Friendships can be initiated on a site like this, but should be developed
and expanded beyond the confines of Conch-L's subject matter via private
email or other means (such as your own site catering to your aerial oinkers
or joining other sites with focuses more in line with your non-shell
related interests).  When you come on Conch-L, come on to join in and
contribute to the subject matter of this site -- including applying your
family suitable humor to it.  But don't come on it to make swooping swine
jokes, horned owl
stories, etc.
 
Now, let's see.  If I were to accept the philosophy of the "flying pig
people" I suppose I should close by including a funny story about some
subject other than shells just to prove how good humored, warm, and well
rounded I am and  in order to connect with all those on Conch-L that might
be simpatico.  And, just think, if we all did this and each responded in
kind, ad infinitum, we could just forget why we joined Conch-L in the first
place and rename it "Tell-a-funny-story-L".
 
Marlo
 
----------
> From: DanShell <[log in to unmask]>
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: WASTING OUR TIME
> Date: Monday, March 02, 1998 6:08 AM
>
> To the non-flying pig people,
>   Click on your delete button, there are some of us who enjoy the
occasionally
> humor and daily dialogue of Art and others. Don't take yourselves and
this
> medium so seriously. Some of your fine messages are also out of line from
time
> to time. That is all part of being on the web, and we need to get along
with
> one another and be supportive of the positive messages on shells and
shell
> literature that come along. Give thanks for the positive aspect of all
the
> good Conch-L has done, and stop bashing fellow shellers!!!