First, i would like to underscore that  we *should*  be mindful that
there are young, eager people reading and  participating in this list,
and they could easily be turned off by "pointed" or "ironic" posts of a
more-or less personal nature.  We are *not* a rapidly-growing
fraternity, and to dismiss the need to interest and encourage children
in conchology with or without a smile, is probably not a great idea.
Second, i was not aiming my perhaps slightly over-stated call for
civility at anyone in particular, so nobody should feel "defamed", in a
borderline or any other sense.  If i had named names, or if there had
been only one posting of an uncharitable  sort dealing with the topic in
question, this would be a different matter.  As it was, i was reacting
to what i felt was a certain "uncivil" tone which several messages
seemed to convey, in response to a remark which "hit a nerve" for some
readers.
I re-iterate my assertion that  a certain level of decorum, such as that
maintained over the past week or so, is a desirable attribute in a
more-or less public (anyone at all can access our archives!) discussion
forum such as conch-l, especially in the atmosphere of declining general
respect for and understanding of our common pursuit, conchology.  Also,
it makes for a much more enjoyable experience for all of us who  have
made this well-educated (and fun-loving!) group a part of our lives.
 
                                                                                                                Sincerely,
                                                                                                                Ross M.