Just a question

[quijote]

Brom--My observation is that you overuse direct citation in your responses. As a result, your comments seem overly confrontational and derisive. Your citations fall into two groups: citations that support an argument, and citations that merely have a rhetorical role. here's an example of the latter:

<<Man, you guys are sensitive. I really don't know what I have said to have so many people saying that my comments should "turn you off". How? Even "Innkeeper" who says exactly what I say believes that me saying it turns people off. We both said the same thing.>>

When I try reading this passage out loud, the two citations ("turn you off" and "Innkeeper") seem to be forms of sneering. Do you not believe that people were turned off? Do you not believe that Innkeeper merits the handle he has assigned himself? Shall we refer to you as "Brom"?

With regard to the use of citations for argument, it is the judicious use of citation--not its overuse--that helps to bolster an occasional point. Very few of us come here looking for a scholarly argument or a legal case, so it is not necessary to answer people's posts as if we were preparing for an audit or a trial. This is a reasonably informal discussion forum. If someone wants proof of a claim, a request for such will be made. Except for posts like the one I am currently writing, there is usually little need here to mount elaborate arguments--replete with textual evidence--to answer most questions. A simple answer--a truly simple, straightforward, and constructive answer--will do just fine.

And a final comment: Perhaps Yabloka's aspirations to learn all the nuances about wine are rather high, but so what? Shoot for the stars and land on the moon, I say. Let Yabloka enjoy her high ambitions for now, and let her tailor those ambitions (or meet them) as she learns more. After all, aren't we all on this board because we like wine and want to learn more about it?


[This message has been edited by quijote (edited 10-31-2003).]