I do control the subject matter on this blog; I was actually "in" to blogs as early as 2002, and it was the focus of my master's thesis, so I take the editorial control of this site quite seriously. And since it's my playground, we play by my rules. I absolutely invite external input, but with some strong caveats. If a person wants to say something, the main way to be taken seriously is to attach one's name to those opinions. I'm not going to open this site up to anonymous screeds (in the main blog posts). I'm not going to permit anonymous attacks.
Let's pause, for a second, to discuss what an Ad Homimen argument is. Wikipedia aptly defines such an argument as:
attacking or appealing to a characteristic or belief of the person making the argument or claim, rather than by addressing the substance of the argument or producing evidence against the claim.
The assertion I have a "Johnny come lately" attitude seems, on its face, to be a classic (anonymous) Ad Hominem argument. Rather than having to mount up (anonymous) rationales as to why I'm wrong, it's so much easier to just claim that I haven't been around, so my opinions count for nothing. When left unrecognized, Ad Hominem arguments can be quite effective. I'd like to turn that (anonymous) argument around by saying, there is no better way to stifle the involvement of individuals in a community than to say "you haven't been around, so don't even bother." I sincerely hope that is not your (anonymous) intent.
As for my writing style, including referring to Springville as the 'Ville - how in the name of grilled cheese could that leave anyone on edge? My comment that I wish I had taken notes on the community forum - it IS as if it never happened. We're 2 months out and the only idea that's being acted on for Sardinia's funding reserves is the Fire Service Award (more on that later).
Frankly, anonymous comments like yours, Mr. or Mrs. Anonymous, make me on edge.
I think the way this site is run, as opposed to other "visited" sites in Sardinia, is the reason why most nasty and virulent remarks are not here. The fact that you control the blog content vs others posting away haphazardly limits this. Anyone is able to post comments but they seem to be quite tame to date. I admire your honesty. I have no problem with either agreeing or disagreeing with you. As you said, the more sides presented the better. Finally, your style of writing is your own, as mine belongs to me. I don't think wording should raise hackles but if so, how petty. Rather, I think it is the content that causes people to be on edge. Luckily, no one is forced to read it.:)
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