BFan wrote:
....
I have monitored this newsgroup for some time now, and I have seen a lot of
helpful, informative and amusing discussion taking place. The one striking
thing that I noticed, though, is the insults and name-calling that take
place here.

You have to remember that the same small group has been here for
years; some of these feuds have gone on for five years or more. My
discussion with Jim has been going now for 2.5 years.

For most newcomers, we remain civil. Even helpful. But you want
polite, try rec.boats.cruising. If fact, you'll find half of us are
there also.

When I saw Ringmasters insult, I was not going to accept it
without comment. Normally I just ignore name-callers and trolls, but this
time I had enough.

It was just a sign of endearment.

Sorry if I took the newsgroup in the wrong direction,

there really is no wrong direction

but foul insults from
people like Ringmaster do not belong in a newsgroup like this.

If not here, where?