[Terese Coe]

I understand Alex's point, and yes, we are all grateful for Eratosphere's existence, not all in the same ways or to the same extent, of course. And yes, etiquette has its place when "business" or pleasure is being conducted. Though referring to poetry discussions as business, considering the debit-credit ink, is almost delusional--depending on where you are in the poetry cosmos, perhaps--and that's a huge perhaps.

Thanks to Nick for pointing out that Bill did not need to add his punitive 2 cents to the matter, thanks to Alex for reminders that courtesy and thanks are of the essence. I agree with Quincy that it's good this place (and Bill) helped him get his board back up.

It's also true that numerous Sphereans have benefitted from the long-term and often labor-intensive work that Quincy [not to mention Wendy Sloan, Eric Norris, myself and others] has done on Carmine Street Metrics as well as Raintown Review (with thanks of course to Anna Evans). So can we please give Quincy a break here? The fertilization goes both ways.

I am not in favor of further restraints on the Round-Up, and don't expect any that haven't already been put in place. It is unfair to demonize Quincy for giving certain members there some breathing space. I find he's done an amazingly even-handed job of keeping the peace there with a minimum of bans. In fact, arguments could be made that the Round-Up has enhanced rather than detracted from the Sphere. I'm perfectly serious.

[Marybeth Rua-Larsen]

Originally Posted by Terese Coe

It is unfair to demonize Quincy for giving certain members there some breathing space. I find he's done an amazingly even-handed job of keeping the peace there with a minimum of bans. In fact, arguments could be made that the Round-Up has enhanced rather than detracted from the Sphere.

I second that. Whole-heartedly. Thanks, Terese.

[W.F. Lantry]

Originally Posted by Nicholas Friedman

Whatever apologies you owe Alex for moderator missteps might be better given in private.

Dear Nick,

Thanks for your note. Of course you're right. I'm feeling a tad defensive, which means I'm in the wrong.

On the other hand, I was concerned about something entirely different. We've all seen people, over these past many years, commit large public faults and try to rectify them with small private apologies. Since my fault was public, I considered it best for my apology to be public. Anything else would be as knavish and cowardly as a shouted insult followed by a whispered apology.

I'm sorry I gave you the impression I was "spanking" Quincy. That's was certainly not my intent, I do support his goals. I hope you'll put it down to my inarticulate expression. That way we can all move forward.

As for girl scout cookies, I'm trying to bake my own, from a new recipe. I need to go check the oven: it smells like they're burning...

Thanks,

Bill

[Quincy Lehr]

A couple of things to note.

1. Bill and I and Alex and I have had pleasant email exchanges over the course of the day. None of us are angry with each other.

2. I would take issue with a potential implication in Bill's post--that the Round-Up is anti-Sphere. Not so. Many members are members of both--indeed everyone who's chimed into this thread has been a member at least at some point at the Round-Up. I don't think Lo or Alex has joined at the new place, but both can, and both would be welcome. There are a couple of ex-Sphereans at the Round-Up, too. Neither of them has ever tried to sneak back on or disrupt the Sphere's activities. I'll not hop on them for the periodic wisecrack. But really, the boards aren't enemies or even really rivals.

[Philip Quinlan]

But really, the boards aren't enemies or even really rivals.

Different, but complementary, my dear (Doctor) Watson.

Anyway, I'm glad I started the thread, and that, with Bill's able assistance, you are back in business. Back online, I mean.

Philip