[stumpstalker]

Gary:

The Forum rules that we all have agreed to adhere to render out of bounds who started the dispute, or whose posts were more personally provocative, etc.

The Forum rules, found in the WEBSITE & FORUM – HELP & ASSISTANCE section, as the “Forum Decorum” sticky thread at the top, is quite clear about what debates are allowed and not allowed.

Here are a few relevant bullet points (of a total of about 14):

• Be polite and respectful to others. There are no stupid questions, there are however rude answers which might get the responder a “time out”.
• Try to be helpful to others. If you are in a bad mood then please do not participate as your negative mood will undoubtedly show in your posts.
• Common respectful and professional debates are encouraged BUT, that does NOT include a personal attack of the person you are debating. Frankly, if you do not like someone - do not fight or attack them in your posts. Please contact them outside this forum and our servers/systems – and then feel free to trade insults.