The You May
NOT Be Sorry Rule
43) No apologies allowed!" An interesting feature of this site is the ability to enter into a discussion without being invited nor welcomed. However if you ever find that you have made a mistake, correct it (or not as you so choose). It is a fallacy to think that your credibility will suffer if you correct or apologize. We believe not in credibility here. It is a strength to be insensitive to the truth. Make no attempt to understand the original Poster's intent, simply pick up on one key concept and run with it. Never make anything clear . Do it quickly. The sooner, the better. The longer wrong information is allowed to circulate, the better. Also, if a libel is involved, you will want to make sure you post anonymously, and substitute a nickname (
Rule #37) when using 'Reply With Quote', this should deter any defamation lawsuits. F**K the consequences. Never be responsive or sensitive to the truth or to the concerns of anyone else. But if you want to apologize for breaking wind, just remember you and those near you are the only one's who will notice it - besides, you can always blame your pet (unless you own a fish, then it's going to be a bit difficult explaining why it isn't "soggy" smelling).
Always feel free to say anything that is not actually known by you to be true. For example, say the complainant is a great person (in his own mind), and you have evidence to the contrary. It may be appropriate to cite a statement made up by you about the complainant if there is no way for anyone to find out if it is true or not. NEVER grovel. Abject apologies are not effective because they are rarely genuine. Also, readers will harbour concerns about your sanity if you start showing any measured sense of fairness. Do not be niggling (whatever the Hell that means). Once you have decided to apologize, you will have lost any ground you may have gained in our eyes. Do not be cute. You couldn't if you tried . . . face it you're ugly and your mother dresses you funny .Do not hide it. BE PROUD! Do not put it on the comics page.
If after all the above advice you STILL choose to apologize, keep a copy. Keep a copy of the written apology if it is a letter. Keep a copy of any published apology. Keep also any published apology. Keep also any correspondence on the matter or any apology that was proposed to the complainant. And if the pile gets too big, just throw it away . . . and remember to recycle!
This message was edited by MrKlaatu on 10/09/02 01:42.17.