I note that both sides are throwing around accusations of name-calling and bullying/intimidation. I agree that some minimum forms of civility are preferable to any of that, if that’s what’s occurring.

I’m pretty confident though that, as John hints, all the main players in this one are able to take care of themselves, and well-practiced in online controversy. The rest of us will be interested to see whether any new light is thrown on the topic at hand as a result of this latest discussion.

I think the vicious abuse from Young and his supporters (see the OLO comment thread) is just going to drive people away from on-line forums.

I am sorry if I’ve misread the tone of the discussion and have added fuel to something that’s actually unpleasant for you both.

I suppose that if you have been in a number of these things, it may get a little tiresome. Still I hope that you guys will be able to sort it out if you now have genuine grievances.

Although I’m bored with this kind of stuff, I have had plenty of practice, so I’m confident of giving as good as I get, and more.

Having said that, as long as everyone in the discussion is robust enough to handle it, I think it can be great - I think sometimes its a bit like student or grassroots politics - everyone gets to try out and sharpen their arguments and rhetoric in public.

It’s also entertaining for readers I have enjoyed being a spectator in some of your blog’s stoushes with my fellow Queenslander Iain Hall, and I reckon that some unpleasantness aside, you guys and Iain have probably had some fun, too (Though I’m aware that there is a truce of sorts now). I also like the Bolt/Boltwatch dynamic.

Anyway, thanks for the comment, and like I said, more to come.