MB>I have been a lurker for quite awhile, and I have been posting more
MB>of late.
MB>I am concerned with the derogatory remarks made towards Matt Smith.
The remarks have for the most part been regarding what he has said...and 
continues to say.....I don't agree that they have been derogatory.
MB>I may not always agree with what Matt says, but I think his posts
MB>HAVE been reasonably intelligent and well-stated.
You must have missed a few then....
MB>Most of our posts are anecdotal in nature. Very few of us are
MB>pontificating with reams of studies to cite.
Action Research....teachers do it every day...and they (we) are the 
experts of what is going on in classrooms.  Matt has shown some contempt 
for what teachers do by the very nature of some of his comments.
MB>Let's see, must everyone show his/her pedigree before being allowed
MB>to post here (or be taken seriously)? Must one be a teacher in order
MB>to post?
I agree with you here....otherwise it would be snobbish...but one who 
posts here should have a working knowledge and understanding of 
educational issues.  
MB>I would hope there is room for various perspectives and intellectual
MB>discussions, without hostile responses.
I agree and have probably contributed to some of those remarks...though 
I don't consider my remarks as hostile but rather....annoyed.
MB> 
MB>Again, I have only started posting recently and I don't want to
MB>create a war here (although that can be fun, too, for a brief period
MB>of time). Perhaps I'm unaware of some past battles, but it does seem
MB>like we can discuss and disagree without being disagreeable.
Im not trying to be disagreeable but if one chooses to enter the arena 
of dialogue here, or anywhere, without sufficient knowledge, get ready 
to take a few knocks.  As for Matt, he make *BOLD* statements regarding 
education that _Invite_ a response.  I think he may even take an extreme 
view just to get the ball rolling.
Thanks for your comments Mel....I think I may have to choose my words 
more carefully with regard to Matt....that is unless of course he says 
something stupid again and I have to put him in his place....
Dan
* CMPQwk #1.42* UNREGISTERED EVALUATION COPY
--- GEcho 1.11+
---------------