Posted by Seraphina22 [207.144.215.19 - dial-9.r9.tnwabg.infoave.net] on 02 June 2003 at 16.54.15 ZuluTime:

In Reply to: Well, it's conclusive.... posted by Hunter on 02 June 2003 at 11.40.34 ZuluTime:

As I browsed through the text of these latest attempts to boost your self-esteem by lashing out at others, it suddenly occurred to me what a waste of my precious time that this truly is. And yes, my time is precious. I have so many more important things to worry about than playing this message-board game with you. I have so many more productive things to do than to sit behind a computer all day and lash out at my opponents in a game that ultimately has no prize for the winner, and no penalty for the loser. When this first started, I thought I was dealing with mature adults. I'm now questioning that. I'm dealing with people who are well-read, but that's not always a sign of maturity. Oh, and let's not forget the level of education I'm dealing with here. Alcyonian has been sure to remind me of that in every post she's made. (Interestingly enough, you guys have assumed because I don't fit your standards of an educated person, I'm not.)

There are many things I could say to totally shoot down alot of your theories you came up with this time. Such as your own failed attempt to recognize sarcasm, instead taking it as an attempt to flatter you or, as you put it, "ass kissing." I was going for humility, but the sarcasm found its way in. Tragic flaw of mine. At any rate, these latest posts have made me realize what I'm dealing with here. I think you sound just as ridiculous as you think I do. Obviously, there is no middle ground. Still, even now I'm tempted to go into a lengthy discussion about what my beliefs really are. Apparently, you are having trouble believing me when I say I'm not a Christian. When I was practicing Christianity, I was eager to profess it. Would a true Christian deny that he was? If I were a Christian, I would believe that by denying Christ, I was securing myself a place in Hell. Yes, I've been there and done all that, so I can say "it feels great." Yes, I believe Jesus THE MAN existed--most historians do. But anyway. I don't want to get wrapped up again in trying to prove myself to a bunch of hateful computer junkies trapped in Buffy-the-Vampire-Slayer-world.

If this REALITY that you live in consists of hiding behind a computer all day, chatting with your "invisible friends" because you aren't capable of maintaining real relationships outside of the one with Gremlin the Great, Master of the Grempire, (you said it, not me) then I'm certainly happy that I'm not part of it. Although your lack of the common courtesies (which, yes, even some animals are capable of extending) is somewhat disturbing, please know that none of your pathetic little insults were successful in either making me question my beliefs, or "hurting my feelings," for lack of a better phrase. I'm certain you could say the same thing about what I've said. The only difference is, it was never my intent to "hurt your feelings." Get out of your world? Gladly. I've spent way too much time in it as it is. I won't do it by taking your suggestion and killing myself, as much as that will disappoint you. But I will do it by calling a cease-fire to this petty little war of wit we have going on here. If it makes you feel better, I will concede. You win, Hunter. You get the big shiny prize. Congratulations. Put it in your trophy case. I will go back to fighting the more important battles of life that you don't seem to have any notion of-- raising a family, making a living, maintaining real relationships with real people, learning and growing spiritually, and avoiding programs like Buffy the Vampire Slayer at all costs. I'm not even going to come back to read the lengthy essay that you will no doubt find the time to write in response to this one. You and your little scientist friends, and all of your other highly educated groupies can have it all to yourselves.

I do want you guys to know one thing though, before I exit your world and never look back--despite all of the things that have been said, I still see the goodness in all of you. Not that your goodness depends on being recognizable by people like me--I'm just saying that I'm not afraid to admit that I realize you guys aren't as evil as some would like to think. There's a good side and a bad side to all of us. Whichever one we feed the most eventually devours the other one. But anyway...I'm rambling again.

Well, it's been fun. (Kinda.) Good luck, and may the Higher Power in the Universe, whatever It may be, continue to bless you and keep you from harm's way.