Here is the thread containing the behavior for which I am apologizing. About half way down, Primaflora posts a challenge to name an author who published before Tolkein who created and maintained a world of comparable complexity. Aside from my serious arguments, I posted lists of authors in an attempt to have some fun, irritating many of the people I was debating with. Below is the content of the apology I posted in the thread itself, but I wanted to make this a public apology for all to see.
Upon further reflection, I realize I was over the line.
I hijacked Primaflora’s sincere attempt at debate for my own amusement. I later implied that Primaflora was playing games. For that I apologize to Primaflora.
I ignored reasonable attempts to address my suggested authors, and attempted no response. For that I apologize to Maeglin, andros and Abe.
I continued to post additions to my list without the belief that they were actually relevant. For that I apologize to all involved.
I posted an explanation in which I admitted to what I was doing, but tried to justify behavoir that was unjustified. I then continued the same behavior in that same post. For that I apologize to all involved.
I said some harsh things about Guanolad in some of my serious arguments. Though I disagree with your opinion of Tolkein, I believe you have every right to hold and express that opinion. I apologize for the unwarranted criticism.
Scylla, I apologize for . . . um . . . [think, think] . . . not including you in my original apology? No that’s weak. Hijacking the thread? No, that wasn’t me. Hmmm . . . I must have done something offensive that I can apologize for. Sorry, man, can’t think of anything. I’ll give it some thought and come back.
I’d like to apologize to the board for my overuse lately of the “gouging out someones eyes with a melonballer image”. While it is my favorite form of punishment currently, I can see that I need to expand my horizons. I shall move to a different kitchen implent for my torture devices. Perhaps the cake tester?
{{DDG}}
DDG: Do you have any support for that position? You’re only saying that because I agreed with you and spent several lengthy posts defending a postion we both shared. FWIW, yours was the position I most respected of all those in the thread, and that’s not just because it’s almost exactly the same as mine. As I said in my above OP, I don’t think my playing games with Primaflora’s challenge was appropriate, which is why I apologized for it, but neither do I think it was trolling. I should have followed your example and left after I’d said my piece.
andros: Thanks. It’s a shame that I let my little game distract everyone from the real topic, which was . . . hmmm. I don’t think we really pinned down what it was that we were arguing about. Tolkein’s skill as a writer? The nature of genius? What constitutes ignorance? How art should be judged? All of those were in there somewhere. One IMHO and three great debates in a single Pit thread.
Guanolad: Though I disagree with what you say, I will defend to the death your right to say it. It did get a little strange in there near the end. I commend you for hanging in for so long when the [checks the forum] shit hit the fan.
Zette: Ice tongs.
Fenris: [sub][looking at shoes, shuffling back and forth] Sorry.[/sub]
Kidding! I figured since you were giving them out… 
