Whatever Happened to B5?

 Posted on 9/27/1997 by J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com> to CIS


{original post had no questions}

"Yeah, I've been waiting for the 'you're just a trekkie with nothing
better to do than bash B-5' or 'Oh, look! Another drive-by flamer'
comments. But as you said, Martin did outline his points quite nicely!"

So in other words, you object to the sort of person who
uncritically goes after someone for giving a negative opinion.

Okay, that's fair.

I would also point out, however, that in all the time I have
seen your posts here, it seems like the only time you come out of the
woodwork is to uncritically support someone who says somethilng
negative about the show. Doesn't matter if they say it's too fast, or
too slow...you're right up there the instant it's posted cheering it
on. Not the positive reactions, ONLY the negative ones, insofar as I
have ever seen, and on every possible issue.

I would say that the one uncritical kneejerk response is just as
wrongheaded as the latter...wouldn't you?

jms



Whatever Happened to B5?

 Posted on 9/27/1997 by J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com> to CIS


{original post had no questions}

"Because I believe first in foremost in the right of everyone's
opinions to be considered equally. That *is* my opinion."

I disagree. It is the right of everyone's *informed* opinion.
If someone were to come in here saying that all (pick an ethnic group)
were slovenly, lazy and genetically inferior to (pick an ethnic group),
I suggest that you would object, because it's bigotry and not an
informed opinion.

The B5 forum has its share of strafers...people who buzz in,
drop an inflammatory message, and zoom back out again, letting the
bombs crash and the arguments that follow...and have no interest in any
kind of discussion. Often they never even come back, as was the case
with the person who said the show was boring. I notice that none of
the replies to his messages had the (X) that says it was received by
him.

So the quote above is untrue on the face of it. Also, it does
sound as if you're saying it's good to be negative, but to be negative
*about* the negative statement, that needs to be fought back
uncritically, regardless of the validity of the original statement.
The result is that you sign a blank check on your conscience and
credibility.

jms