Communication ability
 

What a lesson in communication skills.

I just watched a movie "The Charge of the Light Brigade." Total fantasy.

The real story was a tragedy. The Russians were removing cannons from a lightly defended flank portion of the battlefield over a hilltop and the British commander ordered the light brigade to "capture the guns."

When the order reached the light brigade, the only guns in site were in the middle of the Russian main line, so 600 some odd calvary charged a massive defensive position and against all odds managed to kill an amazing number of Russians and return a large portion of the attacking force.

The lesson to be learned is to tell the other person exactly what you mean with no chance of misunderstanding. I think the best person I ever dealt with was a book store supervisor in Ithaca, NY. When she gave directions, she would say "repeat back to me in your words what I just told you."

It seems to me about half of the piss fights on this board are due to people being on different wavelengths, not due to real disagreements. Before you flame someone, try to see it from their viewpoint.

Despite all appearances, most differences on this board are substantial and not just misunderstandings. Did I get it right?

Yes. And you pointed out the other half: people who look for trouble. :D

Arguing with someone about politics who is vastly different from yourself is like arguing with a drunk. You won't change their postition so why make a fuss.

Often I find people arguing with my position and when examined we actually agree.

I try to keep cordial with nearly everybody because when it comes to cars we really mostly agree around here.;)