[MD] Decision

[Horse]

  Hi Folks

Hmmm! OK - not sure where to start.
Thanks for all the kind words and support and I'll try and make sense of 
all this.

I think most of you have understood my position and what I'm saying but 
I think there are still a few who haven't quite got the gist yet - 
probably my fault for not explaining it as well as I should have. Also 
there has been a certain amount of water-muddying going on (re: 
censorship etc.) and this probably hasn't helped either.

First let me say that I have no intention of removing Bo (or any of 
those that agree with his position) for interpreting the MoQ in the way 
he does, having a different slant on the intellectual level or for 
stating and arguing his position in this respect. I also don't have a 
problem with Bo (or anyone else for that matter) claiming that Pirsig is 
just plain wrong in what he says.

The problem I have is with Bo claiming support from Pirsig, re: the SOL, 
when Pirsig has clearly stated that he does not support Bo's position. 
Also Bo claiming that Pirsig is, somehow the originator of a position 
that Pirsig specifically rejects.
For Bo and others to claim that Pirsig supports Bo's interpretation, 
given the evidence and quotations that exist is, to my mind dishonest 
and unreasonable. This is summed up very neatly by Arlo when he stated 
the following:

Bo's MOQ = the intellectual level IS SOM.
Pirsig's MOQ = the intellectual level is NOT SOM.

If Bo, and those that support him, want to argue that SOM/SOL = 
Intellectual level and then use quotes from Lila and ZMM etc. to support 
their position then they are free to do so - I don't agree with this 
position and will say so when and where I see fit. But it needs to be 
made clear that this is a different interpretation to the one that 
Pirsig believes to be the case and stating or implying that this is 
'really' Pirsigs position will not be tolerated. Pirsig has said that he 
doesn't believe Bo's position, with regard to the intellectual level, is 
correct and his position should be respected and not simply ignored. 
Even worse, with regard to SOM/SOL = Intellectual level is stating that 
Pirsig doesn't know what he means and others know better than Pirsig 
what Pirsig really means or thinks or that what he really said or meant 
to say  was...... etc. etc. Pirsig was quite clear about his position, 
he is entitled to be respected for this so don't state or imply that 
he's a fool or an idiot.

In summary, claiming the MoQ supports SOM/SOL = Intellectual level and 
quoting chunks from ZMM, Lila , SODV, Lila's Child etc. to support this 
position is acceptable. Claiming that Pirsig supports SOM/SOL = 
Intellectual level or that he originated this position or similar is not 
acceptable.

A couple of points as a final note.
I think that it would be a good idea to allow newcomers to settle into 
the forum for a few weeks instead of, figuratively, leaping on them as 
soon as they are through the forum door and have their coats off and 
regale them with the MoQ according to Bo. This isn't a removal offence 
but it is certainly likely to get someone put on moderation if they are 
unable to contain themselves sufficiently well. Apart from anything else 
it's just plain bloody rude.
I also think it would be a good idea that if an argument has gone on for 
a certain length of time or number of posts and is getting absolutely 
nowhere then I should and will call a time-out to all involved for a 
cooling off and reflection period. I will try and be polite and 
reasonable about this and will expect those involved to respect my 
decision, live with it and not give me a hard time about it or make 
stupid accusations.

If anyone is still unclear as to my position then say so and I'll try 
and sort it out.

Cheers


Horse