: : Be careful with your comments. We don't allow taking things to a personal level here.

: [snip]

: It's none of my business, I suppose, but I think that there's quite a gulf between a reference to "an unbiased reader" and a personal attack regarding another person's alleged bias. In fact, there's no mention of names whatsoever in the passage in question.

: It's up to the powers that be, of course, but I would think that this passage would fall into the "neutral discourse" category. If it doesn't, I think it might prove hard to disagree with anyone on here at all.

I think that Bacchus and macadamia have raised vey good points, and I thank Bacchus for saving me the effort of making the arguments that he so nicely laid out. I think that it is quite apparent that there is a tension expressed between Elves and Dwarves in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, as has been demonstrated. I also feel that Michael may be pushing the claims of Bacchus and myself a wee bit too far. I, for one, do not find an outright racial enmity as is hatred, but a history of tension.

Bacchus, again I say, "Well stated, sir." I think your arguments have carried the day.

And on a final note, I would like to agree with macadamia on the question of bias and personal level. I think Michael has misinterpreted Bacchus satement on bias (I do not mean this to be in any way a casting of blame, and I think that if Michael reads it again he will see it was presented in a neutral manner). Perhaps whoever monitors the board can step in if need be, but I certainly find no reason for that type of action. I saw no personal attack, or anything resembling such.

And a final, final note (hahaha). I am neither influenced by others or by a "gamer" mentality, and I do see a tension between Elves and Dwarves. Just a comment, as I think it is not a constructive manner of argument to generalize in that manner. Thank you.