Re: [Paddlewise] Opinions

Dan,

	I must confess that I also disagree with you for many of the same reasons
you take issue with.

	To me, there are indeed times when qualifying one's remarks, feelings, or
yes, even directions are necessary-but that, to me, is a rarity.  

	Often people who look at qualifying their remarks as trite do indeed come
off as either rude, or "controlling," or arrogant...

	Nigel Foster was in my experience, a wonderful teacher partly *because* of
his demeanor.  If you can easily adapt to the type of communication you
favor then I am happy for you.  I try to adapt, but am not always successful.

	Take care,

		Tom...

	



At 16:29 1/31/99 -0800, you wrote:
>KayakherSC_at_aol.com wrote:
>
>> Interestingly enough, "whatever works for you" is exactly what Nigel Foster
>> advises after he's presented the information, including his own experience 
>and
>> opinion, on a particular topic.  I personally am much more comfortable with
>> that approach to instruction than with know-it-all attitudes which tend to
>> turn me off, know matter how much they know. Each to his own, I guess!  :)
>> Sandy
>
>This *is* interesting. Are you saying that if Nigel were *not* to make
>his "whatever works for you" statement (or similar statements), but
>instead simply asserted his beliefs with passion and conviction, then
>you would conclude that he has a "know-it-all" attitude, and you would
>be offended by this? Many people who present their views without
>expressing tiresome and unnecessary qualifications are not "know it
>alls". There is a difference between stating one's opinions forcefully
>(leaving all of the trite qualifications unstated) and believing that
>one is infallible or "has all of the answers". Of course I realize that
>some people are not comfortable around those who express their opinions
>forcefully. Perhaps it is a cultural issue. In the environment in which
>I work my colleagues would think me weird--or at least a little bit
>slow--if I suddenly felt the need to "clarify" for the benefit of others
>I am merely expressing my beliefs. (As opposed to what? The divine
>truth?) To assume that someone is a "know-it-all" simply because they
>are forceful in their views strikes me as judgmental. But of course this
>is just my opinion. (Yawn.)
>
>As you say, to each his (or her) own.
>
>Dan Hagen
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