[Peter Cornwell]

Some threads can certainly become irritating particularly to the cognoscenti among us and we have experienced a couple of recent examples - both now mercifully closed by the moderator. Hoary old subjects, chewed over with monotonous regularity over the years by successive generations of researchers, have an annoying habit of raising their heads from time to time. And dispiriting as it undoubtedly is, there are (and will continue to be) those who do not have the benefit of access to original source material or who chose not to consult previously published works or worse still rely on the internet for their research. But may I urge a degree more tolerance from those of us who may possess a better grasp or understanding of the subject under discussion? Many members of this forum do not enjoy the same level of detailed knowledge as others and the anonymity allowed contributors can mean that you don’t know with whom you are exchanging views. Thus, the perceived weight of these differing opinions or interpretations can sometimes be difficult to balance one against another. There are also some who will remain doggedly fixed to their views irrespective of any contrary opinion – however cogently put. Everyone has a right to learn from their own mistakes. I would suggest that the easiest way to avoid these occasional irritations is to make your point and move on. It will either be accepted or rejected - so be it. Better yet, you can chose to ignore any perceived nonsense and get on with your own life.