It's been months since I've checked in and as luck would have it, I stumbled across this heated exchange. Apologies if I'm reigniting the flames, but what I've read evoked such strong feelings and I feel compelled to provide my two cents.
Prior to being diagnosed with spondy, I was diametrically opposed to joining forums because virtually every forum has a certain level of friction which is quite unpleasant. I ended up coming to KA every day because unlike another spondy forum that I encountered, I felt this one provided a more diverse set of opinions and information. IMO, the importance of having a wide spectrum of views and experiences to draw from is invaluable and the admins are to be applauded to support that.
When I encountering John's posts for the first time, I was not rubbed the wrong way. Occasionally, I felt he spoke in too authoritative manner, but chalked it up to a unique writing style. I do not agree with everything John posts even though I am very strict in adhering to a no starch diet. But I will also add that I am always interested in reading his posts because they provide a unique view. Regardless of whether we're reading something on KA or anything else on the web, one needs to apply some sense of judgment to filter out whatever is appropriate for that individual.
I think its interesting to read that people feel that this site has become a platform for the NSD. Last year when I visited the site daily, I felt that the NSD-ers were in the minority. The purpose of the previous two observations is to not imply any sense of good or bad, but rather illustrate the notion that those types of observations can be highly subjective to the individual.
I don't know what the facts are regarding the threat of potential litigation, but I would be truly saddened to learn if that is true. If we were required to boil down posts, both in content and style, to a common denominator that would accepted by everyone, this site would not only lose a tremendous amount of value, but would be pretty dull to visit. I will go one step further and say brandishing the threat of litigation is a despicable and cowardly tool to use in a heated argument. I apologize for using such strong words, but I am absolutely appalled at the idea of potential litigation.
In my eyes, John is an ambassador the NSD, and to a lesser extent, a more holistic approach to managing spondy. While it can be very easy to vilify him if you do not like his approach, I feel it's important to step back and see that he has made a substantial impact to many people, myself included. While it isn't for everyone, numerous people have benefited from the NSD. Some people benefit so much from the NSD, they stop coming to KA because they finally have a tool that allows them to manage the disease very effectively. John's constant presence in KA allows the potential benefit of the NSD to be a possibility for future visitors of KA. To the extent that John's efforts to champion the NSD helped others, that's a pretty amazing accomplishment.
While this doesn't give John a license to write in an inflammatory style, before anybody pounces at how they can't stand how he writes, please note that not everyone feels that way, and he has made a positive impact to others. Because of that maybe we should give him the benefit of the doubt and cut him a little more slack even if it seems as if he is asking for it. On the other side of the boat, if John wanted to be an even more effective ambassador to the NSD, tweaks to his delivery style may help his cause tremendously. Bottom line is that when there is intense conflict, both sides have a responsibility to address the issue – one side needs to be more tolerant even if they can't stand the other perspective and the other needs to be more sensitive even if they feel the other party is being unreasonably sensitive. It absolutely has to go both ways.
Last point, John, please, please, please continue championing the NSD cause. While everyone may not benefit from it, it has made a tremendous impact on others and your efforts are truly appreciated by them.
OK, enough of my monologue. My sincere apologies if my words rekindled any angst and negativity. I didn't have time to study the minutia of every post in this thread, so apologies if I mis-characterized anything. I can't express how much these little civil wars break my heart.
Best to all,
Freddie
