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On Irrelevant Replies

Mark Camp
@MarkCamp
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I often make irrelevant comments on Ricochet threads. New sidetracks, comments relevant only to the sidetrack I am responding to, and humor.

It always seems like a good idea at the time.

But more and more, in retrospect, it seems like a bad one. A couple times, X (a highly respected writer here) has subtly indicated that he doesn’t much care for having his serious posts hijacked.

That pushed me over the edge. I think I will quit. If I forget I would appreciate a gentle reminder from my friends.

* * *

In the 10 months since I wrote the above, during which it has been curing in the Ricochet Drafts Cellar, I’ve been quite faithful to my resolution, though not perfect. You wouldn’t have noticed even if you tried, because only I know how often I’ve been sorely tempted to write something with One Degree of Separation from the post to which I am ostensibly replying, but stifled myself.

I hope that most of my conversational zigzags have been in the category of allowables, “backyard barbecue talk.” I mean where the OP was not intended as a serious thesis, but just as a get-together.

Like…OP: ”I just got back from X, and let me tell you, it was…”- - -Commenter: “Oh my sister-in-law is actually from X! She ran a deli there back in the 70s. Reubens are my favorite sandwich now, but I like them with yellow mustard, not brown. How about you?- - -etc.

Anyway, this article is just cluttering up the Cave, not getting any better, so I am mashing the Publish button now, for better or worse.

This post was promoted to the Main Feed at the recommendation of Ricochet's members.

Discussion (56)

  • Dr. Bastiat@drbastiat
    I really hope that wasn't me. If so, I apologize. I doubt it, because you referred to them as a serious writer who tries to stay on topic. So presumably it wasn't me, and I can relax and enjoy the Ohio State game this weekend. The new NIL rules are destroying college sports.
  • OldPhil@OldPhil
    ReplyingtoDr. Bastiat

    Dr. Bastiat (View Comment):

    I really hope that wasn’t me. If so, I apologize. I doubt it, because you referred to them as a serious writer who tries to stay on topic. So presumably it wasn’t me, and I can relax and enjoy the Ohio State game this weekend. The new NIL rules are destroying college sports.

    Tony Bennett, the University of Virginia's BB coach (he won the NCAA title in 2019) "retired" at 55 last week, not long after signing a 6-year extension, citing the changing college athletics environment:

    Bennett’s growing discomfort with the new reality of college sports — with NIL, the transfer portal and agents playing an increasingly bigger and even vital role — has been evident for years. On Friday, he confirmed those were the driving factors behind his retirement, less than three weeks before tipping off his 16th season leading the Cavaliers.

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