I'm with jefffwd and others on here who prefer an alive building to an eyesore, even with it's "historical integrity" pierced by a drive through. I'm also a big fan of Montgomery Plaza. I think some on this forum have become obnoxious condescending architecture snobs. Just 'cause one has a fancy blog, doesn't make one the last word on Fort Worth development. Jeez! Lighten up...
QUOTE (jefffwd)
VERY well put ramjet!!! Your statement is not only accurate but waaaaaaaaaaaaaay overdue! Although I am not completely sure who you are referring to I believe it may end in "ology"? Just sayin'
How nice of you all. Took a surprisingly short time for this to turn into personal insults. If this forum has degraded to the point where no dissent, no criticism of this city, and no criticism or disagreement about development and architecture is allowed, and needless name-calling, then count me out. Y'all have fun.
I've been away from this board for a number of months and, while playing catch up, I wondered: "gee, whatever happened to Atomic Glee?" So I did a search for him and noticed that he changed his user ID. And, according to the search results, he apparently made good on what he implied and his November 7 posting in this thread was his last.
That's too bad. I have
very profound disagreements with Kevin/Atomic Glee/Fort Worthology on a
number of issues. But he is one of the more passionate, articulate and interesting posters this board has had. And I frequently find common ground with him on certain aesthetic issues. I hope that his absence from posting here is for reasons other than having allowed a few remarks by the goon squad to "get to" him. Since I wasn't here to speak up for him then, I will do so now.
Having high standards, articulating them and living by them does
not make one a snob. A snob is a person who attempts to elevate his purported standards into an alleged basis for self-righteous moral superiority - usually in an attempt to boost a pathetic pretense at self-esteem. This board has had its fair share of snobs over the years. Based on what I have seen, Kevin isn't one of them.
And it is especially ironic that the allegation was seconded by an individual who, on this board several years ago, referred to people who shopped at Montgomery Ward as "low lifes." Snob? Pot meet kettle.
Also, what's with: "Just 'cause one has a fancy blog......"? The obvious resentment is dripping. Whether one agrees with his viewpoints or not, Kevin's blog is an impressive achievement that he has put a lot of work into. He has every reason and right to be proud of it.
Most people, myself included, do not enjoy confrontations. But the reality is that, if one holds and articulates a definite point of view on important matters and takes one's own views seriously, confrontations are inevitable. People
will disagree with you and raise objections whenever you express your opinions in public. If the objections are substantive, then you will end up the better for it. Perhaps the other person will rip what you say to shreds - in which case, you will have learned something. And even if they don't, having to overcome the other person's objections enables you to acquire a much deeper understanding of your position and the various issues involved than you previously had.
Unfortunately, sooner or later - and usually sooner - you will encounter disagreement from those who are incapable of raising substantive objections. Sometimes you will encounter outright hostility. You will be subjected to various fallacy-ridden attempts to intimidate you into silence or submission and/or
ad hominem attacks. Point such behavior out for what it is - and if they don't take it back after you have done so, then they have just revealed for everyone to see their own intellectual bankruptcy. You won't change their mind - but reasonable observers will see them for what they are.
So long as one is intellectually honest, being passionate about one's views and taking them seriously is a
virtue. But it is a virtue which is often resented by those who lack it because it underscores their own superficiality. Don't let the fact that such people exist bother you or deter you any more than you would allow the existence of flies and ants stop you from going to a picnic. Having a thin skin can be a significant handicap to a person who is passionate about his convictions. Encountering and getting practice dealing with the various arrows that will occasionally be thrown at you in public forums such as this is a great way to thicken one's skin.
For all I know, Kevin is away from this board for reasons similar to why I am often absent from this board for months at a time. But if he is gone for reasons suggested in his last posting - I hope he reconsiders as he is an asset to this forum.