ludwig - "Andy's just apologised for not bullying Svejk. I'm not sure how that works."
It works like this.
I make a post, which as far as I am concerned is fine.
AN Other AB'er perceives my post as being bullying / inappropriate / nasty / cruel etc.
There are two positions I could take -
1 - tell the poster to get a life / sense of humour / thicker skin, a pair etc.
2 - appreciate that my post has been misunderstood, and, as is often the way with the limits of written communication, it has gained or lost something which I did not intend, which has caused upset.
I will always go for the second option.
To expect everyone to understand everything I post in the manner and form in which I posted it, and to place the blame on them for failing to do so is in my view, high-handed and insensitive.
So although I may not feel as though I have upset someone - and it is never my intention to do so, I am always happy to apologise for my part in any misunderstanding.
It's the way adults should behave towards each other - by all means fight your corner and debate robustly, but upsetting people is not a part of the deal, and I am never keen to do so, and I will always try and sort things out.
Hope this clears up any misunderstanding.