I don’t know if you have noticed, but I seem to be getting up people’s noses a bit. I sometimes think that my contributions are not welcome. I cannot imagine why. Today, two of my comments attached to a post that seemed to be advocating freedom of expression, were deleted by the author without explanation. It is of course the right of authors on this site to edit their posts as they see fit. In this instance, though, I thought it delightfully ironic and a little curious. But you know me; I am not one to get into slanging matches. Play the ball, not the man is my motto. Now where else have I heard that expression?
Ok, ok, I admit, I do sometimes have a go at someone who I think is being a little daft or ill mannered, or even getting a bit above himself, but I do not think that I have ever deleted or edited anybody’s comments. The two of mine that were removed were not even rude. I thought them rather witty and apt under the circumstances. (They were in response to a personal slight against me and two others.) But, it is not just my style that seems to irritate my fellow bloggers. I get the distinct impression that the content of what I have to say meets with their disapproval as well, whether it be my views on religion, politics, race, or any other grand subject, or even the very the fact that I have ancestors.
I am, I confess, an iconoclast. I find it stimulating, informative and even amusing to confront the beliefs and ideals of others. Challenge the accepted wisdom. Don’t swim with the crowd if you think they are headed in the wrong direction. Play devil’s advocate. Don’t be afraid of making a fool of oneself. Be prepared to learn. Be quick to apologise and ready to forgive. Etc etc.
Inevitably I want to write about things that interest me, but if they do not do the same for others, there is little point in publishing them here. So, the purpose of this communication is to tell you that I will probably not be posting further articles on this site, but rather will do so on my own personal soapbox; known to the world as “Fork Handles”. Don’t panic though. I will not be abandoning the Chariot completely, unless of course I am barred from remaining here. I certainly wish to participate in other conversations and possibly the odd competition that take place on this site. I mean, talking to oneself becomes a little tedious after a while, even for me. I will just have to be more restrained about what I say. In the meantime, I remain grateful for the hospitality and serenity of our hostess, Boadicea.
Boadicea's Chariot 
I had not read Tom’s post when I wrote this, honest!
Fare thee well, Sipu. I am sure we shall come across each other again in some other place.
For goodness sake, what’s the matter with you guys, are you smoking those rastafarian roll ups, and addled your brains?
I love all you guys, and gals, stop all this daft thinking Sipu, and Tom, your presence will be missed, and you bloody well know it.
Now see what you’ve done, you’ve raised the hackles of the blonde 🙂
Sipu
If you’re not getting up peoples’ noses then they’re not paying attention.
I know just how you feel, Sipu, but I think it a great shame.
You certainly do not get up my nose by the way!
I don’t know what has been going on this morning, I took a brief look at the site earlier and decided to carry on gardening.
I absolutely agree with you; play the ball, not the man. It’s a pity not everyone remembers this.
I have bookmarked your site.
I hope you will stay, Sipu, but whatever you do don’t raise the hackles of the blonde. (Shudder!)
🙂
OZ
Sipu, you and I occasionally disagree but why flounce, even when those about you are losing their marbles? Your nursey rhyme, btw, will still be judged alongside the rest. 🙂
As a fellow iconoclast I would hope that you continue saying your piece. Those who ‘swim’ with the crowd are usually not swimming at all, simply drifting with the current. Val, love, I thought I said I was staying around.
Sipu, same as I said to TOm. stay and post, even if I disagree with you sometimes. It would be a poor world if we all agreed.
Rick, no it wouldn’t.
Oh come on Sipu. We can’t have people falling off the chariot. 🙂 Everyone’s reading taste is a bit different and some people like the cut and thrust of debate. Do stay. 🙂
Hi, Sipu and a good New Year to you.
Well, since you ask, I sometimes find your contributions a wee thing tendentious from time to time. But that’ll just be me.
On the other hand, I always find your contributions interesting, different, informative and to the point. May not agree with them but will never disrespect your right to express them. We clearly come from very different backgrounds, apart from our common Jockishness.
I personally get the feeling that some amongst us find it difficult to accept your ancestry and/or beliefs. Their problem and not mine.
I could, of course, be wrong.
Yes, do stay Sipu … along with your very interesting ancestors. 🙂
The comments on here show me very clearly why I will not allow ‘self-justifying’ posts on this site in the future.
My apologies to you Boadicea. I can see that this sort of post must irritate you enormously. That was not my intention but was inevitably the result. There is wisdom in the adage, ‘never explain, never complain.’ I should have heeded it.
Secondly, thanks to all who commented. I did not actually say that I would be leaving this site completely, rather that I would be posting articles elsewhere. Not that I post much to begin with.
Anyway, lets have no more of this. Aluta continua!
Jolly good show. “Never explain, never complain.” I should remember that for my appraisal at work next week!