[snip]

No, either you follow what is after all a common sense rule, or you

Bob,
    Do you stop people on the street who are wearing clothing you
don't  like or you think isn't appropriate (like no boots on a snowy
day) and flame them just because they aren't following a common sense
rule? What makes this so different? Do you correct the grammer of
people who sit at the table next to you in a pub?
  You say it is the will of the majority that user avoid top posting.
Well, it is also clearly the will of the majority on this group that
you quit flaming people for their choice of posting style. By your own
logic, you should stop. You believe it is a matter of courtesy for
everone to use the "accepted" style of posting. All legitamite users
of Usenet believe it is a matter of courtesy not to flame others, and
to be polite to people when posting a disagreement with them. If you
want people to follow your requests for courtesy, you must do the
same.
  I've said it before and it's worth repeating: You have a lot of
good knowledge to share with us. Even if I (or any of us) don't agree
with all your views, it is still beneficial to the group as a whole to
have those views out there for others to consider. People won't listen
to you, however, if the first thing they think of when they see your
name is, "Oh, he's just that guy who calls people stupid and moronic
all the time." It is those negative images that put up barriers to
your becoming one of the gurus of this group. I hate to see energy
wasted like that.
  Our feline friends deserve better from us. They need us to focus on
the ways we can help them co-exist in a world that is becoming
increasingly hostile to them. No-one wins when that focus is lost.
   Here's my offer: I personally will attempt to hold to the
standards of Usenet posting (including giving up my beloved top posts)
and will encourage others to do the same, if you will stop using such
inflammatory messages as, "Moric posting style...et al" and will
instead reword your standard response to be polite, and even
explaining why you feel as strongly as you do.
  I know I am much more willing to make changes in any endeavor I'm
part of if the person requesting the change does so with politeness
and respect. I know that I also lend more credence to information and
advice that is delivered in a manner that encourages learning and
sharing. I believe the same is true of most of the people out there,
especially anyone who has hung on through this rather long missive.

Will you consider my offer? Either way, thank you for at least hearing
me out...

~Ed~

~Ed~
"If it doesn't hurt, I'm not doing you any good."