Al Cook wrote: Now that's more like it! Although the only vitriol that I noticed was when the word "asshole" was first introduced to the discussion.

I'd say your first post was intentionally inflammatory Al, thus full of vitriol. See definition number 3.

1.	Chemistry. any of certain metallic sulfates of glassy appearance, as copper sulfate or blue vitriol, iron sulfate or green vitriol, zinc sulfate or white vitriol, etc.

2.	oil of vitriol; sulfuric acid.

3.	something highly caustic or severe in effect, as criticism.

–verb (used with object)

4.	to treat with or as with vitriol, esp. sulfuric acid.

You didn't offer a "harmless opinion" however. You were condescending. And I never said my response was without vitriol. However, I am ignoring my own advice of not hijacking the thread, so move on I shall.

Thanks Todd, I'll try to follow your suggestion. We'll see.

Since this is an Avatar topic, I would be remiss if I didn't praise Hugh Cherry and Jason Fulton for their wit and skills in this area.

Here's my take: when someone says "I don't like this thing," they are taking ownership for their tastes and opinions. By expressing the same sentiment as "This thing is crap" they are blaming the external object and taking no ownership, and therefore insulting anyone with a contrary opinion.

(Full disclosure: I don't like the Ultimate books.)

Tom, the avatar needs to be 70 x 70 pixels (that's what it says for me anyway).  Here's Todd's image cropped to that size:

rance wrote: Now lets not hijack the nice lady's thread

al wrote: More about avatars folks!

Thank you guys,

 I don't think anyone has ever called me a nice lady before - ever - (mainly because I'm not nice) but I'll take it as a compliment.

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