On Sun, 2 Jan 2000, Alan Harnum wrote:
John has said nearly everything I would like to, and his opinions match mine
almost perfectly. Like him, I extend my own apologies for the problems and
bad feelings caused by the PFML; like him, I was not directly responsible for
the post, but I was aware of the idea and its possible execution. Had I done
the duty I am supposed to do, I would have predicted the probable response to
the joke, and encouraged that it not take place. I failed to do this, and I
apologize.
I think that both this and Biles' "apology" miss the point. Any "I don't know
whether I really did anything wrong, but I'm sorry you got upset about it"
apology is going to miss the point.
"I'm sorry that I helped spam the list, despite taking on an anti-spam stance
when the spam comes from other people" would be an apology that doesn't miss
the point.
I wish you'd give it.