:: Polly :: <host>) Wow, what a crowd!  This may be a record for one of my 
                    morning COs if you all end up staying <smile>
(Dave X.) Sorry, Poll, got to duck out before it starts. Just to satisfy my 
         curiosity, what is the CO about.
(mike r) whhats the CO ?
(:: Polly :: <host>) Dave, it's about minding manners, basically <smile>...
(David) like ducking out of a CO before it starts? <just kidding>
(:: Polly :: <host>) How important it is to us to do things the "right 
                    way." David, <g>
(Dave X.) Oops! (leaving room, and minding my manners) <g>
(Dave X.) I'll try to pop back after my meeting. See ya all!
(:: Keith  <helper>:) <-- available for technical queries, etc!
(:: Polly :: <host>) We started talking about this a few weeks ago, ...
                     and people wanted to delve more into how we react to 
                    the rules and regulations of the world.
(:: Keith  <helper>:) <-- natural anarchist
(Billy Shelley) What do you discuss in this room?
(David) you too Keith?
(:: Polly :: <host>) Billy, we're just starting a conference, why don't you 
                    join in? Keith, I can believe that <g>  But don't you 
                    generally....
(Billy Shelley) What is the conference about?
(:: Keith  <helper>:) Yes, David - I believe in the minimum of rules!
(:: Polly :: <host>) do things the "right way" when it works best for you? 
                    Billy, do you generally follow the rules?  Fill out all 
                    the paperwork, pay your bills on time, mind your 
                    manners?
(:: Keith  <helper>:) Yes, indeed, Polly, I go by results. But sometimes, I 
                     try to change the rules, instead!
(:: Polly :: <host>) How do you change the rules, Keith?  ....
(David) there you go Keith!
(BTW, you're one of the more polite people I know!)
(David) If you can't beat 'em make them join you!!!
(:: Polly :: <host>) David, is that what you do?
(David) when necessary.
(:: Keith  <helper>:) You must know some jerks, then, Polly, dear!
(:: Polly :: <host>) Some, Keith, but perhaps we're talking about different 
                    things....
(:: Keith  <helper>:) Polly, it depends on the organisation ... but unless 
                     I have access to the rule-makers, I don't waste time.
(:: Polly :: <host>) is there a difference, say, between "manners" and 
                    consideration?
(Billy Shelley) Does anyone know how I can page the sysopdoes Does anyone 
               know how I caDoes anyone know how I can page the sysoP?
(:: Polly :: <host>) Billy, Keith will give you a hand.
(:: Keith  <helper>:) I think so. 'manners' is a formality, a ritual ... 
                     'consideration' is  better, as it is concern for 
                     others.
(:: Polly :: <host>) What about everyone else?....
(David) I would agree with Keith.
(:: Polly :: <host>) I tend to see "manners" as a code which sort of forces 
                    those who might not otherwise be considerate to go 
                    against their natural grain <g>
(David) I know people who will have the best manners but the worst 
       attitude. Just because they feel they have to.
(:: Polly :: <host>) Can you explain, David?
(jack n) manners really are only golden rule things...
(glenn) I'm of the Victorian persona so manners mean a lot to me....
(jack n) just treat others as you would like to be treated
(David) what I mean is I know people who will say good morning and be nice 
       to others, not necessarily because they want to.
(David) But because they feel they have to. Like at where I work.
(glenn) sincerity is important....
(:: Polly :: <host>) David, that's what I meant by forcing them to be 
                    considerate -- at least on the surface!
(David) the way I see it is......
(:: Polly :: <host>) Jack, that works for people like you who are nice, but 
                    not some others!
(David) If you can't be sincere then why bother?  Or as my Mother used to 
       say... If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all!
(:: Keith  <helper>:) Polly, I think courtesy is an inward attitude, not a 
                     ROOL !
(:: Polly :: <host>) David, you know, that's one I haven't yet used on my 
                    kids, what a lapse!<g>
(David) Polly, LOL
(:: Polly :: <host>) Ah, Keith -- then there's a difference between 
                    courtesy and manners?
(glenn) it is an inward attitiude reflected outward it is how it is 
       reflected that we are judged....
(David) But that's the way I see it.  If I don't like someone I'm not going 
       to be nice to them..... I'm not going to yell and scream either,  
       I'll just not say anything at all.
(:: Keith  <helper>:) I think so, Polly.
(:: Polly :: <host>) Glenn, I like the way you phrased that; "an inward 
                    attitude reflected outward"...
(David) To say Good Morning and put up a facade to me, is hypocritical.
(:: Keith  <helper>:) David, my son says that when I shout at people it 
                     doesn't signify anything ... just Welsh excitability 
                     <g> ....
(:: Polly :: <host>) David, do you find it easy to just ignore someone? 
                    What if they greet you? 
(:: Keith  <helper>:) ... but when I go deadly quiet that is the time to 
                     worry!
(glenn) i agree david...but if you reflect a bad feeling to someone you 
       don;t like you are lowering yourself to their level...
(Jens S.(m)) Polly: It is 17:12 over here, dear <g> !
(:: Keith  <helper>:) Afternoon, Jens, just an hour behind you!
(David) My son says something similar Keith.  When I'm all over the place 
       he says it's the Puerto Rican in me.  When I'm quiet he starts to 
       worry
(:: Polly :: <host>) Jens, I wish I could check everyone's time zones, 
                    sorry!  I scheduled this CO now so we could have Euro 
                    participants, too -- glad you're here!
(Jens S.(m)) Polly: I appreciate that !
(:: Polly :: <host>) Glenn, hmmm.....
(David) I don't agree with that totally Glenn. I would be lowering myself 
       to their level if....
(:: Polly :: <host>) don't we have to find our own level?  Is the problem 
                    being reactive rather..
(glenn) if they offend you openly you should react....
(David) I were to be arguing and provoking such. I'm taking myself out of 
       an argument by simply not saying anything at all.
(Jens S.(m)) David: The old "sitting down and smiling it out" routine ?
(David) what's the saying? (god, I'm full of cliches) the best offense is 
       no defense?
(glenn) true....that often works....
(:: Polly :: <host>) David, would you ignore someone like that who talked 
                    to you, though?
(David) yeah, Jens something like that
(Jens S.(m)) It makes my wife PRETTY furious if I do it ! 
(glenn) silent treatment huh?
(David) I would simply say that we have nothing to talk about and leave it 
       at that.  Unless they're willing to discuss and reason out .....
(:: Polly :: <host>) Now there's an interesting point, Jens!  Is 
                    "consideration" different within family or other 
                    intimate relations?
(David) whatever it is that happened.
(:: Polly :: <host>) I see, David, I didn't understand that you were 
                    talking about an active dispute <smile>
(:: Polly :: <host>) I know that I try hard to be polite to my children, 
                    but often the kindest thing to say is something that 
                    might be outrageous to someone else.
(:: Polly :: <host>) Roy, we're talking about minding our manners and 
                    various ramifications of that.  Do you think that 
                    manners are important within family?
(Jens S.(m)) Polly, Manners are MOST important in a familly !
(David) I think manners are important but not always shown. especially in a 
       family.
(:: Polly :: <host>) But aren't there times when true consideration to a 
                    family member...
(David) It's been my experience that family members take other family 
       members for granted therefore a lack of manners
(:: Polly :: <host>) means doing something which would be quite rude 
                    elsewhere?
(roy) Family matters and misadventures hurt the worst and take the longest 
     to heal.
(Jens S.(m)) Polly: What about "polite behaviour" to "classical good 
            manners" ?
(David) good point Roy.
(:: Polly :: <host>) That's very true, Roy.... It's a good thing that 
                    there's also the chance to put things back together 
                    with family that doesn't necessarily exist elsewhere.
(David) But Polly, speaking for myself, if I'm going to worry about what 
       people think....
(:: Polly :: <host>) Jens, I see a difference (that's pretty much what I 
                    was trying to get at), do you?
(David) when I'm dealing with family members, then I'm not going to get 
       anywhere fast.
(:: Polly :: <host>) So, David, you count on the love to give you a chance 
                    to fix things?
(Jens S.(m)) Yes, there is a difference. ( Feet on the sofa )
(:: Polly :: <host>) Or being able just to blast out anger and then 
                    apologize (occasionally)
(:: Keith  <helper>:) Even I would agree with manners in a family!
(:: Polly :: <host>) What about the kind of manners that don't exactly 
                    relate (it seems) to interpersonal relations?  Things 
                    like setting the table right... or such.
(Jens S.(m)) Well, offering to sleep on the wet spot <g>
(David) I'm sorry Polly I had to answer the phone.
(:: Polly :: <host>) 's OK, David!
(David) to answer your question ......
(:: Keith  <helper>:) LOL Jens!
(David) yeah, I count on love to give me a chance more often than not.
(:: Polly :: <host>) Jens, that's *quite* courteous! <g>
(David) what a well mannered person you are Jens! <g>
(:: Polly :: <host>) What about another realm of "rules and regs".....
(David) such as?
(:: Polly :: <host>) that imposed on us by people who won't do what they 
                    are supposed to do until we do the paperwork. 
                    Things like paying bills on time, filling out forms, 
                    submitting addresses & phone numbers..
(:: Keith  <helper>:) Getting an Indian visa in Nepal <g>
(:: Polly :: <host>) all that stuff that takes so much time!
(David) I always pay my bills on time|!!!
(Jens S.(m)) Keith: That is easier done at home.
(David) Well, most of the time!
(:: Polly :: <host>) Yeah, Keith!  Is there a way around it? David, why?
(David) okay, okay, some of the time!!!
(Jens S.(m)) I pay my bills after the first friendly letter .
(David) alright, alright already!  Not as punctual as I woul like
(:: Keith  <helper>:) No, Polly, I knew I was beat, I just had to do the 
                     forms!
(:: Polly :: <host>) Does it depend upon the stakes?  On how much we want 
                    their cooperation?
(:: Keith  <helper>:) Jens: yes, but I was *in* Nepal!
(David) I try to because I like having a house with light, phone etc. etc.
(:: Polly :: <host>) I try to (intend to) pay bills regularly, but geeze! 
                    It gets overwhelming!
(David) ain't that the truth Polly!
(Jens S.(m)) I am intentionally rude with our users.
(:: Polly :: <host>) Those are high stakes, David -- what about lesser 
                    ones? For instance, the pledge to the radio station?
(David) I'm not sure I follow Polly.
(:: Polly :: <host>) Jens?  I don't understand.
(David) users Jens? 
(Jens S.(m)) Well, Rule I : Never deliver on time. Rule II: Show what you 
            think of them.
(:: Polly :: <host>) David, I mean demands for money (justified) where you 
                    won't lose an essential if you don't pay right away.
(Jens S.(m)) David: I am a Sysmgr...
(David) oic! gotcha Jens! well, not to sound sarcastic or anything but, I'm 
       not sure I can relate.... after I pay my bills (the essential ones) 
       there isn't anything left!!
(:: Polly :: <host>) David, that happens! <hug> You know, I wonder about 
                    the people who won't follow "the rules" here...
(David) how do you mean?
(:: Polly :: <host>) do you think that they really don't want to 
                    participate that much? Or do they really think that 
                    we're unfair? David, there are a lot of people here 
                    who insist that they *need* to use handles, or that 
                    they are entitled to harrass people, for instance.
(David) oic!
(:: Polly :: <host>) I've been told many times that my "job" is to 
                    entertain men <sigh> and have even been "threatened" 
                    with a complaint to CIS because I won't!
(Jens S.(m)) <drool> What do you do for a living, polly ?
(:: Polly :: <host>) Not that, Jens! <g>
(David) LOL Polly, I'm surprised you still have patience left! and stop 
       drooling Jens!
(:: Polly :: <host>) David, the rest of you make it worth it <smile>
(David) awwww! (blush)
(:: Keith  <helper>:) Well, I've been known to do a strip-tease for a 
                     women's party on here, Polly!
(:: Polly :: <host>) <g> Quite courteous of you, Keith! ....
(David) hey maybe the two of you can do a team act! <g>
(:: Polly :: <host>) but it wasn't demanded of you was it?  Just requested?
(David) maybe offered
(Jens S.(m)) They paid him, probably ...
(:: Keith  <helper>:) Of course not, Polly ... special request for Patti's 
                     shower!
(:: Polly :: <host>) David, knowing Keith, I think you're right! <g>
(:: Keith  <helper>:) How about it, Polly, shall we go into biz together?
(:: Polly :: <host>) Oh yes!  I had to miss that <sigh>
(Jens S.(m)) ( not to say that he insisted... )
(:: Polly :: <host>) Sure, Keith -- but *not* as a strip act!
(:: Keith  <helper>:) OK, you do the music, I'll strip <g>
(:: Polly :: <host>) Perfect! <g>
(Jens S.(m)) I volunteer to sell the tickets !
(David) 1hey hey! Since I thought of it, I wanna be the manager!
(:: Polly :: <host>) Egads, what *are* the rules for a strip act, anyway?
(David) I'll get you gigs, good pay, etc. and of course take a cut for 
       myself! <g>
(:: Keith  <helper>:) Just what I was wondering, Polly! David, we could 
                     have a deal here!
(Jens S.(m)) <-- already thinking about selling the video.
(:: Polly :: <host>) Now we just need a name for this enterprise!
(David) <-----thinking
(Jens S.(m)) If more people volunteer, what about "the danglin' dozen'"
(David) Jens! ROFL!!!
(:: Polly :: <host>) <---doesn't dangle
(David) how many more people would need to volunteer? <g> LOL
(Jens S.(m)) Well, what about "the standing studs", then ?
(David) do you keith? <eg>
(:: Polly :: <host>) I'm not a stud, either, Jens!  <g>
(:: Keith  <helper>:) <-- doesn't, either. Sticks.
(David) ROFL!
(David) hey Polly?
(Jens S.(m)) Polly: you do the music - so I don't care...
(:: Polly :: <host>) Ivan, this used to be a CO, welcome to madness! Yes, 
                    David?
(David) is it me or have we TOTALLY veered off the subject?
(Ivan) :) sitting down
(David) <g>
(:: Keith  <helper>:) Regretting asking me, Polly? <g> I do lower the tome, 
                     true! er, tone!
(:: Polly :: <host>) David, we have!  Want to bring it back? Nope, Keith -- 
                    as long as we keep it online, it should be fun!
(Ivan) what *was* the subj?
(David) me and my big mouth! No, that's quite alright dear I'll leave that 
       to you!
(:: Keith  <helper>:) Polly, we haven't decided the roolz for a strip act, 
                     yet!
(:: Polly :: <host>) Ivan, we *were* talking about whether we follow the 
                    world's "rules & regs"..
(Ivan) oh, strip acts?
(Jens S.(m)) "Everything must go!!!"
(:: Polly :: <host>) whether we mind our manners, pay our bills, etc.
(David) rool #1 EVERYTHING COMES OFF BUT THE G-STRING!! (unless paid extra!)
(Ivan) hmmm...
(:: Keith  <helper>:) David - but also, pay attention to all the customers, 
                     not just the cutest one!
(Ivan) <-----regulator......DOL, OSHA Div
(Jens S.(m)) "five more and it gets off..."
(David) rool #2 when referring to rool #1 the extra pay must be upfront and 
       in cash! unless the cutest one has mucho cash
(:: Polly :: <host>) Rool #3 -- leave the musician to make her music! <g>
(Jens S.(m)) How ? Stuff it in until the string breaks ?
(David) there you go Jens! <g>
(:: Keith  <helper>:) That seems about right, Jens!
(Jens S.(m)) No coins, thoug ! g=gh !
(David) rool #4 DO NOT GO BACK IN FOR CHANGE!!
(:: Polly :: <host>) David, LOL!
(Ivan) Polly...been sailing lately?
(:: Polly :: <host>) Nope, Ivan, too cold!
(Jens S.(m)) Creating extra pressure on the string by manipulation of the 
            contents is illegal ?
(David) rool #5 the manager will provide the music when the DJ has to 
       perform
(:: Keith  <helper>:) No rool about that, Jen!
(David) that's when we break the roolz Jens.
(:: Polly :: <host>) Nope, David, this musician only performs *music*! <g>
(David) oic! oh well scratch rool #5
(Jens S.(m)) Polly: You only perform to music ?
(David) LOL
(:: Polly :: <host>) Jens, leave out the "to", please!
(:: Polly :: <host>) Annie, I hope that you don't mind a huge topic drift!
(David) we're developing a strip act Annie, care to join?
(annie) that's what happens when you get here late!
(Jens S.(m)) "Compuservian dream team"
(David) btw guys, I'm strictly management, no entertainment!!!
(annie) <g>
(:: Keith  <helper>:) But could they afford us?
(Jens S.(m)) I jst sell the tickets ( and videos )
(David) unless of course theres a lot of cash involved!
(:: Polly :: <host>) Hmmm, good question, Keith!  How much are we charging?
(David) Jens, I have a vid cam  you could use.
(:: Keith  <helper>:) LOTS, Polly!
(Jens S.(m)) David: Thanks ! Just lent mine to a friend <g>
(David) and absolutely NO group rates!
(Jens S.(m)) Make that grope rates !
(:: Polly :: <host>) Of course not, David!
(Jens S.(m)) ( which are higher ! )
(:: Keith  <helper>:) Like ... dare we ... our phone bilss!
(David) oh, in that case...er..did I say lend?...er...I meant rent...yeah, 
       yeah, that's the ticket! Rent!
(Jens S.(m)) Nobody will pay THAT much !
(David) I'll rent you the cam!
(Jens S.(m)) David: Rent me the videos you made <g>
(David) are you over 21?
(David)forget that! are you over 41!!!
(:: Polly :: <host>) Gee, Keith -- all these men planning *your* strip act! 
(David) uh Polly?
(Jens S.(m)) David : Over 41 ? No ! Why ?
(:: Polly :: <host>) I think I'd better take off this host hat, I don't 
                    want to be responsible for this! <g>
(David) that's how old you have to be to see the videos! <g>
(:: Polly :: <host>) Yes, David?
(:: Keith  <helper>:) One wonders about them, Polly.
(David) you're in this just as much dear!
(:: Polly :: <host>) There! David, I'm merely the musician!
(:: Keith ::) <-- stripping
(Jens S.(m)) Polly: Why did you remove that last piece of clothing ?
(David) ROFL!!!!
(Jens S.(m)) <--- Opening his Fantasyland ticket booth You lost all 
            responsibility ?
(:: Keith ::) <-- flinging the <helper> hat into the wild, roaring crowd!
(:: Polly :: <host>) Jens, you are so good at the last word!!  <giving up>
(Jens S.(m)) "Tickets ! TICKETS !!! videos, anyone ??? "
(David) throw him some cash! (the more he gets, the more I get)
(:: Keith ::) Ouch! NOT coins!
(David) bucks! only bucks!
(Jens S.(m)) American Express ? Where do you hide that machine ?
(David) remember: No change given!! LOL, I have the machine Jens!
(Jens S.(m)) AAH ! So what is that bulk under the G sting, then ?
(:: Polly :: <host>) Sting under the string? <eg>
(:: Keith ::) You beat me to it, Polly!
(Jens S.(m)) Beat his sting, polly !
(:: Polly :: <host>) Well, GMTA, after all, Keith <smile>
(Jens S.(m)) <duck>
(:: Polly :: <host>) Jens, you haven't figured me out yet, have you? <g>
(Jens S.(m)) Polly: not a clue...
(David) I gotta run all! work calls! take care!
(:: Polly :: <host>) David, bye & hugs!  ... thanks for your management 
                    expertise! <g>
(Jens S.(m)) Bye, David ! HEY ! He took ALL the money !
(:: Keith ::) Cheers, David!
(David) one more for the road Keith! 0
(:: Polly :: <host>) Friends, I need to get to work.  Thanks for all the 
                    fun!
(michael) hello Polly and Annie how are you ladies doing this morning
(:: Keith ::) Bye Polly, good CO!
(Jens S.(m)) BYe, Polly ! Here's  cracker ! <ducking again>
(:: Polly :: <host>) Hugs, Keith! <throwing crackers back at Jens!>
(Jens S.(m)) No what ?