Once again, I have to issue an apology to my friend Law Dog. I guess I went a little overboard in my sarcasm.

To L.D.: It was meant in good fun; if I hurt you it was not my intention. Your expertise is very important for people who write to prisoners and I hope you will continue to help these people with your expertise.

I am going to take a break from the message board. It is too tempting to joke around and too easy to hurt peoples feelings.

Writing to inmates or participating in message board should help people feel better about themselves, not hurt them.

NO, MICHAEL....apology FROM LawDog.

The purpose of my post to Taina was NOT to illustrate any level of "perfection" on MY part, as to writing style, or grammar. My intent was ONLY to proffer the message that we need not criticize others for their weaknesses, when we have almost the same shortcomings. Perhaps it was presented in too much of a critical form, thereby appearing to be somewhat hypocritical. At second glance, even I would surmise that.

Still, Michael saw a need to re-direct the focus of the message, by criticizing MY presentation, rather than allowing the message to have its effect. Doing so changed the focus of the message. Sometimes, it's best to leave well enough alone.

I can only say that it appears that I "baited" myself. My comment about being "published" was a "private joke" with Michael. Certainly, I don't have NEARLY the skills and expertise that Michael has; after all, he IS an EDITOR - the guy who makes us writers wish we were digging ditches instead of writing.

Thank you for acknowledging my apology.

You are a good man. I have lot respect for your dedication to your field, your knowledge and perhaps most important the experiences you have gone through in life.

Your expertise is very valuable to me and to other people who write inmates.

Pardon me for butting in, I believe that you are both being a little too hard on yourselfs you both were playing around and for those that could not see that well too bad, you two seem to break the ice so to speak which is most need here, there are just some that expect us to be perfect all of the time, an yet we aren't but we are all human---- well that's my nickle's worth
and by the way neither of you should go anywhere or slack off either your both great people, it's people like you that give other's like myself a lift!!!