Peter Salts observed:

> {Dougie seems] to be getting flamed much less often than when I first joined
> the list


This is true.  It might be around one flame every six months.  Used to be one
every six hours.  That is serious progress.

1.  I share The Great Plaided One's admiration for Mr. Slifkin.  Wesley pointed
out well over a year ago that our young one is remarkably
resiliant and persistent in the face of withering fire.  A tip of the JMK
chapeau on this count.

2.  Doug might also be providing a communal service.  There is no doubt that he
provides a ready and easy target for a variety of complaints.  Perhaps this
allows us to let off some steam, to focus our hostility/amusement on a single
person.  Doug as punching bag.

3. I admit to taking an occasional free pop at Doug's expense.  It's so easy.
And it's even kind of fun.  But I feel so dirty afterward.

4.  The real Doug Paradox for me is accounting for his success as a
telemarketer.  Effective sales requires sensitivity to the prospective
purchaser.  You have to be tuned in, responsive to the nuance of the sale
dynamic.  Yet we see little of those qualities in our community.

I don't think persistence and aggressiveness are enough for success in sales.
But I could be wrong.

JMK