The brief manifesto written by Sementawy in regards to this thread reads: "Share with us your observations in haiku form on ancient Rome, Egypt, Germania, the Americas, the Celts, Mesopotamia and ancient Hellas." No where does it read 'feel free to make disparaging personal remarks regarding fellow members.' With this in mind, it would be appreciated if members could share with us their ideas on, for example, the historical Rome, the Celts, Mesopotamia etc and refrain from flaming each other with attacks on personality traits.

Vortigern, you do have every right to be upset. However, my perception of Hui li Wu's post is that it was done "tongue in cheek" (notice the smile at the end) and I do believe, not meant to cause you serious offence. That you took it that way, is of course your perogative and should you feel inclined to, you have my support in demanding an apology. How often do we poke fun at a friend without realising the sad damage we can do? *S* Your responding pundit's are clever, articulate and illuminating. Have you read the Glossary of Haiku terms posted in the topic "Introduction to Haiku- Characteristics of Haiku?" Under H you will find the entry: 'Haifun - prose with a poetic haiku flavor.' Haifun within this group, is exceptable, even though we do ask members to write and share their 5-7-5 haiku's the majority of the time.

Hui Li, your "haifun" are more than welcome, and we congratulate you on your efforts at prose. I find them well written however do not agree on their content. Oriental imperial palaces on Autumn morns, Summer sunsets over pyramids- more the flavor, if you get my drift. *S* Secondly, and this is my own opinion, I would never point out even if I knew, the alternative personas of members. Yes, of course it is well known that Lalita and Laurels are one and the same, however... should another situation arise when you feel compelled to reveal an Ancient Worlds identity, we ask that you don't use The Ten Philosophers as your forum. Yes, I agree with you that Vortigern's haiku on "Old People" seems quite strange. I would have liked to have seen an explanation to go with it and am still wondering why it was posted in the Cat thread as to me it might be more appropraite were it posted in Dodoitsu and Seikatsu: Urban Haiku. Your contributions, are valued here but we do please ask, in kindness, if you could refrain from flamming others. A example of how to flame without hurting anyone's feelings can be found in the thread of Romance under the heading of "Dull." So, be kind and keep the persons name, and their membership level anonymous. If you wish to compliment fellow members as you did in your haifun of Lalita, please feel free to do so. We all need a pat on the back at times. *S*

Thankyou both for reading this.