When I read it, it did not enter my mind he was joking. I think I know what Harters sounds like when he is joking - he does often, just not like this. It seemed out of character, and I was surprised it wasn´t stopped sooner - by whomever saw it first. Of course I have no idea who that would have been.
For the record, I was irritated that Patti had bowled up and started telling us all to be more accurate, then completely unprovoked spouted off that I should get down from my perch. I thought that was a bit rude.
I then went out for the day and had a lovely time with my quite amazing family.
I then returned in the evening and reread Patti's posts from the morning, feeling irritated again by what I considered unprovoked rudeness, I decided I would wind her up.
I made a post and then thought, bah this is silly, what's the point and deleted my post.
Unfortunately during that time, Patti had responded. I had an error of judgement and proceeded with my initial aim in winding her up, it escalated and I got carried away. Patti retaliated and I continued to respond.
I said she was mad, not well, how does she sleep at night etc, etc. Which whilst not very pleasant, is somewhat milder than the language used by other posters. Perhaps it was more shocking because it was out of character for me personally to post in such a manner.
I was not aware of any of Patti's recent troubles or health issues and they were most certainly not referenced in my 'wind ups'.
At the end of the evening, I sent a couple of PM's to Patti, both of which were copied in to Caroline. The last PM was an apology stating that I had gone to far, didn't mean any offence and acknowledged that I should stop playing around. That PM was also copied to NGB the following morning.
Patti can be rather bolshy towards others one minute and then whinging that she's being attacked the next, that is just how she is at times.
I do however take full responsibility and acknowledge that I went to far in my posts towards Patti. I have, as mentioned already apologised, and will do so again. I am very sorry Patti, I lacked judgement and did not intend to cause offence, I was larking around, although I can see it did not appear that way.
ALL of the mods and admins who were online, attempted to sort the situation out, Caroline in particular. NGB then contributed the following day when he visited the forum.
I don't believe it is fair to level any criticism at any of the mods or admins for the manner in which they dealt with this 'incident'.
Whilst I will not use it as an excuse, I had consumed a reasonable quantity of wine throughout the day, which was no doubt at least partly the reason for my poor behaviour.
I don't really know what else to say.
If anybody has any further complaints, then perhaps you may consider sending a PM to a mod or admin.
Otherwise, let's move on.
