B) As covered in the Northstar thread, you've been deliberately making a point of representation and agency for women and minorities in your work since pretty much as long as you've been professional.

And William, drinking Coca-Cola with real sugar is the ONLY way to do it. The rest of you are kidding yourselves. ;) 

With respect to different perspectives, looking at the thread to which they lampooned you, it looks to me as if you were genuinely seeking more information on a topic. Rather than lambast you on the internet, it might've been more productive if someone came along and earnestly and rationally explained how some comments could have been misperceived. 

In general, I think that if we responded less by shunning people who don't perfectly align with our world-views, but instead by actually talking to them to understand the differences in how we see things, then there'd probably be less hostility online. But a lot of people go online to find a place to vent rage. 

I don't always agree with others' opinions on the board, but I'm aware enough to know that could be down to my own viewpoints. I'd hope I grow that little bit each time.

As to you, JB - I've found you to be direct, honest, and insightful - often challenging, but in a way that makes me reconsider. Your ability with Occam's Razor is remarkable. And - fair-handed.

Plus, you seem to be damned good with a pencil !