This is Robert Shaeffer writing, and his subject is UFOs, but the comment seemed to echo what is seen in this thread.

QUOTE: Should you be fully informed before doing so?  Absolutely.  But uninformed opinions are everywhere (including here), and I'm too cynical to expect otherwise.

That really comes down to this, I think:

John Webster wrote: They don't have to acknowledge this responsibiliy, and many don't, but those who do are the kinds of people I like to associate with.

John,

Been meaning to ask you to do an interview on my net radio/podcast show called word balloon. I heard my name came up in this thread, and wanted to extend the invite.

I recently had Gail on, as well as creators like Walter Simonson, Steve Englehart Neal adams, Bendis, Denny O'Neil,.

I can go through DC with the request if you'd prefer, but I usually try to send an e-mail or PM directly to the person I'm trying to book, first. Hence, the public call out.

john@wordballoon.com

I remember the letter that I think JB means - it said something about having wondered at first, whne seeing JBs Marvel work, where the deft draftsman from Charlton had gone, but now being pleased that JB was showing the level of skill he (the writer) had expected...like many letters of the time it read like a 'boy look how much I know about comics' and it worked to an extent since,as a reader of eleven or so, I found it impressive - never having even seen a Charlton comic may have contributed to this. 

As JB has said, it is I think a way of appearing knowledgable - to show what an expert you are - happens in any critically appraised art, people adopt the opinions of others as their own to hide their own lack of knowledge...as a younger man I was often guilty of this myself...it was one of the ways I got a degree in literature, after all

QUOTE: as long as there are many humans who find misinformation more charming than fact, error will flourish, no matter how readily available the facts are

Well, there it is. Answered your own question, JB. If you're going to insist on fact over misinformation, then clearly you are a menace!

Why, I bet a fact-monger like you even thinks a quote such as this from that "scandalous" film, INHERIT THE WIND, is something laudable:

QUOTE: Yes there is something holy to me! The power of the individual human mind. In a child's power to master the multiplication table there is more sanctity than in all your shouted "Amens!," "Holy, Holies!" and "Hosannahs!" An idea is a greater monument than a cathedral. And the advance of man's knowledge is more of a miracle than any sticks turned to snakes, or the parting of waters. Gentlemen, progress has never been a bargain. You've got to pay for it. Darwin moved us forward to a hilltop, where we could look back and see the way from which we came. But for this view, this insight, this knowledge, we must abandon our faith in the pleasant poetry of Genesis.

I'm new to this board and to be honest I was drawn here after reading something about the Van Sciver sharpie comments. After reading a lot of posts and posting a few myself I have seen JB:

1) insult posters for stating their opinions (the work "dickweed" was used)

2) disparrage the work of other professionals by name

3) display little tolerance for differences of opinion, often telling others that they are wrong, implying that he is right and that's that.

4) present his opinions as facts

5) lock a thread because he disagreed with the opinions of posters who defend other creators whose work he dislikes.

I have been exposed to no evil internet conspiracy aimed at convincing me that JB's work is bad or sub par, or that he's a bad guy. I have merely read JB's own words and those words have given me the impression that he is not a likeable guy. Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe if I met JB in person I would be charmed. What I can say though is if JB wants to combat bad PR then: don't insult posters, don't insult other creators, tolerate differences of opinion, engage in civil debate with those you disagree with, realize that you may not always be right, and most of all don't censor others when you don't like what they have to say or where a thread is going.

Or, people who don't agree with how John does/sees things can find other forums to read, to post in, other comics to read, etc...

I didn't mean to direct that specifically at the previous poster but it's a waste of time and energy to try and change anyone.