[Albion Wilde]

So I suppose you and I will have to agree to disagree re Adams here.

My question to you is, which of us is deeply familiar with Adams' work, career, writing and the details of his landmark victory for conservatives seeking tenure? It appears that would be me. You apparently have posted your opinion based on a snap judgment of one piece of writing you took literally, instead of as he intended it -- as a metaphor for discussing a certain type of student.

[mmichaels1970]

You apparently have posted your opinion based on a snap judgment of one piece of writing you took literally, instead of as he intended it -- as a metaphor for discussing a certain type of student.

I did that. My posts are based on the writing in a literal sense only.

As a metaphor, and as satire, I'm fine with it. Heck, I share his sentiments. I simply would not literally address it to a student that way.

[Leaning Right]

You apparently have posted your opinion based on a snap judgment of one piece of writing you took literally

Well, of course. My stated opinion is in reference to the incident discussed on the article. I strongly object to Adams' behavior in that case.

he intended it -- as a metaphor for discussing a certain type of student

Now that would be of some value, if "Kyle" did not actually exist, and the whole thing was some sort of morality play.

I was trained as a chemist, trained to be coldly analytical. I often take things literally, unless it's carefully spelled out otherwise!

[BatGuano]

You are so right. It seems that about 3/4s of the folks have missed the point of Adams column and continue to miss it as they read the comments. True, “snap judgment” is the error that they make. “As a metaphor for discussing a certain type of student.” They think that “Kyle” actually exists!

Years ago, while in London, I visited the Sherlock Holmes “museum” on Baker Street, of course. While there a woman said to me “I don't believe any of these things like the pipe, violin, and hat belonged to Sherlock Holmes.”
After a moment spent collecting my crazy thoughts, I asked her if she knew that Sherlock was a fictional character. She looked at me as if I had two heads...
Kyle, Sherlock; no difference exists.