... drawn, Jim, not an implication intended by the writer:

>> The implication is, of course, that non-signers of the
>> "list" are really harboring some other ulterior motive.

And, yes, there is a significant difference:

Infer: "to derive as a conclusion from facts or premises" (an act by the reader).

Imply: "to express indirectly" (an act by the writer).

Several critics of the list and posts in support of the list have made the same logical error. Just because you have derived the conclusion that the poster thinks "that non-signers of the "list" are really harboring some other ulterior motive" doesn't mean he intended that conclusion.

Here are some questions for you (and others who think similarly):

Why can't you accept the list for what it says?

Why can't you accept the posts in support of the list for what they say, rather than inferring some "ulterior motive" on the part of those of us who are actively opposed to slabbing in our hobby?

Why is it okay for you to do exactly what you are condemning others for doing?

----- jim o\-S