I was just wondering if Joe was the person referred to in the other thread. If he is not, it appears that you are suggesting he is. I think it should be clarified one way or another. As for a simple retraction, I would have to think about it. Obviously, it is justified in certain circumstances and not at all in others. On its own, I would not say it is unethical. To do so without good reason is certainly not nice and may not be ethical depending on the circumstances.

Michael Siskin