Given that the implication was more "suicides in steam tunnels" than "spends too much time on it to the detraction of other parts of their lives", and the whole "Satanic" thing, I'd call bagging on it a fairly fair description of what this guy was doing. I just don't think it's really worth making a big deal out of it.

To all the people who were saying write the dude off, there is no chance, don't bother, that's just not in my nature. If some one has a mistaken impression of me or something I do, I will do everything in my power to correct it. I don't mind being judged for the stupid, illeagal, or imoral things I do or have done. But if some one is judging me or one of my hobbies without understanding it, that's something I just can't stand.

I guess I just don't see it as derision, certainly not as far off the deep end as McNutcase went. I just don't see it as some huge assault on the hobby. Guy made a couple fairly mild comments.

I didn't see the comments as the start of a feud, but taking it personally and trying to change that opinion seems like a potential start of one. Just letting it go seems more likely to start an issue.

@Addicted2aa: Whelp, if you're serious about trying to change this guy's mind then I wish you good luck. From your description of a previous discussion you had it does sound like this guy is reasonable when presented with viewpoints different then his own: that's a good sign.


Two very simple reasons:
It's just someone's opinion. I know this is going to sound crazy in the Internet, but honestly other people's opinions that are contrary to your own are generally not really worth getting worked up over. Not unless they're negatively effecting you in some way.
That and unless you're planning on quiting your job and burning your bridges while you're at it, it's a dumb idea to start something that you know can antagonizing someone. You will have to continue working with this person; which can potentially be problematic if this guy is now afraid of catching the devil-worshipper-cooties from you and going around telling coworkers that you're mentally unstable.

If this is going to end up effecting the work relationship between Addicted2aa and this guy (or even the rest of his coworkers), then if I were Addicted I'd certainly stand up and defend myself. But then not for my hobby (it's just a hobby after all), but for my job.
But if that's not the case and your favorite pastime does not include starting arguments and/or verbal fights with people for no good reason, then in my mind the better question would be: why would you stand up for it? Why would you try to create a problem where there isn't one?

I guess I have been down too many of these roads with too many people about too many topics. People are the way they are. You can't change them. You can either accept them - or not.

And that's fair enough, and regardless of the tone, there's nothing wrong with responding in a civil manner that you don't agree and that the hobby is quite enjoyable, and maybe even worth a shot at trying.

What's wrong with a little civil discourse? I mean, aside from the fact that you might come to an understanding on an issue, even if you don't end up agreeing.