P3D Mr. Smith - The Final Act

["Dr. George A. Themelis" <DrT-3d@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

So I read the reprint that Mr. J.I. Smith sent.  Seen in the proper
spirit, it was amusing... "A Fable For Christmas" with the Editor's
note at the end: "Any resemblance with a real-life camera is entirely
coincidental. I hope. Ed."

So, I was amused.  But kept thinking, why did Mr. Smith sent me this
copy?  It does not sound like he has a great (or any for that matter)
sense of humor.  Did he want to entertain me, or to prove his point 
that the Realist is not a camera but a product and the designer of 
the camera "must be shot"?

Compare this to what I sent him:  A nice letter (which he will be
receiving today or tomorrow), thanking him for his phone call and
the useful information he shared and inviting him to send the draft
copy of his book for the review.

The more I thought about it the more upset I got.  Why am I pretending 
to be interested in what this person has to say?  The truth is, I am
not the least bit interested.  Why did I let him insult my favorite
stereo camera and its inventor and did not try to argue with him?
Why did I let him insult his local stereo club, when I really 
believe in these institutions and have done my share of work
to start this kind of thing in Cleveland?  WHY???

So, I called him.  I got the answering machine and left a message.
I introduced myself and thanked him for his letter.  I said I was
not amused.  I said I thought that the Stereo Realist is the best 
stereo camera ever made (so, I lied!)  I told him that I believe 
in the institution of Stereo Clubs.  I told him that I think he is 
opinionated (look who's talking!) and I want him to take my name
off his mailing list and never contact me again!

As far as I am concerned, this is the end of my communications
with Mr. J.I. Smith.  He is all yours now! :-)

George Themelis