Howard: I sincerely appreciate the long-short debate on any individual company, and have been following IOC for some time, as you know. I just want to get thrown into the middle of any circus, and I fear that is what is happening now.

That is, I don't want IOC to become OSTK, where the merits or deficiencies of the company get lost in the most profound of personal attacks, claims of anti-semitism, debates about naked shorting generally, and the like.

I know all about Carlo, Barry, and Sam. Everybody has their skeletons. I know all the posters on this Board, having corresponded with them for a long, long time, generally cordially...or at least respectfully. That may not have always been the case, but I have tried to maintain the right tone.

While I don't doubt that you have longer-term puts, I do doubt that the timing of the press release and video was simply coincidental. I have said my piece there, and will leave it at that. As I always teach (preach?), it is important to maintain integrity in both fact AND appearance.

Re: Shareholdersunite, I don't know anything more than you. Stp and I have debated vigorously over the last couple of years, but have reached a point of detente, and will agree to disagree with him at this point. I am sure our disagreements will continue, which is fine by me, as long as we avoid the personal attacks.

The reason I won't have anybody guest lecturing in my courses (other than the SEC itself) is not because I don't think there isn't some interesting discussion that might result. A truly objective panel of speakers would be great. It's just that it will undoubtedly turn into that circus, and I will be unfairly and unncessarily targeted with "hate posts," if not threats. Who the heck needs that? I just want to teach, and offer valuable educational experiences for students. I don't think that would be possible given the circumstances and folks involved. I hope you understand.

Eric