I do think I’ve stuck by my opinion, though, which is perhaps why my apology sounds hollow to some. It is not because I *am* sorry for causing offense. Now, I really have no control over whether someone takes offense or not at my comments. And I still think what I did, although it could have been said better and probably less snidely.

But it is the case that I meant no personal offense to Peter Morville. I think Ambient Findability is lacking in many ways, even while I acknowledge that I am not the prime audience. I also think $300 for a half day seminar at ASIS&T is way too much.

Despite all that I am big enough to say I’m sorry for offending someone.

You are correct. There is no rule book, and if that rule was in it I’d ignore it.

So either I am simply rude and insincere, or we disagree about apologies. Or both, I guess.

I do agree that the simplest (and perhaps best apology) is to just say “Sorry” and mean it.

Well, I do mean it. I am truly sorry that I offended Peter. Offense was not my intention.

But the thing that bothers me, really bothers me, about your apology is the part about librarians not having personal opinions. Surely you don’t believe that, and if you don’t, then it casts the whole apology in a sarcastic light. If you do believe it, you’ve silenced one of the most valuable assets you have to offer your patrons, your perspective. Automatons are not what I want in my personal relationships.

So, since you emphasized your sincerity so much, I seem to have to assume you really believe the no opinion thing. Have I missed something in my grad school experience? Was there some rulebook that I didn’t get a copy of? I really haven’t heard this “no personal opinions” thing before and absolutely reject it if it is offered as even good advice let alone a rule.