Yes John, we should have some control. Emotions can blur thought
making us forget that peoples feelings can be hurt... Artists are famous for being
sensitive souls.

I'm glad it's not me that has to draw the line between what is, and what isn't "lively debate".

If it was my job I'd er on the side of free speech and hope that those
in the firing line realize, that unlike sticks and stones, words (unless slanderous)
will not hurt us.

Anyway thanks to those that do the "moderating" here. As you know,
I reckon you do a good job.

As I have often mentioned on this forum, starting a thread with a negative attitude never accomplishes much and never ends well and untainted with rancor and nasty responses. Instead of insisting that folds should stop expressing themselves in terminology that they are conversant with, criticizing their approach to any subject or attacking their knowledge or lack thereof, why not offer a tutorial on the subject explain all the elements of focal length, the optics involved, angle of coverage, and how these factors interact with various formats. A simple chart or graph can illustrate the theories and accompanying photographs would be a significant visual aid. Perha a "lexicon" of photograph/optical terminology that clarifies many misconceptions, confusing theories, and misused terminology. This would take a lot less energy than creating a tirade and insulting everyone's intelligence from the onset.

For those who are technically minded, I am sure that they have studied the specifications of all their lenses even before the purchase and are very familiar with the angle of view, coverage and all the other optical aspects of all their prime lenses and various zoom focal lengths. For folks who are no that familiar with the finite details, I am sure they know the basic effect of wide-angle, normal, and telephoto lenses for the cameras that they own and use.

Even those photographers, that I know who are well versed in mathematics and physics, when it comes to many picture-taking situations, they also work instinctively and I have never seen savvy shooters doing scientific or mathematical calculations while seriously engrossed in their photographic subjects. Some of the most important skill sets in photography are being about to judge distances, plan perspectives and composition, and determine lens usage instinctively, spontaneously, quickly and almost as second nature. Knowing the theory is great but practice, experimentation, and experience are the best "teachers".

Even the least technically inclined will soon visually learn what lenses and focal length settings will result in. It's right before their eyes in the viewfinder and on the LCD screen at the back of the camera.

Your Welcome!

Of course, there are many such resources online in books and classes. My point, however, directed at folks who are always posting negative and baiting comments. Once they are taking the time to contribute,they should write something educational, helpful, constructive and well-intentioned rather than negative rants.

Frankly, the negativism brings on the trolls and folks who just like to complain, engage in name-calling and want to rumble.

When folks refer to a term or theory as "nonsense" the are insulting everyone who mistakenly or correctly is using that term or theory as a talking point just because they don't like or agree with their terminology, word usage or point of view. Educate and explain rather than scold! In ths thread the OP is scolding and derideings on a wholesale level.

When a person takes time to post, calling an entire thread "nonsense" they are insulting everyone who has opined on the subject, commented or presented a logical and polite argument. Everyone has a right to contribute positive comments or constructive criticisms and agree or disagree with any an all posts in a thread. If folks find a thread boring, redundant, old hat, or even inane, why no just skip over it rather than adding animus, rancor and adding fuel to a troll-fire.