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You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2013/may/14/comment-of-the-week-alcohol
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Comment of the week: in praise of alcohol | Comment of the week: in praise of alcohol |
(4 months later) | |
In a new series, Comment is free writers and editors want to highlight some of the best comments on the site. Each week, either an editor or the author of a recent piece will pick a comment that they think contributes to the debate. We'll get in touch with the commenter and ask them to expand a little on their post, as well as tell us some more about themselves. Hopefully, it will give staff and readers an opportunity to see how thought-provoking such contributions can be and allow great posts the chance to be seen by a wider audience. | In a new series, Comment is free writers and editors want to highlight some of the best comments on the site. Each week, either an editor or the author of a recent piece will pick a comment that they think contributes to the debate. We'll get in touch with the commenter and ask them to expand a little on their post, as well as tell us some more about themselves. Hopefully, it will give staff and readers an opportunity to see how thought-provoking such contributions can be and allow great posts the chance to be seen by a wider audience. |
In our second instalment of this series, Deborah Orr has picked a comment found below her piece on the problem with alcohol. The comment is by PhilipD: | In our second instalment of this series, Deborah Orr has picked a comment found below her piece on the problem with alcohol. The comment is by PhilipD: |
"Reading articles like this I often wonder if I'm alone in drinking because I … like the taste of alcohol. I don't find getting drunk all that pleasant or a good social prop (quite the opposite, I hate making a fool of myself because drink has dulled my social reactions). Because of its depressant effect I find I drink less when I'm feeling down than when I'm feeling good. I drink because I don't know of anything nicer than a rich red wine or port on a winter's evening, or a crisp, mineral white wine on a summer's day. I love the complexity and sharpness of a good IPA and the satisfying richness of a well poured stout. Any mix of fruit juices tastes vastly better with the body and kick of a clean-tasting vodka or tequila. Alcohol, like good food or fresh air or the smell of flowers, is just one of the things that makes a good life that bit better." | "Reading articles like this I often wonder if I'm alone in drinking because I … like the taste of alcohol. I don't find getting drunk all that pleasant or a good social prop (quite the opposite, I hate making a fool of myself because drink has dulled my social reactions). Because of its depressant effect I find I drink less when I'm feeling down than when I'm feeling good. I drink because I don't know of anything nicer than a rich red wine or port on a winter's evening, or a crisp, mineral white wine on a summer's day. I love the complexity and sharpness of a good IPA and the satisfying richness of a well poured stout. Any mix of fruit juices tastes vastly better with the body and kick of a clean-tasting vodka or tequila. Alcohol, like good food or fresh air or the smell of flowers, is just one of the things that makes a good life that bit better." |
Orr explains why she chose this comment: | Orr explains why she chose this comment: |
"Writing articles like this, one often focuses too narrowly on one aspect of an issue. Obviously alcohol's only a problem when it's a problem. PhilipD's comment described the pure, sensual joy of alcohol – reading it was like having a cold gin and tonic on a warm spring evening. Which was a point sadly missing from the piece." | "Writing articles like this, one often focuses too narrowly on one aspect of an issue. Obviously alcohol's only a problem when it's a problem. PhilipD's comment described the pure, sensual joy of alcohol – reading it was like having a cold gin and tonic on a warm spring evening. Which was a point sadly missing from the piece." |
PhilipD explains his reasons for commenting on Orr's piece, and tells us a bit about himself: | PhilipD explains his reasons for commenting on Orr's piece, and tells us a bit about himself: |
For how long have you commented on Comment is free? | For how long have you commented on Comment is free? |
On and off for about six years I think. | On and off for about six years I think. |
How would you describe the community of commenters you find here? | How would you describe the community of commenters you find here? |
Haha, can I be rude? Well, let's just say that the 20% or so who are smart and witty and insightful make up for the other 80%. | Haha, can I be rude? Well, let's just say that the 20% or so who are smart and witty and insightful make up for the other 80%. |
Why did you feel motivated to comment on this piece? | Why did you feel motivated to comment on this piece? |
I'm getting a bit tired of the self-righteousness developing around alcohol and its (undoubted) potential for harm. I just wanted to point out that most people are perfectly aware of its harm, but still drink because it's such a pleasant thing to do. | I'm getting a bit tired of the self-righteousness developing around alcohol and its (undoubted) potential for harm. I just wanted to point out that most people are perfectly aware of its harm, but still drink because it's such a pleasant thing to do. |
In regard to your comment highlighted here, do you feel you changed the conversation or moved the debate on? | In regard to your comment highlighted here, do you feel you changed the conversation or moved the debate on? |
I was surprised that it got so many recommends, so I think it did strike a chord. | I was surprised that it got so many recommends, so I think it did strike a chord. |
Where are you in the world? | Where are you in the world? |
I can see the Guinness brewery in Dublin from where I'm sitting right now. | I can see the Guinness brewery in Dublin from where I'm sitting right now. |
• Let us know your thoughts on this exchange in the comments below, and tell us whether it has given you a new insight into your drinking habits. | • Let us know your thoughts on this exchange in the comments below, and tell us whether it has given you a new insight into your drinking habits. |
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