Well said. I agree with almost everything. :-) I think on the point of whether a story is a story (or not), there's more than one way to skin a cat, isn't there? :-) As a reader, sometimes I like long introductions (especially in the time we live now, when our attention span is so short) and sometimes stories that get to the point quickly.

I agree with you 100% on respect.

Thank you for your post. :-)