Thanks for the links.
Quite frankly, my perception of the arguments between Barry and some contributors to this bbs is that it's from those who are diametrically opposed to the idea of life on Mars and those who favor quick human exploration of Mars. And since Barry quickly gives tit-for-tat in insults and doesn't have a short memory (sorry Barry!) the insults and negative feelings continue.
I happen to favor the idea of at least microbial life on Mars and though I also am in favor of human Mars exploration it is not a primary focus in regards to scientific Mars exploration. This is probably why I have a favorable opinion of Barry's book. OK, in one paragraph in a 365 page book he criticizes NASA scientists who he SPECULATES might be beholden to military forces who want to use any possible martian life as a weapon. Boo hoo, Barry hurt the nice NASA scientists feelings. Bad bad Barry, nice nice NASA scientists. Really that is how the criticism on this bbs of Barry's book looks to me. It's understandable. It's because it comes from people who haven't read it.
Barry's opponents on this bbs claim, "Well I won't read his book because of what he said on this bbs." Surely you realize what a bad position this puts yourself in? I say: it's a good book for those interested in exobiology, and you say: I won't read it, in it I've been TOLD he says mean things about NASA scientists.
It's very simple. I'm an admirer of Barry's book. If you want me to take your criticisms seriously read the book and give a critique of the scientific claims in the book.

Bob Clark