The beginning of the end

Posted: Mon May 28, 2001 2:13 pm

I must say I saw the Stephen Paul thing coming. It's happened before in rap and pretty much the same thing happened here. I think part of the blame could be found in Stephen's need to be a mentor in the group as opposed to a moderator of a freewheeling discussion. See in some way he set himself up by not laying down the exact terms that he wish to operate from in the beginning. This in no way diminishes the value of his knowledge of a vast number of subjects and unfortantely no one will benefit from this day forward. Now, on to the real topic at hand.... These new rules I've seen posted recently in my mind are the beginning of the end of the forum. While I agree that we need to all respect each other and temper discussions with some mutual respect I think the threat of editing and or deleting posts will make me think twice about contributing anything of value. Elevating moderators to the level of untouchable I have a problem with as well, even though I have great respect for many of the moderators here I feel that not treating them as equals is detrimental and uncalled for.If you want to create your own private club of discussion groups feel free. I'll be more than happy to jump overboard.

Posted: Mon May 28, 2001 3:11 pm

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Originally posted by MPlancke: I must say I saw the Stephen Paul thing coming. It's happened before in rap and pretty much the same thing happened here. I think part of the blame could be found in Stephen's need to be a mentor in the group as opposed to a moderator of a freewheeling discussion. See in some way he set himself up by not laying down the exact terms that he wish to operate from in the beginning. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Just to clarify this a bit. My point is that I think Stephen viewed himself as more of a mentor and wanted to share his knowledge with people who appreciated it. Obviously there were people who didn't appreciate it and that led to friction and the demise of his contributions. In no way did I mean to imply that Stephen was egotitiscal or didn't try to deal with the siutation fairly.I guess my main point is that I don't think it was the appropriate venue for Stephen to share his knowledge in a mannor that would allow him to maintain his sanity.

Posted: Mon May 28, 2001 3:12 pm

Hey Mark, that's not really what anyone had in mind...but some guidelines can come in handy. As far as "editing" or "deleting" goes...I for one don't plan on it [except here in the good 'ol bar & grille...and only when somebody gets totally out of line...like to the point of getting petty/nasty/entirely counterproductive, I may put a couple words in their mouths to keep them humble].As for "deleting" posts, I will only delete posts of a blatant commercial nature. If someone wants to use these forums for advertising, they know where to buy ad space.At the same time I know I'd feel a little out of sorts if some clueless punque started calling Harvey a cocksucker. It just wouldn't work for me. I'm all for a fair amount of anarchy, but defined anarchy. Have an idea where the fence is, and how high it might be before you try to go over it. Frankly, unless it turns into shuck and jive personal bullshit, I learn a whole lot more from the arguments than the agreements. When there are several well presented sides to a point, to a perspective, to a thread, that's when learning occurs. When somebody decides to make it a personal pissing contest, nobody wins...but other than that, I for one want discourse.Look at all the wasted time and energy that has been spent to get to this point. Frankly, I don't want to go through another fucking soap opera week like this again. This sucked...just flat out sucked. I've got all kinds of people e-mailing me about petty bullshit with the "he said/she said" bullshit coming out of my eye sockets. Enough.If this is the beginning of the end, so be it. If this is the beginning of a new beginning...so be it. Que fuckin' sera sera at this point.I have a little less than zero interest in ever being part of a 'private club'. To quote Groucho Marx: "I would never join a club that would have someone like me as a member." If it goes that way...save some room for me in the lifeboat will ya.

Posted: Mon May 28, 2001 3:12 pm

I see where yer coming from in theory, but after viewing posts here for a couple months, I think the rules sound worse than they are/ will be in practice. I think it's a way positive step. Back to *burp* Memorial Day...

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