Re-Opening Forums: An Apology and lines drawn.

First, the assumption is we are all adults, here. If you're under the age of 18 or 'adult-language' makes you uneasy or offends you, this isnt the forum for you.
- the language is not REALLY 'adult' but hey, you know what I mean.

Second, an apology is in order to ChicagoFan, for my not handling this situation properly.. that is to say, off-line. For that, I take full responsibility as a 'Moderation-failure'. I let myself be drawn into the feeling/emotion side of discourse rather than stepping further back and dealing with the situation with total dis-passion.

When I took on moderation of this forum, I decided I would not be the type of Mod that threw out people willy nilly no matter how much they pissed me off.
But I also decided that I wouldnt allow flaming...really trolling for effect.. to go on in the discussions.

The problem is that some might have a different definition of 'flaming/trolling' than I did and it's really difficult to draw the line sometimes.

OTOH, someone has to draw that line and I feel that, since I've been a member of internet discussion groups from way back in the mid-eighties when they mostly took the form of moderated/unmoderated e-mail lists {boy! were those CUMBERSOME!}, I should be able to figure out the difference.

I wont get into a history of trolling on the net except to say it's been there from the beginning, AFAIK, and I have a pretty good idea what it looks like... and confidence I can get other old grizzled net-vets to agree with a label I might slap on it.

To the rest of you, however, the definition may still need solidifying.

First, a 'troll' attacks a person or group as a group with scurrilous and/or unproven labels WITHOUT bothering to justify or prove it. Often as not, it's off-topic.

Second, -and this is important- a telltale flag is there are lots of smileys attached, supposedly as an effort to justify (as in 'just poking fun') or mitigate the charges.
-This is one reason why I dont like smileys, or overuse of 'LOL'.

It's important to note that some people may not recognize this, but I feel safe in flatly stating that any attack post with a surfeit of smileys is a troll. Others may not see it that way but, whether or not you agree, that is the opinion of the moderator and 'the moderator says so' is the final word while that person is the moderator.

Finally.. again with apologies to CF, as I should have PM'd him inviting him to read ALL my posts, in relation to my 'being a right-wing racist apologist'.. you cannot fully know one person's views by a single thread or post. I'll categorically deny those charges but it means nothing if what I post says the opposite. And, to be clear, if you are only looking at the subject matter and my overall view, IN A SINGLE POST, that would be understandable, wrong but understandable.

Also, there was some confusion on what's allowed and not allowed in the 'Campaign sub-forum'. I'd intended it to be flame-free when I made it, but it quickly became obvious that it couldnt be. Thus I added to the description line "Aw.. screw it..too much work!" Which I mmeant to nullify the 'Flame Free' fantasy.

So now to define, by example, what's allowed and what's not.

Since I opened the box on this, this is the maximum example of what's allowed:

"Pettyfog, I dont like you. I think you're a dumb fuck!"

As I said, I opened that box and I have to live with it. What I say would be over the line, however, is constant repetition of that phrase. Including use of it in a sig line.

It's far more acceptable if there is mitigation of that, such as 'but you have the right to post your views'.

However, use of 'but I defend to the death your right to ..' when used repeatedly as a 'mitigator' doesnt work, same as beaucoup smileys doesnt work.

In closing I apologize, not just to CF, but the rest of you for not handling this properly. The hope I have, though, is that something good comes out of this and more, not fewer, members of this great site feel free to voice their opinions, whatever they are, on the political arena.

Otherwise, should we feel we cant handle disagreements, we're just singing to the choir.

"The pool is now open, dive in. Do mind the shallow end, though."

 

Pettyfog, you have the patience of a saint (most of the time) to do this. Know that your work and passion does not go unappreciated.

I don't think you are a dumb fuck most of the time, if ever, but I defend your right to say dumb fuck things here.

 

Well, I've had lots of practice, dealing with you....

 

You two...

I've said it before and I'll say it now...

You should be married.

 

Uh... I dont think so, Tim. Unless you have another reference. For the record: I'm Oscar he's Felix.

Besides, right nowI have a crush.

heh....

 

Likewise.

BTW, Tim? I would guess my first name is pretty simple to deduce.

 

Another TV reference, Steve. As in 'Home Improvement'

 

Would this be considered trolling?

 

:roll: :roll:

:lol:

Haha, I jest.