| 3 JAN 2010 at 9:39pm |
Bonsai-sanSorcerer Apprentice
Posts : 220
Joined: 9 SEP 2007
Status : Offline | The only person that I see as an "ex-member" is Len Green. Is this over his funny "friar" joke......or am I totally missing something else?
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| 3 JAN 2010 at 9:43pm |
| Deleted User | Originally Posted By Bonsai-san (3 JAN 2010 9:38pm)
The only person that I see as an "ex-member" is Len Green. Is this over his funny "friar" joke......or am I totally missing something else?
No, I think you are missing some stuff. See a bunch of other threads where a lot of..-er.. friction has been taking place...
(For a long time, actually - you truly didn't notice?)
Yes, the friar joke was quite funny I also thought, actually..
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| 3 JAN 2010 at 11:23pm |
Lucien21Guild Master
Posts : 4876
Joined: 9 JUL 2003
Location: 0
Status : Offline | It's always a shame when it has to come to actions like this. Nobody likes to see people banned.
However, I do problems could be better dealt with if there was more of a visible moderation on the boards.
I'm sure the JAStaff 1 - 3 are alter ego's of real members, but do they need to be anonymous. You only ever see them logged in if there is a problem.
Maybe we need to make the moderators more visiable to stem issues quicker.
Dear Diary, My teenage angst bullsh*t now has a bodycount.
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| 3 JAN 2010 at 11:35pm |
| Deleted User | Agreed, Lucien, especially about it leaving a bitter taste and sadness no matter who was banned.
I've actually also always thought that the anonymity of the mods is actually a very good idea. It gives them the freedom to do what they have to, without having to fear personal reprisals from members .
Remember also, that they often have to moderate between two opposing parties, and that must be very hard to do if you are indeed an active member, and one or both of the parties are friendly with you in your "known" form.
..but I guess you are right about more prompt and visible moderation - though on the other hand one doesn't want to feel like the forum is a kind of "police state" like certain other forums where one tends to feel very restricted - don't know if you agree on that or no.
It's a tough call..
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| 3 JAN 2010 at 11:46pm |
Lucien21Guild Master
Posts : 4876
Joined: 9 JUL 2003
Location: 0
Status : Offline | Every other forum i'm on has visible members as moderators and some overall administrators.
I've never felt it was a "police state". I guess that comes down to how the mods handle it and how the members respect the moderators.
With the anonimity, how do you know that JA-Staff 6 wasn't the person you are arguing with? (Not that i'm saying this is the case)
It's just a suggestion, i'm certainly not dissing the mods we currently have in the witness protection service.
Dear Diary, My teenage angst bullsh*t now has a bodycount.
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| 4 JAN 2010 at 12:29am |
JA-Staff2Private Detective
Posts : 466
Joined: 4 JUN 2004
Location: 0
Status : Online | I agree to a certain extent Lucien. I'll try to log in as JA-Staff more often. As it stands, we are almost always here, just not logged in. Don't want to give the impression that we are watching the boards like a hawk. We want people to feel free to speak their minds, have their heated debates, etc. Having these silly little tit-for-tats, stalking and baiting goes far beyond that.
I would really like to stress that the vast majority of people on here are highly intelligent, friendly, and mature. It's the relatively few problem children that are creating the hostile environment. It amazes me when we are so infrequently logged on here, that we get these little jabs from those same problem children about how they wouldn't want to tick us off while they are skirting the edges of what is acceptable or intentionally trying to be provocative in order to start a battle as though we are heavy handed.
To take this one step farther though, I do not think it's been helpful to show respect for those who are breaking the rules by dealing with them in private via PMs. I think that only adds to the feeling that we are not around and not dealing with situations, when in fact we are. Then when something like this happens, it gives the impression that we made some snap decision based on one event when it fact it was a long series of events that had been going on for quite some time.
I'll discuss this with the rest of the staff to get their thoughts.
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| 4 JAN 2010 at 1:20am |
SirDaveGuild Master
Posts : 4950
Joined: 17 OCT 2002
Location: US
Status : Offline | Originally Posted By JA-Staff2 (4 JAN 2010 12:28am)
To take this one step farther though, I do not think it's been helpful to show respect for those who are breaking the rules by dealing with them in private via PMs. I think that only adds to the feeling that we are not around and not dealing with situations, when in fact we are. Then when something like this happens, it gives the impression that we made some snap decision based on one event when it fact it was a long series of events that had been going on for quite some time.
My 2 cents: I think the PM route is the way to go as part of the overall process of dealing with people who cross the line. There are always going to be certain people who consistently test the limits from time to time- they can't help themselves- but these may still be people who know when to back off after a PM and may also be people who contribute to the forum in positive ways. Overall, adventure gaming needs at least some of these 'high-strung' people. ie. I think that the PM route is usually better than the public warning of individuals (ie. as opposed to general warnings which are IMO appropriate if necessary).
When it comes to your concerns above: From what I've experienced here at JA, it should be perfectly obvious to anyone with any common sense (I mean most of us ) that you mods are very much around and dealing with situations- and overall are not making snap decisions. Those who don't see it that way are probably the ones who will end up needing more drastic action anyway. In short, I think an individual's response over a period of time to the PM route becomes a good measure when it comes to separating relatively innocent exuberance from absolute recalcitrance and gives a good indication as to whether the big guns are necessary.
The future ain't what it used to be!
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| 4 JAN 2010 at 7:19am |
| Deleted User | Originally Posted By SirDave (4 JAN 2010 1:20am)
My 2 cents: I think the PM route is the way to go as part of the overall process of dealing with people who cross the line. There are always going to be certain people who consistently test the limits from time to time- they can't help themselves- but these may still be people who know when to back off after a PM and may also be people who contribute to the forum in positive ways. Overall, adventure gaming needs at least some of these 'high-strung' people. ie. I think that the PM route is usually better than the public warning of individuals (ie. as opposed to general warnings which are IMO appropriate if necessary).
When it comes to your concerns above: From what I've experienced here at JA, it should be perfectly obvious to anyone with any common sense (I mean most of us ) that you mods are very much around and dealing with situations- and overall are not making snap decisions. Those who don't see it that way are probably the ones who will end up needing more drastic action anyway. In short, I think an individual's response over a period of time to the PM route becomes a good measure when it comes to separating relatively innocent exuberance from absolute recalcitrance and gives a good indication as to whether the big guns are necessary.
I'd like to respectfully disagree to some extent, if I may. I am not saying that issues should not be dealt with individuals in private – obviously one doesn’t want to air all the dirty linen in public, but I do think that a moderator presence can be maintained more publicly by posting a short message when people are trying to get away with shenanigans.
When I joined these boards not too long ago, I was at such an obvious disadvantage regarding the history of the site, and especially not knowing what went on with P&R, that I dug into a few old threads, and read some of the moderator's oldest posts, and the threads and situations that caused them to intervene.
If you may recall, SirD, the mods back then actually did seem to keep quite a bit more of a "visible" profile. People were publicly reminded of the rules and asked to belt up and shut up if they started slinging public insults at one another.
I feel about it this way: if you don't mind attacking and insulting other people in public, you should not mind, likewise, being reprimanded for that in public.
If I had met you and your wife at a social function, and I had called your wife an ugly old crow with no fashion sense at all, and hair like a scarecrow, would you send me a letter via post about the matter, or would you then and there ask me to keep a civil tongue in my head, and keep my personal, hurtful comments to myself?
If (all or most of the) moderation is done via PM, there is no visible example set of what the standards for behaviour are on the site.
(Though I do acknowledge that in your post you did not exclude public moderation completely - I merely want to emphasise that I really feel there is a need for more public moderation.)
...and while, as has been mentioned before, the majority of people around here are friendly and mature, you will always find certain individuals in any such a forum population, who can not be described this way.
I have the greatest admiration and respect for the current mods, whoever they are, (and respect for the fact that theirs is not an easy job) so this is not a criticism, and obviously they have been following guidelines that seems best to whoever is in "power", but I personally would have, for instance, have preferred to see some visible moderation of the insults and personal bickering that has been taking place recently.
Just a short message asking them to keep the personal stuff that contravenes the rules, off of the public forum, a reminder of the PM system, and blah blah.
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| 4 JAN 2010 at 8:32am |
Agent BreaPrivate Detective
Posts : 705
Joined: 17 OCT 2006
Location: 0
Status : Online | This forum, in general, is very lightly moderated. It is JA's belief that ppl should not be walking on eggshells when posting, checking each and every word they type. But some ppl do cross the line, and a few of those repeatedly.
With Randy, Valerie and me mainly watching, Karla mainly working on the main site and Don mainly dealing with technical stuff, it is up to the mods to keep things in order and they are doing a great job. Their job is of course made easier from the fact that the majority of the members here are mature ppl. Unfortunately though, there are always those few that will spoil it for everyone else. It is a known fact that due to the presence of a couple of individuals, there are members who refrain from posting in general - somebody even said it flat out in another thread. The mods have been very patient and very lenient with those ppl for quite a long time, even though they crossed the line ever farther than some older members that were considered troublemakers and were banned did. But there is a point were action needs to be taken, and so they rightly did. And will do again with the few that are still causing trouble, and who have been warned both privately and publicly (about private vs public warnings, I believe that Traveller summed it up pretty nice). This forum is mainly about adventure games, and the off topic section is here only as a supplementary thing for members to occasionally talk about smth else. It is not an exit for ppl to vent and take out their issues on others, just because they cannot do it in real life.
As for the mods' identities, the problem with that is that the mods are members who participate in conversations and would be treated differently if ppl knew who they are, which would not be fair. And as opposed to the admins, who, if they get treated differently, they actually get treated better, a mod's fate, for some reason unknown to me, is to get treated worse... : This is why they need to stay anonymous.
Your last waking moments are marked by wretched pain as you provide dinner for a group of ill-mannered dinner guests that just wouldn't leave.
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| 4 JAN 2010 at 12:42pm |
colpetSchattenjger
Posts : 1632
Joined: 12 APR 2003
Status : Offline | I don't think that PMs are the way to go, either. When I came to Off Topic and read the posts in questions, I just cringed hoping someone would do something about it.
Since then, (and after seeing other examples of their “moderation” with other members there), I had limited my posting there to only the absolute nitty gritty while tip-toeing around like a good little girl.
The OT forum here at JA is one of the few I go to on a regular basis. I have to say that I'm always careful about what I write on any forum, but especially here since people have more freedom to lash back. It's almost the opposite effect that you would think.
Occasionally visiting Uru Live (KI 0063722 .&&
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| 4 JAN 2010 at 1:43pm |
MaraPrivate Detective
Posts : 542
Joined: 6 JUL 2007
Status : Offline | I am a moderator on another board. We usually use pm's to warn a member, although occasionally, if more than one member is disregarding our rules, we might issue a general statement to everyone reminding them of the rules. We are very visible, but I've been on other boards where the mods are not; they are watching just not logged on (something I also do occasionally). It doesn't seem to make a real difference either way; the mods on the boards that are not highly visible make their presence felt when they are needed.
It is obvious that the decision made was not an easy one and they gave a lot of latitude to the member banned (if I'm correct that it was Len G). You can't please everyone and rules are made so that the majority will feel comfortable posting and participating in a forum where we are all essentially anonymous. This is supposed to be a pleasurable activity.
We also have an off topic section and it does allow members to really get to know their fellow forumites. It allows for those little nicities like Happy birthdays, etc.
This is a great board with great people and I spend almost as much time here as on the one I moderate.
Mara
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| 4 JAN 2010 at 1:52pm |
JKingSchattenjger
Posts : 2350
Joined: 4 MAY 2008
Location: 0
Status : Offline | A lovely message, Mara. I confess I'm feeling a wee bit guilty about being part of the problem rather than the solution. These days I spend my time playing games rather than talking about them, and when I do discuss, it tends to be mostly with my girlfriend, who is an audience I know will be receptive. Plus it's a lot easier to have a conversation than to type out long, considered messages. Lazy, lazy me.
I'll try to post more often, and start topics, too, which is something that I've historically never done much, be it here, at MyOpera, or other places that I have in the past frequented.
May as well have some resolution for the new year.
You can't kill someone in a studio.
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| 4 JAN 2010 at 2:18pm |
| Deleted User | It's so nice to see people posting what they really think, and it is the ability to that, on these forums, that I value above all.
Posted by: colpet
I have to say that I'm always careful about what I write on any forum, but especially here since people have more freedom to lash back. It's almost the opposite effect that you would think.
Colpet, so are you actually also saying that you would prefer slightly stricter moderation (though of course hopefully still balanced, like Agent B said, one doesn't want to feel like you have to tiptoe and double-check every single word you say) ?
Yes, it is rather a fresh way to look at things, the way you've put it, and some food for thought, I guess.
Mara... [smiley=beer_buds.gif] ... which reminds me - have we already said Happy New Year on OT? Well, if I already have, I'll say it again! May 2010 bring you all everything you had hoped for.
JKing, I'll have you know I've already taken a copy of your post, and we're going to hold you to it... [smiley=devil_smiley_grintail.gif]
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| 4 JAN 2010 at 5:13pm |
Ex-JAStaff3Private Detective
Posts : 734
Joined: 10 MAR 2004
Location: US
Status : Offline | I check in here nearly every day, not just when problems arise. The choice of whether or not to invene in a potentially controversial topic is often a difficult call for us. Sometimes we wait to see how it plays out, sometimes we send warning PMs to allow an individual to take back an angry comment and save face, and sometimes we have to come in with both guns blazing. Each incident is different and no decision is ever made lightly.
We do have a couple of common sense requests that will help us considerably with our moderating:
1. If you are responding to an "ify" post, ask yourself if your post will be a contribution or if it will escalate the problem. Sometimes it's better to ignore the poster than to "correct" him or her.
2. Courtesy never goes out of style. The way you say it can make a big difference in the response you get.
3. If you spot a problem or are uncomfortable about a post, send one of us a PM about it. We'll try to deal with it within 24 hours.
Our goal here is to allow an easy exchange of ideas while keeping our intrusions to a minimum. If you do your part, we'll do ours.
Retired Spam Zapper & Troll Tackler
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| 4 JAN 2010 at 6:55pm |
SirDaveGuild Master
Posts : 4950
Joined: 17 OCT 2002
Location: US
Status : Offline | Originally Posted By TheTraveler (4 JAN 2010 7:19am)
Originally Posted By SirDave (4 JAN 2010 1:20am)
Originally Posted By JA-Staff2 (4 JAN 2010 12:28am)
To take this one step farther though, I do not think it's been helpful to show respect for those who are breaking the rules by dealing with them in private via PMs. [snip]
My 2 cents: I think the PM route is the way to go as part of the overall process of dealing with people who cross the line. There are always going to be certain people who consistently test the limits from time to time- they can't help themselves- but these may still be people who know when to back off after a PM and may also be people who contribute to the forum in positive ways. Overall, adventure gaming needs at least some of these 'high-strung' people. ie. I think that the PM route is usually better than the public warning of individuals (ie. as opposed to general warnings which are IMO appropriate if necessary).
When it comes to your concerns above: From what I've experienced here at JA, it should be perfectly obvious to anyone with any common sense (I mean most of us ) that you mods are very much around and dealing with situations- and overall are not making snap decisions. Those who don't see it that way are probably the ones who will end up needing more drastic action anyway. In short, I think an individual's response over a period of time to the PM route becomes a good measure when it comes to separating relatively innocent exuberance from absolute recalcitrance and gives a good indication as to whether the big guns are necessary.
I feel about it this way: if you don't mind attacking and insulting other people in public, you should not mind, likewise, being reprimanded for that in public.
If I had met you and your wife at a social function, and I had called your wife an ugly old crow with no fashion sense at all, and hair like a scarecrow, would you send me a letter via post about the matter, or would you then and there ask me to keep a civil tongue in my head, and keep my personal, hurtful comments to myself?
If (all or most of the) moderation is done via PM, there is no visible example set of what the standards for behaviour are on the site.
(Though I do acknowledge that in your post you did not exclude public moderation completely - I merely want to emphasise that I really feel there is a need for more public moderation.)
Obviously, there are different valid viewpoints on this subject, but I would point out that your analogy above does not reflect this situation. My defending the comments about my wife are comparable to the arguments that lead to where we find ourselves now. I am a supporter of my wife; I am not an official authority figure. In these forum conflagrations each side has its defenders and each side thinks they have the right to whatever they're saying and however they're saying it. The analogy should address what the response would be of a 3rd party authority arriving on the scene to handle the disagreement. As a rule, would the authority dress down the party, in public which might, among other things, infuriate the alleged evil-doer's ( ) supporters who might think that the public humiliation is unwarranted, or take the person (or all 3) into a private area and lay down the rules?
The benefit of the PM is that the message gets across explicity, the person isn't publicly humiliated and finally, it gives the person a chance to explain their position which may occasionally bring out additional information that is pertinent- eg. perhaps a flaming provoking PM the person had received from the person they are accused of attacking.
Also, to clarify- I don't suggest that a person deserves limitless PMs before stronger action is taken. I'm simply saying that IMO, it is the best first course and if the person can't understand the courtesy they are being shown after a couple of PMs or so, then whatever they get, a public tongue thrashing and/or being banned, then so be it.
The future ain't what it used to be!
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| 4 JAN 2010 at 7:03pm |
colpetSchattenjger
Posts : 1632
Joined: 12 APR 2003
Status : Offline | Colpet, so are you actually also saying that you would prefer slightly stricter moderation (though of course hopefully still balanced, like Agent B said, one doesn't want to feel like you have to tiptoe and double-check every single word you say) ?
Yes, it is rather a fresh way to look at things, the way you've put it, and some food for thought, I guess.
Perhaps not stricter, but more obvious presence. However, I appreciate that the mods can't be around all the time.
There were a few times when I'd like to respond to a post, but was concerned that the member was somewhat volatile. It wasn't worth the fomulation of the post to try and be as unoffensive as possible, since you are never sure how some people take things, so you could say I've been more censured here that at other forums.
(..but you know us Canadians, we always try to be extra polite )
Occasionally visiting Uru Live (KI 0063722 .&&
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| 4 JAN 2010 at 8:05pm |
| Deleted User | Originally Posted By SirDave (4 JAN 2010 6:55pm)
Obviously, there are different valid viewpoints on this subject, but I would point out that your analogy above does not reflect this situation. My defending the comments about my wife are comparable to the arguments that lead to where we find ourselves now. I am a supporter of my wife; I am not an official authority figure. In these forum conflagrations each side has its defenders and each side thinks they have the right to whatever they're saying and however they're saying it. The analogy should address what the response would be of a 3rd party authority arriving on the scene to handle the disagreement. As a rule, would the authority dress down the party, in public which might, among other things, infuriate the alleged evil-doer's ( ) supporters who might think that the public humiliation is unwarranted, or take the person (or all 3) into a private area and lay down the rules?
The benefit of the PM is that the message gets across explicity, the person isn't publicly humiliated and finally, it gives the person a chance to explain their position which may occasionally bring out additional information that is pertinent- eg. perhaps a flaming provoking PM the person had received from the person they are accused of attacking.
Also, to clarify- I don't suggest that a person deserves limitless PMs before stronger action is taken. I'm simply saying that IMO, it is the best first course and if the person can't understand the courtesy they are being shown after a couple of PMs or so, then whatever they get, a public tongue thrashing and/or being banned, then so be it.
SirDave, as usual, you argue your point very well.
However, I am still not entirely convinced that public action should not be taken, if it is done in a neutral, tactful way, if the situation is appropriate. (Although your argument might possibly allow for this in certain situations?)
Let us use an example of that I had inadvertently seemed to circumvent censorship by self-censoring a word that I had not realised was a banned word on a certain site. If I was a newbie there, and didn't realise I was overstepping their limits, the mod in question could have followed a few routes, which would work out fine as long as the mod remained neutral and gave the poster the benefit of the doubt, being a new member, and perhaps not being aware of all the rules.
(1) Covered the word with a blip and publicly posted something like "A word that is disallowed on this site has been censored. Please see our rules in this regard" with a link to the list of disallowed words. They could have followed it with a PM explaining a bit more if they had wanted to, or they could have publicly invited me to PM them if I did not understand the rules. That would not have infuriated me - I would have felt grateful that it was handled with as much tact as possible even though I would have felt embarrassed.
(2) Not posted anything public but only blipped the word and sent a PM .
In case (2) I could have logged on and seen the blip before I'd opened my PM's and I would not have understood where the blip came from.
..or I could have logged on and opened my Pm's first and would have wondered what on earth the PM was on about.
In either case, a short, neutral public statement in or below my post would have helped to avoid any confusion.
Where we do agree, is that PM's can be much kinder to newbies especially. When I joined this site, I did not know about the P&R ban, and overstepped the rules without realising it. I received a PM explaining it, which allowed me to retract my sentence /paragraph that had crossed the line. I appreciated that, and I still love this site.
However, to tie in with what Lucien and Colpet said, when (like you yourself also mentioned) members have been around longer and already know the rules but still overstep the limit; I really think that a public warning is in order - of course it could and should be done as neutrally and tactfully as possible; but I think our excellent mods have proved by now that they are quite capable of this.
I do think we are close to agreeing, though with a slightly different emphasis? I don't know whether our arguments would do much to change the situation in any case, but I do think it is nice to at least discuss it; so that we as members and the staff themselves can get a better 'feel' for the whole situation.
EDIT: I read your previous post again carefully SirDave, and I see that you are talking about public warning of individuals as opposed to general public statements. Sorry I didn't see that distinction before; and I agree with you to the extent of where more "innocent" "crimes" are commited, such as coming close to breaking the P&R ban, etc.
However, where two people are openly slugging it out at one another, or one person launches a vicious and unwarranted attack on another person, I still stick to my guns that I think public moderation is in order in such a case.
In the 'me vs your wife' scenario, that would be: I jump at your wife and start pulling out her hair, while she starts to scratch my face with her nails. A policeman/guard (hehehe my bodyguard? : ) steps in to seperate us...
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| 4 JAN 2010 at 9:20pm |
Starchild with a bobgunIntergalactic Janitor
Posts : 93
Joined: 22 AUG 2009
Location: NL
Status : Offline | I totally agree......on everything and......in.OFF.TOPIC.and........
[img]http://i800.photobucket.com/albums/yy281/iwanigor/yoda6.jpg[/img]
Still Intergalactic Janitor after all these years.
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| 4 JAN 2010 at 9:44pm |
SirDaveGuild Master
Posts : 4950
Joined: 17 OCT 2002
Location: US
Status : Offline | Originally Posted By TheTraveler (4 JAN 2010 8:05pm)
In the 'me vs your wife' scenario, that would be: I jump at your wife and start pulling out her hair, while she starts to scratch my face with her nails. A policeman/guard (hehehe my bodyguard? : ) steps in to seperate us...
On the other hand, if you had said, 'Your wife is an ugly old crow with no fashion sense at all and her hair like a scarecrow.', I might have responded, 'That's unfair. Her hair is not like a scarecrow!
Anyway, I appreciate your response. Just glad I don't have the mod job and that there are people who will do it.
The future ain't what it used to be!
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| 4 JAN 2010 at 9:57pm |
| Deleted User | Originally Posted By SirDave (4 JAN 2010 9:44pm)
Originally Posted By TheTraveler (4 JAN 2010 8:05pm)
In the 'me vs your wife' scenario, that would be: I jump at your wife and start pulling out her hair, while she starts to scratch my face with her nails. A policeman/guard (hehehe my bodyguard? : ) steps in to seperate us...
On the other hand, if you had said, 'Your wife is an ugly old crow with no fashion sense at all and her hair like a scarecrow.', I might have responded, 'That's unfair. Her hair is not like a scarecrow!
Anyway, I appreciate your response. Just glad I don't have the mod job and that there are people who will do it.
I take it back, SirDave: Your wife has beautiful hair...
I sure agree, with that these poor mods have their job cut out for them..
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| 5 JAN 2010 at 5:48pm |
anthonyJourneyman
Posts : 1270
Joined: 11 JUN 2003
Status : Offline | Originally Posted By JA-Staff2 (3 JAN 2010 8:15pm)
There is also a perceived perception of power on these boards. Unless you've participated in numerous gaming threads, written reviews or articles for the site, helped people with games they were stuck in, directly work on the site, or created adventure games, you have no rights that give you more leniency to do what you want on these boards.
I'm not sure I understand this point. I would think that, even if you do one or more of these things, you still have no rights that give you more leniency to do what you want on these boards.
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| 7 JAN 2010 at 1:19am |
JA-Staff2Private Detective
Posts : 466
Joined: 4 JUN 2004
Location: 0
Status : Online | Thank you for all of the feedback. It's very appreciated.
It's the forum members who make this site and we've got some great ones here. People who are passionate about the genre and helping others. We can't let a few bad apples spoil it.
Anthony - That was more of a reference to those who contribute very little to the site or genre, but somehow act as though they have special privileges due to frequent posting in Off Topic. You would be amazed at how many times someone would throw others under the proverbial bus if we PM'd them while proclaiming their innocence.
We've also seen some people trying to strong arm others. I can only imagine it's something that comes from frequent posting and somehow feeling entitled. I think it's an easy trap to fall into if you've been here for any length of time. It starts to feel like home and you start taking liberties. The problem is that you also start stepping on others. Most times I doubt it's intentional. Fortunately there are very few like this. The bottom line is try to show respect for other people's opinions.
Off Topic is an offshoot area of JA, not the main one. It's a great place to chit chat and get to know each other. If anything, it should be the most relaxing place on the forum to visit and have healthy discussions or heated debates. What we've seen down here these last few weeks has been anything but decent. Quite ugly in fact.
I myself enjoy seeing the pictures you post, links posted by others of funny or amazing videos, the occasional rant thread, people's garden pictures, Aya's top music thread (even though I think his taste in music sucks! ), following along with the football tourney, etc. People should feel free to speak their minds within the confines of the rules. No one should be afraid to post.
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| 7 JAN 2010 at 8:30am |
Starchild with a bobgunIntergalactic Janitor
Posts : 93
Joined: 22 AUG 2009
Location: NL
Status : Offline | Originally Posted By JA-Staff2 (7 JAN 2010 1:19am)
Thank you for all of the feedback. It's very appreciated.
[img]http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zHxGcdFWCmU/SSslhLgGDHI/AAAAAAAACjk/cw7Nd4T1Z3U/s400/PriscillaE.jpg[/img]
Glad I could help.
Still Intergalactic Janitor after all these years.
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| 7 JAN 2010 at 8:33am |
| Deleted User | Silly SirFunk! I liked your Yoda, SirFunk. If you screw your eyes into thin little slits, you almost get to see a similarity to the original Yoda (if you imagined more wrinkles and less hair... )
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