Unrestricted Participation and Worthwhile Discussion

[_Jersey Girl]

I think this thread illustrates how very difficult it can be to have a topical discussion on this board. The irony is so thick you can cut it.

John

I've already made my suggestion, but the mods have ignored me. They dance to Scratch.

THIS Mod's opinion is that both you and Scratch are acting like a couple of immature babies. You are so completely into insulting each other that neither of you realize that you have completely usurped this thread and gone completely off topic.

Since I am too tired to split off your remarks (maybe Bond or Shades will have the energy), I will just tell you both to knock it the hell off and go to bed.

(Mother rant off)

I am sending my own self to my room, Mom.
:-)

[_Yoda]

I think this thread illustrates how very difficult it can be to have a topical discussion on this board. The irony is so thick you can cut it.

John

3 words: Threaded View Option

For example, if this thread could be viewed in threaded view, the sub thread involving Ray and Scratch would presumably, move off to the left. The comments regarding board function would move to the right.

The reason it's so difficult on this linear format is because you have to wade through all of the posts as one thread in order to find the on topic remarks that you wish to reply to.

Could someone in a position of power please put a dollar amount on a threaded view for me?

Email Keene. He would have that kind of information.

[_Ray A]

THIS Mod's opinion is that both you and Scratch are acting like a couple of immature babies. You are so completely into insulting each other that neither of you realize that you have completely usurped this thread and gone completely off topic.

Since I am too tired to split off your remarks (maybe Bond or Shades will have the energy), I will just tell you both to knock it the hell off and go to bed.

(Mother rant off)

Too early for my bed. It's only 3pm. Maybe Scratch can crawl under his rock.

No, Liz, I didn't usurp this thread. Scratch wanted to make points that were raised in long-gone threads. He's a grudge waiting for any opportunity to leech on to.

[_Mister Scratch]

I think this thread illustrates how very difficult it can be to have a topical discussion on this board. The irony is so thick you can cut it.

John

I've already made my suggestion, but the mods have ignored me. They dance to Scratch.

THIS Mod's opinion is that both you and Scratch are acting like a couple of immature babies. You are so completely into insulting each other that neither of you realize that you have completely usurped this thread and gone completely off topic.

Gee, I was under the impression that the topic had to do with what, exactly, constitutes "legit" discussion, and whether or not anything ought to be done, moderation-wise, in order to produce the sorts of threads that John Larsen and others say they want. Ray offered up a post about how a libel lawsuit is imminent, and I questioned his rhetoric. Really, Liz, what's wrong---or off-topic---about that? Is it really wrong, or "off-topic" to argue in favor of the discussion haven which Shades has created here? I assume that you support Shades's vision.... Right? Or do you favor the views of Ray and Coggins, who urge censorship?

[_Ray A]

Or do you favor the views of Ray and Coggins, who urge censorship?

I don't urge censorship. And, speaking of "censorship", when will you stop censoring who you really are - you snake?

Free speech? Then stop CENSORING yourself from others, you creep.

[_Mister Scratch]

Or do you favor the views of Ray and Coggins, who urge censorship?

I don't urge censorship. And, speaking of "censorship", when will you stop censoring who you really are - you snake?

Free speech? Then stop CENSORING yourself from others, you creep.

Um, is this supposed to be on topic? Gee whiz, Ray, you just can't help yourself.

[_Ray A]

Um, is this supposed to be on topic? Gee whiz, Ray, you just can't help yourself.

When have you ever been on-topic on this thread? Go to the other thread and let's bash it out. By the way, did I ever tell you you're a low life liar?

[_JAK]

Beastie,

The ignore function would be an excellent addition.

Don

Yes, it’s always good to close your eyes to what you don’t want to see. The ostrich approach to discussion.

As for your comments previously directed toward JAK, he asked you a series of questions. You didn’t like the questions and attempted personal attack rather than any address of the questions.

I’m skeptical that you are capable of free, frank, open discussion of issues. You raised some issues at the beginning of the thread which I addressed primarily with questions.

Never addressing them, you substituted an attempt at personal attack instead.

This is what I stated that precipitated that:

If you regard the things said are “not worth either saying or reading,” why are you reading?

Why are you contributing?

What makes you think your post which started this thread is worth reading?

One benefit of such a forum as this is that it provides opportunity for people to express, with little restriction, their views.

Are there absurd posts? Of course.

Are there insightful observations? It would seem there are.

Can you set up a forum superior to what you criticize in this one?

The very first question was critical to address first. There were six questions addressed to you in that short post. None warranted ad hominem.

JAK

[_Yoda]

Gee, I was under the impression that the topic had to do with what, exactly, constitutes "legit" discussion, and whether or not anything ought to be done, moderation-wise, in order to produce the sorts of threads that John Larsen and others say they want. Ray offered up a post about how a libel lawsuit is imminent, and I questioned his rhetoric. Really, Liz, what's wrong---or off-topic---about that? Is it really wrong, or "off-topic" to argue in favor of the discussion haven which Shades has created here? I assume that you support Shades's vision.... Right? Or do you favor the views of Ray and Coggins, who urge censorship?

Oh, please, Scratch. Of course, I support Shades' vision. I wouldn't have volunteered to be a Moderator if I didn't. (Although, at the moment, I am questioning my overall sanity...LOL)

You weren't simply "arguing for Shades' discussion haven." It may have started out that way, but let's face it. You and Ray sucked yourselves into a back and forth verbal pissing contest.

Bond has moved the bulk of those comments over to the other thread entitled "Ray and Scratch comments", so please, by all means, continue your hate-fest there.

(by the way, thanks, Bond, for splitting the thread and moving those comments. *HUGS*)

And, for the record, folks, splitting threads is a royal pain in the ass, so again, following Shades' rules, and self-moderating a little more to stay on topic would be very much appreciated.

(Yes, I'm in a foul mood. I've had sick kids and haven't slept in two days. Sorry, guys. *sigh*)

[_Ray A]

(Yes, I'm in a foul mood. I've had sick kids and haven't slept in two days. Sorry, guys. *sigh*)

I extend my sympathy ("retired" father of 28 years of child raising, and too many sleepless night to count. You never really "retire". But God I love them! Sorry for more off-topic. LOL.)