I'm beginning to think it isn't worth it

[_Dr. Shades]

by the way, got anymore funny stories for us? We're still laughing about the Boy Scout OB-GYN! Did that really happen? Because I've since found different versions of the story elsewhere in cyberspace, . . .

CFR.

[_JohnStuartMill]

Will, what historical evidence would convince you that the Book of Abraham is not what Joseph Smith purported it to be?

[_KimberlyAnn]

Will, there's not a doubt in your mind that Joseph Smith was a truthful man and a prophet of God, that the scroll is longer than any critic dare imagine and that your argument is rock solid. The facts will surely bear that out. All is right in Mormonism. You possess The Truth.

More power to you, Pangloss.

KA

Kimberly dear, you say there's not a doubt in your mind that Joseph Smith was a deceitful man and anything but a prophet of God, that the scroll is shorter than any apologist dare imagine and that your argument is rock solid. The facts will surely bear that out. All is right in exMormonism. You possess The Truth.

More power to you, Candide. ;)
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by the way, got anymore funny stories for us? We're still laughing about the Boy Scout OB-GYN! Did that really happen? Because I've since found different versions of the story elsewhere in cyberspace, and I really don't want to believe that you posted ahistorical (albeit entertaining) fiction in your otherwise seemingly authentic blog.

It really happened, Will. The intern's name really was Chad, though I cannot, for obvious reasons, post his last name. Immediately following the incident, I wrote about it on RfM. As I mentioned on my blog, it has been a few years. There is no archive of posts on RfM, so I have no proof, though I do have a fairly good memory and I'm sure Blixa and Nightingale both replied to my post.

And Shades only wants references so he can read about boobs. ;)

KA

[_William Schryver]

KA:

It really happened, Will. The intern's name really was Chad, though I cannot, for obvious reasons, post his last name. Immediately following the incident, I wrote about it on RfM. As I mentioned on my blog, it has been a few years. There is no archive of posts on RfM, so I have no proof, though I do have a fairly good memory and I'm sure Blixa and Nightingale both replied to my post.

Well, I’ll grant you this: it IS a funny, funny, funny story. My wife and I cried reading it. Oh, my!

And Shades only wants references so he can read about boobs. ;)

Of course, I see no problem with that. ;)

[_William Schryver]

by the way, got anymore funny stories for us? We're still laughing about the Boy Scout OB-GYN! Did that really happen? Because I've since found different versions of the story elsewhere in cyberspace, . . .

CFR.

Someone to whom I told the story claimed to have heard it on some chain e-mail or something like that, he then sent me some link to an urban folklore site that had a somewhat similar story -- different details; same gist. I've since deleted that email and I don't remember what the folklore site was.

But there is this hilarious story:

Boy Scout Breast Exams

Incidentally, I'm sure KA is telling us the gospel truth on this one. And, even if she isn't, my philosophy on writing history is as follows: A straight shot of things as they really were washed down with a chaser of things as they really should have been. ;)

[_why me]

Those who cry "foul" the loudest on these boards tend to be the worst offenders themselves. You are, however, a stellar exception to the rule. I enjoy your blog and you were quite respectful to me when I posted some disagreement with your conclusions.

But, the tone here is vicious. Not that I am complaining; I'm not. But you'll never have many nice believing posters here if every post is a mocking attack against one's religion and one's self. The personal attacks I have had to endure, some in real life, from posters on this board is enough to drive most away. I keep vowing to get out of here to avoid dragging my children into the mix, but what the heck.

You are right. The tone here is vicious. But the amazing thing is that the critic posters here don't seem to see or feel it. It is no coincidence that the LDS posters have high tailed it out of here. The Mad board is like a bunch of tame bunnies when compared to this board.

[_JohnStuartMill]

Those who cry "foul" the loudest on these boards tend to be the worst offenders themselves. You are, however, a stellar exception to the rule. I enjoy your blog and you were quite respectful to me when I posted some disagreement with your conclusions.

But, the tone here is vicious. Not that I am complaining; I'm not. But you'll never have many nice believing posters here if every post is a mocking attack against one's religion and one's self. The personal attacks I have had to endure, some in real life, from posters on this board is enough to drive most away. I keep vowing to get out of here to avoid dragging my children into the mix, but what the heck.

You are right. The tone here is vicious. But the amazing thing is that the critic posters here don't seem to see or feel it. It is no coincidence that the LDS posters have high tailed it out of here. The Mad board is like a bunch of tame bunnies when compared to this board.

LOL. As long as Pahoran and selek post on the other board, MDB will always hold the title of "more civil".

[_why me]

LOL. As long as Pahoran and selek post on the other board, MDB will always hold the title of "more civil".

Pahoran is the Mohammed Ali of Mad. He dances like a butterfly and stings like a bee. He is great as is Selek.

[_JohnStuartMill]

Seek help.

[_Ray A]

Frankly, I'm getting sick of message board debates. Is it really that difficult to communicate without the snideness, the sniping, the disrespect, the personal attacks? It can get bad here, but MADB is the worst. It's just a great big mutual admiration society, a dogpile of people who think they know more than they really do and think you're stupid for disagreeing. I love the community here at MDB, and I love all you folks and your fun and entertaining personalities, but I'm really gonna have to cut back on the debating aspect of the boards. It leaves me mentally and emotionally exhausted, and tremendously frustrated at the utter lack of progress, respect, and understanding. Bleh.

Chris,

I suppose that along with some others I'd be considered somewhat of a veteran of message boards (nine years now). Along with all of the frustration, vows to quit, and feeling like you're feeling now, I think it has been worth it. If I posted full-on everyday I'd finally exhaust myself. But every week I take a break from full-on posting, and sometimes won't post for three or four days, due to work (thank God). This week I'm working Saturday-Tuesday, so it won't be full-on for those days/nights, and this allows me a welcome break to mingle in a completely different atmosphere - real life. I enjoy my job, mainly because it involves meeting many people, all of whom think that Mormonism is an exotic and extreme American sect not worth ten seconds of attention (even my niece on the phone the other night wondered loudly how I ever got involved with "that cult". Her words). So I talk about anything but.....and it's very refreshing.

I only post on MAD if a particular thread takes my attention, or there are no debates going on here that grip me. But I agree with you that it's pointless as far as trying to persuade anyone to think differently.

So I think cutting back, as you suggest, is a good idea in order to keep fresh and post when you're in the mood. Your contributions have been valuable, and your perspectives and balance. Will is just entertainment. I don't take his personal or theological views seriously at all. I do take yours seriously.