i don't understand the first thread on the open letter

with a topic like that, the only thing anyone should have done was
agree to it , look in the mirror, and other then that, be cool and shut up for a change...

i feel embarrassed for what's going on in the OT right now
and i apologize for whatever part i had in this matter

http://blamebush.typepad.com/

http://www.whywehatebush.com/news.html

http://bushisanidiot.homestead.com/bushisanidiot.html

http://www.anti-bush.com/

This sums up 99% of the liberal diatribes at OT

Our country is divided, ripped apart, by the Democrat hate machine. They have pitted friend against friend, lover against lover, family member against family member, mother against child, child against father...for what?...for power, pure power lust...It is the politics of division and it is practiced 99% by Democrats and their top level brass.

http://z.about.com/d/politicalhumor/..._chimpbros.jpg

Bush is Hitler

Because, regardless of topic...like most threads...it was turned into just another opportunity to take cheap shots at conservatives.

Re: an open letter revisited
 

I know you hate me Todd, but that thread is a perfect example of how I shrug off massive amounts of insults and stick to the facts...I think that is what disturbs and perturbs the lefties on board the most, that I do not respond to the taunts...nor do those taunts of me seem to bother you much Todd.

island911 said it best, the left on board hate me because I am effective.

Nostatic,

There is a simple solution to this, either ban the 15-20 members who constantly spam this board with political & religous drivel, or ban religion & politics as topics. This being a car discussion board, I vote for the latter. It's not like there are no forums out there that cover politics or religion.

If you want to only read posts about 911s...then stick to the tech threads. This one is titled "off topic." It should not come as a surprise that the threads are "off topic." Clearly, by the number of posts...this is one of the most popular parts of the bbs. Why would you want to stop people from freely exchanging ideas and opinions here? Anyone that does not want to read the posts can do just that.

I, as well as many others here enjoy the non-political / religious topics and discussions, you know, the ones that you and the other 15-19 don't have 50 replies in. It wouldn't be a problem if you guys were mature enough to discuss things like adults, but you've clearly demonstrated you can't, so IMO either you guys need to go, or the topics need to go.

Why is it so difficult for you to discuss the issue without the insults? And you say that we don't discuss issues as adults.....that is amazing.

Why don't you just stick to the type posts you enjoy without lobbying to deprive others of the posts they enjoy? Sounds pretty selfish to me. Is it really any of your business what others discuss about politics or religioin....or how many posts they make? It is your choice to open and read them...or not. Perhaps you need to go if you cannot keep from reading threads that you don't want to. Maybe you should ban yourself...for your own good.

You are pretty quick with the digs at others...to be so sensitive. Isn't it interesting that the very ones complaining are the first to start denigrating others. Nice.

A lot of nerve for a relative newcomer to start insulting folks that have posted here for years...and tell them they need to go. Surely your parents taught you better.

I've already added what I wanted to this thread. If you were offended by what I said, then I ask you 'Was it true?'. If not then I appologize.

I'd like you to think about something; would you have the discussions you do, in the tone you do, in line at the grocery store? Now imagine there are several thousand people within an earshot of you - would you still do it?

The thread about the threads that go sour that went sour.

I do not envy your position Todd.

But frankly, its not a that important issue in the real world. This is the web. Its difficult to satisfy everyone. You did right bringing it up cause the thread-spoiling tends to take a certain toll on the enjoyment factor of OT.

For me, the Tech Forum is the important part anyway and the only reason I subscribe.

I will admit though, I had tremendous help and support on my 'Tough ultimatum... thread' here on OT.

Markus,

Whatever happened with that anyway? I mean - what did you decide to do? Just curious.

Perhaps its time for a 'Tough Ultimatum revisited' thread. ;)

I managed to be brave enough to brake up with her. Its still an almost daily struggle however. We are not in agreement regarding our daughter. And I could tell you some further horror stories on erratic / mad / dangerous behavior on her part. But I try hard to forget it and move on.

When things settle down I will post and let you know. You were all such great support. Thanks!

Yes, more stories about crazy girlfiend/boyfiend/SO, etc.

This was a good thread to start nostatic, a bit of civility is called for in an forum, and that's what PPOT is, a discussion where everyone can be heard.
A discussion group certainly isn't the place for a few people(unknown to the tech side) to suddenly show up and dominate every political/religeous thread through consistent topic diversion, extending the topic with irrelavant posts, pasting half a newspaper, and baiting/fishing for members psychologic profiles (why and on behalf of who? scary). My members profile should be very easy to see for the Bushies.

But neither side is all wrong and both work for a common goal (I hope and pray), but unfortunately getting anything done in the US these days has begun to change from the traditional "give me one please, ok, thank you" into "take two and give one back" into "take them all and f'em".
This forum ain't gonna change the (very unamerican)happenings at large, but should be an inspiration for people to get out and vote for their beliefs.
It's all words, many in jest or half believed for the bored. Cheers all(hug).

It is an open(mostly anyway) forum. If you feel so persecuted, just leave. There are many places you can go for spirited, even vitriolic debate. Personally I sort of like the rancor, it reflects what I see as the root of the debate. Conservatives are a bunch of Nazi MFers who want to put everyone who disagrees with them in a camp. Liberals are a bunch of socialist/communist scumbags who care so much about their fellow man that they can't leave him the hell alone. In a nutshell...

If you can't play nice, don't play. Nobody make y'all come here for cryin' out loud.

Oh yeah, even if I agree with you a lot of the time Fint, you need to grow some thicker skin if you think, "Fint's way or the highway" is a personal attack. If someone were to say, "Fint's a fuchin' pussy" because he is prone to whining about persecution for his political beliefs, that would be more of a personal attack thing. :p

Nostatic,

this thread is headed in the same direction as the 1st one you closed. you might have to close this one too.

just close them all, saves us the headaches.

btw, i realize you want some control , but just let people argue. if they violate a policy, give a warning and then ban them.

this is the internet and babysitting it to death will turn people away to other sites, where they can express themselves more freely.

Same words, comes across differently in person. His mannerisms are missing in print. It comes over completely different face-to-face.

He is one I did not want to meet, but he is one of my favorite people here now. He really is a good person (misguided, but a good guy).

These threads essentially ask people to police themselves. Many will, but some will not, so either give up or be the cop.

Here is my bit. We have a number of folks who run up huge post counts in the OT section that would get banned on most other boards. The moderators have managed to grant a lot of slack to these folks. Recently, I noticed that I was starting to ge tdrawn into these pointless arguments, and I have pulled back from contributing.

It isn't that I can't manage a discussion with me who I disagree with, in fact, I find this helpful. The problem is often that the disagreement transends logic and moves straight into villifying groups of people because that hold different positions or politcal affiliations. This kind of thing poisons an otherwise civil forum and its just a waste of time.

Re: an open letter revisited
 

I agree, lets see how far we can push the "Z" :)
Sorry I like OT for the humor not the fights

Let's bomb the OT forum with Off Topics posts.

Re: Re: an open letter revisited
 

At what, pray tell?? Changing minds, causing your opponents to re-assess their position(s), or just starting/participating in an exchange of ideas? You are about as effective as an off-kilter individual who shows up for junior high school every day w/ a bunch of extreme right-wing garbage slogans plastered on your back, your vehicle and your locker. Or stands on a street corner w/ a bull horn barking your beliefs at passing cars. People just shake their heads and hope that you get help.

I defend to death anyone's right to express their views in the U.S., even if I find those views uninformed or worse, but if you really believe that you are "effective" as a spokesperson for whatever it is that you purport to believe, then you are seriously deluded. Seriously. :(

More active moderation is NOT needed.

That is contrary to the long (in internet years) history of this particular OT board.

Why don't people who are annoyed/bothered/can't handle certain subjects, people or things simply ignore them?

A "if you won't say it to their face, don't say it here" rule is really stupid, IMO (oops, I said "stupid!" sorry for the vulgarity, hope no one is offended).

Part of the beauty of the Internet is it allows people to come closer to saying how they really feel. Say things they ordinarily WOULD'T say in person. Have you ever been to PCA events? THAT's what happens when relative strangers say only what they would say face to face. "How's the weather?" Boring.

I'd really think twice about a more proactive moderation policy.

It's pretty clear who this is generally directed at. C'mon people, you are really insulted or bothered by those posts? Have some pride! At least save your indignation and sensitivity for something worth it. Those posts are so repetitious, uncreative, formulaic and "by the book."

Finally, I think NS is a fair guy, but it is difficult to be both a moderator AND an active participant, IMO. It is even moreso when the most vocal and repetitious are from the other end of the moderator's political spectrum.

You mean that because you think my making multiple posts in a thread or discussion about politics or religion are wrong (like in China or Cuba)?" No.

If you want me to agree that your calling me immature was in any way appropriate since you don't know me and clear do not have much experience or a lot of years under your belt....don't hold your breath. I have not seen a lot of well reasoned posts on your part...here or in the tech threads.

I would be happy to repeat anything I post here in public since every word is true. What I really don't understand why you care what others discuss in threads that you can easily avoid...Is it really all about you?

Hope it works out. Did you get to keep your daughter or did she?

You miss the point entirely. It is, by definition, a personal attack. If we censor folks speech...how do we determine what constitutes a "personal attack" or "inappropriate post." Clearly it is open to unfair interpretations....unless you follow a very tight definition....or unless it is something that almost anyone would agree is out of bounds. Often folks are slammed for "mean spirited" posts simply because the other side disagree. In a perfect world...one would not even be able to discern the politics of a moderator.
personally, I cannot understand why a poster would ever start a post by calling another poster a name or describing their behavior. Any post that begins by "Tobra you are a ****" or "Tobra you did *****" instead of some information or fact is uncalled for and clearly personal...then it just becomes a matter of degree.

Personally I would prefer someone with the nads to call me a "fuchin' pussy" than the silly lies that are told about me here of the inept attempts at psychoanalysis that are attempts to weaken the facts/argument I present. Both are signs of a weak argument or debater.

I need more slack.

I need a vacation...

Yeah, you do.

If you don't want politics at all, then say so, and I'll respect that. Outline what the hell you want and I'll respect it. After that last closed thread, I honestly don't know what the hell you want out of me, Todd.

:)

i opened it back up. Have at it. Some people don't want to self-police (or are unable to), and I'm tired of insults and allegations. I appreciate those that have pm'd me on this with words of encouragement (from both sides of the political spectrum interestingly enough), but short of banning 1-10 people, seems like the only option is to just let people do whatever they want. Everyone has a different idea of what constitutes a personal attack, and that will ALWAYS be subjective. And someone will always disagree and get their panties in a wad. So go ahead and swing for the fences. I'll only act on threads/posts that are reported or if I see something that is obviously offensive (no matter what my political persuasion). I should have known better than to try and engage a dialogue on this topic. Mea culpa. I'm gonna go play tennis with my son...

Have fun with your son. But I don't know what the hell I did in that thread to warrant the title of "usual suspects".....I was trying to demonstrate how it's wrong to personally attack for an opinion re: a topic, no matter how offensive it may be to someone (which is subjective anyway). I was trying to validate what you were saying.

I was serious, Todd. What the hell did I do to warrant the "usual suspects" comment, I wasn't personally attacking anyone.....what the hell did I do that was not "self-policing"? Outline what you want for this board, and I'll adhere to it. PM me with the guidelines if you like.

Re: Re: Re: an open letter revisited
 

You've seen that guy eh? Lately he's been by my office at olympic and bundy at 5pm.

I actually don't know what he's saying or talking about though because I'm just far enough away.

That guy was picketing Best Buy here in Lincoln for awhile. I always wanted to stop and figure out what exactly his deal was.

Has anyone else noticed that Best Buy always smells like BO? Every one of their stores I have ever been to has had the same computer nerd in a warm closet smell. I think maybe it's time they let the Geek Squad take a break and go have a shower. They're giving the rest of us (clean) nerds a bad name.

I think a personal attack is an attack on one's person.

Not an attack on some anonymous screen name on some little corner of cyberspace.

How effective or serious can an "attack" be when the "victim" of the attack can simply ignore the attacker and thus completely defeat the attack???

This is the Internets, people. Keep some modicum of perspective and everything will be ok. And leave Nostatic alone. Crying to the moderator on an Internet off topic board is shameful.

Your all a bunch of stupid, no nothing, slobs without enough intelligence to know when to go to the bathroom. ALL of you.

Theres a personal attack on everyone (except me). What you going to do about it?

I am also offended, thats really offended by the nasty references to Bush. Bush is great.

And the porn. Put a bag over their heads, at least.

Has this become another " social experiment" ???

I think Fint should be banned. He annoys me.

Aurel

Finally something we can agree on. Some of those women in the bikini thread are seriously fugly. Lose your lunch fugly.