A quick word on "Overwhelmingly Negative Influences"

[Jackalope]

See, here's the thing Thump - Brewer's got every right to speak his mind about it as well.  Posters here don't need to subscribe to the staff's ideals in the matter either, they're free to speak their mind how they so choose.

Of course.  But that doesn't mean they get a free pass on critique, and that's what I gave him: fair, polite, and succinct critique.

Where's the problem here?

Oh, I kind of thought that this was an extension of your posts in the other thread how we're bleeding members and dammit, something needs to be done.

If that wasn't your position, then there is no problem.

[brewer]

I don't believe I said love it or leave it, but maybe that is what you want to hear. You should speak up, but it should be within reason. 

I'll let you decide if I'm paying lip service.

What, then, did you mean by this?

Don't you bitchers know how good you have it here? If not, try elsewhere.

Seems fairly straightforward to me.

Knew you wouldn't let it go. 

That had nothing to do with free speech or speaking up. That had everything to do with abuse of the report function. That's what sounds like it set staff off, but I may be wrong and am certainly open to correction. So, yeah, if someone is abusing a forum function (and abuse of the function has been a previous topic here), and then complain again, it may be that persons best option. Do you call report function abuse free speech or speaking up? Or is it something else?

[Thumpalumpacus]

Of course.  But that doesn't mean they get a free pass on critique, and that's what I gave him: fair, polite, and succinct critique.

Where's the problem here?

Oh, I kind of thought that this was an extension of your posts in the other thread how we're bleeding members and dammit, something needs to be done.

If that wasn't your position, then there is no problem.

No, I've accepted that the Staff's decision is a done deal -- that losing members is acceptable for the sake of forum principles; and I respect a principled stand -- especially regarding free speech. I hope they're right, that it's of no moment. Me, I do think something should be done, but that wasn't and isn't my point in my reply to Brewer.

I just find a bit of contradiction in Brewer's position that free expression is the keynote, and if you don't like it, get out. Shades of groupthink in the point he's making, to my mind.

[Thumpalumpacus]

Knew you wouldn't let it go. 

That free speech thingy is a bitch sometimes, now isn't it?

That had nothing to do with free speech or speaking up. That had everything to do with abuse of the report function. That's what sounds like it set staff off, but I may be wrong and am certainly open to correction.

Ah, assumptions, then.

So, yeah, if someone is abusing a forum function (and abuse of the function has been a previous topic here), and then complain again, it may be that persons best option. Do you call report function abuse free speech or speaking up? Or is it something else?

You'll need to define what you think of as "abuse", and lay out why you think it's pertinent here. You've already admitted that this is an assumption on your part. Please support it.

[Whateverist]

I know I brought up the possibility in that rape-thread. But I think I said there I'd be content to ignore this person who is desperate to convert us since he assumes we're all the same kind of moral monster he is at heart. In fact, I didn't bother to put him on ignore because I've pretty much stopped reading his posts anyway. (Their length, quality and incoherence make it pretty darned.) I'm sorry if my frustration in the moment kicked up a shit storm. I agree with what Losty said to me then and feel pretty strongly that it would probably be best if that option were never used.

Damn .. 12 pages?! I read the first. We'll see about the rest. If there is anything anyone wants me to read or thinks I'd want to, would you mind PM'ing me? I feel a little responsible and very much regret it if anyone's been upset .. especially enough to want to leave. We have a good crew which I'd hate to see broken up.

[Edwardo Piet]

Am I missing something here?

Is anyone A. silencing anyone here? Or are B. all complaints welcome just not necessarily agreed with or accorded to? I'm sure it's B.

[Edwardo Piet]

I know I brought up the possibility in that rape-thread.  But I think I said there I'd be content to ignore this person who is desperate to convert us since he assumes we're all the same kind of moral monster he is at heart.  In fact, I didn't bother to put him on ignore because I've pretty much stopped reading his posts anyway.  (Their length, quality and incoherence make it pretty darned.)  I'm sorry if my frustration in the moment kicked up a shit storm.  I agree with what Losty said to me then and feel pretty strongly that it would probably be best if that option were never used.

I see the ONI rule as like learning Marital Arts for self-defence purposes:

Ideal to have it available but to never have to use it.

[Edwardo Piet]

I want to create a Parody Rule Thread where we create fake funny rules like the "Underwhelmingly Mediocre Influences" rule

[The Valkyrie]

Now I'm really confused.

Of course you're confused.

Look at your avatar.  You're confused because you're a dog.

Go chase a ball.

[brewer]

Knew you wouldn't let it go. 

That free speech thingy is a bitch sometimes, now isn't it?

That had nothing to do with free speech or speaking up. That had everything to do with abuse of the report function. That's what sounds like it set staff off, but I may be wrong and am certainly open to correction.

Ah, assumptions, then.

So, yeah, if someone is abusing a forum function (and abuse of the function has been a previous topic here), and then complain again, it may be that persons best option. Do you call report function abuse free speech or speaking up? Or is it something else?

You'll need to define what you think of as "abuse", and lay out why you think it's pertinent here. You've already admitted that this is an assumption on your part. Please support it.

Oh ouch. I'm so hurt. Report coming. I'm sure that I can twist your comment to fit some rule breaking. 

Assumption, yes. Don't see that it has been corrected yet but I'm willing to give it some time. 

I don't have to do anything but ignore you and stand on my statement alone. Others may need to learn this ability. 

Now if you'll excuse me there is a school of salmon I need to go join. The group needs to tell me which stream we're choosing.