Disappointed

[Toddles18]

I can't believe this is the same site I've been coming to for a year and a half now. Instead of "Random Discussion" it has become "Personal Attacks." I liked the way we could discuss and debate issues we felt important to us. It seems that now if someone posts something against the majority thought they are immediately labeled and attacked. I started the Average age of TSG members thread, which revealed an average in the mid to upper forties. That may be true but not many have acted as mature as that average says we should. I'm going to take a leave of Random for a while. Mainly because I am completely disgusted with the actions and comments and personal attacks. Hopefully in a few weeks calmer heads will prevail, and we can debate again with open minds.

 

[valley]

Originally posted by Toddles18:
I liked the way we could discuss and debate issues we felt important to us. It seems that now if someone posts something against the majority thought they are immediately labeled and attacked. I started the Average age of TSG members thread, which revealed an average in the mid to upper forties. That may be true but not many have acted as mature as that average says we should. I'm going to take a leave of Random for a while. Mainly because I am completely disgusted with the actions and comments and personal attacks. Hopefully in a few weeks calmer heads will prevail, and we can debate again with open minds.

I am sorry to see you go, Toddles. I have a hard time figuring out when people are mad. I try to judge the words by the smilies....but I know that doesnt mean a whole lot. Sometimes an insult can be given with a smile and defended as a joke, when it really meant to be an intentional insult. But there are some who really dont mean to offend and are just blowing it off...some people come to just raise some heck and some people come to brawl and sometimes we do a bit of both. I am sorry for whatever part I have had in offending you too.

hope you come back soon. You've given me something to think about.

 

[pyritechips]

I agree with Toddles. There seems to be a general erosion of respect for others and their opinions.

I respect you Toddles, an intelligent and level-headed young man. I will miss your posts.

I am sad to see you go.

I wish others would.

 

[Stoner]

Toodles 18:

Please don't let anything I've said or responded to make you leave. No matter what, I'm staying cause this site has value.

Please stay!


Jack

 

[Jonesiegirl]

Toddles, an intelligent and level-headed young man

And I agree ... Toddles is indeed a brilliant young man!

 

[Mulderator]

Originally posted by Toddles18:
I can't believe this is the same site I've been coming to for a year and a half now. Instead of "Random Discussion" it has become "Personal Attacks." I liked the way we could discuss and debate issues we felt important to us. It seems that now if someone posts something against the majority thought they are immediately labeled and attacked.

Well, I for one disagree with that statement. I've been here since 1998 and it if its changed, I've only seen changes for the better. We have always had threads where people voiced their opinions, lost their tempers, said things they regretted, etc. That is what it is like on all families. Perhaps even more so in close families. I know its that way in my family and I suspect most of yours.

In fact, this is an incredible irony. In one thread we had some complaining that there should be no censorship while in this one a member is disappointed because he perceives the site as being somewhat less "nicer" than he recalls. And of course, the only way this site can stay as nice as it is is through moderation of threads that get out of hand (which some would call "censorship").

Toddles, this site hasn't changed at all except that it is bigger. The dynamic of people airing out their differences then coming to an accord, or maybe not, is what makes it the place it is. It has grown and will continue so the dynamic of so many personalities will make it appear as though there is more dissent, but in reality there are just more people with more viewpoints and more opportunity for disagreement.

You said you liked the way we could debate issues that were important to us. Well, you can't debate anything without occasionally becoming too emotionally involved--that's just human nature. And if you really do like this place--you'll stay and help to keep threads from exploding into flame wars--help to point out when the minority opinion is getting short changed. Or you can leave and ignore the problem and leave it to others to fix.

What do you choose?

 

[Toddles18]

Yeah I know....I said I was taking leave of Random for a while. What can I say, it's a black hole that's become part of my life.

In fact, this is an incredible irony. In one thread we had some complaining that there should be no censorship while in this one a member is disappointed because he perceives the site as being somewhat less "nicer" than he recalls. And of course, the only way this site can stay as nice as it is is through moderation of threads that get out of hand (which some would call "censorship").

You misunderstood my thoughts Mulder. I think the censorship that is already in place on this site is adequate. Foul words should not be allowed onto this site, nor pornography. I don't think you, or other mod's should tell people to act "nicer." What I was disappointed in was the lack of respect people were having for everyone else here. Ever since I joined I have always been treated with respect, and have tried to do the same to others. You are right about this site expanding wildly. Its been a great thing to witness. I remember the 30,000th member thread. Now we're at 52,000. Even at that time that was more people then live in my hometown of Bay City.

I hoped that I had never offended anyone but I see that something I did has offended at least one member. I will fix that after I submit this post.

And if you really do like this place--you'll stay and help to keep threads from exploding into flame wars--help to point out when the minority opinion is getting short changed. Or you can leave and ignore the problem and leave it to others to fix.

I really hate giving mulder a bigger head then he already has but he does have a point, and I'm sorry if I sounded like I was whining. I was voicing my opinion, and was trying to get people to take notice. I think I accomplished this.

p.s. I never planned on leaving TSG, just Random. I don't think this is necessary anymore.

p.s.s Thank you all for your kind words about me. I'm glad I've come across as such.

 

[Mulderator]

Glad you are staying around Toddles and also nice to see you change your picture. I hope you understand that while most people see nothing wrong with hunting, some are going to be very upset. Kind of like if I were a big believer in abortion or pro-life, it would be unwise for me to post a slogan to that effect because it would be highly controversial. You show maturity beyond your years by recogning and changing your photo.

Please try and understand Tuppence's viewpoint and don't be upset with her. I am sure she will come around and remain with us.

 

[valley]

I loved the deer pic and I personally believe it is something to be proud of... I also think it is very very thoughtful of you to put T2's feelings ahead of your own.

 

[pyritechips]

Toddles: Do what I do now: scan the threads and just ignore the ones with an uninviting title. For me the political threads bore the hell out of me, with endless accusations, finger pointing, ideological rantings and school yard bickering, ad nauseum.

Cruise the fun threads or, better still, start more threads of your own; I, for one, value your opinion and would be interested in hearing more of your views. God knows it would be a refreshing reprieve from the boring, stale, recycled threads that seem to proliferate at times.

I liken TSG random and other similar forums or chats to a large party. You are just one of many guests. If certain guests annoy or anger you, avoid or ignore them! Go talk to the ones that are friendly or interesting! You are not obliged to listen to what you don't want to. Heaven's knows there are members here who certainly dont listen, but merely pound away, thread after thread, in an attempt to spread their own variety of pretzel logic.

If somebody at a party upsets you, don't leave and miss out on the rest of the fun! Me? I ignore the jerks and hang out with all the girls!

 

[Deke40]

Toddles-I haven't been here long but this place is the last place I go at night and the first place I go in the mornings.

I also got a little crosswise with a member because of what I perceived as a slight to a post I made. In the heat of the moment I posted back with a retort that was not thought out. He "Private Messaged" me and we discussed it to the point that me and him deleted the our posts. I now understand his character traits better and I hope he understands mine. He has been a lot of help to me so I'm glad I didn't carry out my first impulse to curtail my use of this site.

I belong to several Forums but this one is the cream of the crop.

So please take a second to look at your reasons for leaving Random and your contributions to it and make a thoughtful decision.

 

[Rhettman5.1]

The events of the last week have been unsettling at best, but we have all learned a valuable lesson! We all have our own minds , situations and reasons for being here, one of the best things about this forum is the way we work things out, the site was "twisted" less than a week ago, but I think we are all ready to move on !

I think most members will agree , as long as we "seniors" have bright young minds to post and add their opinions , we are all in good hands !

Many People don't even realize that Mike himself was still in his teens when he brought this site to life, glad you're sticking around, and congratulations to your parents for a job well done
...now... I better get a beer before someone thinks I am getting nostalgic.. ...Rhett

 

[GoneForNow]

Originally posted by pyritechips:
For me the political threads bore the hell out of me, with endless accusations, finger pointing, ideological rantings and school yard bickering, ad nauseum.

Well I'm sorry PC but you've just got to understand, its how Mulder was brought up, he can't help himself.

 

[Mulderator]

Originally posted by Toddles18:
I really hate giving mulder a bigger head then he already has but he does have a point

I've said this before, but if I had a nickel for everytime someone said I was right or that I had a point, I'd be a millionaire!!! Of course, then I wouldn't have to pay any taxes either, right Rep!!

 

[Mulderator]

Originally posted by pyritechips:
For me the political threads bore the hell out of me, with endless accusations, finger pointing, ideological rantings and school yard bickering, ad nauseum.

Well, I've tried to set the Liberals straight, but you can lead a horse to water, you can't make it drink!