What are you THINKING right now?

[sara1998]

Originally Posted by madformac

As I keep repeatedly stating, its the fact the "in" jokes and gang mentality seep into the other forums. Maybe thats a criticism of the moderators, I don't know. It does seem that a lot of topics get hijacked. Of course all threads move and grow in different ways and can end up totally away from the given subject up for discussion. Its knowing where to draw the line I suppose.

I'm not so much into the "gang" mentality, but maybe a clique, and most others who are not in it have posts that are overlooked. It's hard to break into dialogue with the inside jokes. It's also hard to start a thread, almost knowing that it will ultimatly be hijacked with banter and inside jokes. I don't mind the banter and jokes, but they take over almost every thread. That's why it's no longer fun for me. I don't have hours every day to post, read, and keep up with this place, nor do I really want to. But it would be nice for someone whos been here a while, or even a newbie, to be able to come in and post something, and it actually be read or responded to.

[madformac]

Originally Posted by sara1998

I'm not so much into the "gang" mentality, but maybe a clique, and most others who are not in it have posts that are overlooked. It's hard to break into dialogue with the inside jokes. It's also hard to start a thread, almost knowing that it will ultimatly be hijacked with banter and inside jokes. I don't mind the banter and jokes, but they take over almost every thread. That's why it's no longer fun for me. I don't have hours every day to post, read, and keep up with this place, nor do I really want to. But it would be nice for someone whos been here a while, or even a newbie, to be able to come in and post something, and it actually be read or responded to.

I thinks thats a valid comment and very true. When you find every thread containing the same gags and hijacks it becomes tiresome. It stops you reading through something now. There might be some great responses to threads contained after the hijacks but unfortunately for me as a reader, and for those who post the great responses I never get that far anymore. The reading stimulation has gone. Its a major turn off for a topic.

Good post.

[DeadliestPoison]

Originally Posted by madformac

tl;dr

I'm hearing a lot of comments about leaving, and about members leaving if Chit Chat is deleted which makes me wonder why they are posting on a website set up for the purpose of discussing this band? Theres nothing wrong with talking about subjects unrelated to this band in Chit Chat. As long as they remain respectful of the site in question. I don't see that happening too much lately.

If I may speak for myself, I just don't care as much about Fleetwood Mac as I have in the past. I've moved on to other bands and artists who I like --gasp -- more than FM, who seem to care about the fans more than FM, who put out more material/tour more often than FM. Sue me. I just come here to talk to people I like. Which is why I hang out predominately in the Chit Chat forum and end up getting yelled at by people who haven't posted in forever and moderators.

[madformac]

Originally Posted by DeadliestPoison

If I may speak for myself, I just don't care as much about Fleetwood Mac as I have in the past. I've moved on to other bands and artists who I like --gasp -- more than FM, who seem to care about the fans more than FM, who put out more material/tour more often than FM.

I post on other forums which is one of the reasons I've not been around here (if you want real lunatics sending death threats and stuff try a Pink Floyd forum! ) along with other reasons. Some personal, others related to this topic in question too. I don't have the focus on this band that I once did. That much is indeed true. But I also keep in contact with a lot of members and ex-members elsewhere.

Originally Posted by DeadliestPoison

Sue me. I just come here to talk to people I like. Which is why I hang out predominately in the Chit Chat forum and end up getting yelled at by people who haven't posted in forever and moderators.

If you are refering to me I hope I'm not yelling, its not my style, although I am rather a dinosaur here thats been dug up and by myself too this time. God knows how ChiliD feels if I'm ancient. I take it your tone is not intended in an inciting manner If it is then your username is very good!

[chiliD]

Originally Posted by madformac

God knows how ChiliD feels if I'm ancient.

HEY! I resemble that remark!

[Rickypt]

Originally Posted by madformac

A significant proportion of members are more concerned about themselves than others. I see a lot of fragile egos here these days. So much "me ,me, me" and "I have to give my opinion and a screw yours if its different" mentality. Theres also an undercurrent of sexual tension around too. Its all rather tiresome.

That is usually what happens when you get a bunch of strangers together, in real life or on the internet. It can be annoying, but I don't see how you can moderate it away. And if you eliminatethe chit-chat forum then it will just play out even more in the FM-related forums.

[chiliD]

Originally Posted by Rickypt

And if you eliminatethe chit-chat forum then it will just play out even more in the FM-related forums.

Moreso than it already does. Good point.

[madformac]

Originally Posted by Rickypt

And if you eliminatethe chit-chat forum then it will just play out even more in the FM-related forums.

Unless its moderated of course.

[DeadliestPoison]

Originally Posted by madformac

If you are refering to me I hope I'm not yelling, its not my style, although I am rather a dinosaur here thats been dug up and by myself too this time. God knows how ChiliD feels if I'm ancient. I take it your tone is not intended in an inciting manner If it is then your username is very good!

Well, "yelling" wasn't the best way to describe it. But by this point, everyone's just saying the same things over and over again so there's no use, in my opinion, in continuing at it. And I'm definitely not trying to start anything, because I'm sure we all see where that gets us. (Also, I just have nothing to say that hasn't already been said.) So whatever, I'm dropping it.

[madformac]

Originally Posted by chiliD

HEY! I resemble that remark!

Yeah it must be the arthritis Steve. Explains why it took you a while to post dude..

[madformac]

Originally Posted by DeadliestPoison

Well, "yelling" wasn't the best way to describe it. But by this point, everyone's just saying the same things over and over again so there's no use, in my opinion, in continuing at it. And I'm definitely not trying to start anything, because I'm sure we all see where that gets us. (Also, I just have nothing to say that hasn't already been said.) So whatever, I'm dropping it.

Yeah its starting to repeat. Sounds like a Rumours rehashed thread huh?

Its up to the site owners and moderators to decide if any remedy is required and what form that may take. I think the points have all been made on each side of the case now.

[BlackWidow]

Originally Posted by michelle2677

I know this was directed towards chuck, but I'll answer also-no. Since it's been closed.



First off. I find it overly hypocritical for a message board where over half of it's members (including mods) take every opportunity to "stick it to the man" or buck the system when it comes to our president, but when it comes down to it here, it's all "oh...you must respect my authority". Granted, I don't like Mr. Bush just like you guys don't. Then there are certain mods I don't like But you tell me (and everyone) you are the ones in power and we just have to deal with it. I'll make sure to use that arguement next time I hear a bush rant.


Second. I am deeply saddened by the fact suze has resigned as moderator. I have nothing but the utmost respect for you, suze and I wish you wouldn't leave as moderator, but I understand as well.

third. Most of the signature concept came out of im. carrie told me what happened. I said if they thought a picture of horse's teeth would be disgusting, I wonder what would be thought of a horse's ass. in addition to that, many people followed suit just by seeing the sig. I admit, I sent out a few pm's and here is the UNedited version of one, for you strand. I'm sorry, I only have one since I went through and cleaned house on my pm box that night.


hey the reason I am pm'ing you is because of our signatures


carrie posted a pic this morning of the horse's mouth and was asked to remove it by chris. Ridiculous.

so then she started the "so sorry" thread, apologizing for offending anyone. according to chris, it was gross and everyone would be offended


so. the apology thread got deleted Imagine that.
so we are putting the below picture in our sig. you can add your own caption. that is, if you want
anyway. if not. hope you're doing well


actually, it IS edited, because when I copied/pasted it, it removed smilies. I also edited the word "offended" because I had a typo.

no where does it say..."hey..we are calling chris a horse's ass" . I can't vouch for all 12 people (was it 12?? I can't keep track) and their reasoning for putting it in their sig. Some people, I'm sure, were putting it in there for that. Others just thought the whole thing was ridiculous. Others probably thought.."hey!!! we all need a horse's ass in our sig!!! " whatever. I sent out 3 other PM's, but they all basically said the same thing.

With that said, I doubt I will leave the ledge. I knew what I was getting into when I posted that pic and I dealt with the consequences. So I'm not ready to leave yet, but if no one is left to talk to around here.... who knows.

I am glad you are staying!!!

[gretchen]

Originally Posted by DrummerDeanna

My mom always used to say and still does..."it always works out" - in my life it does seem that something always comes through even when things look hopeless and dark.

I'm glad you and Deb were able to get a nice used car!! That much be a huge relief for you...now hopefully you can get some relief from all your health issues!

The gods are smiling down on you Estranged!!!!

[estranged4life]

Originally Posted by gretchen

The gods are smiling down on you Estranged!!!!

God loves a joke....Thus for my being

[Rickypt]

Originally Posted by Johnny Stew

This isn't sarcasm... but if you can suggest an alternate and viable solution, trust me, I'm all ears.

Here are some ideas. Most of my work is in coalition and I've run some listservs. A lot of these are easier said than done, though:

1. Moderators should only serve for a fixed period of time, maybe a year. Then they should step down or take a long break. Maybe this happens already? I think after a while the pressure builds on anyone in a 'leadership' position. This could keep people from burning out and also gives an opportunity for others to be moderators.

2. Ask for some newbies and/or lurkers to volunteer to be moderators. There might be people out there with great moderating skills who just don't like to post very much. Those would actually be the best moderators

3. Regarding the response to the horse's ass picture: while it is probably true that 'something' needed to be done if several people started posting the pic in their signature, the last thing that should have been done is something heavy-handed. Why not just go to the source and say "okay, I obviously hit a nerve here, how can we work this out". Moderating requires negotiation.

4. Don't use moderator privileges/authority to get something for yourself. The purpose of being a moderator is to make the board a good environment for the group. I think it was a mistake for a moderator to ask a member to remove a picture just because she as moderator has to look at every post. Moderators should ask/tell members to do things out of concern for the the overall environment.

5. This is the hardest one, but check yourself to make sure you're not letting power/authority get to your head. Everyone is guilty of this at times. Several years ago, I helped organize a union at my workplace --a direct attack on power. Within a year, the union members who got into a leadership position started acting just like the managers we had unionized against. I think it is human nature to be controlling and use authority against others even when we don't realize it. I'm not saying all moderators do this here, but I've seen it happen a few times since I've been here.