New one strike rule

[BlackWidow]

Originally Posted by Johnny Stew

For the record (#1), and as should be evidenced by the rest of the thread, no one is in danger of being banned simply for voicing their opinion about the recent change.

For the record (#2), in the instance of Gerald posting Carne's message, the main issue wasn't that he posted it, per se, but that he posted the contents of an email that he admitted he didn't have permission from the author to share.

For the record (#3), whatever the fate of the Ledge, I won't be back (I can already hear the rejoicing!).

I've had a good 7-year run as a mod (10 as a Ledgie!), but now it's time to focus on expanding my interests and horizons, taking care of my ailing mother, and being all mushy with my guy.

Whether or not the Ledge would be any different after a mod shake-up -- it's possible, but I doubt it. We've had something like 15 or 16 moderators over the years, and no one's ever been able to please everyone. Various folks didn't like all of the decisions of the first mods in '97/'98, they didn't like all of the decisions of the brand-new mods when we started in 2000, and they don't like all of the decisions of the current mods.

Of course, there are also plenty of people -- longtime Ledgies, lurkers, and "innocent bystanders" who prefer to stay away from the public drama -- who PM or email us privately and thank us for taking care of certain situations. Some might be surprised to learn that the private kudos typically outnumber the public brickbats -- even during times of big "controversies."

So it certainly balances.

I wouldn't be surprised by that revelation at all. Certain cliques over estimate
their value on this board. Your imput and contribution here will be sorely missed....

[buckymcnix]

Originally Posted by BlackWidow

Certain cliques over estimate their value on this board.

Have you always been like this and I just didn't notice because you were being so nice to me, or is this a new side of you? Either way, I find it surprising. You are talking about the clique that rejected you and then you turned on all of them right?

[BlackWidow]

Originally Posted by buckymcnix

Have you always been like this and I just didn't notice because you were being so nice to me, or is this a new side of you? Either way, I find it surprising. You are talking about the clique that rejected you and then you turned on all of them right?

I have plenty of friends. I have never had any problem with you. There are always two sides to every story....Glad to see you back on The Ledge.

[irishgrl]

Originally Posted by Johnny Stew

For the record (#1), and as should be evidenced by the rest of the thread, no one is in danger of being banned simply for voicing their opinion about the recent change.

For the record (#2), in the instance of Gerald posting Carne's message, the main issue wasn't that he posted it, per se, but that he posted the contents of an email that he admitted he didn't have permission from the author to share.

For the record (#3), whatever the fate of the Ledge, I won't be back (I can already hear the rejoicing!).

I've had a good 7-year run as a mod (10 as a Ledgie!), but now it's time to focus on expanding my interests and horizons, taking care of my ailing mother, and being all mushy with my guy.

Whether or not the Ledge would be any different after a mod shake-up -- it's possible, but I doubt it. We've had something like 15 or 16 moderators over the years, and no one's ever been able to please everyone. Various folks didn't like all of the decisions of the first mods in '97/'98, they didn't like all of the decisions of the brand-new mods when we started in 2000, and they don't like all of the decisions of the current mods.

Of course, there are also plenty of people -- longtime Ledgies, lurkers, and "innocent bystanders" who prefer to stay away from the public drama -- who PM or email us privately and thank us for taking care of certain situations. Some might be surprised to learn that the private kudos typically outnumber the public brickbats -- even during times of big "controversies."

So it certainly balances.

I'll miss you Stewie (Brian, right?) yez I will.

[irishgrl]

Originally Posted by buckymcnix

Have you always been like this and I just didn't notice because you were being so nice to me, or is this a new side of you? Either way, I find it surprising. You are talking about the clique that rejected you and then you turned on all of them right?

been like what, exactly?

[buckymcnix]

Originally Posted by irishgrl

been like what, exactly?

well - since you ask . . .

in the middle of complimenting johnny stew he threw in a
Originally Posted by BlackWidow
Certain cliques over estimate their value on this board.

he just seems to be taunting 'the air' waiting for a response from someone with a comment like that. plus it almost feels like he is hiding the taunt in praise for the head mod.

in another thread, what seemed out of the blue to me was when he stated "some of the bitches around here have their" 'panties in a wad' or something - i paraphrase the end of it cos i'm not going back to get it exactly right. but the point is he seems to be looking for an argument.

both examples seemed more taunting and confrontational than i remember andre being. and though he isn't taunting anyone in particular, it certainly seems he is taunting "this certain clique" that he speaks of .

I got a different first impression of him when i first came around. I have no problem with him - i am just curious why the behaviour change is all.

does that help?

[Gypsy-Rhiannon]

Originally Posted by Stew_Matthews

I caught up with this thread just a few minutes before I had to log out the other morning. I was really saddened by it to be honest. I’ve seen the site from a distance for a couple of years now and as someone in another thread said, there are cliques, clashes of personality here etc, as I’m sure occurs in many offices and factories across the world.

I came here initially because I love Fleetwood Mac but stayed because of many of the people who post here – even though many of you don’t know me. I really like the guys who post in the Lindsey thread – Shakin’up, Nikki, Madness, Brandon. They keep the interest going for me in my favourite member of the band. Equally I tend to enjoy the more current affairs posts that Chris and Suze post. Andre does my head in at times but fits in very well. And in that category are probably Irishgrl and Musicman. Jason (Strand) is pretty verbose (it justifies his fees I guess!) but very good value. In addition I always look out for Michelle, Carrie, Breton, Sara1998, Pip, JannieC, Estranged, Sarah amongst a host of other good people. Christine and Liam have also put plenty of energy into the board more recently.

So my point. I struggle with how we can have a ‘community’ without Michael and Ryan. They both contributed a great deal to this site and it is a lesser place in my opinion without them. I haven’t caught up with what they said to incur a ban but you only need to leaf through the threads in a number of forums to see what they added to The Ledge – post after post of great input.

In some ways the board has never really got over the incident a few months ago when a whole group got banned for putting a horse’s picture in their sig pics. I don’t want to re-open that debate, but from where I sit, the Moderators have some outstanding issues that need to be cleared up about that whole incident. For me that issue continues to fester away today and spoil the site.

Equally I can see how the moderators feel at the end of their tether at times. The chit chat thread is a monster and it must be difficult to manage. But I thought the religion debate the other day showed how we all are waking up to the fact that we need to moderate our behaviour. It was the right thing not to ban Liam and despite Brandon getting some flak I admire the way he encouraged Liam to change his post to avoid a ban. I suspect we have all learnt that we are at the end of the road and we need to behave with a bit more respect towards each other.

Maybe Ryan and Michael need to apologise, as Liam did, to whoever they offended. But I’d like to see them back. I don’t think it would undermine anyone’s credibility or authority to do so. I think the message about behaviour is clear and understood by all of us.

Now I have dragged myself across one of the most dangerous places in the world to post this so I hope that Johnny and colleagues will read it and maybe reflect on what I have said.

Stew

Pretty much sums up how I feel about all this.

[shackin'up]

Originally Posted by Johnny Stew

For the record (#2), in the instance of Gerald posting Carne's message, the main issue wasn't that he posted it, per se, but that he posted the contents of an email that he admitted he didn't have permission from the author to share.

....and I never got a strike for it. Just a warning. Have you stroke me, JohnnyStew?

[irishgrl]

Originally Posted by buckymcnix

well - since you ask . . .

in the middle of complimenting johnny stew he threw in a
Originally Posted by BlackWidow
Certain cliques over estimate their value on this board.

he just seems to be taunting 'the air' waiting for a response from someone with a comment like that. plus it almost feels like he is hiding the taunt in praise for the head mod.

in another thread, what seemed out of the blue to me was when he stated "some of the bitches around here have their" 'panties in a wad' or something - i paraphrase the end of it cos i'm not going back to get it exactly right. but the point is he seems to be looking for an argument.

both examples seemed more taunting and confrontational than i remember andre being. and though he isn't taunting anyone in particular, it certainly seems he is taunting "this certain clique" that he speaks of .

I got a different first impression of him when i first came around. I have no problem with him - i am just curious why the behaviour change is all.

does that help?

yes, I appreciate the explanation. Ive seen Andre get attacked on this board for seemingly no reason and if he's airing an opinion, I think he's got the right to say what he said under the circumstances.

Andre is one of the nicest folks on here and I personally have not ever seen him go after anyone, but I do think he has the right to defend himself dont you?

[BlackWidow]

I am not going to defend anything.
This is not my board or my rules. I am sure we could all go through and pull
all kinds of quotes out of the past (out of context) - and put a spin on just about anything. I will decline from doing so. I am not responsible for other's
words or actions. I have always enjoyed The Ledge and all of the friendships
I have entertained. I am my own person. None of us can be everyone's cup of tea - such is life. Any issues of banning should be taken up with the folks who made that decision all on their own.

[mikeschmike]

Originally Posted by BlackWidow

I am not going to defend anything.
This is not my board or my rules. I am sure we could all go through and pull
all kinds of quotes out of the past (out of context) - and put a spin on just about anything. I will decline from doing so. I am not responsible for other's
words or actions. I have always enjoyed The Ledge and all of the friendships
I have entertained. I am my own person. None of us can be everyone's cup of tea - such is life. Any issues of banning should be taken up with the folks who made that decision all on their own.

This from the guy who has the nerve to call other people two faced. You're a lucky lucky man Andre, and you know it. If they saw some of the vicious **** you posted here about some people (that is hateful no matter WHAT context it's in) you would have been outta here a long time ago.

[irishgrl]

Originally Posted by BlackWidow

I am not going to defend anything.
This is not my board or my rules. I am sure we could all go through and pull
all kinds of quotes out of the past (out of context) - and put a spin on just about anything. I will decline from doing so. I am not responsible for other's
words or actions. I have always enjoyed The Ledge and all of the friendships
I have entertained. I am my own person. None of us can be everyone's cup of tea - such is life. Any issues of banning should be taken up with the folks who made that decision all on their own.

Andre, perhaps I spoke out of turn (guess Im the one thats over enthusiastic heh heh) Im sorry.

[BlackWidow]

Originally Posted by irishgrl

Andre, perhaps I spoke out of turn (guess Im the one thats over enthusiastic heh heh) Im sorry.

You know "I love you!".

[BlackWidow]

Originally Posted by takenbythesky

I'm not laughing, crying, trying to taunt or dreaming of any wanton Ledgie luxury. Here goes.


I have a problem with this, Stew. It's like The Ledge is a piece of virtual real estate - say, San Juan Capistrano - and a legal loophole's used to off some of the trademark sparrows before the sale. But only the loudest, most obnoxious ones that pester or peck at people.

If you want to curb bullying, that's fine - but it appears you're putting certain people in the crosshairs and selectively enforcing the rules more than ever. Believe me when I say that I fully understand both just how ****ty and how good Ledgies can be. Plus the mods must be tired of the duplicity, immaturity, etc. that still happens away from the playground or cafeteria. A private board, yes, but hopefully you'll agree the precedents set are rather scary.

Great post, Stew part 2. There can be a lot of beauty to a "community" like this along with the beast in that everyone brings something to the table. It can be a fun hangout. Imagine the laughs shared by people who've met on this site and hung out at concerts or whatever. That said, the drama's been something to see over the past 3 years - just look at how a member went from partying in Vegas and having the video posted here to being banned and slandered for stuff relating to his offshoot message board.

I'll direct you to this thread where The Tower expressed admiration for his friends in the ledgie community since it reminded me of your post. These people became a mostly friendly clique a lot like the one you were part of, and I imagine some of them left partly due to the drama. Tower was like The Ledge's snarky and sarcastic gay elder. Won't be the same without his passion, humor, wisdom or knowledge (political and musical). But oh well, Towie went out on top.




Well then, Andre and ladies, accept my apologies for acting out. Meant to bow out gracefully months ago but ended up staying since it's been one hell of a year. So I enjoyed being silly online. To piggyback off your post, Andre, the same personalities probably pop up on thousands of sites and all of us change with the flames.

It's all good, baby...
I hope you do stay for a long time...

[Rickypt]

From: bilzabob
Goodbye Baby for Michael, Ryan, Mari and Towie - "may all your bannings be temporary."