Political Soapbox

[TheYankee]

This had nothing to do with the politics involved. I rarely go in there, and frankly couldn't give a rat's *** what the liberals say in there.

Two smilies: When one smiley just isn't enough to bug someone.

[allybear]

Lou - why are you so happy? People are grieving, which may seem odd, but for real, those of us who were Soapbox regulars will miss the place - we may have an alternative, but it's not the same as being here. I would think the mods here would be gratified to know that something at this site where they moderate is that important to members of the community and would express sympathy and if they honestly cannot express sympathy because they won't miss it, kind of stay neutral and professional.

I'm sure you don't mean it this way, but the way the smiley faces are coming off under the circumstances is just wrong - it's like if my boss fired my best friend in the office and came by to tell me with a big old smile on his face. I don't know if that makes sense or not, but that's just my feeling. I'm sure you don't mean to be insensitive, which is why I'm letting you know how it looks and why people are getting upset.

[President Kennedy]

Two smilies: When one smiley just isn't enough to bug someone.

If Lou's smiles bug you, you're in the wrong forum.

Can we stop the nastiness towards him already? Regardless of how any of us feel about this decision, the venom aimed in his direction is really getting ugly. Anyone who believes he personally would have taken any action meant to hurt or upset anyone posting here doesn't know a thing about him.

If people want to rail against the decision, so be it. But going after Lou personally is uncalled for and unnecessary, and it's gotten more and more vicious each day.

[allybear]

If Lou's smiles bug you, you're in the wrong forum.

Can we stop the nastiness towards him already? Regardless of how any of us feel about this decision, the venom aimed in his direction is really getting ugly. Anyone who believes he personally would have taken any action meant to hurt or upset anyone posting here doesn't know a thing about him.

If people want to rail against the decision, so be it. But going after Lou personally is uncalled for and unnecessary, and it's gotten more and more vicious each day.

Well I explained my feelings, and I think and hope it's a misunderstanding of how the smilies look, which is why I said what I did. As you know, I'm a pretty fair individual and I don't think I've bashed on Lou or anyone else regarding this whole mell-of-a-hess. Stuff happens, but I wanted him to be aware of why people are upset about the smilies.

[President Kennedy]

Well I explained my feelings, and I think and hope it's a misunderstanding of how the smilies look, which is why I said what I did. As you know, I'm a pretty fair individual and I don't think I've bashed on Lou or anyone else regarding this whole mell-of-a-hess. Stuff happens, but I wanted him to be aware of why people are upset about the smilies.

I wasn't including you in any of that, Ally. Everyone understands people are upset, but trying to use Lou as a punching bag seems really misplaced. And you may have noticed the venom towards him didn't start with the smilies in this thread. Everyone posting here knows he's one of the good guys, or at least should try to remember that.

I like and respect Lou and feel people are being really unfair. That's all this is about for me.

[Tifoso]

You would think that after all this time, I would have earned some slack here. Guess not. That's OK.

I posted smiley's because I always use smiley's. Think of me as the anti-JDPNYY.

When I post a , it's to let you know that I am not stating something that would take a :rolleyes or a or a . Dassit.

I have responded to you all, because I respect all of you-right or left, and consider the vast majority as friends. I didn't want our decision to come across as "one morning we all woke up and the PF really pissed us off, so we nuked it". It wasn't that way at all.

I would think that I have earned a bit of leeway here after 5 years; that you guys would all know me enough to know that I (we) would never do something out of spite, or on a whim, or without careful consideration of the alternatives. I guess not. Bit sad, really.

[allybear]

You would think that after all this time, I would have earned some slack here. Guess not. That's OK.

I posted smiley's because I always use smiley's. Think of me as the anti-JDPNYY.

When I post a , it's to let you know that I am not stating something that would take a :rolleyes or a or a . Dassit.

I have responded to you all, because I respect all of you-right or left, and consider the vast majority as friends. I didn't want our decision to come across as "one morning we all woke up and the PF really pissed us off, so we nuked it". It wasn't that way at all.

I would think that I have earned a bit of leeway here after 5 years; that you guys would all know me enough to know that I (we) would never do something out of spite, or on a whim, or without careful consideration of the alternatives. I guess not. Bit sad, really.

Well, if I didn't know you, I wouldn't have given you the benefit of the doubt on the smiley thing and tried to explain to you how it was being taken, which I did not think was the way you intended.

Regarding the PS itself, I don't think that was your decision, and I don't think any one person can make that decision at this point, the only thing I don't know is how far up the corporate ladder the decision originated. Would it give me insight to know that? Possibly. Is it any of my business? Really, no.

Like I said, people are grieving, while it was still visible, we could hope that there'd be a last-minute reprieve, but now it's officially not here and it's gonna take a little getting used to by all sides.

[TheYankee]

Well I explained my feelings, and I think and hope it's a misunderstanding of how the smilies look, which is why I said what I did. As you know, I'm a pretty fair individual and I don't think I've bashed on Lou or anyone else regarding this whole mell-of-a-hess. Stuff happens, but I wanted him to be aware of why people are upset about the smilies.

Right. Just seems a bit like gloating. And it seems intentional when someone asks why you're using smilies as though you're happy it happened, and he responds by using two the next time.

I really like Lou and we share many of the same beliefs, and I respect the hell out of him for it. I just think this is one of those times where you have to think about what decision was just made -- and it was certainly unpopular to those of us who had so much fun here.

[Tifoso]

Incidentally, if we were all such ogres, would we keep this open after the PF is gone? We could certainly argue that the thread has outlived it's need, no?

And yet we didn't. Why? Because all of us respect all of you, and realize that you need to vent about this.

Would be nice if certain statements weren't made against us (especially Stick)--this too shall pass, but the hurt feelings all around could last awhile, which would be a true shame.

Dassit.

*ducks thrown objects*

[Tifoso]

Well, if I didn't know you, I wouldn't have given you the benefit of the doubt on the smiley thing and tried to explain to you how it was being taken, which I did not think was the way you intended.

Regarding the PS itself, I don't think that was your decision, and I don't think any one person can make that decision at this point, the only thing I don't know is how far up the corporate ladder the decision originated. Would it give me insight to know that? Possibly. Is it any of my business? Really, no.

Like I said, people are grieving, while it was still visible, we could hope that there'd be a last-minute reprieve, but now it's officially not here and it's gonna take a little getting used to by all sides.

OK

As far as whose decision it was, we have all answered that already, I think. Such decisions are made after some serious discussion. I think I read you as saying that Jim made the decsion alone. Not true. Or that "corporate" made the decision. Again, not true.

I can assure you that all of us honestly feel all of your pain.

[TheYankee]

Incidentally, if we were all such ogres, would we keep this open after the PF is gone? We could certainly argue that the thread has outlived it's need, no?

And yet we didn't. Why? Because all of us respect all of you, and realize that you need to vent about this.

Would be nice if certain statements weren't made against us (especially Stick)--this too shall pass, but the hurt feelings all around could last awhile, which would be a true shame.

Dassit.

*ducks thrown objects*

If there's one thing I compliment you guys for, it's that you've taken our jabs and taken a large amount of fruit in the face. I appreciate the fact that you've been willing to let us bitch and moan on our way out.

But, I still think it was the wrong decision, and there were much better alternatives.

[Tifoso]

Right. Just seems a bit like gloating. And it seems intentional when someone asks why you're using smilies as though you're happy it happened, and he responds by using two the next time.

I really like Lou and we share many of the same beliefs, and I respect the hell out of him for it. I just think this is one of those times where you have to think about what decision was just made -- and it was certainly unpopular to those of us who had so much fun here.

If it came across as me gloating by using , then I truly apologize. That is not the case.
Thank you for the kind words, amico mio.

[Tifoso]

If there's one thing I compliment you guys for, it's that you've taken our jabs and taken a large amount of fruit in the face. I appreciate the fact that you've been willing to let us bitch and moan on our way out.

But, I still think it was the wrong decision, and there were much better alternatives.

I respect your thoughts (honestly).

Just promise me that wherever you go to talk politics, that you will stay here to talk baseball, or just chew the fat in the Bar, or in JC.

OK?

[texasyankee]

If Lou's smiles bug you, you're in the wrong forum.

Can we stop the nastiness towards him already? Regardless of how any of us feel about this decision, the venom aimed in his direction is really getting ugly. Anyone who believes he personally would have taken any action meant to hurt or upset anyone posting here doesn't know a thing about him.

If people want to rail against the decision, so be it. But going after Lou personally is uncalled for and unnecessary, and it's gotten more and more vicious each day.

I thought that Lou, of all people, woulda voiced support for keeping the political forum. But he told me the vote was unanimous. That really makes me a sad forumer to hear from him that he wouldnt lend some sorta voice of support........

And now, Lou continues posting those silly smilie faces. That's like rubbing salt in my wound.

[YankeePride1967]

Lou, Stick and any mod reading this. Anything I've said was about the decision made and nothing more than that. It was not meant to be personal at all. I disagreed with the decision, still do, but it's done with and possibly so am I.

[President Kennedy]

I thought that Lou, of all people, woulda voiced support for keeping the political forum. But he told me the vote was unanimous. That really makes me a sad forumer to hear from him that he wouldnt lend some sorta voice of support........

And now, Lou continues posting those silly smilie faces. That's like rubbing salt in my wound.

I guess we just disagree on that, ty. Lou is the only man on the internet whom I believe is actually smiling when he posts smilies. ANd it's not at anyone's expense.

[Tifoso]

I thought that Lou, of all people, woulda voiced support for keeping the political forum. But he told me the vote was unanimous. That really makes me a sad forumer to hear from him that he wouldnt lend some sorta voice of support........

And now, Lou continues posting those silly smilie faces. That's like rubbing salt in my wound.

I never said the decision was unanimous.

[Tifoso]

Lou, Stick and any mod reading this. Anything I've said was about the decision made and nothing more than that. It was not meant to be personal at all. I disagreed with the decision, still do, but it's done with and possibly so am I.

Spoken like a true gentleman

[texasyankee]

I never said the decision was unanimous.

Lou, please dont misrepresent what you stated in your PM to me. If what you stated was erroneous or you misspoke, then fine. But I know what I read in your PM.


So, are you stating now that the decision wasnt unanimous?

[Tifoso]

Lou, please dont misrepresent what you stated in your PM to me. If what you stated was erroneous or you misspoke, then fine. But I know what I read in your PM.


So, are you stating now that the decision wasnt unanimous?

I never stated otherwise. If what I wrote came across that way, I apologize.

It was very nearly unanimous....and I am not at liberty to address it any further, OK?

[texasyankee]

I never stated otherwise. If what I wrote came across that way, I apologize.

It was very nearly unanimous....and I am not at liberty to address it any further, OK?

Sure Lou.........sure........whatever you say, Lou........

[Tifoso]

Sure Lou.........sure........whatever you say, Lou........

I am honestly sorry you feel that way. Really.

[PalmerGA]

Lou, Stick and any mod reading this. Anything I've said was about the decision made and nothing more than that. It was not meant to be personal at all. I disagreed with the decision, still do, but it's done with and possibly so am I.

Ditto! Nothing personal other than you all made a sh|tty decision and handled it in a very unprofessional, ungrateful, and cowardly way. And I doubt you will see me much any more. Maybe not at all.

[YankeePride1967]

Ditto! Nothing personal other than you all made a sh|tty decision and handled it in a very unprofessional, ungrateful, and cowardly way. And I doubt you will see me much any more. Maybe not at all.

Jim, considering you've donated money to this site and that was your primary place of participation I honestly can't blame you.

[texasyankee]

I am honestly sorry you feel that way. Really.

I'm honestly sorry that you didnt stand up to what you PM'd me Saturday morning

Now that I hear you claim it was a "nearly" unanimous vote is interesting, but not worth anything now.

[PalmerGA]

I appreciate the fact that you've been willing to let us bitch and moan on our way out.

I don't. I think it was a bullsh|t and cowardly way to end the PS. If it was decided last week that it would be yanked "very soon"... it should have been done right then, with a single post from Jim F (or whoever's in charge) explaining why.

[texasyankee]

Ditto! Nothing personal other than you all made a sh|tty decision and handled it in a very unprofessional, ungrateful, and cowardly way. And I doubt you will see me much any more. Maybe not at all.

Same here, Palmer. My sentiments exactly.

[TheYankee]

I don't. I think it was a bvll................ and cowardly way to end the PS. If it was decided last week that it would be yanked "very soon"... it should have been done right then, with a single post from Jim F (or whoever's in charge) explaining why.

Well, I appreciate they didn't hack saw it to death immediately and commence another Great Purge. Because of it, we were at the very least able to start our own community. Speaking of which, are you on the new political soapbox yet? Haven't you seen you over there.

[Tifoso]

I don't. I think it was a bullsh|t and cowardly way to end the PS. If it was decided last week that it would be yanked "very soon"... it should have been done right then, with a single post from Jim F (or whoever's in charge) explaining why.

Last post on our moderation. We have issued warnings, I dunno, a billion times that things had to settle down in there. I am surprised that anyone is surprised, really.

[PalmerGA]

Well, I appreciate they didn't hack saw it to death immediately and commence another Great Purge. Because of it, we were at the very least able to start our own community. Speaking of which, are you on the new political soapbox yet? Haven't you seen you over there.

I'm there, Nic. Just lightly participating right now.

[Tifoso]

Well, I appreciate they didn't hack saw it to death immediately and commence another Great Purge. Because of it, we were at the very least able to start our own community. Speaking of which, are you on the new political soapbox yet? Haven't you seen you over there.

Exactly. Which is a point that keeps getting missed here.

Thanks

[TheYankee]

Exactly. Which is a point that keeps getting missed here.

Thanks

No problem. And I do appreciate that, as do a lot of us. The fact that we haven't been banned for speaking of someplace else to gather to talk politics was nice.

[JL25and3]

Last post on our moderation. We have issued warnings, I dunno, a billion times that things had to settle down in there. I am surprised that anyone is surprised, really.

I don't think anyone's surprised, just disappointed. I think we've explained why we were disappointed a whole lot more clearly than anyone's explained why this was the best course of action.

[TheYankee]

Last post on our moderation. We have issued warnings, I dunno, a billion times that things had to settle down in there. I am surprised that anyone is surprised, really.

We get all that. But I think what we've failed to understand is why the trouble makers were not dealt with individually. I can understand that it might be hard to follow who started what given the high-octane discussion and multiple reported posts, but we also provided a very real option to remedy that, too, and that was too put a moderator in charge who had a very active posting history in there that everyone respected.

[YankeePride1967]

I don't think anyone's surprised, just disappointed. I think we've explained why we were disappointed a whole lot more clearly than anyone's explained why this was the best course of action.

And we're still waiting for that and something tells me we will be waiting a long time.

[PalmerGA]

Last post on our moderation. We have issued warnings, I dunno, a billion times that things had to settle down in there. I am surprised that anyone is surprised, really.

Oh I know about the warnings, Lou. Unfortunately, that's like trying to reason with a two-year-old. Sometimes you just have to swat 'em in the ass to get their attention. Strict Suspensions and ROs would have got the message across and calmed things down. The only time Stick did anything was when he let it get way out of hand, and then it was often something that punished or threatened everyone rather than the specific offender. Lousy moderating was the biggest problem.

[Tifoso]

Oh I know about the warnings, Lou. Unfortunately, that's like trying to reason with a two-year-old. Sometimes you just have to swat 'em in the ass to get their attention. Strict Suspensions and ROs would have got the message across and calmed things down. The only time Stick did anything was when he let it get way out of hand, and then it was often something that punished or threatened everyone rather than the specific offender. Lousy moderating was the biggest problem.

I respectfully disagree.

[NYDCYankee]

Quick question for Lou or the other mods, how do you guys plan on handling a presidential election day or if a terrorist attack happens on this country (or some other big event with political undertones)?

Just no threads at all about it anywhere on the site?

[YankeePride1967]

Quick question for Lou or the other mods, how do you guys plan on handling a presidential election day or if a terrorist attack happens on this country (or some other big event with political undertones)?

Just no threads at all about it anywhere on the site?

Not allowed to be discussed. Must talk about A-Rod or something.

[YankeePride1967]

Oh I know about the warnings, Lou. Unfortunately, that's like trying to reason with a two-year-old. Sometimes you just have to swat 'em in the ass to get their attention. Strict Suspensions and ROs would have got the message across and calmed things down. The only time Stick did anything was when he let it get way out of hand, and then it was often something that punished or threatened everyone rather than the specific offender. Lousy moderating was the biggest problem.

In the case of the political forum, perfectly stated.

[PalmerGA]

I respectfully disagree.

And that's your right. No ill-will to you, Lou. At least you have the guts to discuss it some.

[Tifoso]

Quick question for Lou or the other mods, how do you guys plan on handling a presidential election day or if a terrorist attack happens on this country (or some other big event with political undertones)?

Just no threads at all about it anywhere on the site?

This is a question for Jim.

[/mod]

I would imagine that Elections will not have threads, as they are political.
If, God forbid, we get hit again, I would imagine we could deal with it then. Hopefully, we will never find out.

[mod]

[Tifoso]

And that's your right. No ill-will to you, Lou. At least you have the guts to discuss it some.

And none towards you or anyone else, sir.

[PalmerGA]

In the case of the political forum, perfectly stated.

Well, yeah... based on the thread title, I thought that was what we were talking about. I have no opinion on the moderating of the other sub-forums, since 95% of my time was spent in the PS.

[PalmerGA]

I would imagine that Elections will not have threads, as they are political.

Won't the site be under new rule by then? (I've forgotten when the new owners are supposed to take over)

[YankeePride1967]

Well, yeah... based on the thread title, I thought that was what we were talking about. I have no opinion on the moderating of the other sub-forums, since 95% of my time was spent in the PS.

Understood, I just wanted to specify that so it didn't come across as simply "lousy moderating".

[PalmerGA]

Understood, I just wanted to specify that so it didn't come across as simply "lousy moderating".

Lousy moderating [of the Political Soapbox sub-forum] was its biggest problem and the reason for so many reports, so much breaking of Community Standards, and so much immature and down-right nasty discourse that took place there. Better?

[Yankee Tripper]

Lousy moderating [of the Political Soapbox sub-forum] was its biggest problem and the reason for so many reports, so much breaking of Community Standards, and so much immature and down-right nasty discourse that took place there. Better?

who goes into a political forum and doesn't expect some degree of rankor?

I blame the pansies who made all the reported posts, they should have just stayed out of the sub-forum if they couldn't take the heat. Instead they ruined it for the rest of us.

[KLJ]

I blame the pansies who made all the reported posts, they should have just stayed out of the sub-forum if they couldn't take the heat. Instead they ruined it for the rest of us.

exactly

[YankeePride1967]

who goes into a political forum and doesn't expect some degree of rankor?

I blame the pansies who made all the reported posts, they should have just stayed out of the sub-forum if they couldn't take the heat. Instead they ruined it for the rest of us.

Perfectly stated. Politics is not for the thin-skinned.