Guidelines to having forums closed? Seems inconsistant to me.

[Irene Manor]

I really do not understand the guidelines to having threads closed.

I'm going to use my threads as an example, not because of resentment, but because they are the easiest for me to examine. I'm sure other schmoes will have their own examples.

One thread I had running dealt with me asking other schmoes to stop being so condescending towards others. It dealt with respect, one of the fundamentals of this board. Nothing insulting, nothing harsh, all very nicely worded, and well-received. Just a suggestion.

The thread never got heated, one person said that they felt a bit offended, but no one had the opportunity to appease this person, and further explain the subject a bit more. Why? It was closed because it seemed like it would get heated. And even though more-and-more people were responding to it, all respectfully, all maturely, it will now drift to the bottom of the posts never to be seen again. This is negative, I feel, because I'm sure it was a point that many people would have liked to understand, and discuss. Additionally, I think it would have benefitted the board.

Another post I ran was closed because people were engaging in small talk. Were these people (many of whom are repeat offenders) warned, and allowed to still participate in the discussion - No. Why? It was closed because of the small talk. Not because the topic was inappropriate or disrespectful. Damn. Too bad.


I don't think this is a good habit for the site in general.

Why should one post be closed because of non-related rule-breaking?

I don't go for that "One bad apple spoils the bunch" routine, so sell it somewhere else. Why is my participation being limited because someone else keeps doing excactly what others are asking that they do not?

And there is total inconsistancy running because my suggestion to other schmoes to use the chat room still runs unhendered.

I know it is the policy of this board to keep things running as smooth as possible, but it really feels like you are burning down the farm house to kill a cow. (Or something clever like that.)

The point I'm getting at here is this - Closing a thread isn't going to keep people from engaging in small talk, and it isn't going to solve personality differences. So what is the purpose?

[Pastor of Muppets]

I am new here, and I have had occaision to check out the guidlines (do's and dont's..etc.)for posting.
However, in perusing some of the older topics, I do notice a theme of totally irrelevant small talk permeating just about every thread.
Many of these respones amount to nothing more than a general waste of time, and they contribute nothing to the topic at hand.
And, I too have noticed that it is usually the same folks.How do people make 500 posts per month? Is that necessary? Especially at a board such as this, where a chat-room is provided.
I started a thread in the "General Movie" forum which garnered quite a few responses. The topic got heated, but, thankfully, there was no room for the incessant small-talk that bogs down so many of the existing threads.
I will agree with Irene on this matter, for it seems that 75% of the board is wasted on this 'Clubhouse', "Hey, how are you?" mentality.

[JoBlo]

Originally posted by Irene Manor:
I really do not understand the guidelines to having threads closed.

I always try to explain why I close a thread before I do so, and I believe that I did with your threads well.

I'm going to use my threads as an example, not because of resentment, but because they are the easiest for me to examine. I'm sure other schmoes will have their own examples.

Well, I wouldn't be sure of that, I don't think closing threads is a practice that we conduct regularly on our board (other than moving some here and there), but I will address certainly address your concerns.

One thread I had running dealt with me asking other schmoes to stop being so condescending towards others. It dealt with respect, one of the fundamentals of this board. Nothing insulting, nothing harsh, all very nicely worded, and well-received. Just a suggestion.

I have to disagree with you there. I saw that thread as one which was turning into a condescending one itself, with most of the replies being "jokes" and the serious ones starting to take specific people to task (ex: "Fight the opressive ways of the no-life morons who regular inhabit this board (you know who you are)" and using another poster by name as an example of someone who apparently thinks he's a genius??)

Like I said in my closing post, the bottom line on this board is that there are people of different backgrounds here, and there will always be posts like the ones you described. If you believe that your post was useful in "enlightening" some of these folks, so that they would think twice the next time that they believed they had some insight into a post, well, I would argue that all your post was likely to do was lead to less people posting their immediate ideas, and turn off the many lurkers and passive posters who read the board. "I better think twice before posting on JoBlo...those folks will chew your arm off if you're wrong!"

I you think someone is a dumbass in his/her response, how about you either a) respond to that person in a mature and sensible manner to explain their misunderstanding of your post or b) ignore them and keep posting. Either way is better than beginning a trend of pointing out dumbass posts, in my opinion. In fact, I think we've all been dumbass in one way or another in certain points, so where exactly did you want your thread to lead??

The thread never got heated, one person said that they felt a bit offended, but no one had the opportunity to appease this person, and further explain the subject a bit more. Why? It was closed because it seemed like it would get heated.

I believe in being pro-active. I've been running this site, and this board, for close to four years now, and I think I've established enough of an instinct on certain things, and yes, I didn't think that your thread was headed in the right direction. I also believed that your point was made...

And even though more-and-more people were responding to it, all respectfully, all maturely, it will now drift to the bottom of the posts never to be seen again. This is negative, I feel, because I'm sure it was a point that many people would have liked to understand, and discuss. Additionally, I think it would have benefitted the board.

I disagree. I saw it headed into the wrong direction and didn't think that it was a good thing for posters, as a whole. As I mentioned in my closing post, not EVERYONE is on the same level of movie knowledge, so if we're going to start knocking on others who may not have the same "movie smarts" as the rest of us, do you really think that this board will become a better place? I don't. I want this board to be about movie discussions from serious movie fans from around the world, with different opinions and differing points-of-view.

I don't think that by calling some of them "dumb" indirectly, which is basically what your thread was doing, is going to help that matter.

Another post I ran was closed because people were engaging in small talk. Were these people (many of whom are repeat offenders) warned, and allowed to still participate in the discussion - No. Why? It was closed because of the small talk. Not because the topic was inappropriate or disrespectful. Damn. Too bad.

First of all, you simply re-opened another thread with the same subject matter, so I don't see why you're upset about this so much, and second of all, as I mentioned in my closing post, the thread was turning into "MISC. NON-MOVIE TALK", which is why it was closed. We've done this to certain threads in the past, whenever people start getting completely off the subject and we're likely to keep doing that in the future as well.

I don't think this is a good habit for the site in general. Why should one post be closed because of non-related rule-breaking?

I hate to break this to you, Irene, but this ain't a "habit" by a long shot! Like I said before, we do this from time to time, when we notice certain threads getting out of hand. This will continue in the future and that's what separates this board from all other boards. You can go on and on about nothing in most other places, but we like to step in every now and then and remind everyone that....yup, this is a MOVIE BOARD and the basic idea behind it is to DISCUSS MOVIES!!!

I don't go for that "One bad apple spoils the bunch" routine, so sell it somewhere else.

I'm not "selling" anything, Irene. I'm running a movie board with over 4300 members the best that I can. Perhaps you don't see things from the same point of view that I have, overseeing all of the forums, and having gone through many similar experiences in the past, where, YES, you give someone an inch and they grab a foot.

Why is my participation being limited because someone else keeps doing excactly what others are asking that they do not?

You've obviously taken this personally and I guess I could see why, but the bottom line is that we are trying our best to run this puppy as efficiently as possible, and we WARN and BAN people every other week. I personally don't feel the need, or think it professional, to post every single WARNING on the board, or mention that some asshole came on the board the other nite and started posting shit about me having a small dick, etc... and so forth, because I'd rather keep this board running smoothly, warn and ban people who aren't following the basic guidelines and try to keep the focus on...yes, you guessed it...MOVIES (and yes, that thread was deleted and the member banned-- but I guess you all don't see those kinds of "behind-the-scenes" type of stuff which keep this board as "clean" as it is).

And there is total inconsistancy running because my suggestion to other schmoes to use the chat room still runs unhendered.

There are some things that I can do and other things that I simply cannot. Your CHAT post is there, and just like the thousands of other posts on this board, people either read it and take action, or they don't. I can't force anyone to do anything.

I know it is the policy of this board to keep things running as smooth as possible, but it really feels like you are burning down the farm house to kill a cow. (Or something clever like that.)

I don't think so. I think that you are upset because your recent posts in the SUGGESTIONS board have been closed for various reasons, so you're criticizing the entire policy of closing threads on the board, with that bias. Of course, that's my opinion and I guess we just don't see eye to eye on this subject.

The point I'm getting at here is this - Closing a thread isn't going to keep people from engaging in small talk, and it isn't going to solve personality differences. So what is the purpose?

Its purpose is to prevent this board from turning into "small talk central". I really don't see what you're getting at, Irene...what do you expect us to do...leave all "small talk" topics open....???? I don't see where you're going with this last argument.

[Irene Manor]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by JoBlo:
I always try to explain why I close a thread before I do so, and I believe that I did with your threads well.

Thank you. Everything is done very well, and I may have came off incorrectly. I will explain in a better manner later. (PS - For the record I belive about a third of my posts are explanatory of earlier posts. Something I was just noticing. )


I have to disagree with you there. I saw that thread as one which was turning into a condescending one itself, with most of the replies being "jokes" and the serious ones starting to take specific people to task (ex: "Fight the opressive ways of the no-life morons who regular inhabit this board (you know who you are)" and using another poster by name as an example of someone who apparently thinks he's a genius??)

Yes. I think it would have been cool if you had just e-mailed the "offenders" instead of closing the post down. Much like you have done in the past, you could have spoken to the persons muddling everything up. You could have easily cleared up the shit and allowed the toilet to remain in tact, for lack of a better analogy.


Like I said in my closing post, the bottom line on this board is that there are people of different backgrounds here, and there will always be posts like the ones you described. If you believe that your post was useful in "enlightening" some of these folks, so that they would think twice the next time that they believed they had some insight into a post, well, I would argue that all your post was likely to do was lead to less people posting their immediate ideas, and turn off the many lurkers and passive posters who read the board. "I better think twice before posting on JoBlo...those folks will chew your arm off if you're wrong!"

Perhaps I was lobbying for bylaws which break down excactly what "respect" means. (Hehe, I watched The West Wing this week... Actually, no. I didn't. )


I you think someone is a dumbass in his/her response, how about you either a) respond to that person in a mature and sensible manner to explain their misunderstanding of your post or b) ignore them and keep posting. Either way is better than beginning a trend of pointing out dumbass posts, in my opinion. In fact, I think we've all been dumbass in one way or another in certain points, so where exactly did you want your thread to lead??

This is funny because that is excactly what I was saying in my post. I didn't think that I was doing that myself, because I don't think that people who do that sort of thing are dumbasses. I perceive myself as having discussed my suggestion in a very mature manner. No one really seemed to be offended, except for one person, who spoke in the thread about their "posting habits" (I didn't say ability, mind-you, I'm being very positive and optimistic here) , and agreed to see why it could be contrued as detrimental. Again, perhaps I was not clear in my initial statement.



I believe in being pro-active. I've been running this site, and this board, for close to four years now, and I think I've established enough of an instinct on certain things, and yes, I didn't think that your thread was headed in the right direction. I also believed that your point was made...

Well, we will never know if my point was made or not. The thread is closed.



I disagree. I saw it headed into the wrong direction and didn't think that it was a good thing for posters, as a whole. As I mentioned in my closing post, not EVERYONE is on the same level of movie knowledge, so if we're going to start knocking on others who may not have the same "movie smarts" as the rest of us, do you really think that this board will become a better place? I don't. I want this board to be about movie discussions from serious movie fans from around the world, with different opinions and differing points-of-view.

Yes. You can enlighten someone to movie facts, but you don't have to do so in a condescending manner. That was all I was saying, and I did so by saying how it applied to me, and how I felt it applied to others. I can't recall any finger pointing, and I learned that humour can be a factor in these miscommunications. Perhaps others did as well. Again, we won't really know.

I don't think that by calling some of them "dumb" indirectly, which is basically what your thread was doing, is going to help that matter.

Maybe you think these people are "dumb". I never said that. My only intent was to be like, "Hey, try this." And it is not my thread, it is everyone's thread. I only made the initial statement. Obviously people agreed, but that is mute.

First of all, you simply re-opened another thread with the same subject matter,

Well, I can now see how you could see it as if that was what I did. My bad.


so I don't see why you're upset about this so much, and second of all, as I mentioned in my closing post, the thread was turning into "MISC. NON-MOVIE TALK", which is why it was closed. We've done this to certain threads in the past, whenever people start getting completely off the subject and we're likely to keep doing that in the future as well.


I'm not upset, just being proactive. There was no warning or anything, just that padlock over the file. It seems like good policy for trolls - You know, they could go around and start small talk in different threads, getting them closed - Or, you could just watch out for the people whom you keep reminding to not small talk. It takes as long to compose an e-mail as it does to close a subject. Just a suggestion.


I hate to break this to you, Irene, but this ain't a "habit" by a long shot!

Don't hate. [snaps fingers in a "z" pattern while moving head around.

Like I said before, we do this from time to time, when we notice certain threads getting out of hand. This will continue in the future and that's what separates this board from all other boards. You can go on and on about nothing in most other places, but we like to step in every now and then and remind everyone that....yup, this is a MOVIE BOARD and the basic idea behind it is to DISCUSS MOVIES!!!

Yes, and we should all have good attitude.


I'm not "selling" anything, Irene. I'm running a movie board with over 4300 members the best that I can. Perhaps you don't see things from the same point of view that I have, overseeing all of the forums, and having gone through many similar experiences in the past, where, YES, you give someone an inch and they grab a foot.

I only speak what I see, and am open to seeing something differently. I'm not knocking your site, man. I thought you all were on metric in Canada. What's with this inch and foot crap?


You've obviously taken this personally and I guess I could see why, but the bottom line is that we are trying our best to run this puppy as efficiently as possible, and we WARN and BAN people every other week. I personally don't feel the need, or think it professional, to post every single WARNING on the board, or mention that some asshole came on the board the other nite and started posting shit about me having a small dick, etc... and so forth, because I'd rather keep this board running smoothly, warn and ban people who aren't following the basic guidelines and try to keep the focus on...yes, you guessed it...MOVIES (and yes, that thread was deleted and the member banned-- but I guess you all don't see those kinds of "behind-the-scenes" type of stuff which keep this board as "clean" as it is).

How did this guy know you have a small dick? He must've not read all of your posts! Again, you do an awesome job with this site -- That was never a question, but maybe I should have titled this topic "Guidelines to having forums closed? Seems you should weed out some bad apples first." - Or something. I dunno.


There are some things that I can do and other things that I simply cannot. Your CHAT post is there, and just like the thousands of other posts on this board, people either read it and take action, or they don't. I can't force anyone to do anything.

Me neither. That'll change when I get my Clash of the Titans Big Papa Zeus' Model planet, though.


I don't think so. I think that you are upset because your recent posts in the SUGGESTIONS board have been closed for various reasons, so you're criticizing the entire policy of closing threads on the board, with that bias. Of course, that's my opinion and I guess we just don't see eye to eye on this subject.

I think the policy is good, but maybe carried out in haste. ANY forum can get turned into "small-talk". It is my impression that you found the topics you closed to be a bit of an eye-sore for the site, so you decided to use the small talk thing to get them closed. You did say that the threads could potentially turn away new users, instead of saying that a thread for of small talk would do the same thing.

And what about the heated thing? I'm sure that many people WILL NOT post because they are afraid that someone is going to ream them for not knowing something about a flick, and people do this - often. I have spoken with people about this, and many of them have said that they will not post because they will often feel like a jerk-off. And let me tell you, the people to whom my post applied tend to be a bit more "thick-skinned" than the ones who I was trying to speak for. Take the schmoes who have done such things, me for one - We were just like, "Oh yeah, I didn't realize that people could have taken it that way." No harm, no foul, no angered feelings. Perhaps you have some trauma from the past, but jeez, give us a millimeter at least. Everything seemed to be very postitve until we were told otherwise.


Its purpose is to prevent this board from turning into "small talk central". I really don't see what you're getting at, Irene...what do you expect us to do...leave all "small talk" topics open....???? I don't see where you're going with this last argument.

So what you are saying is that some forums tend to foster small-talk more so than others, and the best way you have been able to handle it is to just close the entire forum down? Like I said, I too am proactive, and ask, "Where will it stop."

This is your board, after-all, and everyone here will respect, and stand-by what ever you do, man. I didn't mean to come of as chastizing.


Merry Christmas to one-and-all!



[This message has been edited by Irene Manor (edited 12-26-2001).]

[Lindsey]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Irene Manor:
Another post I ran was closed because people were engaging in small talk. Were these people (many of whom are repeat offenders) warned, and allowed to still participate in the discussion - No.</font>

I'll say that I was one of the small talkers, but I don't think they I should get warned for it. I don't think anybody should get warned for it. I'm not going to small talk anymore, because it just pisses people off and I can see why.

[Irene Manor]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Irene Manor:
[B]
I'm not pissed. I hope no one else it.

Lindsey, would you say that if you were doing something that wasn't allowed on the board, that you should be told?

I suppose that is what I'm aiming for. Things seem to be more ignored than being handled (Like, oh... I don't know. Better close it so no one sees this). Of course we should close down threads as blatant as the one Joblo was talking about with the small dick thing. Why should threads that "seem" like they are going bad, or threads were people are breaking rules be handled in the same manner as ones that directly insult the site's administrator?

But, whatever! This right here is one forum that I would be happy to see closed.


I hope that sums it up best. Go team, go!

[Lindsey]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Irene Manor:

Lindsey, would you say that if you were doing something that wasn't allowed on the board, that you should be told?
</font>

I think for me to be doing small talk and for me to tell some Schmoes to go "Fuck themselves" are 2 different things. Of course I should be warned for that. And that I should be told on what I did wrong. I don't really care anymore about this matter.

[JoBlo]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Irene Manor:
Yes. I think it would have been cool if you had just e-mailed the "offenders" instead of closing the post down. Much like you have done in the past, you could have spoken to the persons muddling everything up.

Irene, once again, I have re-iterate the fact that this board has over 4300 members and gets about 300-400 posts every day (if not more). Do you think that it makes more sense for moderators to email every single person who might be "small talking" or "going astray" one by one, or closing a thread entirely by making a point (or even posting a notice on the thread-- which we do as well), which EVERYBODY will read, thereby sending the message out to everyone??

Trust me, I send emails to folks from time to time, as do other moderators, but when you're running a board of this size, it's important to send out GENERAL NOTICES to everyone from time to time. That way, there is prevention of future occurences, and a better understanding of the basic guidelines.

No one really seemed to be offended, except for one person, who spoke in the thread about their "posting habits"

You're wrong, Irene. Just because one person responded to the post, and was offended, doesn't mean that that was the only person who was offended. Again, there are hundreds of people who read our board and do not post and I would think that we already have enough GUIDELINES to prevent some from posting, I don't think we need to get into more specifics ("When you post, make sure that you don't say anything dumb or obvious, because some of the other posters on this site don't appreciate that, etc...")

Well, we will never know if my point was made or not. The thread is closed.

Huh? So nobody read your post before it was closed? You didn't get to say what you wanted to say? Irene, I don't think I need to remind you that this is a MOVIE BOARD, above and beyond all. Now if you want to spend more time in the SUGGESTIONS/QUESTIONS board, that's your pre-rogative, but if your posts (or anyone else's for that matter), go astray or start lingering from the board's guidelines...they will be closed. Pretty simple actually.

I can't recall any finger pointing, and I learned that humour can be a factor in these miscommunications. Perhaps others did as well. Again, we won't really know.

Again, we just disagree here, Irene. I read the post again and it seems to be filled with more jokes and the beginning of finger-pointings and that's not what this board is about.

Maybe you think these people are "dumb". I never said that. My only intent was to be like, "Hey, try this." And it is not my thread, it is everyone's thread. I only made the initial statement. Obviously people agreed, but that is mute.

What's mute? I don't get it. As for your point, I've noticed (and other moderators as well) that some of your recent posts are very "off the cuff" type things, and therefore, can be miscontrued by some. I saw your post as one that was basically shooting others down because of their way of responding, and others did as well. Tomato-tomatoe.

I'm not upset, just being proactive. There was no warning or anything, just that padlock over the file. It seems like good policy for trolls - You know, they could go around and start small talk in different threads, getting them closed - Or, you could just watch out for the people whom you keep reminding to not small talk. It takes as long to compose an e-mail as it does to close a subject. Just a suggestion.

A suggestion, but not an entirely informed one. Irene, once again, I have to remind you of the size of the board (if this is sounding like I'm BOASTING by the way...I am not...I just want you to understand why I am saying all this). We have thousands of members (more than many of the other top movie boards on the Net-- check it our for yourself) and we simply CAN NOT email every single person every single time that we notice them doing something wrong. In fact, I've even stated that in our rules.

But even more importantly is the fact that it's not even efficient to do that. If you have a hockey league which has a rule of NO SLASHING, do you think it makes more sense to approach only the players who slash from time to time and tell them about the rule, or to make a GRAND ANNOUNCEMENT over the intercom, so that everyone can hear it at once?!? It's the more efficient and effective way of doing things...

I don't mind suggestions, but I have a big picture point of view, which some of you may not have, so if you want to cast stones at me...please step into my shoes first...

I only speak what I see, and am open to seeing something differently. I'm not knocking your site, man.

I never thought you were, but you were definitely knocking my abilities as a moderator and that wasn't appreciated.

How did this guy know you have a small dick?

Anyone who names his site "JoBlo"...must have dick issues!

Again, you do an awesome job with this site -- That was never a question, but maybe I should have titled this topic "Guidelines to having forums closed? Seems you should weed out some bad apples first." - Or something. I dunno.

Maybe, I dunno either...

I think the policy is good, but maybe carried out in haste. ANY forum can get turned into "small-talk". It is my impression that you found the topics you closed to be a bit of an eye-sore for the site, so you decided to use the small talk thing to get them closed.

It's also been my impression of late that folks can't seem to deal with the fact that their posts get closed from time to time and need to make their counter-points anyway.

Listen, I don't sit around all day searching for posts to close. When I see one every now and then, that's going out of line, or that is out of line, I either delete them (if they're completely innappropriate) or close them with an explanation.

I would PLEASE ask that not everyone who takes issue with a closed topic open yet another topic on the board to deliver their counterpoints, because then we'd just be going around in circles.

If you want to email me directly, PLEASE DO....!!! I am more than happy to discuss the inner-details of my basic decisions with you....but the rules and guidelines are pretty basic...

[n] Take the schmoes who have done such things, me for one - We were just like, "Oh yeah, I didn't realize that people could have taken it that way." No harm, no foul, no angered feelings. Perhaps you have some trauma from the past, but jeez, give us a millimeter at least. Everything seemed to be very postitve until we were told otherwise.[/b]

Okay, this is getting a little repetitive, so if you want to continue this via email, let's do that.

As for your points above, I DON'T THINK that your thread was going "positive" at all (which is why it was closed), I think I gave the thread MUCH MORE than a millimeter (dude, it was up for over THREE WEEKS--- I mean, c'mon!!) and no harm....??? Uhhhm, did you notice the one post in which others were called "morons" and the other two in which people were questioning the very nature of the post as well???

So what you are saying is that some forums tend to foster small-talk more so than others, and the best way you have been able to handle it is to just close the entire forum down? Like I said, I too am proactive, and ask, "Where will it stop."

Dude, this isn't an issue whatsoever on our site. SMALL TALK is not a big problem (until now) and I don't expect it to turn into one. The only threads that seem to have been locked lately are yours, because of the reasons elaborated on already.

You seem to be turning this into a major case, when really it's something very small and to me, EXTREMELY minor as compared to the hundreds of other OPEN MOVIE POSTS that go on our board every single day.

This is your board, after-all, and everyone here will respect, and stand-by what ever you do, man. I didn't mean to come of as chastizing.

Too late. Unfortunately, being in the position that I am, I've come to accept these types of things, and life will go on...

[Cyclonus]

I like small talk, that's why I really miss the misc. forums!

I think as long as I don't insult anyone I can fool around a little if I want.

[Irene Manor]

Yeah. I got it now. The uptake was off on that one. You're probably right that I was upset about the post being closed, though I didn't realize it. Perhaps since I disagreed with being construed as having posted something with negative results and questionable intent, I became a bit defensive, and did make a big case out of it.

Whatever.

[JoBlo]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Cyclonus:
I like small talk, that's why I really miss the misc. forums!

I think as long as I don't insult anyone I can fool around a little if I want.</font>

Well, that's where you're wrong, Cyclonus. Note guidelines #2 and #10 in our RULES & GUIDELINES section which clearly state:

2) Avoid 1-2 word responses:
"Me, too!", "Yeah, I agree", "It sucked"-- aren't exactly the kinds of responses that tell anyone anything about your thoughts on a certain topic. We'd like to avoid the over-use of such responses, and ask that everyone try to post more substantial messages in our forums, and make our board more discussion-oriented.

10) Post constructively (no bullshit):
If you've come on our board to start shit, or just "talk stupid" (ex: "who thinks movbies have top little lesbian sesxm and people being cut off"), please don't bother, because we're not into that here. We expect people to THINK before they post and to try their best to make actual points and bring relevant conversation to their topics. Basically, don't come here to dick around...post constructively.

If you miss the MISC. NON-MOVIE TALK forum so much, I suggest you find other boards (of which there are thousands on the Net) which encourage small talk and discussions about everything and anything under the sun.

I think as long as I don't insult anyone I can fool around a little if I want.

As for this comment, well, it's obvious to me that you don't understand that we didn't create this board in order for folks to come and "fool around". I think I've already WARNED you about this, but if I haven't please consider this to be it. For some reason, you haven't been able to grasp the fact that our board is for CONSTRUCTIVE discussions only (yes, everyone is going to goof around every now and then, but it's important for everytone to UNDERSTAND that this is not what we encourage...)

[The Arrow]

How about this: We run the board as well as we can and you guys appreciate it instead of nitpicking on how we do things. We're doing our best here!

As for small talk in the threads, well it will happen from time to time. Personnaly I see nothing wrong with it as long as it doesn't get out of hand. And if it does, JoBlo, I or any of our fine administrators will take care of it. THAT'S OUR JOB LET US WORRY ABOUT IT! Same thing goes for the posting of pictures.

You guys are lucky! I wish I could be here only to talk about films with some fine folks but on occasion I have to play babysitter. Its can be a freaking headache!

I'm re-opening this topic (I had closed it earlier)...talk away...



[This message has been edited by The Arrow (edited 12-26-2001).]

[Lindsey]

Okay I'll say one thing. I hate to post topics. I hate to post them because I'm always afraid that it will offend somebody in any way. Or it will get closed,or nobody will like it,etc. I say if you're pissed about getting your topics closed, then don't post topics...period.

[This message has been edited by Lindsey (edited 12-26-2001).]

[The Arrow]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Lindsey:
Okay I'll say one thing. I hate to post topics. I hate to post them because I'm always afraid that it will offend somebody in any way. Or it will get closed,or nobody will like it,etc. I say if you're pissed about getting your topics closed, then don't post topics...period.

[This message has been edited by Lindsey (edited 12-26-2001).]</font>

Lindsey, if you have something to say, or there's a topic you want to put up, dont be afraid to express yourself! The worst that will happen is that nobody will answer back! WHO CARES! Life goes on! Even I've started topics where like 2 people would answer back.

As long as its "movie related", you have nothing to fear.



[This message has been edited by The Arrow (edited 12-26-2001).]

[Irene Manor]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by JoBlo:

Irene, once again, I have re-iterate the fact that this board has over 4300 members and gets about 300-400 posts every day (if not more). Do you think that it makes more sense for moderators to email every single person who might be "small talking" or "going astray" one by one, or closing a thread entirely by making a point (or even posting a notice on the thread-- which we do as well), which EVERYBODY will read, thereby sending the message out to everyone??


Yes, the web site is big. Thousand of visitors everyday. OKay - E-mail someone to remind them of the rules. If they do it again, they can't say they weren't warned.

And let me mind everyone, SMALL TALK is not my beef, it is Joblo's. My beef is with things being shut down because of small talk. Specifically, because ...

Wait a minute.... I just reread your post, and you implied that I was asking that people not state things that are "dumb or obvious." This was not my intentions at all, and you have horribly misconstrued my words. My only statement was not to treat people like they are dumb because they are stating something you feel is obvious.

Was this all because of the line I made about feeling like a cock for telling someone Kubrick directed 2001? That was a horrible example of me trying to say that I could not get cocky with someone for not knowing that Kubrick directed 2001. I guess I should have used italics, or something, but I also wish that someone would have asked me what I meant by something that may have made me sound like I was coming off that way. Anyway...


Trust me, I send emails to folks from time to time, as do other moderators, but when you're running a board of this size, it's important to send out GENERAL NOTICES to everyone from time to time. That way, there is prevention of future occurences, and a better understanding of the basic guidelines.

Sorry, once again, I just feel it is shitty to use the topics as soap boxes to make your announcements.



You're wrong, Irene. Just because one person responded to the post, and was offended, doesn't mean that that was the only person who was offended. Again, there are hundreds of people who read our board and do not post and I would think that we already have enough GUIDELINES to prevent some from posting, I don't think we need to get into more specifics ("When you post, make sure that you don't say anything dumb or obvious, because some of the other posters on this site don't appreciate that, etc...")

Yeah. That was what I was talking about earlier. I didn't say that shit, and another schmoe even clarified my point further. I wish they hadn't used names, but I would bet that they won't anymore. And sorry, but I feel that person of whom I speak was sort of dragged around in the mud with your comments. Why? Because they were simply stating what they have found to be disheartning on this site. They probably would have responded well to a warning, but those seem to be like fucking winning lottery tickets around here.


Huh? So nobody read your post before it was closed? You didn't get to say what you wanted to say?

Obviously not. You said that I was saying not to state the obvious when, yeah, sort of I was, but that was not my point at all. Again, I was asking that people not talk to people like they are geniuses, which implies stop making people feel inferior.

I DO NOT feel that my point was designed to make people feel inferior. Again, I tried to be light-hearted, and still make a point, using only how I saw it applying to others. Very, very nice, so I thought

.
Irene, I don't think I need to remind you that this is a MOVIE BOARD, above and beyond all. Now if you want to spend more time in the SUGGESTIONS/QUESTIONS board, that's your pre-rogative, but if your posts (or anyone else's for that matter), go astray or start lingering from the board's guidelines...they will be closed. Pretty simple actually.

No - I want to spend more time talking about movies and less time explaining myself. And EVEN LESS time explaining to someone that I already knew Kubrick directed 2001, so they really didn't need to call me a dumb shit on the board. But, we already know that. Or do we?


Again, we just disagree here, Irene. I read the post again and it seems to be filled with more jokes and the beginning of finger-pointings and that's not what this board is about.

Not to offend, but you pointed many fingers in explaining why you closed the thread during the run of this topic. It is inevitable when people are being jackasses to point some fingers, but while the ass holes will leave the camp, the people you want to keep around are going to take the finger pointing constructively and everyone wins, wins, wins.


What's mute? I don't get it. As for your point, I've noticed (and other moderators as well) that some of your recent posts are very "off the cuff" type things, and therefore, can be miscontrued by some. I saw your post as one that was basically shooting others down because of their way of responding, and others did as well. Tomato-tomatoe.

Okay.

I just don't feel that the respect rule is enforced as much as it should be. That was the motivation for me to begin these threads were I comment on such behaviors. I simply found them to be disrespectful, and was finding that they were not being noticed.

I find it disrespectful to not read all of the posts. Such behavoir has led to numerous misunderstandings, and much, much repition.

I find it disrespectful to speak to others as if they were inferior to you. This happens all of the time, and pretty much makes many people not want to post out of fear of being teased, ridiculed, or what-not. And no, this is not just something that has happened to me and I'm applying it to everyone else. I could give a fuck's less, but there are other people who are really affected by this sort of shit, and I fucking understand.

Look through these goddamned threads and tell me how many times you see some young person complaining about how they are made to feel geeky by peers for being so into movies. Shitty! So they find a web site where people talk about movies. Great! Now there are a few random dick heads who go out of their way to make them feel shitty about not knowing that someone said Wookie instead of Rookie in THX1138. Shitty!

You told me once that your intent was to make this board more mature, and more enriching. Well, a good start would be to enforce the fact that in the real world you don't have the right to call someone dumb because they don't know that the munchkins in TWoO were reported to be involved in drunken orgies.




[This message has been edited by Irene Manor (edited 12-26-2001).]

[ak]

I can honestly say that "small talk" annoys me quite often, I can say that people talking in a condescending manner bothers me, and that people who think they are genius' gets on my nerves too, but Irene, I am going to say this in all honesty - You seem to want to put a bit of "Disneyfication" into everything - to make it perfect. It's as though you don't do these things, and believe me, you have sounded more than condescending and "genius-like" in many a post (Heck, so have I and a lot of other schmoes), but there's no need to complain about it, in what then seems to be greatly condescending, and as if you are the perfect person on the board).

Now, that's not meant to be offending at all, I just wanted to lend something constructive into such a topic, as it's something that pops into my head quite regularly whilst reading posts here on the site.

Now, I know what can be said next - "Well, if I don't say it, then no-one else will" and "Golly, I was just mentioning something that was bothering me, and people go all deep into it".........well......the truth is, people don't like these kinds of "topics", as they could easily be the target, or they think they might be a target, and it makes people shy to post or to express themselves properly, just like Lyndsey.

What you should say to yourself - Put up, and shut up. I say that to myself all the time on the boards, and I get along fine.

[This message has been edited by ak (edited 12-26-2001).]

[Irene Manor]

Yeah, let's just all agree we are ass holes and go on with it. That is off-topic to this forum though. And fuck Disney, I want it all to look like Islands of Adventure.


What I am getting at is why the hell are these posts closed, but not these posts? Take my chat forum, for example. "People Should Use The Chat Forum" Why was that post not closed, but all of the other posts where I tell people what I think they should do closed? Because Joblo found people with in these threads doing things that he found to be detrimental to his site. But instead of just saying, "Hey y'all I think this is detrimental to the site." He just closes it down, and says that it is easier to close it down than to post warnings. If he takes the time to write why he is closing the topic, I don't see what is any different about posting a reminder. Instead, the topic being closed is the reminder.

That's all I'm getting at here. And yeah, I do think I was being a pud about those criticisms to you all, but I'm glad to know you all realized I had good intentions. [in a theatric voice] "Oh great, you had good intentions."

And I don't hope to make the board perfect, but I do want to openly state that I don't think that closing entire topics down to deal with specific behaviors is going to really help anything.

That's just my site suggestion. Whatever - I'm sure we can all agree that if I opened a web site today, there would be all sorts of fucked up rules. I'm cool with that.

[Pastor of Muppets]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by The Arrow:
How about this: We run the board as well as we can and you guys appreciate it instead of nitpicking on how we do things. We're doing our best here!

As for small talk in the threads, well it will happen from time to time. Personnaly I see nothing wrong with it as long as it doesn't get out of hand. And if it does, JoBlo, I or any of our fine administrators will take care of it. THAT'S OUR JOB LET US WORRY ABOUT IT! Same thing goes for the posting of pictures.

You guys are lucky! I wish I could be here only to talk about films with some fine folks but on occasion I have to play babysitter. Its can be a freaking headache!

I'm re-opening this topic (I had closed it earlier)...talk away...

[This message has been edited by The Arrow (edited 12-26-2001).]</font>

If this is the prevailing sentiment of the administrators, then why have a "Suggestion" board?
I feel the gist of these topics have all been somewhat constructive, and, with the heavy volume of users, there are going to be plenty of views on the function of the site.
I've posted a few things here, and I found the responses I received to be thorough and concise.
If you feel that your function degenerates into 'babysitter', than perhaps you should address this in email messages to those folks who percipitate that feeling.
Painting all who post here with that very broad brush subjagates those with worthy observations into a very general group.
If you feel that all these posts are no more than 'nitpicking', than perhaps this forum should not be here...but, it currently is, so, why not allow it's function to continue? After all, it is entitled "Site Suggestions/Questions".
It is a forum of opinion and ideas- not always top-notch- but a forum for these things, nonetheless.
To harp on the misuse of it begrudges it's ability to be constructive.
Basically, if you say that it is "Your job" to run and regulate the board, why ask for our feedback in this forum?

[JoBlo]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Pastor of Muppets:
[BIf you feel that all these posts are no more than 'nitpicking', than perhaps this forum should not be here...but, it currently is, so, why not allow it's function to continue? After all, it is entitled "Site Suggestions/Questions".[/B]</font>

The Arrow was referring to specific posts which go out of their way to "nitpick" our decisions (he wasn't refering to all posts in this forum). This forum is obviously open for all suggestions/questions about the board, but it's not designed so that folks could use it as a soap box to grill me (or any other moderator or any other person) over the coals, simply because they weren't happy with one of our decisions on the board.

I've answered every single person with valid concerns on this forum and continue to.

[Pastor of Muppets]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by JoBlo:
The Arrow was referring to specific posts which go out of their way to "nitpick" our decisions (he wasn't refering to all posts in this forum). This forum is obviously open for all suggestions/questions about the board, but it's not designed so that folks could use it as a soap box to grill me (or any other moderator or any other person) over the coals, simply because they weren't happy with one of our decisions on the board.

I've answered every single person with valid concerns on this forum and continue to.</font>

Fair enough. I also pointed out that you replied to my topic regarding the "T&A" posts quickly and respectfully.Can't ask for more than that from the head honcho.
And on that note, I'll say thanks for taking the time to respond.

[Irene Manor]

I just think all those pad locks look tacky and could have been avoided with a bit of straight talk.


My only suggestion, at this new point, is that: When Joblo closes a topic, he explains why he did it. Perhaps the explaination is enough, and the post doesn't need to be closed.

Honestly, I think that if Joblo came in and said what he did - (paraphrase here) This is seeming condescending, and could lead to hurt feelings, I think you made your point Irene - I really think that the thread would have just drifted away, because I, for one, would have agreed and either tried to change the tone, or just have forgotten about it.

The way it stands is like breaking someone's knees to keep them from walking around, instead of trying to say, "Hey, stop walking." I know, I know, that is a very extreme analogy, so lets just say it like it is: It's like preventing someone from being able to talk about something by taking away their ability to talk about it. Yes, a solution, but man... I am mature enough to be guided, and that was all that I asked for.

The only opinion that the administrators offered to the post (which ran for 3 WEEKS) was that they were shutting it down. It just gave me bad flashbacks to parents who leave their kids alone with the TV, then take the TV away when they find out they were watching T&A, or the gay telly-tubbies, or something.

In conclusion, I was just a bit off-struck that a post that's gone on unhendered for so long was suddenly shut-down. There were no reports of complaints. There was only a disclaimer that, "Irene, we've been watching you." No bother though, this is like one-one-millionth of the purpose of this site, so let's treat it as such. That's all, and I've pretty much said the same things I keep saying, so that's about that.

I wanna go post something funny about movies.

[JoBlo]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Irene Manor:
My only suggestion, at this new point, is that: When Joblo closes a topic, he explains why he did it. Perhaps the explaination is enough, and the post doesn't need to be closed.</font>

Irene, I've always done this in the past, did so with your closed threads as well and will continue to do so in the future...

I've never just CLOSED TOPICS on a whim and never will! This board is for conversations and discussions and I sure as hell don't have have time to go around censoring people, but when I see a topic/thread that's not going in the right place, YES, I will close it, have closed others in the past and will close others in the future (whether the thread was started by you or anyone else, is not what I look at-- you seem to have taken this very personally and that's a shame).

Once again, I need to remind you that as the administrator of the board, I have to look at the BIG PICTURE. I've been doing this for a long time, Irene, and I know how it goes. Depending on the thread, I will sometimes make an announcement, see if it affects the thread, or just close it eventually. But I also know when I need to close a thread, I do so and explain my reasons as well.

The way you dragged this thing out...it's almost like I close 50% of all threads with no explanations and no reasonings behind it! I closed a couple of threads in the SUGGESTIONS forum, which happened to be started by you, and explained why I did it. In fact, if you look down the forum, you will notice AT LEAST one other topic of yours which probably should be closed and doesn't really go anywhere (as a poster, it's also your responsibility to see that all of your posts aren't repetitive and make sense (as much as possible): http://www.joblo.com/ubb/Forum14/HTML/000251.html

I mean...c'mon dude...cut me some slack...this is a two-way street...

Hopefully more people will be able to look at the BIG PICTURE and note that 99.7% of all posts are still open, conversations are happening daily and if you want things to keep going that way, it's important to keep things in perspective at all times.

[This message has been edited by JoBlo (edited 12-27-2001).]

[Irene Manor]

I just think that there is inconsistancy in closing forums. You said so yourself, there is one forum that probably should be closed. By the rationalle that you closed the topics of which I spoke, there are three others I see that should be closed. That is why I feel it is inconsistant.

If there is a method to this madness - Great! All I offered were my complaints, which is what this forum is for. You disagree as do others, some agree as do others. You are the boss, man, and that is all that matters. This is YOUR site, not mine. Your decision should stand, and that is final.

It shouldn't matter if I took it personally, or not, that is beside the point. Sorry, but you seem to be taking it personally to me, because you just can't seem to stand the fact that I disagree with some of your reasons for closing forums. Joblo, you receive over 4000 visitors a day, much more than many other web sites.

And while I am flattered that you have given my opinion about your policy so much thought, I am distracted by the notion that you are not taking this critisism AT ALL. You keep pointing out things I have done to validate your points, and that is only reinforcing my subject header.

Joblo, you said that there are topics of mine on the forum that should be closed, but have not been closed.

I said that I found the guidelines to closing forums to be inconsistant.

You said there are topics of mine on the forum that should be closed, but have not been.

I said that I found the guidelines to closing forums to be inconsistant, and added, as an example, that I have topics running which should be closed, by your reasoning for closing other threads.

That is where the whole inconsistancy thing comes into play.

Why is it such a big deal for you to admit, "Yes, there may be inconsistancy in closing forums." I don't care that much if there is or not. Just stop with the Jedi Mind Tricks - There is inconsistancy, and the proof is right there.

I don't care though, this is your site. You asked for complaints and suggestions and comments and I gave them to you. Either the topic is closed, or open to discussion. Let's just stop with "oh well you did this, and I did this" or else it will get heated and someone will shut it down.


Dude-man, you run an awesome site. The best of the net, as per your votes. EW compared you to the biggest internet critic, and put you in a better light. That is great, and you should focus on that. You can't please everyone all of the time, but, for the record, I am happy with this site 98% of the time, and I fucking say so by writing compliments, and what-not.

Why the hell can't we go on for three days about me saying that Joblo, The Arrow, and JOey B are cool guys for running this site and doing what they love? I have no idea!

[JoBlo]

Dude, there's inconsistency because this board is not run by an automatic robot machine...it's run by human beings (for free) who are trying their best to run a cool and fair board for everyone to enjoy (for free). Mistakes will be made, explanations will be published, lessons will be learned, etc and so forth. I really have NO IDEA what you still want from the site on this front?? Do you want me to say that you're right and I'm wrong? Okay...you're right Irene...the forum closing guidelines are inconsistent and so am I. What's the point? We're trying our best and that's the best that we can do...I've explained myself over and over again...but you just want to keep going???

I already mentioned this to you via email...please...what's the point again?

I will never be able to run a tighter ship than this (and to be honest, I don't want to), so if this ain't your vibe, then it ain't your vibe...not much more I can say or do about it...

[Irene Manor]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by JoBlo:
Dude, there's inconsistency because this board is not run by an automatic robot machine...it's run by human beings (for free) who are trying their best to run a cool and fair board for everyone to enjoy (for free).

How much do you pay these automatic robot machines?


Mistakes will be made, explanations will be published, lessons will be learned, etc and so forth.

Isn't it great that we can keep on jamming! Let the music play on and on, Joblo! This site rocks, and I know it, and you know it, and now you know I know it."

I really have NO IDEA what you still want from the site on this front?? Do you want me to say that you're right and I'm wrong? Okay...you're right Irene...the forum closing guidelines are inconsistent and so am I. What's the point?

The point is that up until right then you were doing everything you could to say anything other than, "Yeah, the site is inconsistant, what do you think we should do about it." My point in responding so many times was stated in the topic header. I don't know what your point to responding so many times was.


We're trying our best and that's the best that we can do...I've explained myself over and over again...but you just want to keep going???


"And I'm trying, Ringo. I'm trying real hard to be the shepard."

I too have explained myself over-and-over, and up until your last e-mail, I didn't feel that you were either a) understanding why I perceived things this way, or b) didn't respect that I perceived things this way.

Now, I know. I'm not a nut job for thinking the guidelines to having forums closed is inconsistant. Thank you for putting my tipsy-turvey world back into orbit.


I already mentioned this to you via email...please...what's the point again?

Well, my point is that I think the guidelines to having forums closed seems inconsistant to me. One of the examples I offered to add some consistancy was to use warnings more often and give people the opportunity to edit themselves, so you don't have to. We aren't perfect either, and no one wants to be, so lets just work on what we can and have fun.


I will never be able to run a tighter ship than this (and to be honest, I don't want to), so if this ain't your vibe, then it ain't your vibe...not much more I can say or do about it...

Well, now that is just stinkin' thinkin'! You know I don't feel that way, or else I wouldn't spend time complimenting the site. You know who this is! You say stuff like that and I say, "Hey man, I do what I can. When I found out that my wife was ordering gifts from Amazon, I told her she should do it through your site."

I think my excact words were, "This guy tries to run this site all by himself, and is frustrated with it. He gets money from Amazon if he links them with their customers."

Again, come on, man! Just because I'm not going skinny dipping with you and Miss Cross by the pool and giving you handjobs while Max is asleep inside doesn't mean that this isn't my "vibe". I made a suggestion. What is so frigging difficult about that?

I mean, [in cajun accent] LORDY-LORD ALL-MIGHTY! [end cajun accent] Next time I'll stick to saying shit like you should use more indigo blue in your color scheme. Argh!


And for the record PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE stop asking me how many times you have to repeat yourself. I have heard you, and have relayed to you that I have heard you everytime. You are the one who is all but reguiring me to say how well I think you are doing overall in EVERY SINGLE ONE OF MY POSTS. Then what do you say? "If this isn't your vibe..."

Dude, how many times do I have to repeat myself? I don't know! But I sure as hell know that I'm not going to make you feel ignorant by asking you over-and-over again. Why? Because I'm not going to do it, that's why?


PS - Overall, you do a great job on this site. I obviously now know how you feel about people who comment on the way you close topics. Hopefully, you now know how I feel about the way you close topics. We don't have to sit on one anothers lap because of this, but like hell if we can't show some common respect for one another.

[Irene Manor]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Pastor of Muppets:
If you feel that your function degenerates into 'babysitter', than perhaps you should address this in email messages to those folks who percipitate that feeling.
Painting all who post here with that very broad brush subjagates those with worthy observations into a very general group.

I would kind of like to hear feedback on this, because it is an extrememly well-stated version of what I was saying.

[Irene Manor]

BTW - Now I know how to spell inconsistent. In the south we pronounce it with an "a", ie. In-con-sis-tant. I never bothered to look it up.

Ah - The places were we find positive results...

[Irene Manor]

I am needed to address these statements, as I have taken issue with them.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by JoBlo:
I saw your post as one that was basically shooting others down because of their way of responding, and others did as well. Tomato-tomatoe.

The intent of the post (not this one, the one we keep talking about) was to sctually make people aware that they may be shooting people down if they respond in condescending manners, or if they don't read all of the posts before replying. It wasn't a "my way of posting is better than your way of posting" point, it was a "Hey, that hurts" type of post.


[/b]If you have a hockey league which has a rule of NO SLASHING, do you think it makes more sense to approach only the players who slash from time to time and tell them about the rule, or to make a GRAND ANNOUNCEMENT over the intercom, so that everyone can hear it at once?!? It's the more efficient and effective way of doing things...[/b]

No, I think it is most effective to get rid of the players who keep slashing, even if you have told them not to. I don't think you put the rules and guidelines link at the top of all of these pages just so you could close threads down when people break the rules. It's like you want the people who break the rules to be here, but just want to make sure they don't break the rules. It really seems that way, based on all of your statements. I don't think you do want rule breakers around here. Thus, my stance.


I never thought you were, but you were definitely knocking my abilities as a moderator and that wasn't appreciated.

This is why I think you are taking it personally. Come on, man! If I would have said that I think the site should have red highlights instead of black, are you going to say that I'm knocking your abilities as a web master? If I say that you should watch a movie again because you didn't like it, but I thought you may have missed an important part - Would I be knocking your abilities as a critic? No, no, and no! Lighten up, dude. Maybe you are thinking that I am displeased with you like I am with Harry Knowles, because of past rants I have made. Dude, I wouldn't be telling you over-and-over again that I like the site. Homey don't play like that!


Dude, this isn't an issue whatsoever on our site. SMALL TALK is not a big problem (until now) and I don't expect it to turn into one. The only threads that seem to have been locked lately are yours, because of the reasons elaborated on already.

No, small talk is not a big problem. However, I do think it is a big problem if threads are being closed because of small talk. You are allowing people to go from thread to thread engaging in small talk. I asked before "Where will it end?" I by that, I mean, if someone pops up in one of your movie reviews and starts small-talk, are you going to close the thread with your review? If so, I think it would be fair that you close down other peoples posts because of small-talk.

Joblo, I feel that if you were truely proactive, then you wouldn't have to close topics because of small-talk, because there would be no small-talk. And mind everyone, I am only using small-talk as an example. I have NO PROBLEM with it, except that it has caused posts to be closed. I do have a problem with the assumption that Joblo is telling us that he is closing threads because of small talk, but is saying that he feels it unnecessary to speak with the people who are doing things that are resulting in threads being closed. Not a big problem, nor even a problem really - Just something I suggest be done differently.

[JoBlo]

This topic is going around in circles. I run things the way I run things, and being as this is a private board, you either like it, stick around and post some more, or don't like it and leave.

You've given me your point of view and I understand it now. If you want to continue this conversation, please send me an email. The site's inconsistent, the site has its problems and that's likely the way it's going to continue, unless it gets closed down first.

I know you may see this as a very important issue, Irene, but to me, I've got MUCH MORE IMPORTANT matters to worry about, including how to keep the site running in the first place. Okay, I get it...you think we've got problems with the board. Cool...I got it...

Topic closed.