BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: Joe Offer
Date: 31 May 05 - 12:38 AM

I suppose I should have added that a good amount of the stuff we close or delete or close is petty, juvenile squabbling.

This thread is a good example. It's not racist or obscene or profane, and I suppose it's not really hateful. But it's full of vitriolic personal attacks. And it doesn't belong at Mudcat.

-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: number 6
Date: 30 May 05 - 11:34 PM

HeHe .... Got ya LOL !!

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: Peace
Date: 30 May 05 - 11:32 PM

CRAP. Number 6 who used to be number 1 in my book and is now number 86 just cross posted and got 105. Oh, the shame of it all! LOL

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: Peace
Date: 30 May 05 - 11:31 PM

105, girl. Eat yer heart out. 105 is the posted I REALLY wanted.

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: number 6
Date: 30 May 05 - 11:28 PM

Aw come on guys .... nobody told me the rules !

Fuck, If I had known I could have won the prize.

Hey, what is the prize ??

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: jacqui.c
Date: 30 May 05 - 11:24 PM

104

Good game this. Beat ya Brucie.

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: Bobert
Date: 30 May 05 - 11:22 PM

Well, if preferential treatment, in twrms of censorship, is being given to the trolls then I might give some thought to spending a little less time here until the situation gets situated....

Weird reading that folks who posted saying that they were uncomfy with MG's posts were havin' their own posts censored????

Meanwhile, the school yard bully get a free pass????

Bobert

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: Peace
Date: 30 May 05 - 11:15 PM

102.

Never mind post 100. That is CHILD'S play. The real prize is post 102. And, I GOT IT.

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: jacqui.c
Date: 30 May 05 - 11:14 PM

Bugger - someone else got 100! Hijacked under me nose!

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: GUEST
Date: 30 May 05 - 11:07 PM

100

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: GUEST
Date: 30 May 05 - 11:00 PM

Oh, I get it now! Martian Gibbon is staging a "coup de prat!"

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: GUEST
Date: 30 May 05 - 11:00 PM

Martin Gibson! The common sense of Mudcat!

Down with far left liberal men who wear panties and are fat with beards!

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: GUEST,a night at the Forum
Date: 30 May 05 - 10:54 PM

No thanks martian. i'm not Ebbie but i do like her handle for you, it's all fun right? but it is nice of you to ask and include me
keep up the good work though and keep your members in check and i am sure this takeover will be a resounding victory.

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: Once Famous
Date: 30 May 05 - 10:49 PM

Guest, a night, etc

Ebbie calls me Martian Gibbon.

Hi Ebbie! Wanna join?

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: Peace
Date: 30 May 05 - 10:47 PM

Thank you, number 6.

You are number 1 in my book.

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: number 6
Date: 30 May 05 - 10:45 PM

Yeah, those tweed pants were one fucking great pair of pants.

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: Peace
Date: 30 May 05 - 10:45 PM

Master Card: Anonymity hath its privilege.

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: GUEST,Clint Keller
Date: 30 May 05 - 10:43 PM

Well, there's the traditional Folk Wisdom:

It's not a good idea to rassle with a hog. He won't know if you win, you get shit all over you, and the dam swine loves it.

To my shame, I don't always follow it, but it's good advice.

clint

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: GUEST,a night at the Forum
Date: 30 May 05 - 10:33 PM

Now we have a Martian Gibbon fan club. martian's mighty protectors.
From bottom dweller to club president in one clean swoop. even the moderators and clones are trying to join. definetly the best yet.
m.g.p.s.Club.

This is great. Keep it up i haven't laughed as much in a while.
Those pm's that were flying in support to martin that he kept mentioning over and over again must have been doozies.Does he pay you retainers or did you all have a meeting by pm and arrange this on mass intervention ...fuck i can hardly write this for laughing.
excellent stuff, childish, but even in a preschool pact kind of way it is amusing.
yes indeed in the words of one of Martian's secret society members " What does it matter? Keep smilin" indeed, no problem

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: Peace
Date: 30 May 05 - 10:33 PM

Jaysus, Bobert. Think about what you're sayin', buddy. I have personally used the word fuck more than anyone here. True, it has been at a few Nazis types on two other threads, but I didn't get censored or any of that. Sometimes a post will just disappear. The Mudcat is not a Neocon front. It's a forum with volunteers of all political leanings doing what is usually a damn fine job. Hell, you know that as well as I do.

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: Once Famous
Date: 30 May 05 - 10:33 PM

Well, bobert you continue to show how weak and obsessed you are.

I neither swore nor insulted yet you are completely bent out of shape and I am completely digging it.

You are just trying to incite and it's not going to work. It hasn't yet.

I would say that if you just don't like it, you should just bail.

How about some cheese with all of your stupid whining?

Protests are getting censored the same way I would get censored.

These are great days for Mudcat as far as double standards go.

Deal with it, goon.

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: Bobert
Date: 30 May 05 - 10:25 PM

See, here is a prime example... MG gets a free pass on accusin' me of sayin' bad stuff against my country??????

Hey, why is it okay fir him to say that???? Is this not a democracy where folks can disagree with their leaders???? I mean, come on, folks.... You want folks like MG tellin' you what to think???? Well, the way I's seein' it is that MG has more power than Mudcat itself????

Like, go ahead and censor folks who are fed up being cussed at and leave the bully feee to do his bullying????

Like, what am I missin' here????

I*f it is true that yesterday the posts of fine Mudcatters, whoes only crime was to say "Hey, I'm tired of one creep controlling this joint".... were indeed censored.... then it's may be time to find another place to hang out...

Personally, I'm gettin' just a little fed up with the right wing gettin' their way all the time...

I love ya, LH. I love ya, Mick... But maybe, just maybe, things have gotten outta hand here and maybe the trolls have indeed taken power...

Hey, I wouldn't mind it if these trools were at least on the progresive side of the equation but they are not... They represent the neocons and the neocon agenda which means eternal war on others and the working people of America...

Like George Bush, the neocon slaesman said, "Yer either with us or against us"... I could make the same statment here in Mudville where neocons are gettin' free passes....

Yeah, if others protests have been censored then this one may be also??? That's outta my control.... All I do know is that this joint ain't as open for free discussion as it was a year ot two ago and that oughtta be alarmin' to anyone who's been 'round here fir awhile...

Bobert

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: Peace
Date: 30 May 05 - 10:09 PM

Good on you, number 6. Wondered what became of that pair of pants. Glad it's gone to a good cause.

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: number 6
Date: 30 May 05 - 10:00 PM

HeHe ... yeah Bruce, it becomes a rag to clean my car off with!

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: Peace
Date: 30 May 05 - 09:57 PM

Threads get highjacked because tweed is hard to come by. However, have ya ever noticed that when a tweed pair of pants comes apart that it is no longer tweed and no longer a pair of pants?

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: GUEST,Sheesh!
Date: 30 May 05 - 09:54 PM

And the beat goes on while the clones sit there with their heads up their asses!

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: Once Famous
Date: 30 May 05 - 09:39 PM

I think the moderators do a fine job.

I know where I have been deleted and usually know when I have crossed that line.

It is absolutely refreshing to me to see that I can no longer claim a double standard. I rejoice in the deleted posts of some of the morons who deserved it.

My hat is off to thye clones who do the best job they can here. This is a pretty good forum to say what you want to say.

bobert, if you want to spend every post ripping this country and government, I guess you are going to have to reralize that there will always be at least one voice telling you that you are full of crap for doing so.

I am not obligated to tell you why, though. Just that you are.

And I will.

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: GUEST
Date: 30 May 05 - 09:21 PM

Yep bobert that is exactly what was happening yesterday. And today with the posts gone we have joe and mick telling us that they were 'hateful' etc etc etc. I saw the posts. They were purely asking why mg was being given a green light to hurt others. No more and no less. And one by one they were deleted, within seconds, but not fast enough, for some of us did see them.

And for mick to put shambles and mg in the same sentence beggars belief! shambles is not racist, homophobic or down right spiteful. Joe responds to him more than anyone, whereas mick is often to be found in full on spats with mg. But hey, both these people think they can rewrite history, once the evidence has been removed and then go on to tell others how to post.

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: Sorcha
Date: 30 May 05 - 09:03 PM

Ignore button clicked one more time. You should try it too, Bobert.

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: Bobert
Date: 30 May 05 - 09:01 PM

Well, I have observed one thing about the highjackers and that is this: They do the same thing as the Bush Administartion does... When ever it has screwed up it finds someone on the other side of the isle to blame... The trolls here do the same... Anyone say one danged negative thing about Bush and they get their thread highjacked...

I've seen it far too much in the last yeat. I din't realize that folks speaking out against MG's tactics were gettin' their posts censored yesterday while MG went about his scorched earth insults...

If this is indeed what occured then GUEST is totally correct in his observations that the moderators ain't doin' there jobs objectively.... I'm not accusin' them becuase I didn't read the supposed censored posts but if this is the case then the jopint is way out of control...

As fir being the "main instigator", hey, I don't sabotoge anyone's threads... You might not like my opinions but I'm gonna stay on the subject at hand and in my four or so years here have maybe used one cuss word... But I ain't gonna go in no ones thead and try to cahnge the subject...

Bobert

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: number 6
Date: 30 May 05 - 08:12 PM

Good one Bruce !!! I think you hit it right one there.

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: number 6
Date: 30 May 05 - 08:10 PM

A couple of A bombs in Afghanistan or wherever would not stop the drug trade. The demand of drugs, by people keep it going. We live in an era of cheap thrills and instant gratification. I do beleive there are the ones here who, though they actually whine and complain about the nasty trolling, get off on it. That's why you see so much attention to these kind of threads. They like it! Sorta like watching NASCAR, getting a thrill out of a 10 car pile up, but not admitting they look for it. If you don't like it, just ignore it. Simple. I usually stay away from these 'controversial' threads because it bores me. Better things to do than yadda, yadda on and on about nothing. But here I am, just trying to get a grasp on what is fascinating about negative trolling, when all you have to do is ignore it.

sIx

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: GUEST,Big Mick
Date: 30 May 05 - 08:02 PM

And the puerile 'if you don't like it leave' retort belongs in the playground.

Bite me. The post was a response to your denigration of two very respected and nice people. You hit them with a patronizing post, and mine was a thoroughly tongue in cheek answer designed to show you for the arrogant person you are.

I have been or record lately as saying Martin and Shambles aren't the problem. It is otherwise decent folks that rise to their bait. MG is laughing his arse off at this moment.

As to the deleted posts, all I will say is that sometimes one, in their anger, becomes similar to that which they seem to detest.

Mick

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: Peace
Date: 30 May 05 - 08:01 PM

"Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???"

Because it's too damned difficult to get guns on planes these days.

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: Bill D
Date: 30 May 05 - 07:57 PM

trolls and idiots are sort of like drug smuggling. You work to catch some of it, and you KNOW a lot is getting by....and you KNOW you could stop a lot of it, but only with extreme measures.

A couple A-bombs on Afghanistan and Colombia might stop most of the drug traffic, but I doubt that the side effects would be pleasant. And it would just pop up from somewhere else....just as a serious Troll (yeah, MG...that means you) can find a way in.

Max and Jeff have ways to limit a lot of posting by certain people, I'd imagine, but not without causing major disruptions and more trouble than it helps. 'Censorship'...i.e., limited moderating and editing, does get a lot of the worst stuff, but it's hard to follow and it's hard to draw the line clearly.

Defining where argument leaves off and serious insults begin ...and when naughty words constitute 'abuse' and when they are just part of a context ...ain't easy. It's worse than defining 'folk' or figuring out "who started the trouble" in Israel or Ireland.

If it were all up to ME, the 'moderating' would be even more heavy, and regular abusers of the privilege of using this forum would be gone.....I am amazed regularly at the restraint shown by Max and Joe. Those of you who choose to push the limits may yet find your playground has a fence around it and a gate.

It IS possible to argue, debate, compare views and differ without nastiness and anonymous nit-picking. Try it...you might like it!

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: number 6
Date: 30 May 05 - 07:52 PM

I'm absolutely amazed how this thread has received the attention it did. Look at the title, and looked who posted it. It was obviously going to evolve into a quagmire of verbal heated crap. I'm still amazed on how people get wrapped up in it emotionally. If ya don't like the heat, get out of the kitchen. If not, at least throw some pies in faces and make a comedy out of the pathetic drama. I have found that web forums always turn nasty when politics or religion is brought forth. It's damned worse than the real world, and that can be pretty testy in the worse of situtations. It seems too much of this is being posted, and too many emotions flippin' out. Maybe people take themselves too seriously and feel they have to prove themeslves for the poor egos they are lacking in the 'real world'. It doesn't bother me, it just amazes me how thin or thick people can be.

again ...... the bottom line is as LH says ... " What does it matter? Keep smilin'"


sIx

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: GUEST,Shlio
Date: 30 May 05 - 07:10 PM

Would you look at that? Two posts in a night after being away for nearly a year.

And, of the five or so threads I've read, three have degenerated into insult matches (involving Martin Gibson), and the others have been complaining about him. I'm sure that some threads are both.

I'll come back in another year and see if the BS section is fun to read again - if we can have discussions where we disagree without being insulted.

(And, moderators: you are doing a great job keeping the forum open to all. Your censorship or lack of it is not the issue.)

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: GUEST
Date: 30 May 05 - 06:27 PM

Considering how well the forum moderators tolerate Martin Gibson, it does beg the question: just how bad does a person have to behave to be banned from this forum anyway?

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: Little Hawk
Date: 30 May 05 - 06:08 PM

Well, for sure, Egress. If you don't like it, you don't have to suffer through it. I've gone through periods when I got fed up with this forum too, for various reasons. So I just did something else instead.

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: GUEST,Disgusted too
Date: 30 May 05 - 06:04 PM

Any suggestions where to find that moderated forum ? I'm right behind you.

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: Once Famous
Date: 30 May 05 - 06:01 PM

Baseball is setting record attendance in America.

My son is at a game today!

Guest, Egress or whatever...................

Don't cut your lip on the can. Watch out for anyone in the room with those notorious beer farts we all know you arfe capable of.

BTW, if you want, I can tell you a good website concerning beer farts and how you can enter a contest to show your stuff.

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: GUEST,Which way to the Egress?
Date: 30 May 05 - 05:59 PM

By the way, I just noticed this—

"And we routinely delete personal attacks, even if they are directed against Martin Gibson."

But, Joe, that's not what happens. Martin Gibson launches person attacks against just about everyone, some of them any decent person would regard as totally unconscionable, and although a few have been "bleeped" within recent history, the ones that have been let go must number in the hundreds, maybe more. It's been going on for well over a year.

I don't usually bitch much about the way Mudcat is run. Usually I tend to defend you guys when others complain. But I've gotten pretty damned fed up recently. And I'm not alone.

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 30 May 05 - 05:57 PM

Gnu said:

Baseball? Can't stand it. Boring until September. But...


You got the end date right, Gnu. You just didn't mention that it's boring from October!

Dave Oesterreich

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: GUEST,Which way to the Egress?
Date: 30 May 05 - 05:46 PM

"If you want to engage in a serious discussion...and I have engaged in many here...just go ahead and say what you want to say! And if someone else responds with abuse...don't get mad, get amused. That's what I do. It works. It does not alter your ability to continue having a serious discussion on that thread if you want to."

Sorry, Little Hawk, but I can't agree with that. It does alter your ability to have a serious discussion with others because even if you don't get diverted, too many others do, and that pretty well poops the whole thing out. Whenever I have ignored the abuse and tried to get on with the subject of the thread, I usually wind up talking to myself.

So it's not just the Resident Smut-Mouth that's the problem. If everyone DID actually ignore the little weasel and continued with the discussion at hand, then it would be fine. But that's not what happens. Joe Offer and others are right when they say not to respond to the troll(s), but experience demonstrates that that is naively idealistic. You can ignore the troll 'til hell freezes over, but if but everybody else IS responding, that pretty well ends the discussion and you may as well shut the computer down, go out to the fridge, and crack open a beer. Or just say "Screw it!" and hunt for another website that's moderated and won't allow this kind of crap, even if it isn't as enjoyable as Mudcat used to be. At least you can have a conversation with like-minded people.

So, excuse me. I'm going to get myself a beer, then come back to the computer and go googling.

See ya. Sometime. Maybe.

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: Once Famous
Date: 30 May 05 - 05:35 PM

Yeah, Shemp was OK and being the brother of Moe and Curly, the natural replacement.

The 3 Stooges are still shown quite frequently on TV here.

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: number 6
Date: 30 May 05 - 05:27 PM

Your correct on that MG .... they weren't as good after Shemp took over from Curly. But Shemp did try hard.

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: number 6
Date: 30 May 05 - 05:25 PM

Thanks gnu ! I'm proud to be a stooge too ... and fuck baseball, and even poker, can't find any on tv anyway.

"Watchin the grass grow" .... thunderin jeezuz that's all we been able to do here in NB for the last week with all the rain!

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: Once Famous
Date: 30 May 05 - 05:22 PM

I'll discuss The Three Stooges!

To me they were never as good when Shemp joined after Curley got sick. But Shemp did have a certain charm.

After Shemp left or died, you have to give Moe and Larry plenty of credit for trying to keep the act going.

What? You meant bobert, Amos, and Ron Davies?

Oh. Sorry.

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: gnu
Date: 30 May 05 - 05:15 PM

GUEST 04:48PM... you are correct. Fuck baseball. Let's discuss The Three Stogges. I assume you are referring to LH, gnu and sIx. Now, I don't really know what a 'stogge' is, but I am proud to be one, if it means I am associated with LH and sIx. Even though the other two are Uppity Canadians, they are still Canucks and I am sworn to defend, even though they like sports that are akin to watching grass grow.

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: number 6
Date: 30 May 05 - 05:11 PM

Gnu .... I'll take you up on that offer ... and no 4 wheeler either, we hike on foot through the bog .... I live in the south of Saint John so I'm tough!! Then we'll sit and watch an exciting game of poker on TV!

Citizenship ?? I denounced my Upper Canadian citinzship some time ago.

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: Once Famous
Date: 30 May 05 - 05:11 PM

I love it!

Guest dismayed said:

"Bobert, you are the worst instigator of trouble on Mudcat"


Cubs' effort not half bad

May 30, 2005

BY TONI GINNETTI Staff Reporter

The Cubs spent May chasing the break-even mark. On Sunday, they closed their longest homestand of the season with a booming offensive performance and their third straight victory over the lowly Colorado Rockies to get back to .500.

"But we have to play better than .500,'' said third baseman Aramis Ramirez, whose 3-for-5, four-RBI game included a two-run homer, one of three the Cubs hit in their 11-6 victory. "Our goal is to be in the playoffs, so we've got to get a lot of games over .500.''

Facing the National League West-contending Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres in the next seven days will be different from facing the Houston Astros and Rockies, two of the league's worst teams.

CUBS 11
ROCKIES 6

"But we did what we were supposed to do against some teams that are struggling,'' said Derrek Lee, who continues to be the hottest-hitting Cub and the league's best hitter. His 3-for-4 day boosted his league-leading average to .366 while an RBI in the five-run Cubs sixth boosted his league-best total to 46.

"Home runs are an accident,'' he said of his three singles after back-to-back two-homer days. "I'm happy with the singles.''

Everyone was happy to be 24-24, an even record the team hadn't seen since being 12-12 on May 1. With the Milwaukee Brewers falling Sunday to 24-25, the Cubs moved up to second place in the NL Central, 71/2 games behind the St. Louis Cardinals.

"You don't focus on the Cardinals,'' said Todd Walker, who hit his first career pinch homer in the seventh. "You can't control what the Cardinals do. Last year showed that. What we need to do is continue to win. I've said if we can stay around .500 and get our [injured] guys back, we can make a push in September.

"I don't think anyone is overly concerned about the Cardinals. We just want to get to the playoffs. The last few years have shown what you can do even if you're the wild card.''

The largest Wrigley Field crowd of the season (40,322) saw the Cubs pound out 15 hits against four Rockies pitchers, the loss going to Marcos Carvajal (0-2). Jeromy Burnitz had the game's biggest blow, a three-run homer (his eighth) to conclude the scoring in the five-run sixth.

The Rockies had 11 hits and scored all six of their runs off starter Sergio Mitre.

"I made some good pitches that got hit and some bad pitches that got crushed,'' Mitre said of giving up home runs to J.D. Closser (first), Luis Gonzalez (third) and Preston Wilson (seventh). Mitre left in the sixth with one out, two men on and a 5-4 lead. Roberto Novoa (1-1) allowed both runners to score but emerged as the winner in the Cubs' comeback.

Joe Borowski, Michael Wuertz and Will Ohman held the Rockies scoreless in the final three innings.

"We're starting fresh,'' manager Dusty Baker said. "Hopefully we can put some distance between us and .500. We have to keep winning series. We needed to get back to .500 before this road trip. Guys are feeling good about themselves, and the offense is swinging the bats pretty good.''

Keeping it up is now the next challenge.

"Getting to .500 was the first big hurdle,'' Walker said. "It feels like you're not having a good season when you're below .500. Now if you jump over it and run off a few wins ... I think we can do it.''

"We have a tough stretch ahead of us, so it was important to get back to .500,'' Lee said. "The West Coast trip is always tough, with the time difference and the long flight. You have to prepare yourself. It was a good homestand [at 6-4] and could have been better.

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: GUEST
Date: 30 May 05 - 05:10 PM

...or possibly runs, which is what this thread might give some of us.

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: GUEST
Date: 30 May 05 - 05:08 PM

Very good MG! Not one "bad" word. Except scored.

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: Once Famous
Date: 30 May 05 - 05:04 PM

Chi Cubs (24-24) at LA Dodgers (26-23)
Preview - Box Score - Recap
Game Info: 8:10 pm EDT Mon May 30, 2005
TV: ESPN, FSN2         Add to Calendar
Buy Tickets
Starting Pitchers
Player Photo
G. Maddux
ChC         vs.         Player Photo
W. Álvarez
LAD
2-3         Record         1-2
4.33         ERA         4.61
38         K         7
11         BB         2
9         HR         3
Cesar Izturis is having quite a season at Dodger Stadium.

He hopes to continue that success as Los Angeles starts a 13-game homestand with the first of three against the Chicago Cubs.

The 25-year-old shortstop has thrived at home this season, hitting .351 (33-for-94) with 15 runs scored in 23 games. Izturis leads the majors with 26 multi-hit efforts overall.

Izturis went 3-for-5 and five different Dodgers drove in a run as Los Angeles posted a 6-3 victory at Arizona on Sunday to complete a 3-3 road trip. Closer Eric Gagne recorded the final out for his third straight save in as many appearances.

``I'm very, very satisfied with what I saw today,'' manager Jim Tracy said. ``I think it's a good ballgame from that standpoint to build on.''

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Los Angeles received some bad news when center fielder Milton Bradley sprained his right ring finger in his final at-bat. X-rays were negative, but Tracy said he didn't know if Bradley would start Monday.

``I can move it around,'' Bradley said, ``but it's just real tender right now.''

Los Angeles has dropped four straight series at home, winning just four of their last 12 at Chavez Ravine.

Chicago is beginning a seven-game road trip as it searches for a season-high fourth straight win. The Cubs posted an 11-6 victory over Colorado on Sunday behind four RBIS apiece from Aramis Ramirez and Jeromy Burnitz.

Ramirez has been hampered by a sore groin and back this season. The third baseman was 7-for-17 as the Cubs took three of four from the Rockies.

``I knew he was going to hit sooner or later,'' Cubs manager Dusty Baker said of Ramirez. ``He's starting to come alive, see the ball better and see better pitches. I'm just glad to see it happening.''

Greg Maddux tries for his first win since May 10 when he starts the Cubs on Monday. Maddux is 0-2 with a 5.49 ERA over his last three outings.

Maddux gave up five runs and eight hits over 7 2-3 innings on Wednesday against Houston in a 5-1 loss. The Cubs have scored a total of six runs during his winless stretch.

``I'll just pitch and see what happens,'' Maddux said. ``I'll get ready for my next start and go from there.''

The four-time NL Cy Young Award winner is 4-5 with a 3.49 ERA in 13 career starts at Dodger Stadium. Maddux is 11-7 with a 2.86 ERA in 29 career starts against Los Angeles.

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: Little Hawk
Date: 30 May 05 - 05:03 PM

Now, as for dancing, I recommend it. Great for the body and health.

See? Another anonymous GUEST has now hijacked a perfectly good thread and it's now about dancing. This is infuriating!!! Someone should start a thread complaining about this sort of thing and carry on about it, and on, and on...until Max is forced to DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!!!

Yeah.

If one had the time to read ALL the threads here...just imagine how upset one could get every day. Wow.

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: gnu
Date: 30 May 05 - 05:02 PM

Sofa? You watch - WATCH! - poker - ON TV - and call me a sofa sitter? a davenport duffer? a recliner recliner? an athelete of the armchair arena? As soon as I am back up to snuff, come on up to Kent County with me and I'll take you into the backwoods for some troutin. If ye can follow me through the bush and the bog and the flies for a day, I'll watch a poker game with ye.

BTW, did you get your citizenship yet?

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: number 6
Date: 30 May 05 - 04:59 PM

Well .... by the way this is going it's time to find some Poker game on the TV !!

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: GUEST,DisMayed
Date: 30 May 05 - 04:58 PM

Oh, you can filter out the BS section if you want to.

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: GUEST
Date: 30 May 05 - 04:58 PM

That's the way to do it. Dance for Martin Folks.
as Martin says "bobert and stogges, this thread is now about baseball. I will check back periodically to keep it on topic"
He always gets his way and he has again.
Well done.

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: GUEST,DisMayed
Date: 30 May 05 - 04:56 PM

My observation: Everyone that replies to MG is just as bad as he. You lose peer respect when you taunt him for replies because he and we all know what is going to be said will be scatological. That is apparently what you want and you keep asking for more from the resident mudslinging scatologist. I have read, in dismay, what people I thought well of here have said. I know you don't need my respect or others' but please realize what you write does reflect positively or negatively on you. Most of us recognize joking, tongue-in-cheek remarks and don't mind some off-color talk.

Bobert, you are the worst instigator of trouble on Mudcat, although I generally thoroughly enjoy your many posts, notwithstanding this agitating thread. It is obvious that you are calling the fellow Mud-dogs to "pile on" the prey when all you have to do is ignore him/her instead.

Please don't let infantile, intellectually vacuous posts from any disturbed individual bring you down to their level of pitifulness.

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: number 6
Date: 30 May 05 - 04:52 PM

baseball .... vodka or not just doesn't cut it. Gnu and LH, you guys are wimps of the sofa.

Poker ... now there is a real guy's sport ... drama, skill, you can smell the stale smoke, smell the whisky as these particpants rooster themselves without ever revealing any emotions, while outwitting their opponents in manuevers that would impress any the greatest military, political, coporate strategists.

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: GUEST
Date: 30 May 05 - 04:45 PM

Well I know nothing about Baseball and I won't be told what to discuss by Martyin Gibson who wishes to highjack yet another thread.
So staying on topic:

Attacking and beating people down is not what this place was ever about..
Taking threads and using them as an outlet for, whatever it is, venom, amusement (kind of sick though) Fun (aren't there better ways) dumping anger and resentment, jealousy. Not one attempt to tone it down and be decent or apologise...unless someone agrees with the foul mouther, then they are are in the inner circle of the non attack club.. how sick is that!
No the ole Mudcat it ain't what it used to be and if it keeps up there will only be a couple of folks coming down here....so many great people just don't come in anymore as it is.
All this in 11 months after Years of great debate, Craic, humor, Stories, fun threads,
Getaways and Festivals. Going to each other Homes and playing Music. Sharing the good stuff and the crap and the sad times.
I wouldn't even consider posting anything here that's remotely personal now as it would be ripped to shreds within minutes.
I am tired...tired of words like C*** being used towards women and men called, fetal matter and People being told they are a bad Jews, Americans, British, French, Scots, Commies, Liberal Pinkos, anti Semites, Children have been wished dead!! ,obscene remarks to people that I know and like and can see no reason for them. None. Some of the people that are being bashed are older Folks that have been around for a long time here so why do this too them, really respected people in various Fields out there! They haven't even posted a retort or a reply to the insult yet next time they post something, abuse is their answer.
Then people say where is so and so...!!!!
People getting told by some to get a Life but what kind of life does the someone who encourages and probes people to react have that this is entertainment to them.
Maybe the idea is to just hound everyone else till nobody is left.
Which brings me to why I am saying this today.
I had an embarrassing moment yesterday. A while ago I was telling a pretty well known Musician Friend about the Mudcat and he said yeah I've heard of it. He came in last week, I didn't know he had and he looked though the DT and scanned the Music section.
The utter shock for him came when he read some Threads that looked interesting in the BS section and found many really foul posts and all from the same source...he called me last night and said.. "why do you go in that Forum?" He said before he got a Computer he had been told about Mudcat when he was on the Road. That it had a great rep among Musicians, Writers and Artists.. "what happened"...I couldn't answer him and found myself unable to say anything. I have never felt the need to defend this Forum but on this occasion due to who I was dealing with, I found I was not only unable to say anything to explain what was going on, I was Embarrassed. That's happened more than once now but this particular Musician well, all I could think was I may be able to ignore to some extent the vile stuff but what about someone like Him...he's just reading and instantly thinking...no thanks I'm out of here and then we lost someone great, someone who wouldn't treat people that way online or in Life.
I mean there is no shortage of Forums out there were this is not only acceptable but encouraged, I did not think of Mudcat as one of them.
It is a pretty unique place in many ways. Shame to see it becoming abusive and disappearing under a cloud of of excuses and posts saying lame things like anyone can post here, maybe so, but can anyone post anything no matter how debasing it is. It would seem so.

Maybe it is time for a break from here...because it doesn't appear to be getting better...in fact it's getting worse.
I suppose that all good things come to an end at some point and maybe that's what has been happening over the last Year or so to Mudcat.
So many Longtime Members don't even come in anymore.
I was thinking of changing my settings to Music only and setting my filter but what's the point really. It's happening in the Music section now.
Threads are being highjacked because they are being allowed to be. Folks are being abused and reacting because it;s nast stuff that's being thrown at them and Folks aren't coming back because of it and that speaks volumes really. No matter what is said about not responding and whining ect and all that good stuff isn't a solution it's an excuse for not dealing with it.
I came in last night for lyrics to a lullaby and looked at the BS section and thought, this is just ridiculous, now I see what my Friend meant.

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: Little Hawk
Date: 30 May 05 - 04:33 PM

If they were to also allow heavy vodka consumption on the field, it would liven things up too. I see great possibilities for Russian baseball.

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: gnu
Date: 30 May 05 - 04:30 PM

Baseball? Can't stand it. Boring until September. But...

I saw some Ruskies on the TV news a couple of nights ago. They have formed a national team and a number of 'high schools' have teams. The guy in charge of the national team started the team a number of years ago, having only a rule book to go by at that time. Instead of tagging runners out, they were beaning them with the ball... something got lost in the translation of the rule book. Might be a little more exciting though.

Poker? At least in baseball they don't sit all the time, just half of the time.

Let's talk about basketball now. Or not.

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: number 6
Date: 30 May 05 - 04:25 PM

When it get's too much here at the Mudcat I just turn on the TV ... find European Chanpionship Tour poker and watch that. Haven't got a clue what the hell is going on with it but it makes more sense than some of the 'hijacking' garble that goes on with some of these threads.

Anyway, bottom line is as LH says ... " What does it matter? Keep smilin'"

sIx

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: Little Hawk
Date: 30 May 05 - 04:15 PM

It all depends how you react...or what you want, I guess. I'm only spending a little time here these days, so I'm not that much in the crossfire, but if I was still inclined to burn several hours of my time a day here...

Then I would choose not to get upset. What good does it do, unless you get some kind of moral satisfaction OUT of being upset? And people DO! That is precisely what fuels a lot of the trouble in the world. People would rather be righteously mad at the "bad" people (or the "stupid" people or whatever) all the time, than focus on something positive instead. They do themselves and others little favour by this toxic emotional habit, but they certainly are a boon to the News shows and the arms industry, etc.

If you want to engage in a serious discussion...and I have engaged in many here...just go ahead and say what you want to say! And if someone else responds with abuse...don't get mad, get amused. That's what I do. It works. It does not alter your ability to continue having a serious discussion on that thread if you want to.

People whose only initial intention is to hate and upset you sometimes actually end up even liking you if you do that. And if they still don't like you...so what???

What does it matter? Keep smilin', that's my advice.

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: GUEST,Which way to the Egress?
Date: 30 May 05 - 03:42 PM

I'm a long time 'Catter going underground and preparing to vacate the scene. For how long? That depends.

Mudcat used to be a place where one could exchange ideas, anything from serious discussions to tournaments of general silliness, but an enjoyable and often informative experience nonetheless. Recently much of this has gone by the board, and abuse and mean-spiritedness seem to be the order of the day.

Little Hawk, what you say about symbiosis appears to be pretty true. The only problem is that it turns Mudcat into a playground for morons.

Not very enjoyable anymore.

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: Little Hawk
Date: 30 May 05 - 03:13 PM

Some quick observations:

People can make reference to my body parts if they want. I feel good about my body parts, and I don't care what the heck they say about it.

I would NOT want to be the bride at Adam Sandler's wedding.

The Mudcat Cafe, as it is, is rendering a useful service in that it is providing a home where people who like to upset certain other people can meet those very people who like to get upset BY certain other people and wax righteous about it. This is convenient for both parties. It enables them to simultaneously pity and despise their opponents. It's symbiosis. (or what Big Mick said...) :-)

Now, where were we? Oh yeah, baseball. Well, I think baseball is a reasonably okay game. Not bad. But it takes too long. Still, it's not as drawn out as cricket. I give it about a 7.9 out of 10 as games go. Chongo loves the Cubs. Play ball!

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: GUEST
Date: 30 May 05 - 03:00 PM

After yesterdays shennanigans there is no doubt that one of them is as sick as mg.

Keep up the good work moderators, you have been made a complete laughing stock by one of your own.

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: GUEST
Date: 30 May 05 - 02:43 PM

Why do I get the feeling Martin Gibson is an alter-ego of one of the clones?

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: Once Famous
Date: 30 May 05 - 01:22 PM

Except for Robo and Bruce most of you are full of shit.

Robo said:


"If the purpose of this thread is to denigrate one particular 'foul' mouthed poster, it in itself is a troll because there is no single poster who is the problem.

I agree that some messages on both sides of the foul-mouthing have been exceptionally weird or vile. Some of them have been from the initiator of this thread, and some have been from the person this initiator is obsessed with."

Yep, too bad bobert. You are a compulsive about me and George Bush and I have decided to tell you so everytime.

Here is another complete waste of time by people who have nothing better to do than talk about me. It borders on hilarious.

Let me assure you who ever deleted any threads is not on my payola list.

Let's talk about baseball and the Cubs. Yesterday they won 11-6. Their starting pitching is devastated but the fans still love them.

This thread should now be about baseball and if you don't like it, then leave. BTW, I've no intention of doing so.

This is not any single person's BS section. Mine either. Perhaps bobert needs to find a new socialist site to keep bashing the President.

bobert and stogges, this thread is now about baseball. I will check back periodically to keep it on topic.

OK? Thanks.

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 30 May 05 - 01:06 PM

As I've mentioned in two other threads, the individual involved there is engaged in putting himself in the center of the picture.

It's as was said of Teddy Roosevelt: "He wanted to be the bride at every wedding, and the corpse at every funeral."

By and large, these people don't have any interest in the actual content of a thread, except as it may be forced to relate to them.

Dave Oesterreich

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: Peace
Date: 30 May 05 - 11:12 AM

The posts were not offensive. Only get offensive with the British Nazi Party. If you were being edited by someone for a no-good reason, then that someone overstepped his/her boundaries. On that we agree. However, as to your "And the puerile 'if you don't like it leave' retort belongs in the playground." remark, would fuck off please you more?

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: GUEST
Date: 30 May 05 - 10:27 AM

Brucie questioning someones motives is acceptable in an adult world. It is often what brings about change. Only you know what your deleted posts contained, and only you can decide if you overstepped 'the mark'.

But the posts that were being deleted yesterday were totally without fault. And the ones that mg made were untouched. If you find nothing wrong with being moderated by someone with very questionable judgement, that is your call. But don't expect everyone to accept the same low standards.

And the puerile 'if you don't like it leave' retort belongs in the playground.

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: Peace
Date: 30 May 05 - 10:16 AM

The biggest problem here is the whining. If you don't like the place, leave. The Mudcat erased a few of my posts to. It happens. Live with it.

Bruce Murdoch

PS If indeed there was a clone 'deleting' only certain posts based on a rationale of his or her own, then the administration should get rid of the clone. In many way life is simple.

BM

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: GUEST
Date: 30 May 05 - 09:56 AM

The biggest problem here, IMO, is the lack of maturity and leadership skills from the forum owner and moderators. The incidents of yesterday (ie of a clone censoring posters) are in no way unusual around here.

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: robomatic
Date: 30 May 05 - 09:49 AM

I do want to point out that overall we are very lucky folk to have this forum, these threads and each other. I have learned a lot above the line, and even a little below it. I've learned a lot from people with whom I disagree on many points, put have a basic commonality in attitude and humor.
I am personally grateful to ALL. This is my last post to this thread.

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: Alba
Date: 30 May 05 - 09:46 AM

Well I see some very valid points here and will take the advice offered.
It is time for me to do what has been suggested and not rise to the bait and respond.
In my book now..ANY posts that disrupt or provoke will now be ignored.
It is good advice and while hard to apply, I will now do so...
I like here too much to see the Mudcat get flushed down a verbal tiolet.
Guilty of responding before...and I, for one, do not wish to be part of the Problem anymore.
With my decision made, a sense of relief comes with it.
I am not dreading coming into a Forum that I truly appreciate and find myself embarking on a roller coaster ride of emotions.
Normal service has now been restored at least at my end, I can only speak for myself.
FWIW, I am sorry that I myself rose to the bait in the past and in doing so encouraged this to go much longer than it should have.
As Boberts Says.."One day at a Time":>)

Jude

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: GUEST
Date: 30 May 05 - 09:44 AM

Thanks freda.

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: freda underhill
Date: 30 May 05 - 09:43 AM

I have just read the thread properly - sorry, i did not understand where GUEST was coming from and thought it was the usual knee-jerk whinge. you have a good point.

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: GUEST
Date: 30 May 05 - 09:39 AM

An explanation would have been appreciated. There was not one word of profanity in anything I posted. Just objections to profanity.

I saw your posts and agree you used no profanity. But they disappeared within seconds. I think one clone enjoys seeing women attacked, disabled people attacked and children wished dead. It is their control issue that is questionable.

They are also doing a disservice to any 'well meaning' clones amongst you.

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: GUEST,Mrs Gibson
Date: 30 May 05 - 09:27 AM

And it bothered me too. I just wish the Joeclone that did it would have told us what rules were being broken so that we could have proceded to stay within the guidelines. I don't enjoy seeing my posts deleated one after another. An explanation would have been appreciated. There was not one word of profanity in anything I posted. Just objections to profanity.

And so I expect this will be deleated too.

And I noticed that the other person who used my Guest name and told MG that he was doing a good job didn't have their posts deleated either. Hmmmmm....

---

I guess you just don't understand. Profanity is rarlely a deletable offense here at Mudcat. The usual reason we delete posts is that they are combative, hateful, threatening, or racist. And we routinely delete personal attacks, even if they are directed against Martin Gibson. If you want to fight, don't do it here at Mudcat.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: Big Mick
Date: 30 May 05 - 09:21 AM

I agree, GUEST 30 May 05 - 09:14 AM. It is my humble opinion that you shouldn't waste anymore time here. It is far too poorly run for a person of your calibre. I guess the freda's and the jacqui's of the world are just far too simple and inexperienced to understand a person of your depth. I probably fall into that same boat. I wouldn't waste another moment of your time here.

In other words, get lost.

Mick

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: GUEST
Date: 30 May 05 - 09:19 AM

Freda I too am not criticising those deleting mg's posts. But yesterday one particular trigger happy bunny was routinely deleting posts by people objecting to mg's posts, whilst at the same time leaving his attacks in place. Like I said if you didn't see it happening it is hard to comprehend. All we asked for was clarification as to why they were being deleted. His sorry ass was being well and truely covered.

It is the moderators he is having fun with now. Or one in particular.

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: GUEST
Date: 30 May 05 - 09:14 AM

"...like bypassing Rush when you're scanning on your car radio."

Exactly.

As to the "need to control" of the handful of posters here who dare criticize the way the forum is run, oh please. Save your dime store psychoanalysis for someone who cares.

It ain't about control. As Bobert and Guest 7:30 & 8:34 have pointed out, it is about quality control by the forum owner and moderators.

I guess the fredas and jacquis don't have much experience of forums outside this one. If they did, they might know what they are talking about. But since they seem to have no experience with how quality forums are run, I guess that means they are just like blow fish--when they feel they are being indirectly attacked by those who criticize the forum, they puff up angrily and defensively with a false indignity that is easy to spot.

It is more than a bit ironic freda, that you can't follow your own "You can't change other people, you can only change your reactions to them" advice. Constructive criticism isn't welcomed by those who are insecure and/or lazy. It means they would have to accept and admit the fact that something CAN be done productively and positively to improve that which is being criticized. Most people here are much too lazy to work on the forum's problems, especially when it would entail them changing their own behavior...

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: GUEST,van lingle
Date: 30 May 05 - 08:46 AM

I guess everyone's got to follow their own path but when I see the handle of a few people here (and one in particular) I just skip that post without reading it because I know by now I probably won't find anything of any value there and on the rare occasion that I do it's offset by the venom and cruelty of the source. It's pretty easy, like bypassing Rush when you're scanning on your car radio. vl

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: freda underhill
Date: 30 May 05 - 08:41 AM

Guest

I'm not criticising those who are deleting Martin's comments. I've seen enough of his comments, including one encouraging pack rape, to be really keen about having his stuff deleted.

Bashing your head against a brick wall about Max & co is self defeating. You can't change other people, you can only change your reactions to them. In some ways they are a small target - Mudcat can become a venue to whinge & bitch when the "real" world is too difficult.

But some of us dont come here to read whinging & bitching.

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: GUEST
Date: 30 May 05 - 08:34 AM

None of which explains why mg's personal attacks are tolerated. Freda unless you saw what was being deleted yesterday, your opinion is based on ....well nothing really.

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: jacqui.c
Date: 30 May 05 - 08:29 AM

Agreed Freda.

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: freda underhill
Date: 30 May 05 - 08:24 AM

Guest: 08:02 AM

re your comments about the forum owner, the forum administrator, and the forum clones.

The people who continually obsess about those running this forum have one problem and that is the need to control. fundamentally, you just can't accept that someone else is control, and that that someone is not you. whatever they do will never be acceptable to you, because you want to be king pin.

instant of constantly analysing what they do, and speculating and ranting about it, why not consider your own need to be in control. ask yourself why it bothers you so much that you are not in control, and why you are so hypersensitive to other's decisions that seem to have so much effect on you. these decisions are like a garbage man's decisions, they are about cleaning up, tidying away a lot of muck. why is that a problem?

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: GUEST
Date: 30 May 05 - 08:02 AM

That explanation is actually quite simple, 30 May 05 - 07:30 AM.

That passive aggressive double standard is modus operendi of the forum owner, the forum administrator, and the forum clones. As passive aggressives, they label the posters they don't like as "trolls" and keep the true trolls like Martin Gibson around to justify their passive aggressive actions against anyone who criticizes them, their methods, the forum structure, or the forum owner.

There are many online forums which don't tolerate trolls. They are well moderated forums. This forum is troll paradise, and it is a troll paradise for the Martin Gibsons of the world, so the Joe Offers and Maxes of this world don't have to admit to themselves or anyone else what a bad job they are doing--and that Shambles is right. Shambles isn't a troll. He is, however, right about Joe Offer.

I will say this for the forum leadership, though. They are the quintessential petty bureaucratic tyrants with small minds.

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: Bobert
Date: 30 May 05 - 08:01 AM

As many have pointed out, I am guilty of takin' the bait... Ahhhhh, yeah, that's true and I have made arrangements with the Betty Ford Clinic for outpatient treatment... I have also joined BA, Baitee's Annonymous and am trying to learnt up their 12 Step Program...

One of the things that I was told at last night's meeting is that I have also poked trolls to get them aggitated and, ahhhh, accordin' to this here manual they gave me Iz 'sposed to fess up so, ahhhhh, yeah, I done it now and then...

Well, One Day at a Tine....

The "New & Improved" Bobert

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: GUEST
Date: 30 May 05 - 07:30 AM

None of which explains why mg is free to make disgusting personal attacks, yet the posts pointing this out yesterday were obliterated within seconds.

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: Big Mick
Date: 30 May 05 - 07:22 AM

Ironic. When I got pissed a few months back and suggested that the problem wasn't the troll, rather it is those who do what the trolls want, I got PM's from people I consider friends telling me I was out of line.

You are the problem, folks. Not the trolls. They are doing what trolls do. It took me a long time to come to grips with what Pene Azul has been trying to get me to understand. There is no way to effectively ban them, without destroying the essence of the Mudcat. They aren't the problem. You are. As long as you continue to act like Pavlov's dogs, you are giving them what they come here to get. I agree that they have no redeeming value, but you keep feeding them, and then complain about the dog crap laying around. Hell,even Joe Offer does it with one of them.

Take a shot at them now and again. I understand that, I even do it. But reacting to them with spittle and righteous indignation means you enjoy having them around in my books.

Mick

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: gnu
Date: 30 May 05 - 06:22 AM

Yeah, but every now and then, couldn't you just go for a Big Mac, pickles and all, and just stuff it in and gorge? Mmmmmm. Then, afterward, you get that McFeeling in the pit of your stomach and you kinda feel sad and wonder why you didn't just drive on by and ignore the clown. Every now and then... ya just gotta!

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 30 May 05 - 04:27 AM

Yep! Works for me.

Now, if I just count ten, then hit the wall, very hard....................OW!

So, what were we saying?

Don T.

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 30 May 05 - 04:09 AM

These threads always contribute a lot of heat and not very much light. As long as this is an open forum we will continue to attract contributors regarded by most as undesirable. There are at least two people to whom I no longer respond and one that I totally ignore, it took a long time and a bit of biting my tongue but I'm getting there, you should all try it.
Giok

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: robomatic
Date: 30 May 05 - 02:13 AM

There is a surefire way to handle trolls that works. It is to respond to the logical posts and to ignore the trolls.

It has been proposed many times within threads that start to disintegrate. Time and again there are many participants, including those who take advantage of the ability to post as GUESTs, who do not utilize the effective means of dealiing with trolls but join in the fun. I think it may be a hallmark of human nature, but one would think it can be controlled, wouldn't one?

If the purpose of this thread is to denigrate one particular 'foul' mouthed poster, it in itself is a troll because there is no single poster who is the problem.

I agree that some messages on both sides of the foul-mouthing have been exceptionally weird or vile. Some of them have been from the initiator of this thread, and some have been from the person this initiator is obsessed with.

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: John O'L
Date: 30 May 05 - 01:41 AM

Threads only get hijacked if you allow them to. The troll dangles the bait and you bite. Don't bite. It's easy. Vent your spleen in Notepad or whatever and then delete it. Don't submit. It's easier than you think, and gives you a sense of satisfaction, unlike when you bite, which gives you a sense of frustration.

Stay cool.

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: Joe Offer
Date: 30 May 05 - 01:20 AM

Bobert, don't go pickin' fights.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 30 May 05 - 12:25 AM

I ignore the foulmouthed posts...by leaving that discussion. Being here with my real name, it just isn't worth it.

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: GUEST,Metchosin
Date: 30 May 05 - 12:13 AM

If you don't want a hijack or even so much as another post Bobert, you could start a thread requesting lyrics by a female Canadian bluegrass/folk artist. Worked for me. LOL

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: SINSULL
Date: 30 May 05 - 12:13 AM

So simple but so hard. Please don't feed the trolls, not even a post asking that the previous message be ignored - it only brings the thread to the top without a thought to continue the original discussion.
SINS, who feeds the little bastards and always regrets it.

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: maire-aine
Date: 29 May 05 - 11:43 PM

Because people respond to these comments. Just stop. Don't take the bait.

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: Bobert
Date: 29 May 05 - 11:20 PM

....but this time maybe there will be some resolution???

I mean, this is gettin absolutley rediculous... Ya can't say anything against Bush without ***ONE*** individual making referneces to yer danged body parts...

Is this what you folks envisoned for Mudcat???? Wasn't mine...

Bobert

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: Peace
Date: 29 May 05 - 11:12 PM

Here we go again . . . .

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: GUEST,Top Cat
Date: 29 May 05 - 10:56 PM

Know how you feel. I share your concerns.

Anyone who contributes to a thread on the Sidmouth Festival in the U.K. suffers the same fate - a whole host of bile from someone who calls him/herself 'Lizzie from Sidmouth'.

All sensible debate ends up in a slanging match that does nobody any good... and the Festival itself a great deal of harm.

Without wishing to stifle debate or introduce censorship there must surely be a way of dealing with trolls who only want to cause conflict and use mudcat to peddle their own bigoted and negative views.

Subject: RE: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: jacqui.c
Date: 29 May 05 - 10:48 PM

How about just totally ignoring the culprit and continuing with the sensible discussion?

Subject: BS: Why Are Threads Gettin' Highjacked???
From: Bobert
Date: 29 May 05 - 10:33 PM

Well, well, well...

Without givin' anymore notority to the ***culprit***, it seems that just about any thread that has the slightest anti-Bush feel to it is routinely beeing highjacked by one foul mouthed individual...

Now, I realize I have in the past been a strong supporter of GUEST's but it has gotten to the point where real issues aren't being talked about because of this one disruptive person...

Not too sure how we can get back to a point where we once were when we could talk about ideas and differ but it was always about ideas....

I remember my first thread here was aboput the establishment of a Department of Peace... It went over 100 posts but each one was thoughtfull...

Now??? Anything slightly intellectual and it gets highjacked by one person...

Not too sure what the answer is but doing nothin' certainly ain't servin' the community...

Bobert