Are you elevating the discourse here? Or are you purposely being a nudge?

[LibraLiz1973]

As per my first post, I had not previously noticed any real drama here on DU. Since that post I’ve noticed a few things. There are several folks here who are angry about Skinners post… not to mention the subsequent posting by people like myself who posted about inclusion.

I’m noticing a few people here who are purposely posting flame-ish type things. Is it really necessary to stir the pot? Keep poking at the admin and the mods with the big stick, eh? It’s pretty sad. If you dislike the board and the way that it is run… and you think Skinner has been elevated to Jesus status and that offends you… it might be time to either take a break or move on.

Let me be blunt. I admire and respect Skinner for starting something that includes everybody. I think it’s great that he had an idea that has grown into a board almost 70 thousand strong! Because of Skinner, many of you here have made new friends and found new people to talk to, people that you otherwise would probably never have run across or been exposed to. Is it really so unreasonable of him to suggest that your try and use your manners when dealing with others?


Obviously the waters around here have gotten a bit hot in the last few days. It couldn’t hurt for everyone to take a deep breath and step back. THINK before you post. In all likelihood you aren’t five years old and you should be able to control your impulses. Nothing has happened here that requires all the bashing that I’m seeing. If you need to vent your frustration, do it in a PM. Go do some aerobics. Write in your journal. But stop broadcasting your negativity for everyone to see and pile on. You aren’t doing a thing to make this situation better- in fact, it would seem you are purposely trying to make it worse.


Personally I give Skinner and the Moderators (who do this for free) my thanks. It would seem that many times this really is a thankless job. Remember that there are many, many people who admire and respect what you are doing, and thank you for it!

[MADem]

1. Another fan--I like this board and I like the moderation, too

There's always a court of appeal, and it seems fair enough to me. And quite right you are, people who aren't getting what they need, even after taking their gripes offline to the moderators and getting a resolution, may be happier in another venue.

Though I have to admit, I don't play much in the lounge. I pop in if I see an intriguing headline in LATEST, but I go for the news and politics mostly!

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

2. Hi...I don't know who you are referring to when making your citations

but allow me to introduce myself.

I am NSMA. I've been here since 2002. I don't expect anything special, but this is a message board and a debate board.

In the course of the years I have been here, I have for the most part been a good citizen who used my expertise and education to inform people on a variety of issues as well as to lead on certain issues such as tort reform.

When I came to DU there were LOADS of posts about the lady who burned herself with McDonald's coffee. There were LOADs of posts about frivolous lawsuits. I used my professional experience to rebut the RW tripe and show people that while some lawsuits are crap, most of what they were hearing about tort reform would leave THEM unprotected in the event of catastrophic injury. I say that to cite a specific tangible contribution I have made to the discourse at this site.

While I respect and appreciate Skinner, the admin and most past and current mods, I need to say THIS MUCH.

I respect myself too for making SURE this board had the funds to succeed and grow.

It's like paying taxes in a community. The longer you have been around..the more you have probably contributed.

Does that mean I should HARM Skinner or the others? No.

Does it mean I should respond to them with "Yessir...Nossir" even when I strongly disagree? I don't think so.

I regard myself as a participant..a DU citizen..but also as a client or customer...if there were no clients or customers there would be no DU.

So while I agree that if someone is taking cheap barbs at anyone that's not cool...it doesn't mean I agree there should be no disagreements at times.

That said. I appreciate your post.

[LibraLiz1973]

3. I understand what your saying, and I strongly agree.

It isn't a yes sir, no sir, three bags full sir type of issue.
What I meant was.. if you decided that you were upset about something - perhaps even found yourself angry- would the proper place to vent that be where emotions were already running high? Or you would address it with the person or persons you were upset with?

DU is fantastic (imho) but in these last hours it has gone from a place to learn & talk to a place frothing with anger. If people are pissed- they should SAY their pissed. PM the person your pissed at. But the stupid snarky posts that pretend at subterfuge are juvenile at best.


You and I totally agree about there being disagreements at times. It's normal & in many cases healthy. I wasn't directing any of that at you by the way- I haven't read a post from you I found offensive yet!

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

4. Well that's a relief and yes I agree

Most personal things should be handled by PM.

There's some water under the bridge around here...every once in a while it blows. Your entry was timely in that regard.

BTW..I appreciate the spirit in which you posted what you said.
And yeah..I think I prefer letting it all out as opposed to code talk subterfuge...but that's where I can get myself in a bit of trouble.

Anyway...I don't know exactly when you joined..but welcome.. :beer: