Decorum and Civility

[shotgunslade]

I think, in this network, we have just experienced the kind of conflict, that unfortunately, afflicts too many of our organizations today. An internet forum without the intimidating physical presence of others actually encourages the kind of egoistic posturing and confrontation that we have just seen and which can destroy organizations. I think the monitors are absolutely correct to take firm punitive and pre-emptive action when individuals demonstrate such destructive behaviors.

I realize that I also have been guilty of such behavior, which is why I now avoid the Political forum I certainly owe an apology to Lee for being an arrogant a$$hole in certain net conversations on that forum.

I think members participate in forums for two very very different reasons. One is constructive and involves seeking and enjoying the camaradie of those with similar passions and interests. The other reason is more selfish and involves the personal gratification of creating and exercising a persona which offsets feelings of individual inadequacy and fulfills fantasies of personal empowerment. At it's worst, this behavior begins to resemble the mating-season dominance posturing of various male mammals and birds. The problem of the latter motivation is that it isn't based on the good of the forum as a whole, but on the jollies of individual members. Ultimately, the good of the forum may require the elimination of those members who addiction to that second motivation spurs self-indulgent and group-destructive behavior. I think we can all benefit from periodic self reflection concerning whether we are falling into that rutting rut.

I applaud their recent decisions.

[crazyhorse]

self edited after thinking better of it.
I have & will support, or defend the mods on most any board to which I subscribe though.

Thanks for making me see my error subeman90.

[subeman90]

OMG!!!!!!!!!! can we get a dead horse icon here?

[ensteele]

It is also interesting when looking at a post count. Many forums or sites don't have a post count, because they feel that it stimulates compatition and sometimes negative behavior. If members look at the kinds of post that they have, they can evaluate whether they are for the good of the order, just to gain more posts, or to snipe or bait others on the site. We hope that members are here and want to help others, but I know that others are not. That is their right to post as long as they do not start behavior that is negative or disruptive to the community as a whole. (insert the horse Icon here)

[crazyhorse]

Originally Posted by ensteele

(insert the horse Icon here)

Ask and ye shall recieve!

[svxistentialist]

It's big for an icon, but I like it!!

[svxistentialist]

Originally Posted by shotgunslade

I think, in this network, we have just experienced the kind of conflict, that unfortunately, afflicts too many of our organizations today. An internet forum without the intimidating physical presence of others actually encourages the kind of egoistic posturing and confrontation that we have just seen and which can destroy organizations. I think the monitors are absolutely correct to take firm punitive and pre-emptive action when individuals demonstrate such destructive behaviors.

I realize that I also have been guilty of such behavior, which is why I now avoid the Political forum I certainly owe an apology to Lee for being an arrogant a$$hole in certain net conversations on that forum.

I think members participate in forums for two very very different reasons. One is constructive and involves seeking and enjoying the camaradie of those with similar passions and interests. The other reason is more selfish and involves the personal gratification of creating and exercising a persona which offsets feelings of individual inadequacy and fulfills fantasies of personal empowerment. At it's worst, this behavior begins to resemble the mating-season dominance posturing of various male mammals and birds. The problem of the latter motivation is that it isn't based on the good of the forum as a whole, but on the jollies of individual members. Ultimately, the good of the forum may require the elimination of those members who addiction to that second motivation spurs self-indulgent and group-destructive behavior. I think we can all benefit from periodic self reflection concerning whether we are falling into that rutting rut.

I applaud their recent decisions.

That's a pretty deep and insightful analysis Shotgun.

It is nice to see that you guys are aware that the mods' systems and sanctions are there for the good of the general membership, and keeping things intact.

From a Mod's perspective, you guys are worth the effort. We have all made many good friends here over the years. We can work to keep it that way.

Joe

[lhopp77]

Originally Posted by shotgunslade

I realize that I also have been guilty of such behavior, which is why I now avoid the Political forum I certainly owe an apology to Lee for being an arrogant a$$hole in certain net conversations on that forum.

I appreciate the thought, but don't feel that you owe me any apologies. I consider the political forum completely separate and different from other forums here. Many of us get emotional and irascible when it comes to our political beliefs, so as long as we don't resort to down right dirty name calling in there--all seems fair and legal.

As I have expressed my opinions strongly on this current situation--I won't beat the horse and do it again.

Lee

[RSVX]

We use a pretty hand off approach to the Political Forum... That is unless we get specific complaints.

[Landshark]

Originally Posted by RSVX

We use a pretty hand off approach to the Political Forum... That is unless we get specific complaints.

damn George Bush and his hurricane machine!

[mohrds]

Originally Posted by Landshark

damn George Bush and his hurricane machine!

Don't forget the nuclear testing George did that spawned the Tsunami a few years back. I think he was also personally responsible for flooding in the Midwest last week.

Doug (I'm glad I had an extra sump pump)