A Little Clarification, Maybe, About Yabs

[Gail Simone]

It's kind of an odd thing, and certainly unexpected, but it does seem to me that since inviting everyone back and adding Mods, (which is a genuine attempt on my part to try and see if handling this board more like the rest here at CBR makes for fewer hurt feelings all around), that the conflict has actually gone UP a little bit.

I first want to say I do NOT blame any new or returned posters for this, I think it seems to be a bit of everything, and maybe some of it is just adjustment.

Now, for a long time, my philosophy has been, just let the chips fall where they fall, and don't worry about it. Most of these things tend to sort themselves out, and I wanted a place where even fairly 'toxic' opinions could be uttered and not sanitized. But it did lend itself to some stuff I'd rather not see here, like dogpiling and posters being targeted a bit.

So we're trying this mod thing, and I think we might've over-done it a little at first but it seems to be leveling out.

What I wanted to say was this...I WANT to see a diverse group of posters. I WANT to see different opinions welcomed, even fiery ones.

WE DO NOT HAVE TO AGREE. That's the key of it.

I keep seeing discussions turning to conflict, then to personal insults, way too quickly. Which is a shame, and unnecessary, and hopefully everyone knows I'm guilty of this myself so I'm talking to all of us.

There are so many options here BEFORE you go to, "Well, you're an idiot, so I'm not listening," which is really more the LAST resort when debating someone, I think. It doesn't make either person look good.

You can put someone on ignore, either figuratively or literally. You can avoid a thread. You can restate your case. You can continue to debate without personal insults.

Lively debate hurts no one, but once you've said, "I don't care what you say, moron," it's hard to come back from.

I'm not asking everyone to be Pollyanna. Some opinions I've read here and elsewhere make my skin crawl. But it'd be nice to see the high road taken as often as possible. It makes your point better and it is the right thing to do.

I know some of the changes are a bit of a roadbump but this was always supposed to be a board that welcomes people, even if some find it not to their taste and leave.

All I'm asking is for people to maybe try a different option before getting personal, okay?

Thanks,

Gail

[Alan Lynch]

I disagree, you overbearing jerk.

[TCJohnson]

It's kind of an odd thing, and certainly unexpected, but it does seem to me that since inviting everyone back and adding Mods, (which is a genuine attempt on my part to try and see if handling this board more like the rest here at CBR makes for fewer hurt feelings all around), that the conflict has actually gone UP a little bit.



I just want to say that I think that Fred Phelps debate was one of the most interesting and enjoyable threads (for the most part) in a while, and that was a large part due to the people who don't post in YABS as much.

[Gail Simone]

Agreed. I'm enjoying the new and returned posters a lot, as well, and it's fun to see the sometimes volatile mix with the regular favorites.

Gail

[Kid Omega]

It's kind of an odd thing, and certainly unexpected, but it does seem to me that since inviting everyone back and adding Mods, (which is a genuine attempt on my part to try and see if handling this board more like the rest here at CBR makes for fewer hurt feelings all around), that the conflict has actually gone UP a little bit.

I first want to say I do NOT blame any new or returned posters for this, I think it seems to be a bit of everything, and maybe some of it is just adjustment.


For what it's worth (probably not much), I see a fairly frequent instance of people being accused of "drive-by posting" or "you guys that drop in from other forums just to make trouble" or whatever...

That tends to pop up in disagreements, as if infrequent posting here somehow makes an argument less viable.

That kind of inclusiveness, and resistance to "outsiders" might be part of the weird tension.

It's very strange... I lurk here quite a bit, and if I respond at other boards more, it's only because I have more to say in response to the topics at hand. I certainly don't feel any of the territorial tendencies that tend to get tossed around, and tend to see CBR as the forums, not just say, Classic Comics at CBR or whatever. If that makes sense.

Not trying to be inflammatory, just pointing out something I have seen a time or two.

[the4thpip]

I disagree, you overbearing jerk.

Your mother is the overbearing jerk! :mad:

[Gail Simone]

For what it's worth (probably not much), I see a fairly frequent instance of people being accused of "drive-by posting" or "you guys that drop in from other forums just to make trouble" or whatever...

That tends to pop up in disagreements, as if infrequent posting here somehow makes an argument less viable.

That kind of inclusiveness, and resistance to "outsiders" might be part of the weird tension.

It's very strange... I lurk here quite a bit, and if I respond at other boards more, it's only because I have more to say in response to the topics at hand. I certainly don't feel any of the territorial tendencies that tend to get tossed around, and tend to see CBR as the forums, not just say, Classic Comics at CBR or whatever. If that makes sense.

Not trying to be inflammatory, just pointing out something I have seen a time or two.


No, no, no, I agree completely, and as I said quite a bit during the recent thread about Captain Carrot, I don't care if anyone posts once or a thousand times, it's all fine with me.

Obviously, it's nice if people feel comfortable or motivated to post here more often, but I'm against the idea that 'drive-by' posts are somehow always suspect.

That makes good sense, and thanks, KO.


So, he's right, I know it's kind of ingrained in the internet to assume someone who posts just once, when they're mad about something, is automatically a troll. But much more often it's just someone who maybe doesn't usually feel inclined to post here.

So again, let's please give everyone a chance. Agent Helix posted a couple angry posts here and got slammed for being a drive-by guy, when he's actually a perfectly decent fellow who simply felt strongly about something in the Captain Carrot thread. It's just disagreement, we don't have to label people automatically like that.

Thanks,

Gail

[Gail Simone]

Your mother is the overbearing jerk! :mad:

Let's not talk about his mother.

Let's just draw dirty pictures.

Gail

[the4thpip]

Let's not talk about his mother.

Let's just draw dirty pictures.

Gail

http://www.youthleadership.org/user_files/image/thumb/StickFigure_100.bmp

[GCom]

I wanna talk about MY mother!

Damnit, have you seen this bag! And her kids! Great googly moogly, that one who's into comics? AT HIS AGE?! His mom was totaly swimming in the shallow end of the gene pool that day! Total dork!

Man, some people and their reproductive equipment, I tell ya! Meat guns and attack wombs.



With Tolerance For My Moms Son... Wait...

GCom

[Alan Lynch]

http://www.youthleadership.org/user_files/image/thumb/StickFigure_100.bmp
My mum would be flattered drawn that thin.

[KevinTBrown]

For what it's worth (probably not much), I see a fairly frequent instance of people being accused of "drive-by posting" or "you guys that drop in from other forums just to make trouble" or whatever...

That tends to pop up in disagreements, as if infrequent posting here somehow makes an argument less viable.

That kind of inclusiveness, and resistance to "outsiders" might be part of the weird tension.

It's very strange... I lurk here quite a bit, and if I respond at other boards more, it's only because I have more to say in response to the topics at hand. I certainly don't feel any of the territorial tendencies that tend to get tossed around, and tend to see CBR as the forums, not just say, Classic Comics at CBR or whatever. If that makes sense.

Not trying to be inflammatory, just pointing out something I have seen a time or two.

I can relate to a certain degree as far as that "outsider" feeling is concerned.

For a very long time I lurked on CBR, and YABS in particular. I never quite felt "comfortable" in adding to the mix since I didn't know all that many people on here at the time.

Then came the Olney thread.

One thing I hate more than anything else is a bully. So that particular thread, or rather Olney himself, got me so pissed off that I had to finally chime in here, and I've never looked back. Because I finally did contribute to this forum, I've met some great people in person and I look forward to meeting others as well someday.

[Kid Omega]

Agent Helix posted a couple angry posts here and got slammed for being a drive-by guy, when he's actually a perfectly decent fellow ...

Well, let's not get crazy here...

[Gail Simone]

I can relate to a certain degree as far as that "outsider" feeling is concerned.

For a very long time I lurked on CBR, and YABS in particular. I never quite felt "comfortable" in adding to the mix since I didn't know all that many people on here at the time.

Then came the Olney thread.

One thing I hate more than anything else is a bully. So that particular thread, or rather Olney himself, got me so pissed off that I had to finally chime in here, and I've never looked back. Because I finally did contribute to this forum, I've met some great people in person and I look forward to meeting others as well someday.



Yeah, the Olney thread is a mixed deal, as it brought in some amazing people who don't post a lot elsewhere, including some of my favorite pros and commentators, but if that were the ONLY impression you had of Yabs or CBR, it might skew people away to some degree.

But I want to be as welcoming as possible. Lurkers actually make me feel guilty.

Gail

[Corrina]

I wonder if people were more careful with their words before the mods, simply because they knew there were no mods and policed themselves.

And then, when the mods were added, subconsciously people figured, "Hey, if it step over the line, they'll let me know" and so didn't police themselves quite as much.

[Gail Simone]

I wonder if people were more careful with their words before the mods, simply because they knew there were no mods and policed themselves.

And then, when the mods were added, subconsciously people figured, "Hey, if it step over the line, they'll let me know" and so didn't police themselves quite as much.

Yikes, that hadn't even occurred to me.

Huh.

On the other hand, we did have our share of silly flare-ups pre-mod, as well!

Gail

[KevinTBrown]

http://www.hollandgrill.com/_ccLib/image/tips/DETA-29.jpg

[TCJohnson]

Gail: Posters can be so mean.

TCJohnson: We can?! Thanks Gail!! : punches Corrina. :

[Batman1983]

Awesome. No really this is great. What were we doing? Oh, yeah...

"Your mom, dude!"


:rolleyes:

[Jared_Humpherys]

Awesome. No really this is great. What were we doing? Oh, yeah...

"Your mom, dude!"


:rolleyes:

Wait...what?

[Ed Cunard]

http://www.hollandgrill.com/_ccLib/image/tips/DETA-29.jpg

I glanced at that very quickly and thought, "what sick fuck put an armadillo on a grill?"

[Kid Omega]

I glanced at that very quickly and thought, "what sick fuck put an armadillo on a grill?"

YOUR MOM.

Right after we "did sex".

[Jared_Humpherys]

YOUR MOM.

Right after we "did sex".

fresh or roadkill?

[Ed Cunard]

I hate you with the fire of ten billion burning gonorrhea urinations.

[Tyr]

fresh or roadkill?

The armadillo, or the sex? :confused:

In all seriousness, I like a good debate but I try at all times not to get into an arguement or say something thats going to get someone all defensive and get them into an argument with me.

Also when I try to put out fires I don't aim the extinguisher at any one paticular person, it takes two to start an argument.

I find my strategy generaly works, I've only been put on an ignore list once as far as I know. :o

[OzBat!]

WE DO NOT HAVE TO AGREE. That's the key of it.

I keep seeing discussions turning to conflict, then to personal insults, way too quickly. Which is a shame, and unnecessary, and hopefully everyone knows I'm guilty of this myself so I'm talking to all of us.

There are so many options here BEFORE you go to, "Well, you're an idiot, so I'm not listening," which is really more the LAST resort when debating someone, I think. It doesn't make either person look good.

You can put someone on ignore, either figuratively or literally. You can avoid a thread. You can restate your case. You can continue to debate without personal insults.

Lively debate hurts no one, but once you've said, "I don't care what you say, moron," it's hard to come back from.

I'm not asking everyone to be Pollyanna. Some opinions I've read here and elsewhere make my skin crawl. But it'd be nice to see the high road taken as often as possible. It makes your point better and it is the right thing to do.You unoriginal HACK! :p That's exactly what I was pushing for when I was modding! :D

Does the happy happy validation dance

[Alex L]

I probably spend more time in YABS than anywhere else in these boards (except probably the 'rasslin thread) and I could still see myself as considered a drive-by poster...

I don't think it's as much the adding of mods, as it is the seemingly larger number of political/news stories that become political threads.

EDIT: And right after I posted this, I went and posted in one of the political threads. http://images.honda-tech.com/set1/smile/emhammer.gif

[Sabrinaset]

That IS a problem. We're supposed to keep all the political stuff on the mega 3000 thread, but when the political threads start popping up here, you tend to get the trollish behavior multiplying as well.

Then again, we had a troll from elsewhere on the "Ask a Blonde" thread, so it's not a given that they'll only appear on the poly threads either.

[TomStillwell]

The problem is that you guys don't spend nearly enough time pimping Honor Brigade.

It cures acne and gets tough stains out of expensive carpet.

[Tyr]

The problem is that you guys don't spend nearly enough time pimping Honor Brigade.

It cures acne and gets tough stains out of expensive carpet.

Tom, You forgot to add that it doesn't promote tooth decay and now it comes with absolutely no uranium isotopes. :p

[Corrina]

Gail: Posters can be so mean.

TCJohnson: We can?! Thanks Gail!! : punches Corrina. :

:punches TC back:

It's not OVER!

[Night Swordsman]

Gail: Posters can be so mean.

TCJohnson: We can?! Thanks Gail!! : punches Corrina. :

:punches TC back:

It's not OVER!

WOW! This is better than Rock 'em Sock 'em Robots.

I am rooting for the Red one. :p

[Aggie]

WOW! This is better than Rock 'em Sock 'em Robots.

I am rooting for the Red one. :p

you would, ya commie bastard...:p

ah, it's all fun an' games 'til someone loses an eye...

[stamen]

I wonder if people were more careful with their words before the mods, simply because they knew there were no mods and policed themselves.

And then, when the mods were added, subconsciously people figured, "Hey, if it step over the line, they'll let me know" and so didn't police themselves quite as much.


"The more laws you have, the less virtuous people will be..."

--from the Tao Te Ching

[stamen]

I can relate to a certain degree as far as that "outsider" feeling is concerned.

For a very long time I lurked on CBR, and YABS in particular. I never quite felt "comfortable" in adding to the mix since I didn't know all that many people on here at the time.

I still don't fully feel comfortable, and its taken a while to learn the hidden rules. It's a safe place to bitch about Oliver Queen, and that's great for me, though I'm sure it grows tiresome to read.

One thing I've noticed is a lot of people have come down already on any number of issues, so when I have personal doubts I tend to just get lopped in the "other" camp. "Other" being white, male, Protestant, hetero-sexual, Republican American. None of which are crimes, imho; nor are they a sign of instant ignorance and bigotry.

Still I post here more than any place else, and not CBR per sea, but YABS. I post here because the company is good, the dialogue witty and intelligent... a sign of the type of creativity Gail draws.

And just for the record, I'm a Libertarian five days a week. The rest of the time I'm an anarco-capitalist. :)

[beetlebum]

I still don't fully feel comfortable, and its taken a while to learn the hidden rules. It's a safe place to bitch about Oliver Queen, and that's great for me, though I'm sure it grows tiresome to read.

One thing I've noticed is a lot of people have come down already on any number of issues, so when I have personal doubts I tend to just get lopped in the "other" camp. "Other" being white, male, Protestant, hetero-sexual, Republican American. None of which are crimes, imho; nor are they a sign of instant ignorance and bigotry.

Still I post here more than any place else, and not CBR per sea, but YABS. I post here because the company is good, the dialogue witty and intelligent... a sign of the type of creativity Gail draws.

And just for the record, I'm a Libertarian five days a week. The rest of the time I'm an anarco-capitalist. :)

You have? I remember getting snarky with you in the Donald Rumsfeld thread (but to be fair though, I am snarky to everyone) but I don't recall saying you were an "other". Or maybe you got called that in other threads. People get heated when it comes to social issues. Which is why I rarely comment in certain threads. If the snark did offend you, than I apologize. But I did defend you in the thread you made about hypothetical torture.

And to be fair though, your not the only one who has been insulted because of what you believe. I was called a kool-aid drinker, someone who defends murder, had my grammar picked apart and told I'm not as smart as I seem and can't think properly (not to mention another poster insinuated I was not compassionate because I defended Libertarianism, but that was in another forum) cos of what I believe.

Yay Me!

And ((hugs)) Stamen. Any one who can like Tori Amos despite her comments about Jesus and is not a judgmental, preachy person is cool in my book. :)

[jerrymcl89]

I think (as an only occasional poster) that this tends to be a fairly clubby place, in addition to a highly opinionated one. So I can see why people are a bit reluctant to dip a toe in. I don't really mind that, although I pick my spots. But there isn't much to be done about it -people just need to have the nerve to get involved. I don't find it to be a place that stifles dissent.

[tangentman]

I think certain threads which recently appeared were divisive by nature. Threads which immediately come to mind are the Johnny Luck threads (a handful vs. an unpopular member) and the Fred Phelps thread (numerous difference of opinions on "Free Speech"). I will also pick on the Commers a little bit. It might just be me, but I've noticed that debates and disagreements play out a little differently on the two forums. I've noticed the snark and sense of entitlement (being "right") come a little more quickly and sharply there. Maybe something to consider is that "Comm style" might not always play well at YABS?

I'm not making an attack, but telling y'all my honest opinion of what I've observed over the years at Comm.

[BnL]

I think (as an only occasional poster) that this tends to be a fairly clubby place, in addition to a highly opinionated one. So I can see why people are a bit reluctant to dip a toe in. I don't really mind that, although I pick my spots. But there isn't much to be done about it -people just need to have the nerve to get involved. I don't find it to be a place that stifles dissent.

There's really not many message boards I can think of that AREN'T "clubby" though. It's not my favorite thing in the world, but it kind of comes with the territory.

[beetlebum]

I think (as an only occasional poster) that this tends to be a fairly clubby place, in addition to a highly opinionated one. So I can see why people are a bit reluctant to dip a toe in. I don't really mind that, although I pick my spots. But there isn't much to be done about it -people just need to have the nerve to get involved. I don't find it to be a place that stifles dissent.

You should post more. You would surely be welcome. You would be able to get to know and form friendships with great people. Yeah it does seem intimidating at first. It does take some time to assimilate, but not that long (for me it took about three months). Your best bet would probably be to stay away from the political threads. There are plenty of other places you can post. And they always talk about two subjects more important than debt relief, global warming, war and poverty combined:

Lesbians and boobies!

I mean, who doesn't like lesbians and boobies? Well except for that one troll idiot who told Sabrinaset and I he would rather stick pins in his eyes than watch us together. What is it with trolls? Not only do they adhere to the most extreme political positions and kant typ prpr, but now apparently they don't like girl on girl action?

I mean , who wouldn't want to watch a naughty Asian school girl and a hot blonde doctor together?





http://www.gunco.net/gallery/data/500/210vanessa_minnillo.jpeg+http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff107/StephanieInsiensingmay/th_katherineHeigldrooling.jpg = http://www.leechvideo.com/pic/1326/284916258169284.jpg

:D

[jerrymcl89]

There's really not many message boards I can think of that AREN'T "clubby" though. It's not my favorite thing in the world, but it kind of comes with the territory.

Well, really, I agree. This can be a fairly intimidating forum, but for anyone with the nerve to wade in, it should be fine.

[shrike]

Well, really, I agree. This can be a fairly intimidating forum, but for anyone with the nerve to wade in, it should be fine.

I have seen some downright nasty forums WITH mods (yes I know we have 2 and Gail, but it's run looser), but I urge lurkers to post on YABS... seriously its incredibly diverse!

[tangentman]

I mean , who wouldn't want to watch a naughty Asian school girl and a hot blonde doctor together?
:D

Change "girl" to "boy" and drop the "e" in "blonde" and I'm game! ;)

[BnL]

Well, really, I agree. This can be a fairly intimidating forum, but for anyone with the nerve to wade in, it should be fine.

I think the main thing to keep in mind is that YABS has a certain dominant tone to it, which is silly/random/joke-y. For a lot of people, that doesn't come naturally, myself included, so it can be hard to jump into things and make friends, especially since a lot of the humor is of the variety that isn't really appropriate to make if you don't know the others involved all that well. It's just not the perfect fit for everyone, and that's important to remember for those that feel it's hard to fit in. That doesn't mean they should give up and leave if they still like the place, but it's probably going to take longer to worm your way in.

[jerrymcl89]

You should post more. You would surely be welcome. You would be able to get to know and form friendships with great people. Yeah it does seem intimidating at first. It does take some time to assimilate, but not that long (for me it took about three months). Your best bet would probably be to stay away from the political threads.

Personally, I'm not at all reluctant to post. I've been on a lot rougher parts of the internet for a long time. I was just assessing how other people may see the place. I plan to contuinue to be involved.

[Cam63]

Let's not talk about his mother.

Let's just draw dirty pictures.

Gail

I've seen your art style. How could I tell if it was a dirty picture you drew ?

[beetlebum]

Change "girl" to "boy" and drop the "e" in "blonde" and I'm game! ;)

http://www.ci.monterey-park.ca.us/images/russellwong.jpg+http://soapoperadigest.com/features/passions/where/JustinHartleyE.jpg=http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff107/StephanieInsiensingmay/th_guyskissing.jpg

Don't say I never did nuffin' for ya!

[tangentman]

http://www.ci.monterey-park.ca.us/images/russellwong.jpg+http://soapoperadigest.com/features/passions/where/JustinHartleyE.jpg=http://s240.photobucket.com/albums/ff107/StephanieInsiensingmay/th_guyskissing.jpg

Don't say I never did nuffin' for ya!


In the words of Roland and The Wolves of The Calla:

"Say THANKEE JESUS!!!"

:D

[Night Swordsman]

I have seen some downright nasty forums WITH mods (yes I know we have 2 and Gail, but it's run looser), but I urge lurkers to post on YABS... seriously its incredibly diverse!

I have been enjoying lurking with the occasional burst of posts then going back to lurk. Others seem to want this,and to be honest,i enjoy reading more than posting on here.
Some threads and the directions they go on here,it really is impossible for me to comment on ALOT of them.

[stealthwise]

So...

Can I still say Fuck on here?

[Pink Bat Max]

Yeah, the Olney thread is a mixed deal, as it brought in some amazing people who don't post a lot elsewhere, including some of my favorite pros and commentators, but if that were the ONLY impression you had of Yabs or CBR, it might skew people away to some degree.

But I want to be as welcoming as possible. Lurkers actually make me feel guilty.

Gail

I have to admit.... and I've said it before.... the Olney thread leaves a poor taste in my mouth.

No disrespect to the posters who frequent it, many of whom I respect immensely. It just seems to me that one of the threads that define the YABS culture more than any other is about collectively expressing negativity and hateful sentiments.

Of course, these days, I don't touch it, and everything's a-ok by me.

[Pink Bat Max]

So...

Can I still say Fuck on here?

I dunno...... is it an expletive or a promise? :confused:

[Pink Bat Max]

I wonder if people were more careful with their words before the mods, simply because they knew there were no mods and policed themselves.

And then, when the mods were added, subconsciously people figured, "Hey, if it step over the line, they'll let me know" and so didn't police themselves quite as much.

I have to say.... and this as someone with no ill feelings to our mods or mods.... I think that this move has, in generally, lowered the standards of conversation here.

Now, I have nothing against mods.... (Hell, the woman I common-law married I first encountered when she was a mod for a chat room I went to).... but I do think that the presence of the mods in this forum is related to the general cantankerousness that's arisin. I know what you describe, Corrina, is likely to be true.... except that other motives might apply. Subconsciously, perhaps some people are challenging them more than relying on them to police their actions. Or who knows what else.

Would the solution be to remove them now? Hell if I know if things would get better. Sometimes, when a step is taken that causes some chaos, reversing that step only generates more. I do believe, with all love and respect for you and your work Gail, that your initial reasoning for adding them in the first place was faulty. The truth is that the things they're supposed to smooth over are things that'll never, under any circumstances, disappear entirely. Sometimes, the price of free speech is tolerating that people will choose to use it poorly. When a mod locks a thread or shuts down a conversation, the negative feelings BEHIND the bruhaha have not been addressed, just repressed, and as such, they WILL resurface in other, more passive-aggressive ways which will only result in MORE rows in the long run. People REMEMBER the ill feelings and many will, consciously or no, find ways to insert barbs or jabs in those threads they're allowed to post in when they're discouraged from posting in one, or a thread is locked entirely. Basically, as bitchy as people may be, if you don't allow it to run its course, eventually it'll fester and taint other threads.

[OzBat!]

I have to say.... and this as someone with no ill feelings to our mods or mods.... I think that this move has, in generally, lowered the standards of conversation here.Having been here since the beginning, and having spent time as a mod, I have to say that this is possibly more to do with your perception than with reality. The conversation has always varied wildly between ultra silliness and personal attacks and serious debating and all points in between. It seems to travel in cycles too. There were a couple of times I tried to encourage lifting the quality of debating, bumping heads with more than a few of our more outspoken posters. Having more "official" mods with gail hasn't changed that tone much at all.

I think with more people visiting and getting involved, there's been a heightened awareness of the environment maybe, and more people asking questions about how we operate. But over the long term, there's really not been that much of a variation from what we term the 'norm'.

[stamen]

You have? I remember getting snarky with you in the Donald Rumsfeld thread (but to be fair though, I am snarky to everyone) but I don't recall saying you were an "other". Or maybe you got called that in other threads. People get heated when it comes to social issues. Which is why I rarely comment in certain threads. If the snark did offend you, than I apologize. But I did defend you in the thread you made about hypothetical torture.

Jeez, no. I don't think its ever been a direct, "You're an X, Y, Z." It's more the hidden rules that I sort of walked into... the social capital here leans left for the most part, and I probably do too, but I don't mind not coming down so hard in other people's camps. By not coming down, or sometimes coming down on the other side of the fence, then sometimes I think the response is that I must be defending a set of positions that I find equally disconcerting. My gay friends refer to me lovingly as a wall of puddy, bending back and forth on the issue to try and mediate the differences. One of them was surprised to read an editorial I put in the newspaper about gays and comics, but he enjoyed the article. While another friend on the conservative side of the fence was surprised to read my editorial after the no-gay marriage clause was amended into Tennessee law.

But that's the nature of debate, seeing both sides of an issue and finding common ground. We get things mixed up when we think the person we are debating has to think just like us. The trick is building relationships up from the places we agree, imho.

On the plus side, the debates here are more wholesome here than most places.

And to be fair though, your not the only one who has been insulted because of what you believe. I was called a kool-aid drinker, someone who defends murder, had my grammar picked apart and told I'm not as smart as I seem and can't think properly (not to mention another poster insinuated I was not compassionate because I defended Libertarianism, but that was in another forum) cos of what I believe.

I'm not sure I've been "insulted;" I didn't mean to sound that way, so forgive. I don't take disagreement too personal. I said it in a few other places, but I do believe that no matter how different we all may be, a cold mug of beer and some face to face conversation would go a long way in bridging the gaps.

[JKCarrier]

Tom, You forgot to add that it doesn't promote tooth decay and now it comes with absolutely no uranium isotopes. :p

Yeah, but I hear if you lick the cover, you might go into a coma. :eek:

[beetlebum]

I'm not sure I've been "insulted;" I didn't mean to sound that way, so forgive. I don't take disagreement too personal. I said it in a few other places, but I do believe that no matter how different we all may be, a cold mug of beer and some face to face conversation would go a long way in bridging the gaps.

You've never been called a kool-aid drinker, been told you can't think properly, and idiot......(yet).:evilsmile :p

It doesn't help of course that as a Lao friend of mine said, I have the blood of the land of a million elephants roiling through my veins so I get agitated easily and have said things I regret. I have been harsh on some individuals here as of late, which is incongruous of me and I will take steps to remedy this and try to avoid it in the future.

And I don't like beer. Give me hard spirits, give me liquor, or give me death! :D

[shrike]

I have to admit.... and I've said it before.... the Olney thread leaves a poor taste in my mouth.

No disrespect to the posters who frequent it, many of whom I respect immensely. It just seems to me that one of the threads that define the YABS culture more than any other is about collectively expressing negativity and hateful sentiments.

Of course, these days, I don't touch it, and everything's a-ok by me.

I loathe how Olney conducts himself, but I stopped reading it long ago. In my opinion it just is beating a dead horse, or in Olney's case a terribly obese sea lion (sorry couldn't resist, lol). Also, Olney's case might be a TAD different but I hate the 'mob mentality' of forums, and just not this one. There have been times I've seen it on here and it kind of turns my stomach... and for a vocal bitch like me that's saying something.

I ignore topics with religion and politics as a rule. Honestly, its like the two things people can never really argue about because most are SO dead set in their beliefs that they fail to actually listen what the other has to say. I MIGHT look at an Ann Coulter one but that's pretty much it. Things get too heated, too nasty and there seems to be no sense in trying to get someone to see where you are coming from when they wear their blinders. Politics and religion topics = teh suck.

[shrike]

So...

Can I still say Fuck on here?

Who wants to say it when doing it is so much more fun?

On a side note, when I'm not doing it I REALLY enjoy saying it. Probably too much.

[Pink Bat Max]

Having been here since the beginning, and having spent time as a mod, I have to say that this is possibly more to do with your perception than with reality.

Quite possibly. You've more a sense of the scale of things than I do. I will be glad to be wrong on this point.

[Pink Bat Max]

I have been enjoying lurking with the occasional burst of posts then going back to lurk. Others seem to want this,and to be honest,i enjoy reading more than posting on here.
Some threads and the directions they go on here,it really is impossible for me to comment on ALOT of them.

Well, I like it when you post, so nyeh.

[Batman1983]

Who wants to say it when doing it is so much more fun?

On a side note, when I'm not doing it I REALLY enjoy saying it. Probably too much.

"asl? 'cause we could practice both."






OH NO ITS LIKE A YAHOO CHATROOM!!!!




(I'm having waaaay too much fun since joining YABS) :D

[Sabrinaset]

You know ... years back, we usedta have a CBR chatroom here ...

[KevinTBrown]

Who wants to say it when doing it is so much more fun?

On a side note, when I'm not doing it I REALLY enjoy saying it. Probably too much.

I wholeheartedly agree. :)

On both!

[Batman1983]

Just so long as were all clear. If there is going to be an orgy I'm duct-taping my ass.




...too random? I'm really too new here to know where the line is yet. :confused:

[sunshinegirl]

Just so long as were all clear. If there is going to be an orgy I'm duct-taping my ass.




...too random? I'm really too new here to know where the line is yet. :confused:

i'm not sure if that was just really kinky or preventative action. :p

[Night Swordsman]

Well, I like it when you post, so nyeh.

I usually check YABS almost once a day,but to be honest i really have nothing (or nothing MORE) to say about Aquaman,Horocruxes,Boobs,Ma Hunkel,Halloween,John Byrne,Rick Onley,Armor Undies,Dog the Bounty Hunter,and Twin nerds.

I would like to comment briefly that i am happy Jose Louis Garcia Lopez is being recognized in a positive manner,the wonderful contest being hosted by Zeus Comics and Project:Rooftop over at the Wonder Woman Wardrobe War,and that Giant Pythons will always lose to Aligators,even posthumously. :D

[Reverend Smooth]

It doesn't help of course that as a Lao friend of mine said, I have the blood of the land of a million elephants roiling through my veins That is the most awesome description of oneself ever.

[Reverend Smooth]

I loathe how Olney conducts himself, but I stopped reading it long ago. In my opinion it just is beating a dead horse, or in Olney's case a terribly obese sea lion (sorry couldn't resist, lol).Except that there are still people whom he's fucked over around who have not had their day and new ones come to light on a regular basis.

Just because the thread rocks the boat doesn't mean it's unjustified. Just because something is unpleasant doesn't mean it's unjustified.

If you don't like it, don't read it. If it bothers you how it makes the forum seem, why are you so concerned about what others think?

[Sabrinaset]

I have the blood of the land of a million elephants roiling through my veins

Oh yeah? Well I have the power of a million exploding suns in MY blood! :p

[Josh S]

Oh yeah? Well I have the power of a million exploding suns in MY blood! :p

Yeah? Well I have the cholesterol of 1,000 healthy men coursing through my veins.

Wait...

Why does my arm hurt?

[Tobias March]

Oh yeah? Well I have the power of a million exploding suns in MY blood! :p

um......we are all stardust?

No, that sucks. We are all composed of angry, angry atoms goose stepping their way through time till eventually all will be reunited in a blinding moment of nuclear fission!

YEAH!

[shrike]

Except that there are still people whom he's fucked over around who have not had their day and new ones come to light on a regular basis.

Just because the thread rocks the boat doesn't mean it's unjustified. Just because something is unpleasant doesn't mean it's unjustified.

If you don't like it, don't read it. If it bothers you how it makes the forum seem, why are you so concerned about what others think?

I'm not bothered by it, just stating that imo the thread serves a moot point. Yes, I understand he has pissed and ripped off MANY people, put up a sticky, talk about the funds and stuff going on, discuss what ppl can do to get theirs... my FEELING that dozens upon dozens of pages bashing him just feels like beating a dead horse. It WAS justified, and then it just grew into a 'bash Olney' thread. There comes a time imo where you stop the talking and start planning on where you are going with it.

And as far as being bothered, it isn't unpleasantness as much as it is I loathe mob mentality on boards. It reeks, imo.

As far as caring what others think, sweetie, do you even READ my posts? I'm one of the most unpleasant people on here, a grade A bitch. I haven't given a damn about people's perceptions in a long long time.

[Reverend Smooth]

As far as caring what others think, sweetie,
It gets me so hot when you use our pet name in public, snookums. <333

[Cam63]

I glanced at that very quickly and thought, "what sick fuck put an armadillo on a grill?"

Australians will barbeque anything.

[Reverend Smooth]

Australians will barbeque anything.I think some folks bbq armadillo in the US, too, though I might be misremembering.

[Cam63]

i'm not sure if that was just really kinky or preventative action. :p

Depends on what's been eaten.

[Cam63]

I think some folks bbq armadillo in the US, too, though I might be misremembering.

Maybe you read it as a " BBQ in Amarillo. "

[Reverend Smooth]

Well, my eyes ARE all x.@.

[shrike]

It gets me so hot when you use our pet name in public, snookums. <333

LOL


goshdarn10characterlimit

[Reverend Smooth]

*leerings* ^^

[Batman1983]

If ye both be women then I too am hot.




I gotta stop making sex related jokes or ya'll get the wrong impression of me.

[beetlebum]

If ye both be women then I too am hot.




I gotta stop making sex related jokes or ya'll get the wrong impression of me.

Right, because us YABSERS are the paradigms or moral purity. (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showpost.php?p=5787642&postcount=3890)

We frown upon that sort of thing. (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?t=186009&page=69)

Sinful Heathens! http://www.metroposts.com/images/smilies/angels/angel-smiley-022.gifhttp://www.metroposts.com/images/smilies/devils/devil-smiley-024.gif

[Batman1983]

That video reminds me that a man can wish to be a woman and never have to question his heterosexuality because of it.

[Night Swordsman]

I think some folks bbq armadillo in the US, too, though I might be misremembering.

That is a true statement. I also remember a news report years ago about someone who collected roadkill,including armadillos. Made me quite sick. Poor lil critters. :(


AND: http://www.backwoodsbound.com/zarmadilo1.html

Bar-B-Q'd Armadillo
Thanks to Jason Hunter for sending this recipe.



~ 1 armadillo
~ bacon grease
~ 1 cup butter
~ 1/2 cup ketchup
~ 1/2 cup grated onion
~ 2 tbsp mustard
~ tabasco to taste
OR
use your favorite BBQ sauce


In a sauce pan, combine the butter, ketchup, onion, mustard and tabasco. Heat over low heat until the butter is melted. Stir occasionally.

Rub bacon grease into the armadillo.

Grill over a hot fire for 5 minutes.

Reduce the fire by half.

Baste the meat with the sauce until done. Armadillo is cooked like pork.

Serve and Enjoy!

[Batman1983]

Dead is dead, but discretion in eating habits is not always as universal.

[beetlebum]

That video reminds me that a man can wish to be a woman and never have to question his heterosexuality because of it.

That is the quote of the month. I often wish I was a bi-sexual woman too!

Hey....wait........

[Batman1983]

Could... could you help me discover my inner lesbian? I think I'm finally ready to be who I am... in here. {points to heart} Just... be kind.

[beetlebum]

Could... could you help me discover my inner lesbian? I think I'm finally ready to be who I am... in here. {points to heart} Just... be kind.

I'd be more than happy to help you!

(Esp. if you look like Katherine Heigl).http://www.palomar.edu/kksm/shows/shutupandlisten/katherine-heigl-005.jpg
Send all queries here. (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?p=5700068&highlight=virgins#post5700068)

(Photographs esp. welcome.)

Then we'll talk and see if your worthy of this. (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?t=186009&page=76)

Just remember:

Pink Power Rulz! ;) :D

[Batman1983]

I'm more of a thin Brad Pitt or James Dean. The "all virgins" email may come in handy though. Many thanks.

[beetlebum]

Dude, you could have lied and made it with both a naughty Asian school girl and a blonde doctor!


Tsk, tsk. http://elouai.com/images/yahoo/58.gif

http://www.mommiesnbabies.com/forums/images/smilies/hysterical.gif

[kipster]

I left YABS a few months ago, mostly due to the clique-ish behavior I experienced. It seems like there are a few certain groups around here, and if you disagree with them, you'll get dumped on. I also didn't like the Olney thread, as it seemed to foster a mob mentality. I thought it was great to start a thread to support people who had been screwed over by him, and to spread the word about his business practices, but the thread soon crossed a line, and showed how low some people would go.

It will be interesting to see if things are any different (read "better") now. I'm not sure who the mods are, besides Gail, but they've got their work cut out for them.

[beetlebum]

I left YABS a few months ago, mostly due to the clique-ish behavior I experienced. It seems like there are a few certain groups around here, and if you disagree with them, you'll get dumped on. I also didn't like the Olney thread, as it seemed to foster a mob mentality. I thought it was great to start a thread to support people who had been screwed over by him, and to spread the word about his business practices, but the thread soon crossed a line, and showed how low some people would go.

It will be interesting to see if things are any different (read "better") now. I'm not sure who the mods are, besides Gail, but they've got their work cut out for them.

Well I don't know what happened to you specifically, but as I have stated in previous posts, I have been insulted here because well, people get heated when you talk about social issues, or say things they don't agree with. I'd be lying if I said I didn't lose it and have at it with two posters recently, but I have acknowledged my faults and am taking steps to remedy them. There is a mob mentality which pops up at times. The trick is to call for temperance and to point out just how harsh certain individuals are being and ask for them to back of.

The thing is that the names I have been called here are nowhere near as bad as some of the names I've been called on Topix or Asia's Finest, so that's why I don't go there any more. It does take time to assimilate, and overall, I have found YABS to be a welcoming, friendly place. I have found a home here.

[Alex L]

Just remember:

Pink Power Rulz! ;) :D

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/13/TV_MMPR_kimberly_as_the_pink_ranger_clean.jpg

[Sally Sensational]

I think some folks bbq armadillo in the US, too, though I might be misremembering.

As a friend of mine used to say, it all tastes the same when it's cubed up in a gumbo!

Good to see you feeling well enough for chatty posts again, Rev!!!!!!!:)

[Sabrinaset]

I left YABS a few months ago, mostly due to the clique-ish behavior I experienced. It seems like there are a few certain groups around here, and if you disagree with them, you'll get dumped on. I also didn't like the Olney thread, as it seemed to foster a mob mentality. I thought it was great to start a thread to support people who had been screwed over by him, and to spread the word about his business practices, but the thread soon crossed a line, and showed how low some people would go.

It will be interesting to see if things are any different (read "better") now. I'm not sure who the mods are, besides Gail, but they've got their work cut out for them.

I agree with Beetle ... I don't remember you getting on the bad side of any groups here. Although I kinda agree with you on the Olney thread a bit ... I'm not really sure what purpose it serves anymore. It's really far past time HelloKittyKat and I derailed it :p

[beetlebum]

I agree with Beetle ... I don't remember you getting on the bad side of any groups here. Although I kinda agree with you on the Olney thread a bit ... I'm not really sure what purpose it serves anymore. It's really far past time HelloKittyKat and I derailed it

*Ahem* http://www.mommiesnbabies.com/forums/images/smilies/snobby.gif

What about me?

Have you and I not "consummated" our "relationship" enough times? http://www.mommiesnbabies.com/forums/images/smilies/flaming1.gif


;) :p

[beetlebum]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/13/TV_MMPR_kimberly_as_the_pink_ranger_clean.jpg

LOL. http://www.mommiesnbabies.com/forums/images/smilies/laugh21.gif :)

[Batman1983]

Dude, you could have lied and made it with both a naughty Asian school girl and a blonde doctor!


Tsk, tsk. http://elouai.com/images/yahoo/58.gif

http://www.mommiesnbabies.com/forums/images/smilies/hysterical.gif

Damn! My arch-nemesis Stark Reality foils me again.

[Reverend Smooth]

As a friend of mine used to say, it all tastes the same when it's cubed up in a gumbo!

Good to see you feeling well enough for chatty posts again, Rev!!!!!!!:)I'm glad to be chatting with y'all again! <3333

[Pink Bat Max]

Just remember:

Pink Power Rulz! ;) :D

Finally, y'all are recognizin!
It's all about ME!