* An open letter to members of these boards: please read.

man, you're so wrong. why don't you piss off!!!!

i can't stand you!!!!

Good post!
I agree totaly. In some ways I feel the boards have been very "alive" lately. I come to know many of the members better than I'd ever imagine I would, (and learned a few things 'bout mormons as well ).
But some of the threads have gone way too far.
As Peacekeeper says "behind every username on these forums is a person". Let's remeber that. If we can just keep a decent level of respect for each others in here, then I think the "non-mac" topics are good for us all.

peace!

[ 02-12-2002: Message edited by: New ]</p>

I guess anytime I ask someone to back up what they post and then insist they do it later on ... that's considered an "attack" on them.

good post... you ****ing son of a ****..... ***hole! You filty communist nazi scumbag terrorist!

You know...that's what I LIKE about AppleOutsider. I mean we all love the Mac but have wildy varying opinions on different topics. I personally have not one beef against any member of AI and I wouldn't hestitate to buy a Cold One for anyone on these boards. I've argued with Steve666 and Scott.H like everyone but I still believe they're good people. I grew up in a family that did nothing but but debate and argue(with love) on the holidays so I'm used to someone denouncing my opinion without feeling personally slighted. Alas I have grown up and have seen plenty of people who felt mortally wounded if someone trashed their opinion...that's sad. Trust me...we all would have fun in person and while we'd still argue...who doesn't??

I tend to keep my arguements (few and far between) local to a single post. If I rant against someone in one thread, I still give them a clean slate in another. Anyone else practice this policy?

thank-you hmurchison.

If you can stand he heat, try a new genital ointment.

what the hell are you a priest?

I've had plenty of arguments with folks here. I may think some of their views are warped and I find it hard to fathom their views but i like a good argument. I don't hold grudges....................

The GOP bashers started it!
They hurt my feelings, wahhhh! I want my mommy!

christ, let me get a tissue. I think I might shed a tear. <img src="graemlins/oyvey.gif" border="0" alt="[No]" />

[quote]Originally posted by Scott H.:
<strong>I guess anytime I ask someone to back up what they post and then insist they do it later on ... that's considered an "attack" on them.</strong><hr></blockquote>

I understand your indignation, but this is NOT a very productive thing to say when it comes to conflict resolution. Now you are just putting yourself somewhere else, feeling wronged for past actions, or feeling false despair, or something that I kind quite find the word for. peacekeeper is right, we are all people, we all have feelings, we all need to be more careful with our words and what we say, and we also all need to respect eachother(and long live the mac!)
I see where you are coming from Scott, but In saying that Chances are your not going to _solve_ anything, only get facetious remarks and conflict(unless the persons your indirectly refering to show earnest apologies)
I love seeing conflicts solved, and I feel that the only way to do it(or rather the most productive way) is to lay things out on the table in an un-biased manner, observe the situation from all sides, analze it and then send it back to the people involved, and hope that they can come up with a better way of operating for the future. Of course there are other ways to go about doing this, and what I just said is an abridged version, merely stating basic principles and the likes.

well, I hope that we all remember that its always more productive(in the long run) to be understanding and helpful. as opposed to facetious(dare I say sarcastic) and hindering.

[quote]Originally posted by Arakageeta:
<strong>I tend to keep my arguements (few and far between) local to a single post. If I rant against someone in one thread, I still give them a clean slate in another. Anyone else practice this policy?</strong><hr></blockquote>

I tend NOT to get into arguments in any given thread. In my experience no one on the internet(very few people) actually are willing to change their views on anything, this creates an atmosphere of whoever is the rudest, 'wittiest', and 'coolest' becomes this sort of....guy...that just takes even the best arguments AGAINST one of his views, and either doesn't even listen and makes a weak retort. OR points out a trivial grammatical error or something to make the person that opposes them seem invalid or useless("what you can't even spell________ !?! why should I take anything you say seriously then")

but if I did get into arguments(without trying to solve the conflict) I would definatly not hold a grudge...I would give the person in question a clean slate next time round, and I wouldn't think twice about it.

[quote]Originally posted by applenut:
<strong>what the hell are you a priest?</strong><hr></blockquote>

....Cause if you are...I'm going to POUND YOU!...no one tells me I'm wrong! ROAR!!!!!

<img src="graemlins/oyvey.gif" border="0" alt="[No]" />

I just wonder if there's some lingering misplaced anger over the big macworld let down. Man did they hype that bastard!

I agree on the beer thing. I once saw someone post an invitation to meet up at the mall of America for some big event at the Apple store. When the day comes when Apple releases my dream computer I plan on making the pilgrimage to the mall and inviting anyone to meet up with me there for a cold one (after making it clear that my house will be guarded by blood thirsty dobermans in my absence in case some thin-skinned members get any ideas)

[quote]Originally posted by Arakageeta:
<strong>I tend to keep my arguements (few and far between) local to a single post. If I rant against someone in one thread, I still give them a clean slate in another. Anyone else practice this policy?</strong><hr></blockquote>

deffinetly.

[quote]Originally posted by applenut:
<strong>what the hell are you a priest?</strong><hr></blockquote>

applenut you're so cool.

I totally agree with Peacekeeper.

I'm just glad I got out of the "Mormons" thread before the sharks REALLY started to bite. And now it's locked.

Maybe more people need to read and heed Peacekeeper's post.

p.s. &lt;sarcasm&gt;Oh, yeah. Applenut is very cool.&lt;/sarcasm&gt; <img src="graemlins/oyvey.gif" border="0" alt="[No]" /> Though, given applenut's track record, I'm not surprised he said that.

peace is way overrated. look what it did to the states recently. since we havent been involved in a major war in a long time, our priorities are all fuc*ed up. all we care about is ourselves and how much money we make and what kinda car we drive. we have become more materialistic and greedy than ever before. w/ the 9-11 attacks some of us woke up and started actually realizing how shallow we've become. but now that the present threat is almost forgotten by many, we're going back to our selfish and egocentric ways. w/ a war, i guarantee we'd care about something other than ourselves (and the present "war" does NOT count). as of right now, peace is keeping us prosperous and healthy, but it is killing the quality of life in terms of true happiness. noone cares about what really matters anymore. good ol capitalism...where the priorities are always obvious...

anyway...back to the topic. peace is boring. controversy brings lively topics. if u cant handle it, then leave.

[quote]Originally posted by Peacekeeper:
<strong>Over the last few weeks, I've witnessed a great deal of...angst from some of our members to others. These conflicts have come over dislike for a particular member, debate over religious topics, and discussion of ages of members on these boards.

Many would like to discount all this conflict by saying, "oh, these are just boards about Macs. It's no big deal."

Let me remind you though that behind every username on these forums is a person, who has feelings just like you. What you write may seem harmless because this environment is just electrons on a server somewhere, but what you write may be harmful to someone else.

Be aware of the Golden Rule: do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Treat each other with respect, while at the same time understanding the differences in culture, age, education, and backgrounds that we all bring to our opinions on these boards.

There may be disagreements between users, but don't let the disagreements become unproductive and immature. It does nothing for the other users here, and certainly doesn't make you look any better in the process. Respect others' opinions, and don't rush to bash someone because they dissent from what you believe.

Keep these boards fun and interesting, and long live the Mac! </strong><hr></blockquote>

If the idiots would quit posting idiotic posts, the sane would quit having to rebut.

I hate being called a bigot. An idiot? Sure. But not a bigot. Mormons need ridicule, they're not the only ones, but they need it. I think I've been equally unfair to most other groups as their respective turns have come up. Amorph, you have been a little pissy lately, wassamatta?

Agreed with the topic of the thread.


Don't think the administration will sit idly by while this board becomes an unpleasant place.


Matsu, there's nothing wrong with Amorph. He's simply doing his job, and, frankly, if I were you, I wouldn't be taking on authority figures too much right about now.

Get my drift?

[quote]Originally posted by CosmoNut:
<strong>I totally agree with Peacekeeper.

I'm just glad I got out of the "Mormons" thread before the sharks REALLY started to bite. And now it's locked.

Maybe more people need to read and heed Peacekeeper's post.

p.s. &lt;sarcasm&gt;Oh, yeah. Applenut is very cool.&lt;/sarcasm&gt; <img src="graemlins/oyvey.gif" border="0" alt="[No]" /> Though, given applenut's track record, I'm not surprised he said that.</strong><hr></blockquote>

given your track record I'm not surprised you can't see the joke. must be that old age of yours. your so mature that everything has to be serious.

I feel sorry for you. really do

[quote]

Matsu, there's nothing wrong with Amorph. He's simply doing his job, and, frankly, if I were you, I wouldn't be taking on authority figures too much right about now.
Get my drift? <hr></blockquote>

seems like you're using pretty strong words for such a minor thing.

Before this blows up into another argument

Just remember where you are, watch your language, keep it tasteful and there shouldn't be any interventions from the forum administration at all.

Matsu, your posts are always well-written, but you occasionally get a bit extreme in your use of language. Keep clear of the "lick the feces" rhetoric and there shouldn't be an issue. As for Amorph, his moderation has always been in good taste, and some of the stuff he did regarding you was directly in response to emails of complaint we received.

I don't personally keep track of any of your posts very diligently, but at the point where I start receiving emails of complaint at the language being used, it's time to start keeping it in check.

Remember that this board has a far more lax censor filter than MacNN does because it was assumed the member base could handle it; if this turns out not to be the case it'll have to be used more actively, which would be unfortunate and against the wishes of the moderators here.

To quote the ever-useful Terms of Service:

[quote]"You agree, through your use of this service, that you will not use this BB to post any material which is knowingly false and/or defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, vulgar, hateful, harassing, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, invasive of a person's privacy, or otherwise violative of any law."<hr></blockquote>

I believe "licking feces" should fall into one of those categories.

My 2¢.
-gzl.

[ 02-13-2002: Message edited by: gorgonzola ]</p>

hehehehe... he said "licking feces!"

Ahhh, come-on guy? (done in weird mock Sadam Hussein south Park Caricature voice)

I know there's nothing wrong with him. Just wanted to jibe him a little. Let the record show that I quite like the mods here, and over at MacNN too. Even when they get on my case. Even when they're right, and lets face it, that's the hardest time to like sombody -- when they're right. What's wrong with being a little pissy?

I'm not sure an energetic exchange or two makes the place unpleasant. Then again I often enjoy watching other drivers' road rage against each other from the safety of my own car. That's funny. Especially like one I saw just the other day where the guy tried to spit on the other car while rolling down the window. That goober didn't get too far! I guess I'm a little masochistic, in a passive agressive anti-social kinda way. I need to work on that.

I really don't see my comments as a challenge. You have the editorial privledge of the last word, natch. You use it at your discretion. No problem here. But so long as this thread is open, why not go back to one of the threads that sparked this one?

Admidst my mental flatulence was at least one post that reasonably, if perhaps too agressively (and too briefly), argued (nee, 'highlighted') why certain groups don't really qualify as religions to many western theists. It is not a simple case of big words hiding bigotry. There is no bigotry to hide. From theological, historical, and some creepy social/organizational standpoints there are a lot of mayflower puritan/N.A. Christian sects that really fair badly compared to their old world counter parts. Not all of them, but a lot. Without even getting into the new-age psuedo-pagan happy go lucky wicca tree craft baloney, there is a proliferration of religion 'light'. It seems to start with American colonization, but has continued to reach around the world to mangle religions from both the east and the past. Wicca, neo-paganism, popular California style Bhuddism (not the real disciplined version), Hare Chrishna. Even psychology and secular humanism are unsafe: ie. scientology -- Basically cults with good marketing and social penetration -- But on the Christian side we have affronts, today, by two main prosylethizing groups: the Jehova's Witnesses and the Mormons. Jehova's Witness recasting much of the spirit of (cultish) biblical misinterpretation and social organization about a hundred years or so after Mormonism. Creepy parallels abound. We could start with the way both try to re-appropriate the truth of Judaism and radically reconfigure the idea of Jesus, or the basic corruption of Evangelical ideas, or the hidden and unaccountable 'leaders' of both faiths. And that is only the surface.

They're just plain wrong about so much I don't know where to start. To say that Christians (from any of major divisions: Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican, or Catholic) or Jews, or Muslims, -- basically any of the great western Monotheistic faiths -- and to add also the giant Eastern (if unfortunately 'Orientalized') faiths (the Hindu and the Bhuddist), to say any and all of these is deeper in thought and fuller in scope than the 'faiths' previously described is hardly bigotry. It is probably the first thing these legitimate faiths would agree on.

So is the gratuitous use of innuendo okay?



(and hello everybody).

Hey, but I didn't say any of that the first time around. Well, not a lot of it anyway. Might makes right -- something I happen to believe -- Clearly then, I am at least partly wrong, and will, unfortunately, only get 'wronger' as time goes by. So before too much of my inner fatalist emerges, let me apologize to any Mormons out there who took offence to this particular schema of the facts.

I feel old today, and not nearly as stupid as I would like when posting here or anywhere, so I'll go to bed. But not before tucking my tail between my butt-cheeks, and thanking God I don't live in Utah. I barely have enough energy for one woman, imagine her sister too... ummm, perhaps I'll stay up late afterall.

Sorry 'bout the Moron stuff. Feel free to actively convert this sinner over e-mail if you wish.

[quote]Originally posted by applenut:
<strong>
a minor thing.</strong><hr></blockquote>

you have no idea.

Lets just let applenut and others reamin in their self righteous bubbles, and get back to discussing...wait what were we discussing?
these boards are getting more ridiculous every day....the times have definatly changed.

OK, I know this is now the kindler gentler AI, but anyone else want to make fun of Jonathon for what he wrote on the main board? Here's an excerpt:
[quote]Let's all try to contain the negative vibes and keep this site free of puerile curtness. Du calme, as it were.<hr></blockquote>
"As it were?" Who says "as it were?"
<img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laughing]" />

[quote]Originally posted by BRussell:
<strong>OK, I know this is now the kindler gentler AI, but anyone else want to make fun of Jonathon for what he wrote on the main board? Here's an excerpt:

"As it were?" Who says "as it were?"
<img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laughing]" /> </strong><hr></blockquote>

hahahha
u shoulda seen it earlier. it was much longer and more elaborate.
pretty amusing to find.

[quote]Originally posted by BRussell:
<strong>OK, I know this is now the kindler gentler AI, but anyone else want to make fun of Jonathon for what he wrote on the main board? Here's an excerpt:

"As it were?" Who says "as it were?"
<img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laughing]" /> </strong><hr></blockquote>

This is the sort of behavior up with which we will not put, Mr. SProut.

I use "as it were" <img src="confused.gif" border="0">

I say 'as it were', BRussell.



Just for you, it's now bolded.

Oblique literary reference? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

sigh... AI has gotten stupider...

[ 02-14-2002: Message edited by: Jonathan ]</p>

I also say "as it were" and "indeed".

Of course, some people say I talk like a pretentious ass.

ph34r!

[quote]Originally posted by groverat:
<strong>I also say "as it were" and "indeed".

Of course, some people say I talk like a pretentious ass.

ph34r!</strong><hr></blockquote>

INDEED you do.

j/k! I couldn't resist.

Matsu-

Point taken, and your agreement appreciated. Now we can drop the issue and move onalways a welcome end to a conflict of sorts.

thanks,
-gzl.

[quote]Originally posted by gorgonzola:
<strong>Matsu-

Point taken, and your agreement appreciated. Now we can drop the issue and move onalways a welcome end to a conflict of sorts.

thanks,
-gzl.</strong><hr></blockquote>

how bout u lock this sucker then? that would leave a good impression...