Damn liberals, oppressing the downtrodden!
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I hate it when data disappears. It’s so patently phony.

I have, intact in my Google Reader, the entire post. Never to leave. Remember, Google is FOREVER!

And, most of the comments, since I had email notification turned on.

If anyone is interested.

Against the WHITEWASH!

I, for one, want to voice my support for this action. Thanks, Ginger!

Yep. Nothing says community like enforced civility.
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Yep. Nothing says community like enforced civility.

Never had kids, have you?

Never had kids, have you?

Having children is a choice. Raising them is not.

The analogy falls down.
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That would explain why this place is so lame.

Big Mother is watching.

I really miss Brittney. She had an…ability…that’s missing, here.

Brittney reached out to everyone, not just those whose politics she aligned with, to those who were cozy cliquesters.

Here, we have cliqued bloggers who share not only each other’s politics, but each other’s blogrolls. Makes it easier to whisper sweet nothings, I suppose. For to keep the rest in line.

For the children!

RE: Ability
I wouldn’t go that far.

Deleting people’s posts is such a petty tyrant move though.

For all the tremendous Talent ™ this place has - is it growing? Has any national level blogger or columnist ever linked to all of this amazing talent for something produced here?

The same old thing day in and day out. Mix it up ferchrissakes. Ned, Glen, #9 start deleting other people’s posts who you don’t agree with. Claim absolute moral authority to do so.

Sometimes you have to destroy a village in order to save it. All of this “togetherness” shit is overrated.

I wanna read it! If I had had ONE break in 12.5 hours today, I might have seen it. Darn hospital!

What a flock of sniveling seagulls. You swoop in, make a lot of noise and shit all over the beach.

Don’t like it here?
It’s a big internet. Find some place you like. Your own blog, for instance. Perfect place for you to take umbrage about what someone may or may not have wrote about you. Either that, or grow some balls and take the fight to HIS blog if you have a problem with what he wrote.

Too cliquey?
High school must have been sheer hell for you. Next time play sports.

Mad that your post got 86′d? Boo-hoo, princess. You aren’t paying the bills. Howzabout we go over to your house and take a dump on the coffee table? When you clean it up, we’ll cry about “enforced civility”.

Saved the post on your Google Reader?
Awesome! Now you can jerk off to something other than pictures of Prestonian’s cat.

The same old thing day in and day out. Mix it up ferchrissakes.

Brian, within reason I am trying to mix it up. But I respect the time that goes into moderating MCB and I don’t want to be a pain in the ass for the moderators. It is a thankless job and no one gets paid for it. They do a great job.

A few points. RoR! made that snuff post on his blog on Dec. 27th. I ignored it until he linked it on MCB. I didn’t go after him until he pushed it on MCB. It pissed me off when I first saw it, because I knew who it was about, but I let it go. Had he not linked it on MCB I would have ignored it.

The silverware comment in my post pales greatly in comparison to having your neck broken and being eaten alive by dogs.

RoR! wanted attention and I gave him want he wanted. Just not the way he wanted it. Was I tough on RoR!? I quoted his words from his blog and asked tough questions about what he had written. However, that is not an attack.

So I didn’t turn the other cheek, big deal, he is an Atheist. He probably got more readers today than all of last month.

I feel as MCB is constantly being jerked around by a the same people with the same tired complaints. I don’t understand what they are contributing. The constant drone of “ban the wingnuts” is boring.

I am not insensitive to the “LMCF” issue. I understand there must be a balance. But it seems that if Ned, Glenn, and I post in a two day period there is a complaint from the same people that MCB is being ruined. I am tired of it. Move the ball up the field. Contribute something.

I don’t see Ned, Glenn, or I doing anything but helping. But it is tiresome to hear the same people kvetch all the time about the wingnuts. Yes, MCB has wingnuts. Live with it. Grow up.

Pulling the post is not a big deal. Complaints were made and I understand the decision of the board. Writers at MCB will be held to a higher standard than commenters. As it should be. I accept and understand that.

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Ginger, I support the decision, thank you for stepping up and doing that.

Sarcastro, you rock!

Ginger,
I support your decision (that’s what we Authoritarian Cultists do), but I hope that this or future such decisions are based on executive judgment and not complaints . . . Libs can make a LOT of eNoise.

Ror!s post wasn’t all that bad, really, if you like pulp fiction. He did link the thing, as an invite. #9 deconstructed it in his own way; I took more of a humorous approach. Because of the dawgs! Chewin’ and gnawin’ like the three trolls in the Hobbit, feasting on bone and sinew…

Of course the mad mods can do whatever they want. But, being bloggers, they should expect some commentary from same. That what we do.

And, I expect to see Sarc’s post yanked, forthwith.

For the personal attacks!

If I attacked anyone personally, I would expect it to be pulled as well.

Of course, if one happens to take it personally, I’m cool with that too.

That’s precious. A hobbit reference.

Nothing will get you into the cool “clique” or score you some hot babes like tossing around some Tolkien.

Don’t forget your multi-sided dice.

my mind must be getting feeble. when serr8d posted about missing Brittany, for a second there I was thinking he was talking about Spears’ obvious leadership skills.

Best thread of 2008!

Nothing will get you into the cool “clique” or score you some hot babes like tossing around some Tolkien.

Admitting it, huh, junior? But I’ll bet your last ‘hot babe’ was long after mine…

‘after’ in the sense of ‘aftermarket’ of course…

Number9 jumped to unwarranted conclusions and followed them up with libelous accusations.

In disclosure I’ll state that I am a second amendment advocate.

Reasonable people have concluded that the only thing I’m guilty of is leveling some poignant criticism in the general direction of some commenters, on my own blog, in a macabre (and clumsy, according to Mack) context.

Contrary to the claims made by Number9, the issue has nothing to do with political ideology. For example, if I was I Dave Lindorff I would probably take umbrage at the potentially libelous claim that I “want Red Staters to die”; especially when the article specifically indicates that they should be offered assistance in his hypothetical scenario. These are not the only examples of this blogger using questionable tactics to smear people.

While I realize that these types of tactics are practiced regularly by national pundits, it occurs to me that the sensationalism they create helps to generate revenue that will more than offset the risk of defamation liability in their cases.

Again, I find it ironic that this blogger has been one of the most tenacious critics regarding shrillness of tone of myself and others.

I’ll bet your last ‘hot babe’ was long after mine…

You can say that again!

OMFG!

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I think “last night” would be “long AFTER yours,” steak knife!

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I see the victim card has been played yet again. I’m amused that the “Right-wingers’ feel ganged up on, when I can hardly find a Liberal voice that contributes here regularly. Part of that is their own fault, they have stepped aside and let the bulk of the posting up to others. However, I think readers have grown weary of the same argument style being displayed day in and day out. The “dog with a bone” endless arguing without result is mind numbing, to say the least. Quickly, every thread is tainted with, if not personal attacks, then most certainly taunts employed to elicit responses.

I care about this place, mainly because some friends put themselves out there to make it happen, and so i want it to work. But Sarcastro certainly had it right, many of the regulars here feel its appropriate to say anything regardless of how insensitive it is to better advance their viewpoint. How hard is it to understand that best belongs on your own blogs? In here, we have been asked repeatedly to act like the guests we are.

Be firm in your stance, but be civil about it. Someone’s belief in god, or non belief in god doesn’t factor in on any thread not pertaining to religion. Someone’s sexual orientation is hardly ever relevant, so don’t bring it up. Personally, I am through reading blogs that are mean-spirited for the sake of it, and offer little in the way of constructive arguments. That goes for both “sides’ of the political spectrum.

That said, I am wishing nothing but good things for MCB and its contributors on this New Year’s day.

I’m not sure what “aftermarket” is supposed to mean.

But then again, I haven’t the experience with paying for sex that Serr8d clearly does.

Are we talking real women or inflatable ones? In the case of the former, your god must be disappointed. In the case of the latter, I bow to your vast experience.

Wow, something happened.

Before my reference to being a second amendment advocate I remarked that I found it ironic to be called a sociopath by someone that has a blog dedicated to the glorification of devices that serve no purpose other than killing.

I didn’t follow the other thread after the beginning, because it was too silly, even for me. Ror used a technique that I consider counterproductive, if you want to bring people who believe differently over to your side, but whatever.

But, it’s my understanding, direct from one of the main clique-sters that the thread devolved into threats of violence.

I don’t see how any mod, anywhere would have allowed it.

I don’t think it’s bland around here - to me, traditional political sites (Kos, Free Republic) are bland and offer the same old same old, year after year. Those sites already exist. There’s no need to recreate them.

The owners are trying to build something different here; that takes guts because everyone resists the new. But, the payoff could be huge. You have to respect that.

Can a community-building blogging business model work? Something tells me yes, but it won’t be easy. The owners will have to field many criticisms from people who are used to other models, and they will have to be patient.

So yeah, they have every right, even an obligation, to follow their own rules. We have every right to storm away like big babies, complain, or praise.

It’s all good.

I see the victim card has been played yet again. I’m amused that the “Right-wingers’ feel ganged up on, when I can hardly find a Liberal voice that contributes here regularly.

Yup. And when a liberal posts a comment, the Gang Of regular Posters all pounce.

Happy new year!!!

ooooh, nice fly-by, SoBeale!

I keed, I keed!

So yeah, they have every right, even an obligation, to follow their own rules. We have every right to storm away like big babies, complain, or praise.

I think that covers it!
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The reality is, for all the complaining, people like it here.

As they watch their own platform being used to criticize them, I hope the mods remember that those whining are still finding MCB worthwhile enough to visit and take the time to complain. Which is frankly why I don’t complain (neither about “censorship” nor about content). If it ever gets to the point that I don’t like it here, I’ll just stop visiting. It’s not as if I don’t have other things that I could do with my time.

So, to the MCB mods, as long as people continue to visit (even if they whine a bit when they’re here), it means you’re doing something right! Good job!

The only problems I’ve seen here at MCB are the deletions.

The way it works is, when a post or comment is up, it should stand or fall on it’s merits; as pointed out by comments from others. #9 put up a post that was discussed and decried by most commenters (and I found myself agreeing with RoR!, BTW; how often does that happen?)

Then, following the same old routine…Mack helicopters in (Oh! MCB is doomed, I say, doomed! if this stands!); the Mad Mods cluster (Oh! for the guidelines we must act!) and the stuff conveniently disappears.

Except, it doesn’t.

Remember the final days before NIT went to naught: #9’s post was deleted by non-christian Christian. His explanations then seemed nasally noxious…as do those, from the Mods, here.

If you must delete, then you must delete everything that’s disagreeable; look at some of the Sarc’s stuff here. And get busy.

Or go blow up a doll of your own…whilst Sarc bends over for satisfaction!

Remember the final days before NIT went to naught: #9’s post was deleted by non-christian Christian.

Oh, both of you had read the site’s Last Rites months prior to that happening. C’mon.
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serr8d:

This is a work in progress. If you don’t like the way it’s being run, feel free to leave and go start your own community blog. Otherwise, get over it.

In this thread, I’m interpreting the banter between you, JP, Sarcatro, etc., to be “guy humor”…not vicious…if I am wrong, then my apologies…

Let’s move on…shall we?

In this thread, I’m interpreting the banter between you, JP, Sarcatro, etc., to be “guy humor”…not vicious…if I am wrong, then my apologies…

I’m sure if KatCo were in better health, she’d be here to tell me it’s all my fault.
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Yes, get over it. I can do that.

I’ll feel free to leave my constructive criticism, however…

Criticism in general terms means democratic judgment over the suitability of a subject for the intended purposes, as opposed to the authoritarian command, which is meant as an absolute realization of the authority’s will, thus not open for debate.

“Scratch a lefty, you’ll find a totalitarian.”

-Kim du Toit

Edgy, you forgot Sandy Berger!

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JP, I gets better pussy than you do!

…whilst Sarc bends over for satisfaction!

Again, I must defer to your repeatedly apparent familiarity with that subject.

But, it’s my understanding, direct from one of the main clique-sters that the thread devolved into threats of violence.

Where? Did I miss something?

I have asked management what the perceived attack from me was. I was told it was this line I wrote, “Nice guy. You may want to keep an eye on the silverware at the next blogger meet up.”

I really think the foul was I showed people what RoR! thought and that was considered below the belt.

My perspective is a little different. We have been asked to highlight what other bloggers have written. Never once was I told that only happy thoughts could be highlighted.

When someone like Dave Lindorff makes an ass of himself it is a story. But many people cried foul when it was closer to home.

I think the foul was when I quoted RoR! on his thoughts. Apparently quoting people is considered a low blow.

So I take away from this that only rainbows and bunnies can be linked and it is not acceptable to show when local people are disingenuous.

For example, a person says, “I’m a second amendment advocate”, then they say “handguns are only for killing”. That is disingenuous. It does not follow. It is a non-sequitur.

When a person says, “I respect people of faith”, then they say, “What’s the difference between theology and a bucket of bovine feces? The bucket.” That is disingenuous.

RoR! has apologized in the past when his rhetoric got overheated. This time he cried allegory. No mas.

If what Dave Lindorff wrote was wrong, then how do you excuse this, “Actually, however, you are not dead but merely paralyzed. After rotting in sub-freezing temperatures for three days, mercifully, a pack of stray dogs arrives and puts you out of your misery by eating you alive. Unfortunately, your family never finds out what happened to you. A sad end to be sure but, after all, you did choose to drive home. Did you deserve it? Who’s to say?”

Life isn’t all rainbows and bunnies. It doesn’t work that way.

Dolphin’s comment makes sense.

If religion and politics are allowed in the threads some acrimonious debate will be unavoidable.
Just keepin’ it real.

I have now noticed that an important link to Loose TN Canon had also been removed from my earliest comment.

Enforcing a commenting/posting policy is to be expected but if comments are being discreetly edited on subjective criteria, especially in ways that may alter the context, I won’t be able to participate.

My style may not win popularity contests but I do try to contribute to the quality of MCB.

Speaking of civility, I’ve been labeled this and that, but no one has ever asked how I would define my own political ideology or “spiritual” worldview. Does that matter to anyone? But Dolphin is right; if that was a big deal I just wouldn’t come back.

Anyway, I’m fixin’ to heat up some blackeye peas and hang my new wall calendar.

Happy New Year.

Enforcing a commenting/posting policy is to be expected but if comments are being discreetly edited on subjective criteria, especially in ways that may alter the context, I won’t be able to participate.See, that’s the crux of the bisquit, right there. If the Mods are always looking over and surreptitiously deleting things, then even if a blogger made an error in post syntax and the link wasn’t visible, then immediately the Mad Mods come to mind.

Who can trust them, after they take that first cut?

(continuing the ‘guy humor’ thing here…)
Sarc, blow me.

Sorry, we don’t take requests.

I’m sure either Reverend Haggard or Senator Craig can help you with your problem.

Look, guys. I really needed to take this time off to figure out some things in my life and try to get my personal life back on track.

Here’s the thing. We are trying to figure things out. We’re doing what we think is right and trying to deal with things as best we can. We appreciate the input. Ginger’s been doing a fine job of things while I was gone and I trust her entirely to take care of things.

What would be really helpful here is, instead of just bitching, if you guys would take the time to write a comment about how you’d do things if this was your site. I’d like to compile the best ideas and then run the site in a more consistent manner. I know things have been inconsistent, I know things are ragged. Part of that comes from not having completely clear directions and one clear moderator.

So, let’s hear what you would do, what policies you’d have if it was your site, etc. Thanks, y’all. And try not to be so hard on Ginger, dammit. She’s doing a great job.

Ivy, best of luck to you in meatspace. You’re the best. I mean that most sincerely.

My suggestion?

Hands off. Open forum.

(Except for what might get you sued, of course. You never know when ambulance chaser Edwards might be lurking….)

The less rules the better. The main rule should be “advance the discussion”.

When a person doesn’t advance the discussion they just waste moderators time. If they act like children give them a timeout. A week off. That is much better than banning.

Three email warnings and they get a weeks vacation.

#9, that’s child’s play. There’s no ‘timeout’ on the innertubes.

If someone is a troll, doesn’t advance the discussion, then ignore them. Sooner or later, without the positive feedback, they’ll go off somewhere else.

(Anyone seen William lately?)

JP?

Number9:

For example, a person says, “I’m a second amendment advocate”, then they say “handguns are only for killing”. That is disingenuous. It does not follow. It is a non-sequitur.

When a person says, “I respect people of faith”, then they say, “What’s the difference between theology and a bucket of bovine feces? The bucket.” That is disingenuous.

You are entitled to your opinion, but I happen to disagree with your conclusions here. Also your paraphrasing is a little slanted, which is a real bad habit you should try to break, in my opinion.

If you want to criticize my blogging or my comments you are welcome to do so. I do not moderate comments on my blog.

If you want to take issue with my blogging in a post here at MCB I have no problem with that either. In my opinion, you should pick up an AP style guide and review the section on defamation, however.

I certainly am not going to apologize for my post. Reasonable people have concluded that it was not malicious, because it wasn’t, even if they held it in bad taste.

I will extend my assurances that I do not wish you or any one else any harm.

Everybody has opinions about how to do it, but the reality is, it’s your house. I personally would say to go with very few rules, but its not my blog. Lately, I have tried to be respectful of that fact, at least as far as posting is concerned.

It is what it is and acceptance is really the best option.