I just got a PM from a member saying

That sucks.

Well, it sucks, but people have their own takes on things that happen and are going to have opinions no matter what. I guess if they find something disagreeable and just can't seem to get over it, then so be it.

The thing I hated most about GS was the sponsors who were also moderators and suppressed any competing products or negative opinions of their products. That to me was grade A horseshit conflict of interest that shouldn't be happening. I've seen it on other forums too and it's a drag. That's the number 1 thing I hope never happens here.

The bickering between forum members over there was silly but wasn't really a big deal to me, mainly because it's mostly just internet trash talk which has no real bearing on my life whatsoever. When you post something, it's either because you believe in it and want others to know about it too, or you don't believe something and want to hash it out. These could be honest attempts at resolving something, but it could also just be a person trying to do bunch of ego petting on themselves too. You never know what you are going to get on the internet and people don't *have* to be politically correct or sociable if they don't want to, it's not like they are in the same room and an argument might get physical.

Hopefully this person will come around again once they cool off a bit.

One man's "useless" argument is another man's seemingly "life altering" discussion. And when it gets abruptly stopped, I can understand the frustration - of BOTH sides. Just sayin'....

It's most definitely a two edged sword, and it's a PITA to run a forum. Where to draw the line in the sand is a constantly moving target, and changes per topic or per the members interacting. All I can say is "good luck" with it.  <<<I would have posted a thumbs up emoticon if we had one.....>>>

If one HAS to make an occasional mistake (and that's almost inevitable I'd guess), IMO, it's better to err on the side of acceptance than dogmatic rules and just roll with it.

some times we have to agree to disagree without being disagreeable, the idea that someone can set a scientific argument forth over the liarnet is a farce on it's face, there are so many variables that can skew results based on ones personal equipment alone, forget about personal bias and chips on the shoulder! That is why i stated after being badgered, "your scientific test doesn't mean much to me, it's out of my control", but i guess MY OPINION was not accepted.... like i said before and ignoring the false equivalency,...

Pot meet Kettle.

Hey - I'm learning as I go...In the last few days, I've been asking myself, "why did I start this forum?" Well, it wasn't to be disrespected. It wasn't to get into endless debates about scientific tests, it wasn't about having a place for people to measure their members and it certainly wasn't about the money. I spend more than I take in. What I'm learning is that people will try to run over you if you don't set some ground rules. Like cowboycoalminer said, "When people act right and treat each other with respect, rules aren't needed." But ultimately, the buck will stop with me. I will make the judgements as to what is acceptable or not. Otherwise, it's a free-for-all.

Jerome - I agree with your WHOLE post wholeheartedly.  BUT, there are people who would feel the same about the word I bolded above.  MY wife being one of them.  It's a freaking big world, and if you open the forum to anyone who wants in, you have to expect exactly what has happened.  I'm sorry that John is doubting whether or not he should have started this forum, but the reality is, if he wants an open forum and if he wants it to grow and is actually believing that he won't be disrespected in some of his decisions to take matters to hand, he's living in a dream world and needs to grow thicker skin (we all do) for survival.

I mean, this is the internet.....no rules, no holds barred.  Unless you make em.  And if you do, you will be shot at and disrespected.  Maybe better for a CLOSED forum that's invitation only if that's what John wants.  (Not trying to put words or thoughts into his mouth / head).  As much as some people annoy the CRAP out of my internet experience, the thought of a closed forum does not excite me or make me want to join.

This post is only meant for peaceful and meaningful thought - I'm not trying to stir things up.  I just see things a lot differently than a bunch of you guys.

KILLER!!! I tried it. You can thumbs up your own posts.....

I'm off now to thumbs up all my posts....


Seriously though John - thumbs upping my post is not the same as giving a statements directed towards someone else a thumbs up emoticon..... <<thumbsup>>

Don't know the specifics , but this sounds like the taking my marbles and going home gambit and when people personalize things by choice

Its about the behaviour not the person and i think there is basic discretion that should be sn arbiter for what is and isn't acceptable in a public forum.

I can see your point. BUT, see if I had called you a "shit", that's where things start to get sticky. The word that was used AT John is crossing the line. It's taking on a whole new angle and I can understand him taking offense to that. My point was that rage and anger are inevitable, but in any setting, whether it's on a forum or in public, the people that can't think before they speak are usually either ignored, or end up with a black eye, see my point? 


Just my opinion. 

lolo, it was a combination of the big kahuna/hi end converter threads, i'm glad its over, hopefully we can move on to bigger and better things.

Let me clarify. At no point have I "doubted whether I should have started the forum." That was a rhetorical question: why do I start this forum? Or what was the purpose in starting this forum? So, Bill, this is the way it's going to be. If you have a problem with the rules I have on my forum, you don't have to be here. I'm just amazed that I'm sitting here having this conversation.

OK.  Got it.  I was just reading, so sometimes, MEANING gets lost under the bus.  But also allow me to clarify then.  I never said I have a problem with the rules - rhetorically or otherwise.  At least to the best of my knowledge I don't think I've ever said that.  It does surprise me how many times you tell people (me included) that they (I) can leave if they (I) don't like it when they (I) never said they didn't like the rules.  Isn't that kind of bossy?  You may not mean it that way, but that's how it comes off on this side.  I mean, if I didn't like it here and didn't like the rules, isn't it kind of obvious that I'd either fade away, or just have a big blowup like Jazz and leave, or alternatively been ASKED DIRECTLY to leave due to bad behavior?  How many times do I need to be told I can leave if I don't like it?  Personally, for me, once is enough.  It's even enough when I see someone else be offered the same.  No need to keep saying it over and over IMO.

My overall comments were merely observations about forums in general, this forum specifically, the differences of cultures and personalities and how they play into the interactive picture of what forum life is, and what different people here have said - yourself and myself included in an effort to calm things and get some positive "outside the box" thinking going.  If that's not appreciated, please let me know, cause that's kind of how I am and I don't view it as being an asshole.  Then, if necessary, if you view it as being an asshole, we can add it to the list of rules I need to comply with and / or you can ask me to leave.  <<thumbsup>> :-)  (jeez, I hate talking in the third person....)  :-)

PS - important - I am not the LEAST bit steamed, and I hope you take it in the essence of how it was given - as constructive, not deriding.....<<thumbsup>>