My opinion

[Rubellan]

[quote][i]Originally posted by eight6[/i]

No shit! Well, I guess that blows holes in this quote:

"I just believe in having a bit more class when stating my opinions" - Spaz 2006

[/quote]

...which is exactly why I referenced it.

[i_like_lectric_motors]

[quote][i]Originally posted by Frank_Chickens[/i]
<br>[quote][i]Originally posted by eight6[/i]

Frank:

I think you're right about reading that here, but I'm fairly certain it was in relation to a discussion about Soulseek. You can ignore posts/msg's from selected users on Soulseek, but I don't think we have that ability here. Boy, I'd be on a lot of lists...

BTW: Thanks for the note above...I was hoping I wasn't the only one to notice.
[/quote]


Thanks for the clarification on the matter. I knew read it on here but didn't realise it was about something else. Something tells me I'll be on a lot of lists as well..

You're welcome. It's good to know someone else saw this as well.


--

"As chairman of the Cradle of Filth fanclub I'm the most insensitive man in Britain, but even I can see there's tension there"

[/quote]

Damn. No blocking option? Oh well ... no harm, no foul Frank. I guess we only get to be on meaningless, impotent lists. It's all so Buscemi in Billy Madisonesque. [:D]

[Bitter Almonds]

That's IT! You're all going on my block list![}:)] No Special People's Club privileges for YOUS!

[NuWaveRx]

I'm late in posting here, but what the hell....

I am the first to admit that I am the antithesis of "internet-hip", so when it come to posting here I try to follow three simple rules.

1. Before posting--especially in response to someone's view that I may disagree with--I ask myself: would I reply using the same words in a face-to-face encounter? I've said before that the anonymity of the internet seems to give some people a kind of carte blanche to say all sorts of rude or obnoxious comments that most social mores (or the fear of getting one's ass kicked) would prevent from seeing the light of day in a "live" discussion. We shouldn't require the mods here to develop a social "manual" on discourse. I would assume we are all old enough to have developed that on our own. Does this mean that one cannot state a differing opinion or enter into a polemic or dispute about a subject? Nonsense! I have debates and arguments all the time with my friends and relatives. (insert zinger HERE!) They can get heated, yet rarely do they dissolve into name calling. I see no reason why 'net discourse cannot be civil.

2. Keep in mind that this mode of communication does not allow for body language, intonations, etc, etc. I use them, but agree that emoticons are a poor substitute. Sarcasm seems to come across with significant difficulty for some without the "alerts" others have posted above. I try to take a moment to check my posts to see if things may be taken in a way I had not intended. Doesn't always work, of course, but I try.

3. The reverse is true of #2. Just because I interpret a message a certain way does not mean that was the intended meaning. Instead of immediately getting pissed, I try to see if I am the one taking things out of context or in a way not intended. I try to not take things personally in a knee-jerk reaction if at all possible. It is, after all, just another person's opinion (one out of six billion). It's not possible (nor desirable) to have everyone agree with everything you say or do. Doesn't make my opinion any better or worse, just different. Again, it doesn't always work but I try.

Spaz, for what its worth, I agree with your plea for civility. It's obvious you have a wealth of knowledge on music and NW, and I hope you stick around for as long as you like.

[Bitter Almonds]

Spaz's opinions are fine with me... as long as they're not made into board rules. One thing I really despise is when rules are made according to an arbitrary sense of "respect". The best way to respect someone anonymously is to let them be honest and speak their mind. Tact is something I reserve for family, friends, colleagues and my boss, and the police[8D]

[Frau_Blucher]

[quote][i]Originally posted by XXX[/i]
<br>Spaz's opinions are fine with me... as long as they're not made into board rules. One thing I really despise is when rules are made according to an arbitrary sense of "respect". The best way to respect someone anonymously is to let them be honest and speak their mind. Tact is something I reserve for family, friends, colleagues and my boss, and the police[8D]
[/quote]
Respectfully...that is bullshit. The site owner and general consensus of members should be fully able to demand some level of general decorum, outside the circle of people you give a damn about. I treat strangers with respect. I don't shit on them for being outside some circle. Now, I'm not talking about this thread or what led up to this thread...it's frankly not nearly as big a deal as what we've seen in the past.

But at some level, there HAS to be a disallowal of harassing, stalking, constant badgering, bullying beyond the casual mutual barbs, etc..."speaking your mind" or no. There SHOULD be an effort to at least be civil. Yeah, we'll all get into an escalated dust-up, but I doubt people want that to be the norm. Speaking your mind consistently like a prick shouldn't allow you to defend yourself saying "I was just speaking my mind". There's gotta be SOME balance, right? Otherwise, the place turns to shit with only the immature social cretins left behind. And don't go crying "PC" either...we're adults who can tell the difference between that and common decency. MikeP can take his "laiszez faire" principal to whatever degree he wants. The fact is however, laissezz faire has been allowed to prosper because of the general atmosphere of respect that the membership has all established, despite the occasional rancor.

AND I'm not sure if most of the members even remember that it wasn't always total laissez faire. Very early on, there was what we'd now consider a pretty mild dismissal by one member of another over the size of their music offerings (LOL...but true). Man, Mike locked the thread and shut down the whole damn site for a day - came back with stern warnings that disrespect will not be tolerated. Guess what? That helped set a standard for future mutual respect. Some ground rules allow the apparent laissez faire to happen - I hope MikeP and the members haven't forgotten that.

[Crimsor]

Does anyone know who sings this song? It goes "Stay, the second time around"!

[i_like_lectric_motors]

My opinion (from someone who seems to piss people off yet for some reason RARELY gets told so directly:
-----------
I'd just like to invite everyone over to my house for some massive bong hits because anyone who takes any of this shit seriously just needs to mellow the fuck out and get a sense of humor. Laugh a little - it's good for you. Since that seems to be unlikely, try addressing the people with whom you have a problem with directly instead of posting these seemingly monthly "STATE OF THE NWO ADDRESS"es. Spaz, I am talking about far more here than just your post. This shit really does happen so often you could almost flip your calendar to it. We should just get a bot to post the exact same cliched buzzphrases on the first of every month.

It's always "everyone's opinion is equal" - "opinions are like assholes" - "everyone deserves respect" etc. etc. etc. Well, just like assholes, some opinions are better maintained and don't smell as bad as others. Everyone's opinions are NOT equal. Some are simply ridiculous. If you have to demand respect, you're not worthy of respect to begin with.

If anyone thinks it's hypocritical that I am making a blanket statement like the above .. whatever. I don't care. It's hard to name names when it's sometimes impossible to know who's who and what's what around here. If I could, I would. The people I've had a problem with on here always know about it. If reading this pisses you off, I mean you. Big time. If it doesn't, then I don't. I've never seen so much passive-aggressive bullshit in my life. There is so much whining and complaining behind the scenes around here that it's just unbelievable and even when it becomes public, it's posted as an indirect shot at somebody else. Some of you know what I'm talking about, a lot of you don't. Far too many people on this site are the type of people who would call the cops on their neighbors for being too loud without even having the guts (and common decency)to knock on his door first and ask him to keep the noise down. That's a childish and cowardly way for "adults" to live. I'd rather be thought of as immature for calling the occasional dumbass a dumbass than go through life spineless and humorless.

I'll close with the ultimate cliche - the "it's just my opinion, take it for what it's worth" disclaimer. And yes, I would most definitely say any of this directly to the face(s) of anyone on this board. And before anyone tries to say "but Motors you fuckstain, you just said that anyone who takes any of this shit seriously just need to mellow the fuck out and get a sense of humor", know that I'm still laughing and always will be (it's what I do). So what if sometimes it's at you instead of with you? Better add a smiley here. [:D]

Peace out.

[Bitter Almonds]

[quote][i]Originally posted by Blir[/i]
<br>[quote][i]Originally posted by XXX[/i]
<br>Spaz's opinions are fine with me... as long as they're not made into board rules. One thing I really despise is when rules are made according to an arbitrary sense of "respect". The best way to respect someone anonymously is to let them be honest and speak their mind. Tact is something I reserve for family, friends, colleagues and my boss, and the police[8D]
[/quote]
Respectfully...that is bullshit. The site owner and general consensus of members should be fully able to demand some level of general decorum, outside the circle of people you give a damn about. I treat strangers with respect. I don't shit on them for being outside some circle. Now, I'm not talking about this thread or what led up to this thread...it's frankly not nearly as big a deal as what we've seen in the past.

But at some level, there HAS to be a disallowal of harassing, stalking, constant badgering, bullying beyond the casual mutual barbs, etc..."speaking your mind" or no. There SHOULD be an effort to at least be civil. Yeah, we'll all get into an escalated dust-up, but I doubt people want that to be the norm. Speaking your mind consistently like a prick shouldn't allow you to defend yourself saying "I was just speaking my mind". There's gotta be SOME balance, right? Otherwise, the place turns to shit with only the immature social cretins left behind. And don't go crying "PC" either...we're adults who can tell the difference between that and common decency. MikeP can take his "laiszez faire" principal to whatever degree he wants. The fact is however, laissezz faire has been allowed to prosper because of the general atmosphere of respect that the membership has all established, despite the occasional rancor.

AND I'm not sure if most of the members even remember that it wasn't always total laissez faire. Very early on, there was what we'd now consider a pretty mild dismissal by one member of another over the size of their music offerings (LOL...but true). Man, Mike locked the thread and shut down the whole damn site for a day - came back with stern warnings that disrespect will not be tolerated. Guess what? That helped set a standard for future mutual respect. Some ground rules allow the apparent laissez faire to happen - I hope MikeP and the members haven't forgotten that.
[/quote]

Hey, as long as these opinions are not turned into rules...

[Frau_Blucher]

[quote][i]Originally posted by XXX[/i]
<br>Hey, as long as these opinions are not turned into rules...
[/quote]
Heh. Good point...what you said to begin with. My bad. [:I]

And Motors...where? Just where is all this stuff happening behind the scenes and how do you know about it if it's behind the scenes?! What if you're not told directly because it's not directed at you and because your opinions really don't matter?! Have you considered that you're sense of self-import has just run amok? [}:)]

Um...like mine?! [B)]

I hope it's clear BTW that I'm referring to GENERAL DECORUM and not overly PC restrictiveness or absolute equality and kid gloves even for the consistently idiotic posts and posters...which I'm too respectful of course to name. [:o)] Hell, those deserve to draw some ire.

But something rational in the middle for chrissakes. Moderation! I think Motors yourself once said that if you or some others of us exposed our completely unfiltered selves onto the NWO, the place would explode. And I don't mean to say that I don't think it's moderate around here...it really is most of the time. Sorry, my opinionated ass always gets sucked into these things. [V]

Let's see, where could I have used more emoticons...

And why am I referencing "my ass" and "suck" in the same sentence, exposing myself to ridiculing wordplay...

[i_like_lectric_motors]

[quote][i]Originally posted by Blir[/i]

And Motors...where? Just where is all this stuff happening behind the scenes and how do you know about it if it's behind the scenes?! What if you're not told directly because it's not directed at you and because your opinions really don't matter?! Have you considered that you're sense of self-import has just run amok? [}:)]

Um...like mine?! [B)]

[/quote]

Those would all be really good points had they come from someone who doesn't know exactly what I'm talking about. [;)]

Thanks for your concern for my sense of self-importance but it's right where it should be. To have anything less than a high opinion of myself would only be dishonest. [:D]

[/quote]
[quote]
I hope it's clear BTW that I'm referring to GENERAL DECORUM and not overly PC restrictiveness or absolute equality and kid gloves even for the consistently idiotic posts and posters...which I'm too respectful of course to name. [:o)] Hell, those deserve to draw some ire.

But something rational in the middle for chrissakes. Moderation! I think Motors yourself once said that if you or some others of us exposed our completely unfiltered selves onto the NWO, the place would explode. And I don't mean to say that I don't think it's moderate around here...it really is most of the time. Sorry, my opinionated ass always gets sucked into these things. [V]
[/quote]

I get what you're saying but being rational just ain't all that much fun sometimes. For some of us, the people here are even more entertaining than the music. For better or worse. I just hate to see any attempt to stifle that. Of course I agree that shit like the t-shirt and the posting of Soss' personal info is the exception. Barring those two instances, trying to tell anyone how to act is censorship, no matter how it's cloaked.

You remembered my quote about being unfiltered[8D]. Yeah, I did say that [:D]. But the only reason I do censor myself here is because it has always totally been my choice what I do and don't say and I have never had a post removed or edited by a mod. I have never even reached 10% of my true offensiveness potential on here and probably never will .... unless others keep up with this "I deserve respect" bullshit.
[quote]

Let's see, where could I have used more emoticons...

And why am I referencing "my ass" and "suck" in the same sentence, exposing myself to ridiculing wordplay...

[/quote]

Ridiculing wordplay? Not from me. [:D]

[MARV]

[quote][i]Originally posted by i_like_lectric_motors[/i]
<br>I'd just like to invite everyone over to my house for some massive bong hits because anyone who takes any of this shit seriously just needs to mellow the fuck out and get a sense of humor.[/quote]

Hey Motors, I could'nt give the steam off my piss on a cold day for these complaint threads but could I get a couple of hits anyway? [:D]

[quote].....try addressing the people with whom you have a problem with directly instead of posting these seemingly monthly "STATE OF THE NWO ADDRESS"es.[/quote]

Wow, what a novel idea, going straight to the source of your ire, handling it in an unembarassing way and not letting your dirty laundry out for the whole community to see! I did'nt think I'd contribute any more to this discussion beyond my initial post but why not drive home some common sense?

Really, these sort of threads have been popping up on a regular basis and if it's any consolation to you Motors, and anyone else whom they annoy, just try to rememeber that there will always be complainers, people who think that their "hurt" is just so important and that leading lost crusades will truly change the status quo. That's what I tell myself, anyway.

I say leave these threads be. The less people care about them, the less they'll show up. Just imagine...what if no one replied...at all! What a message THAT would have sent! Us mods find them to be a bit of a bore, honestly. Some of the retorts are entertaining sure, and it's fun to see how different people think - no doubt about that. But as I said before, as on your side of the screen, so on these forums. People's situations are a direct result of how they manage themselves (why this logic escapes some people simply escapes [i]me[/i]) and all of us being so different, it's simply insane to demand others to behave the way you want them to. As in life, social forces will dictate the dynamics of a group. Should I begin naming those who are no longer here? This group being as diverse as it is, having brought us together from all over the country and beyond, is going to get some of the most diometrically opposed opinions ever - and some of the most unexpected opinions in return. Pardon me for quoting from the book of cliches again but, "If you can't take the heat....." well you all know the rest. Those that stay, I'm going to assume get enjoyment out of this place. But if it's really that bad, why stay? And if you're going to leave, why make a big deal of it? And if you want to take a break, who gives a shit?

edit: Oh, and hey, Motors, Eight 6 and anyone else who at least has an opinion on the state of the Obscure 80's Forum: The place was policed rather lazily. And even I've been guilty of posting non NW or maybe even non rare NW material. All that's over. Just try to remember that none of us are doing the Mod thing as a full time / paid / full benefits career so we may not notice everything or respond with expedience as we do carry on with a pretty full life in the physical world. So if you could maybe please let us know via e-mail about certain links you find questionable, we'd greatly appreciate the help [;)]

And I hope everyone's noticed that the mandate of the Obscure 80's Forum has been spelled out even more straightfowardly under it's designation on the forum page. We hear you loud and clear NWO, and the problem is being addressed.

<a href="http://www.worldwildlife.org/cetaceans/index.cfm">I dig whales.</a>

[eight6]

[quote][i]Originally posted by marvymarv[/i]

edit: Oh, and hey, Motors, Eight 6 and anyone else who at least has an opinion on the state of the Obscure 80's Forum: The place was policed rather lazily. And even I've been guilty of posting non NW or maybe even non rare NW material. All that's over. Just try to remember that none of us are doing the Mod thing as a full time / paid / full benefits career so we may not notice everything or respond with expedience as we do carry on with a pretty full life in the physical world. So if you could maybe please let us know via e-mail about certain links you find questionable, we'd greatly appreciate the help [;)]

And I hope everyone's noticed that the mandate of the Obscure 80's Forum has been spelled out even more straightfowardly under it's designation on the forum page. We hear you loud and clear NWO, and the problem is being addressed.

<a href="http://www.worldwildlife.org/cetaceans/index.cfm">I dig whales.</a>
[/quote]


Marv:

I understand. At least some of us have the conviction to try to protect what we see as a valuable online music commodity. I've contributed a lot of stuff to this site...if it is to become another Paula Abdrool distribution point, fair enough, I'll take my leave with no tears. But I won't go without at least putting up a fight.


*edit* I've had a few, hopefully I still make sense.



<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v647/dbince/eight.gif"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v647/dbince/number6.gif">

[MARV]

[quote][i]Originally posted by eight6[/i]
<br>Marv:

I understand. At least some of us have the conviction to try to protect what we see as a valuable online music commodity. I've contributed a lot of stuff to this site...if it is to become another Paula Abdrool distribution point, fair enough, I'll take my leave with no tears. But I won't go without at least putting up a fight.


*edit* I've had a few, hopefully I still make sense.[/quote]

Total sense. It is indeed a most very valuable commodity and in no small part to your contributions. I know for a fact what an archive of [i]rare and out of print New Wave music[/i] you have. Believe me, posts like yours will not get lost in a shuffle of Paula Abduls, Michael Smiths, Phil Vassars or Daniel Beddingfields. And I will personally do everything in my power to not allow the New Wave Oupost to go the way of the dinosaurs because of blatant indiscretions. Rare and out of print NW is the DNA of the New Wave Outpost and that's what we have to remember.

<a href="http://www.worldwildlife.org/cetaceans/index.cfm">I dig whales.</a>

[tiger_mn]

[quote][i]Originally posted by marvymarv[/i]

Believe me, posts like yours will not get lost in a shuffle of Paula Abduls, Michael Smiths, Phil Vassars or Daniel Beddingfields.
[/quote]

Yeah, but hate6 is soooo mean.

Does this mean that skank Natasha Beddingfield is fair game? [:o)]