Changes to our board rules

[David Houck]

Changes to our board rules?
(We have rules?)
 
There aren't any; yet.  But there probably will be soon.  But our discussions on these changes are not yet complete, so I'm not going to say anything about it.  Well, I wasn't ...
 
But, I happened upon a thread this evening wherein a heated discussion was taking place that very typically illustrates the lack of civility that a lot of our members have been noticing here over the past year or so.  A significant number of our members have noticed that our board seems to no longer be as civil as it previously had been from its inception.
 
This incivility and disruptive behavior has been seen my many to be damaging to the overall health of our board, our community.  Susan, Mica, and I feel that we need to address these issues, and we've had discussions; but we have not yet completed those discussions.
 
But in light of this recent thread, I'll say this.  Going forward, incivility and disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.  We feel that for the overall good of the community, we can not continue to let disruptive behavior put a damper on the overall spirit of this community.
 
That's all I want to say on this at the moment.

[the_jester]

[moderator's edit: as mentioned above, this type of discourse will not be tolerated.]
 
(Message edited by davehouck on March 08, 2010)

[ajdover]

 
Posted by xxxx on Monday, March 08, 2010 - 6:45 pm:
 
Favorite Blazing Saddle Quotes...
 
People can hide behind a indirect messages and use words like
xigger, and xaggots and everybody laughs! HAA HAAAH AAAAH AAAA!!!!
 
This is where I leave the Alembic.com, I am insulted by the management
for tolerating this kind discussion which could be offensive to
others.
 
My mission is done here...
-
 
Dave - is this the genesis of  the changes?  Not trying to call anyone out here, just trying to understand.
 
Al

[David Houck]

Alan; I haven't read the Blazing Saddles thread.  The thread that got my attention this evening is in the troubleshooting section.  (And by the way, I am very appreciative, and quite moved, that Jimmy posted such a thoughtful comment.)

[slawie]

+1 Dave!
 
There seems to be an element of disrespect between a handful of posters propagating within a couple of threads.
 
There are some Email Etiquette Rules that would well fall
into what may be required here.
 
http://www.cit.griffith.edu.au/~davidt/email_etiquette.htm
 
slawie

[811952]

Dave, you just might be my hero.  
 
Seriously (but Dave still just might be my hero), I love this board and am blessed to call you all family.  As one who does desktop computer support for a living, trust me when I say that a little civility goes a long way even when we are in complete and utter disagreement.  I can't help but think that Paul TBO would have something kind, witty and useful to say about all this.
 
I raise a glass to you all,
John

[jseitang]

here here!!!

[j_gary]

Dave,
 
Normally I bristle at the threat of censorship. I firmly believe in letting a dim bulb show it's wattage. It was a rare occurrence on this site as it's my impression that people who are willing to make the sacrifice to own an Alembic are cut from a similar fabric.  The group seems to be students of the musical art-form, real bassist & guitarists, thoughtful & well read.  
 
As such, the members and you gave posters the benefit of a doubt when they acted a fool. Because of the kind and gentle tone set by you and the membership, the clueless, classless & terminally dim have run roughshod around here on occasion.
 
As of late I have painfully suffered through a number of just plain immature & childish threads involving a seeming small but repetitive cast of characters. I would be grateful if you would hand them a hat and send them to the corner.
 
Just a thought if I may. Instead of removing the thread or post, destroying all evidence of their wondrous abilities, how about another topic title such as The Hell You Say Anytime one of us keyboard warriors gets to feeling too froggy you could have us hop over to The Hell You Say topic. That way we could all see who the real geniuses are. It would be great fun to visit the topic and see some of the work of the dim. Want to bet we shall see the same cast of characters time & time again until they may perhaps get the message. I shall make ever effort to keep my posts from being sent there down to a couple times a month.

[artswork99]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hear,_hear
Thank you Dave

[serialnumber12]

I'll be the first to admit i have said things in the past while buzzing from several Beers so ill apologize to everyone here for being  stupid in that regard.............no more P U I's for me (posting under the influince)

[mike1762]

Everybody remember the LAST big blow-up (Aug 09)  Bob Novy had some insightful comments (edited):
 
...I do not happen to believe that the principle of free speech applies here. You are not simply entitled to say whatever you damn well please: this is a forum for a reasonably focused set of topics and it has its own community standards about appropriate behavior. A second point is that, by definition, an opinion is not something that can be proven! We all have them, yours may well be different than mine, and I might not even comprehend it. But the most I can do is perhaps offer an alternative view while respecting your right to feel as you do... and then move on. What you do not do is start yet another thread insisting that your opinion is the only possible valid one, and challenging anyone to prove you wrong. It's easy to say, why don't we all just try to get along; but in fact, that is not possible when (for some people) getting along with everyone is simply not a priority or consideration. Of course it always takes two, but if you have enough people who simply choose not to let go, then it can get ugly fast, and often.
 
I think this will be a good thing for our community... it is probably a year or so overdue. If inflammatory forum posts is your thing, TalkBass awaits!!!  But even there, threads get killed pretty quickly when things go too far.  I wish the software had a built-in Kill File that could be configured by individual users. That would probably prevent a lot of discord and encourage those seeking confrontation to go elsewhere as it became apparent that their posts were being blocked.

[hydrargyrum]

Things have certainly changed around here, and not for the best.  This has always been the most polite forum on the internet, but there has been a significant level of disrespect among some club members lately.  Typed print can often be a poor excuse for face to face communication in that people tend to read the worst into everything, and respond accordingly.  I apologize if any post of mine was found to be offensive, and as Keavin says, I may have had a beer or two in my time.  For myself, I wish nothing but health, happiness, and possibly patience to us all.

[harald_rost]

A good rule is to think twice before writing instead of writing before thinking (Alcohol and drugs might be dysfunctional for that). Unfortunately it is not verifiable between individuals.  
But I think the Alembic Club is a very good, useful and peaceful board compared to others.
Harald

[jbybj]

Dave, Mica, and the rest,  
 
This forum is often referred to as an extension of the Alembic home. Just as you would ask an unruly guest to leave your house, I for one, encourage you whole heartedly, to ban anyone you want to. Anyone who you feel needs to be tossed.  
 
Don't worry anymore about being fair or accepting. Make this forum what you, (I mean the Alembic family) want.  
 
I know in my home growing up, I was reminded that it was not a democracy in our house, just in our nation.  
 
You don't need to be democratic. Save your forum.
 
And if someone feels wronged? Tough. My 2 cents
 
 
 
Geez, I hope I make the cut.......
 
 
JBY

[tbrannon]

I echo James' sentiments above and apologize for wading into Shoji's LED thread.
 
This is a great forum- it probably needs a bit of pruning and shaping, but the roots are deep and the soil is rich.