A word concerning board friendliness

[JeremyW]

Originally Posted by nolemmings

Censorship is dangerous--I'm not a fan.

I couldn't agree more with this statement. I can understand Leon's point to a certain extent, in that innocent hobbyists shouldn't be harassed on a continuous basis. But, that's not what I've seen on this forum. Generally speaking, the posters/dealers/advertisers/auction houses, etc. that receive the snarky comments are the ones that have the problematic issues that continually need to be addressed in order for the hobby & this network of collectors to move forward in a positive way.

By banning longtime posters that disagree with the owner of the forum, I'm afraid we are falling into the PC, don't hurt anyone's feelings, type of discussions.

This forum is by far the best when it comes to pre-war baseball hobby discussions, but I'm starting to think the banishments have become personal, not professional (business). If I'm not mistaken, this forum used to be a place to discuss all aspects of the baseball collecting world. Then it was turned into a business at some point (which is fine by me), but when it becomes a business, you have to begin to set aside the personal issues. I'm a small business owner & if I started banning all the clients that weren't nice to me or that I didn't like, or that offended me, I would lose a small, but important, part of my clientele.

Jeremy W@goner

[Leon]

Originally Posted by JeremyW

I couldn't agree more with this statement. I can understand Leon's point to a certain extent, in that innocent hobbyists shouldn't be harassed on a continuous basis. But, that's not what I've seen on this forum. Generally speaking, the posters/dealers/advertisers/auction houses, etc. that receive the snarky comments are the ones that have the problematic issues that continually need to be addressed in order for the hobby & this network of collectors to move forward in a positive way.

By banning longtime posters that disagree with the owner of the forum, I'm afraid we are falling into the PC, don't hurt anyone's feelings, type of discussions.

This forum is by far the best when it comes to pre-war baseball hobby discussions, but I'm starting to think the banishments have become personal, not professional (business). If I'm not mistaken, this forum used to be a place to discuss all aspects of the baseball collecting world. Then it was turned into a business at some point (which is fine by me), but when it becomes a business, you have to begin to set aside the personal issues. I'm a small business owner & if I started banning all the clients that weren't nice to me or that I didn't like, or that offended me, I would lose a small, but important, part of my clientele.

Jeremy W@goner

One of the four banned will probably be let back soon if he wants to come back. I probably cast too wide of a net. I have needed to take some steps on the board and the ones recently are good in my opinion. Others will definitely disagree. I also agree that censorship, in general, is not a good thing. However, somtimes when you are part of a community then you have to give up a few rights to be a part of it. One right they had to give up was the act of continuing to badger me. Three of the four were culprits in my opinion. And lastly, this isn't a business it's a job. Trust me. If I take a cut in pay because of my actions I am fine with it.

[JeremyW]

Leon- Were the banishments professional or personal decisions? Honestly speaking, it appears to be a personal thing to me. I might be in the minority here, but banning the guys you did, hurts the forum for me. You might be fine with the pay cut, but eventually it will catch up with you. Again, that's only my opinion. Jeremy

[Leon]

Originally Posted by JeremyW

Leon- Were the banishments professional or personal decisions? Honestly speaking, it appears to be a personal thing to me. I might be in the minority here, but banning the guys you did, hurts the forum for me. You might be fine with the pay cut, but eventually it will catch up with you. Again, that's only my opinion. Jeremy

It was personal in as much as they were badgering me. I am sorry it hurts the forum for you but it will help the forum for others (and me).

[Mikehealer]

Originally Posted by JeremyW

Leon- Were the banishments professional or personal decisions? Honestly speaking, it appears to be a personal thing to me. I might be in the minority here, but banning the guys you did, hurts the forum for me. You might be fine with the pay cut, but eventually it will catch up with you. Again, that's only my opinion. Jeremy

I'm in the minority as well, Jeremy. It hurts the forum for me as well and I bet we are not alone. I thought Jeff and John(not sure who the others banned are) contributed greatly to the board.

[the-illini]

Originally Posted by Mikehealer

I'm in the minority as well, Jeremy. It hurts the forum for me as well and I bet we are not alone. I thought Jeff and John(not sure who the others banned are) contributed greatly to the board.

Same here. I am glad Jeff is back and I hope John returns soon as well.

[Mikehealer]

Originally Posted by the-illini

Same here. I am glad Jeff is back and I hope John returns soon as well.

Maybe the new owners will let him back in.

http://haulsofshame.com/blog/?p=39919#more-39919

[Leon]

Originally Posted by Mikehealer

Maybe the new owners will let him back in.

http://haulsofshame.com/blog/?p=39919#more-39919

Pretty close to the only thing true is he spelled my name correctly.

I have told many close friends there would be some repercussions to the actions that needed to be taken. I will agree that unfortunately it had gotten to be about the money (somewhat) and I didn't take these steps sooner. So far so good.

[frankbmd]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mikehealer View Post
Maybe the new owners will let him back in.

http://haulsofshame.com/blog/?p=39919#more-39919
Pretty close to the only thing true is he spelled my name correctly.

I have told many close friends there would be some rerpercussions to the actions that needed to be taken. So far so good.
__________________

I've been waiting for this to pop up. I saw it late last night. If it is true (and I doubt it), I plan to be selling the Monster Number thread as well. Perhaps as a Live Auction.

Net54 is a zoo of diversity with a common thread tying the animals together. Everyone is free to decide who the rats are. I have been impressed with Leon's tolerance of some of the crap in the past not involving him personally. I also understand to some degree the recent bannings.

None of us are angels, but if the site implodes I fear that more will suffer from the loss than benefit from it, but then again it is only a chat board.

Carry on.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by Leon

One of the four banned will probably be let back soon if he wants to come back. I probably cast too wide of a net. I have needed to take some steps on the board and the ones recently are good in my opinion. Others will definitely disagree. I also agree that censorship, in general, is not a good thing. However, somtimes when you are part of a community then you have to give up a few rights to be a part of it. One right they had to give up was the act of continuing to badger me. Three of the four were culprits in my opinion. And lastly, this isn't a business it's a job. Trust me. If I take a cut in pay because of my actions I am fine with it.

In reflection I don't think Jeff should have been suspended/banned for what he said. He is now back. That being said I still really want the board to be a more friendly place. I will continue to take steps to make that happen.

[gregr2]

Originally Posted by Leon

That being said I still really want the board to be a more friendly place. I will continue to take steps to make that happen.

Agree and thanks.

[ramram]

Leon was not "elected". He can do as he wishes. If people don't like it, they can move on. That's the democratic part of the equation. Leon has shown plenty of restraint through the years but it's time to get the message out that everybody is welcome - just don't start being an a**hole.

Rob M.

[JeremyW]

Rob- I agree with everything you said, besides the democratic part. Leon has shown much restraint, but it's more of a dictatorship than democracy.

[ramram]

Originally Posted by JeremyW

Rob- I agree with everything you said, besides the democratic part. Leon has shown much restraint, but it's more of a dictatorship than democracy.

My subdivision has rules to abide by just like this forum. If you don't abide by those rules you pay the price. It's for the betterment of all that reside within that space. Much like it is here. It's not about being a democracy on here, it's about decency. I've been a member on here for probably 20 years and one of the original "good guys" doesn't even post on here anymore because of the personal abuse. I would rather read his posts all day long rather than reading abusive posts directed at him and others.

Rob M.