What's happened with moderators since my last 2007 presence here?

[Robert Tilden]

This forum is what it is because of the moderation, not in spite of it.

And anyone who mentions the comfy chair torture is okay in my books! It was unexpected...

Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition! "Hm! She is made of harder stuff! Cardinal Fang! Fetch...THE COMFY CHAIR!"

[Kevin J. Kolosky]

I suspect you fail to understand the subtle nuances of language in my post.

Here's what it said to Kevin Kolosky, broken down into individual thoughts:

• I respect your right to post your opinion in the thread.
• I disagree with and have no respect for the specific opinion you've posted about actions the moderators are taking concerning the thread's subject.

It's very important that I used bold italics for "what" and you quoted me making the larger phrase bold italics. My construction, in a very civil manner that didn't attack Kevin personally, communicated that I have no respect for and disagree with the opinion he presented about the moderators' decision. That's a very different thing than saying I don't respect him or his right to post that opinion.



The reason nobody came to Kevin's defense is because he insistently posted that the forum should change to be what he wants it to be, not what the owner and moderators want it to be. This forum is a private venue, where there is no freedom of speech, whether you, Kevin or anyone else thinks otherwise. If the moderators determine that certain things violate the rules and posting them will lead to being "escorted out the door," they're perfectly correct and within their rights to do that escorting. Kevin's persistent failure to accept the rules is disrespectful behavior. It was his lack of respect for the forum community and the rules that prompted me to keep posting. I stand by everything I wrote in that thread -- if Kevin, you or anyone else feels so strongly that the anarchy of an unmoderated forum is preferable, feel free to go start one of your own.

Boy, how did I miss all of these people talking about me?

I accept the rules. If I did not I would have, I assume, been kicked off the site. Rather, I disagree with the rules, which I do not see as disrespectful.

I notice that a V Bulletin license can be had for under $400.00. Besides the license, what else does one need for a forum like this one. I would imagine a server or two, and some storage space. What else? How much would it cost per month? Perhaps if there were enough members here who would rather participate in a rule free forum, and who would contribute to that goal, we could get one started.

[Sal Santamaura]

...Perhaps if there were enough members here who would rather participate in a rule free forum, and who would contribute to that goal, we could get one started.

If there are other members here who would embrace your anarchy forum (can't title it with any specific subject like photography, since there would be no rules), I encourage their contributions to you and migration there ASAP.

[Kevin J. Kolosky]

I didn't ask for your assessment or encouragement, neither of which is needed. I asked what it cost.

[hoffner]

A good question, Kevin and entirely valid. Hopefully as a member you will not become a victim of intimidation and the thread that of a wrong interpretation.

[Brian Ellis]

Oh please, these moderator complaints are so tiresome. In the last year or two there have been page after page of complaints like this. Let it go. The forum is what it is. It costs nothing to join and nothing to leave. If you like the forum then participate. If you don't then don't. If you have complaints with the moderators take them up with the moderators.

[Preston]

I agree with Brian.

--P

[Kevin J. Kolosky]

Oh please, these complaints against people who complain about moderators are getting tireseom, and especially when the person isn't complaining about the moderators.

I am not complaining about the moderators, and I am not complaining about the site. I love this site, and I have admiration for the moderators (their photographic work). They do their job, just like a police officer does her job.

I just think that a "FORUM" is a place where all people should be heard. Moreover, I think that this philosophy is misunderstood.
I am not for "anarchy" as some have accused. Have you gone to a high school debate lately? Both teams argue vigorously against the other. But nobody ever takes an argument and turns it into a personal ad hominem attack. When they are done they shake hands and say congratulations.
I am for a place where everyone can have their opinion heard, and where everyone respects everyone else.

Of course the comeback to that is: "we have tried that but due to some "bad" people it won't work and therefore we have to have rules". And that is where I differ in my opinion. I would much rather see a free flow of ideas than stifle them, even if it means putting up with something that might be distasteful. Just like I would rather see 100 murderers go free than execute 1 innocent man.

Why? Because even objective rules are enforced subjectively.

[Sal Santamaura]

I didn't ask for your assessment or encouragement, neither of which is needed...

I didn't see anyone ask for your questions. Nonetheless, they were asked/presented here. My responses assessing your proposed anarchy forum and providing encouragement to establish it will similarly continue to be presented here, whether you think you need them or not.

...I asked what it cost.

Perhaps a venue devoted to the establishment and running of Internet forums might be good place to obtain an answer. This forum is, after all, dedicated to large format photography.

[Kevin J. Kolosky]

And my response is that even though I don't like what you say (subjective, others might like it), I will say "congratulations", because you got to say what you wanted to say. After all, this part of the forum is the "feedback" forum.