Topic ID 1799
I am new to this forum, and I thought it would be good place to have discussion and debate on issues affecting the community. However, the moderator appears insistent on enforcing his views over what is moralistically correct on those who post. A forum is just that - a forum for discussion. Of course, people who feel strongly about issues may become more emotive when expressing their opinion. This is healthy debate that should be encouraged. This country's government is built upon such debate. Obviously racism, homophobia and slander should be clamped down upon. Yet there are many posts on here where the moderator becomes overly zealous in terms of what should and should not be said. You don't see the speaker in parliament shutting down the debate whenever Cameron insults Blair do you? So therefore please Mr Moderator, let the debate run, and don't get all powerful about the fact that you control the server. You aren't the restaurant manager at McDonalds you know.
Reply ID 22525
I suggest that you, as a starting member should have respect for our Adminstrator. He owns and runs this forum for us, at NO COST to members. Those longer serving members respect his decisions and attempt to adhere the terms and conditions of membership which each of us accepted on joining the forum. If you do not like the way the forum is moderated, don't post!
Reply ID 22526
I suggest that you, as a 'senior member', get down off your high horse.
Reply ID 22528
I posted a topic like this as a new member on Ware Online but it was the tone of posts I questioned. Admin will never please all the people all the time but if a post sails close to the wind despite it being true to the posters feelings they have to step in. We are guests on their site(s)...try the mad.com football forums, there's swearing and insults all over the place. Not a place for the faint hearted.
Reply ID 22529
Nothing like a fiesty new member to spice things up!, me thinks unfortunately his login days are numbered thou...
Reply ID 22530
Check out barbel.co.uk - fishy smells and worn out tackle all over the place
Reply ID 22531
quote:or he may be a troll.
Originally posted by Frenchie
Nothing like a fiesty new member to spice things up!, me thinks unfortunately his login days are numbered thou...
Reply ID 22532
My days are numbered - thats the point. I will be deleted as I do not conform to this forums sense of normality, and left marooned in the information super highway, devoid of a sense of place, away from the town I love. Buried alive... Buried alive...
Reply ID 22533
I happen to agree with stu. This forum can sometimes feel a liitle controlling, almost like the first days of school when you find out how far you can 'push' the teacher. It means that an informed opinion or slightly critical point gives you detention (or at least the threat of it). I sometimes feel like I have joined a group of Zombie's on their slow march for food. Brains, Brains, Brrrraaaiiiins....
Reply ID 22537
quote:Ha ha ha, hilarious Geeky! [:D]
Originally posted by Geek
I happen to agree with stu. This forum can sometimes feel a liitle controlling, almost like the first days of school when you find out how far you can 'push' the teacher. It means that an informed opinion or slightly critical point gives you detention (or at least the threat of it). I sometimes feel like I have joined a group of Zombie's on their slow march for food. Brains, Brains, Brrrraaaiiiins....
Reply ID 22547
quote:Hear, hear.
Originally posted by Rooster
I suggest that you, as a starting member should have respect for our Adminstrator. He owns and runs this forum for us, at NO COST to members. Those longer serving members respect his decisions and attempt to adhere the terms and conditions of membership which each of us accepted on joining the forum. If you do not like the way the forum is moderated, don't post!
Reply ID 22552
quote:Stu - you can be as emotive as you like about the topic! Its when things get personal or off-topic that the moderator steps in, and so he should otherwise this becomes no more than a chat room. This forum is about Hertford, and postings should be about Hertford not about particular members of the forum. And if you don't like it, you don't have to log on.
However, the moderator appears insistent on enforcing his views over what is moralistically correct on those who post. A forum is just that - a forum for discussion. Of course, people who feel strongly about issues may become more emotive when expressing their opinion.
Reply ID 22556
quote:I personally agree with Stu. He has not been rascist, abusive or obdurate. Admin seems to CONTROL our views by warning us that her sentiments are the token value here. I fully appreciate that someone, somewhere, has to fund this site but you cannot have the word 'forum' at the top of this page unless people can be allowed to express their views. There is no reason in 21st Century Tory Run Local Government East Herts Area (phew!) that people are not allowed to express their opinion. Or is the Bliar rule of dictatorship running this lovely site as well....? Time will tell... Check my new post on Community.
Originally posted by Bengeobabequote:Stu - you can be as emotive as you like about the topic! Its when things get personal or off-topic that the moderator steps in, and so he should otherwise this becomes no more than a chat room. This forum is about Hertford, and postings should be about Hertford not about particular members of the forum. And if you don't like it, you don't have to log on.
However, the moderator appears insistent on enforcing his views over what is moralistically correct on those who post. A forum is just that - a forum for discussion. Of course, people who feel strongly about issues may become more emotive when expressing their opinion.
Reply ID 22557
Stu - You should have read the terms and conditions when you joined the site, you are a Guest. As Rooster pointed out this site is owned and managed by 'our' moderator who has an unenviable task. Quite franky, there is no room in this place for you.
Reply ID 22558
quote:But I don't think he offended anyone Piglet, did he? Please post here if he did.
Originally posted by Capitalist piglet
Stu - You should have read the terms and conditions when you joined the site, you are a Guest. As Rooster pointed out this site is owned and managed by 'our' moderator who has an unenviable task. Quite franky, there is no room in this place for you.
Reply ID 22559
quote:Quick point Bengeo girl. Panshanger House? Is that in Hertford?
Originally posted by Bengeobabequote:Stu - you can be as emotive as you like about the topic! Its when things get personal or off-topic that the moderator steps in, and so he should otherwise this becomes no more than a chat room. This forum is about Hertford, and postings should be about Hertford not about particular members of the forum. And if you don't like it, you don't have to log on.
However, the moderator appears insistent on enforcing his views over what is moralistically correct on those who post. A forum is just that - a forum for discussion. Of course, people who feel strongly about issues may become more emotive when expressing their opinion.
Reply ID 22560
quote:Apologies, too late to delete it - Mrs CP didn't realise Mr CP had logged into her PC. Any comments should be directed at me. They can be through the posting as I am not revealing who I am in another life. Not because I regret the posting - just for those that don't know don't need to.........
Originally posted by James007quote:But I don't think he offended anyone Piglet, did he? Please post here if he did.
Originally posted by Capitalist piglet
Stu - You should have read the terms and conditions when you joined the site, you are a Guest. As Rooster pointed out this site is owned and managed by 'our' moderator who has an unenviable task. Quite franky, there is no room in this place for you.
Reply ID 22561
quote:
Originally posted by Capitalist pigletquote:??? [?] Apologies, too late to delete it - Mrs CP didn't realise Mr CP had logged into her PC. Any comments should be directed at me. They can be through the posting as I am not revealing who I am in another life. Not because I regret the posting - just for those that don't know don't need to.........
Originally posted by James007quote:But I don't think he offended anyone Piglet, did he? Please post here if he did.
Originally posted by Capitalist piglet
Stu - You should have read the terms and conditions when you joined the site, you are a Guest. As Rooster pointed out this site is owned and managed by 'our' moderator who has an unenviable task. Quite franky, there is no room in this place for you.
Reply ID 22565
Comments like "Typical American" is very stereotypical and could be viewed as offensive,possibly racist. Like the many clubs & societies in Hertford, there are rules which members are expected to abide by, if they dont they can be asked to leave. As has been pointed out the site is run and paid for by Admin and he has every right to set the rules.
Reply ID 22567
Let's just take a look at Stu's record. His very first post started "I find it incredible at the level of stupidity exhibited on here". He then refers elsewhere to another member as a "typical American". Not exactly courteous in either case. When his attention is drawn to this, his response is to be flippant. And this in just 10 posts.
Reply ID 22579
quote:Some people might see this as not so much opinion as bigotry. It certainly comes across as disrepectful, especially as there are no other remarks to put it in to context. In addition to being disrepectful it also adds nothing to the discussion. As a post, it is worthy of removal on both counts. Eveyone who is a member here is expected to show respect and courtesy to fellow members. It is a shame that a number of people who have joined recently do not appear to feel bound by good manners or respect.
Originally posted by James007
He has an opinion as we all do.
Reply ID 22580
quote:I don't know and i don't care what your colour, nationality & sexuality is. I think the least we can do if someone posts looking for information is to treat them with respect and help if we can, we forget that although this a forum for one town it can be viewed worldwide....what impression do some of the comments give to us as a town and Nation ?
Originally posted by James007 Question for you: Am I white, English and gay? Answer please.
Reply ID 22591
err... a white, middle class conservative town - that enjoys the gripes of its local newspaper, and thats populated by social activists who have nothing better to do than write letters of objection to their neighbours planning applications?
Reply ID 22594
Yes Stu, I am white. So What? But I am neither middle class nor conservative. Did you swallow a dictionary this morning or do you really undertsnad what you have written? I get on very well with my neighbours thanks but if people object to building works that their neighbour is planning, then if justifiable, that is fine with me. The same across the whole of the country. What is your definition of a social activist or is it something you found in a book that you felt interesting to use? Don't make sweeping stereotypical generalisations if you really understand what you have said.
Reply ID 22597
quote:Both you and Stu seem like trolls to me. <shrug>
Originally posted by James007 Question for you: Am I white, English and gay? Answer please.
Reply ID 22598
quote:I'm sure there's more than just me that would second that.
Originally posted by ian.ballquote:Both you and Stu seem like trolls to me. <shrug>
Originally posted by James007 Question for you: Am I white, English and gay? Answer please.
Reply ID 22599
quote:Me for one
I'm sure there's more than just me that would second that.
Reply ID 22603
Yeah - and me.
Reply ID 22606
What's a troll?
Reply ID 22607
quote:"Trolling is going onto a board for the sole purpose of starting trouble or instigating an argument" http://www.hertford.net/yoursay/policy.asp
Originally posted by Ewoowar
What's a troll?
Reply ID 22612
stu, are you about 7 years old?! if you want a chat room, go find one, there's plenty about
Reply ID 22674
Hello all. New poster but long time reader. Stu is a breath of fresh air. We should be encouraging all members of the community to join and express their views. Is this not what community involvement is about, and is this not a community forum? "Moral indignation is jealousy with a halo." - H. G. Wells (1866-1946)
Reply ID 22684
What 'views' do you think Stu is expressing? Through his few posts, all he appears to have done is insult and belittle. How exactly is that a 'breath of fresh air'?
Reply ID 22685
carlos, you're stu aren't you!
Reply ID 22700
I don't know if it's the temperature or something in the local water but there seems to have been a lot of overly aggressive, inflamatory or rude postings recently by members old and new. The very nature of a forum about local topics is that it will touch a nerve somewhere with someone - noticeably the off-topic subjects were all quite good natured discussions - and all of us tend to forget that even though we know we are right, we cannot always get others to understand that. Admin does a good job of keeping us in check when it gets out of hand and he lays down the rules when we join.
Reply ID 22784
quote:I can't see anywhere where stu has insulted and belittled, not unless you're a particularly sensitive soul. How can you be belittled by someone hiding behind an anomous persona on an internet forum? Heaven help you in the real world [:p] People should be able to express themselves without the moderator stepping in. In my opionion the moderator on this site has gone too far for this to be considered a COMMUNITY forum. It's hardly representitive of the community if people like Stu are banned. Even those who can't spell properly are discouraged to participate: http://www.hertford.net/yoursay/topic.php?id=1681 . Its unbelievable really. Perhaps they'd be better off expressing themselves by pushing shopping trolleys into the River Lea. My point is that this is a herford community forum, and the community is made up of all sorts of interesting people, people like Stu. And no, I'm not stu [:D]
Originally posted by Joby
What 'views' do you think Stu is expressing? Through his few posts, all he appears to have done is insult and belittle. How exactly is that a 'breath of fresh air'?
Reply ID 22792
Carlos, you are insensitive yourself. If you are referring to Jayzee about spelling, then get a life. The geezer is dyslexic. Engage brain before opening mouth.
Reply ID 22805
I would have to admit, from an outsiders point of view, the forum could wrongly be viewed as a bit of closed shop, or gang. Another problem seems to be understanding. A youth may be far more outspoken than an older member. Yet the older member many view them as rude. Neither are wrong, just different in view. But often it is the youth who is expected to pull back into line.
Reply ID 22807
quote:Actually, I think that you have misunderstood Carlos. He is not complaining about posts from people with poor spelling or punctation but rather complaining about people who do complain about those posts?
Originally posted by Wrapper
Carlos, you are insensitive yourself. If you are referring to Jayzee about spelling, then get a life. The geezer is dyslexic. Engage brain before opening mouth.
Reply ID 22851
Thanks Dude and Deveraux. Dude, it’s quite right what you say about the youth and older member generational gap. That is probably part of the problem. Nevertheless, we clearly have a range of people in the Hertford community, be that a range in age or otherwise, and it would be nice to see this forum open to them all. I imagine that it’s probably one of the few theatres where some parts of the community do interact with others, so we’re bound to get this conflict – but that’s a good thing. We should be encouraging people to take an interest, not banning them. Bring back stu! As for Wrapper… engage brain before opening mouth indeed.
Reply ID 22858
Is that an admission of guilt then Carlos?
Reply ID 22975
quote:Ah, no. You missed the point. Have another read, then engage your brain.
Originally posted by Wrapper
Is that an admission of guilt then Carlos?
Reply ID 23078
I'm just jealous. All you old hands seem to know how to include original quotes and smilies all over the place, whereas I struggle just to type. I want some! Go on, how do you operate this thing? I must admit that I entered this forum, guns blazing and I am amazed I wasn't sanctioned. Many are prompted to join because something angers them, I'm sure. I'm also sure good moderation is what allows some to calm down and become valued contributors and those that can't, to be removed and not clog up the posts with offensive insults. As for age differences, they say middle age is the time when a broad mind and a narrow waist change places, but bigotry is bigotry at any age.
Reply ID 23083
I like Stu. This is the first thread I have read on here that has had me truely chuckling. Bring him back - he was a breath of fresh air. I also agree with a lot said on this thread. I too am a newbie and this forum does seem a bit cliquey. Is doesn't seem very youthful either. Lots of mention of ale, loud rc planes and people posting threads on the thunderstorm the night before...yawn. It's great for asking questions about the area and things to do as I have found out as a newbie. So cheers on that note. I would like to feel like I could contribute more to the threads but being new there's always someone else with more knowledge. Admin, I must admint I feel you moderate a bit too much. For a forum which isn't very youthful (from my observations - correct me if I;m wrong) there seems to be a need to edit posts a bit too much if you ask me. I find it a bit "can't do this, can't say that". But, overall I still enjoy the site (don't ban me!!!)
Reply ID 23094
quote:Hi Shunt See those two little bits above the post you wish to quote that look like word doc icons? Click on the one on the right to reply with the original message as a quote within your reply Regards!
Originally posted by shunt
I'm just jealous. All you old hands seem to know how to include original quotes and smilies all over the place, whereas I struggle just to type. I want some! Go on, how do you operate this thing? I must admit that I entered this forum, guns blazing and I am amazed I wasn't sanctioned. Many are prompted to join because something angers them, I'm sure. I'm also sure good moderation is what allows some to calm down and become valued contributors and those that can't, to be removed and not clog up the posts with offensive insults. As for age differences, they say middle age is the time when a broad mind and a narrow waist change places, but bigotry is bigotry at any age.
Reply ID 23100
quote:Thanks [:)]
Originally posted by Deverauxquote:Hi Shunt See those two little bits above the post you wish to quote that look like word doc icons? Click on the one on the right to reply with the original message as a quote within your reply Regards!
Originally posted by shunt
I'm just jealous. All you old hands seem to know how to include original quotes and smilies all over the place, whereas I struggle just to type. I want some! Go on, how do you operate this thing? I must admit that I entered this forum, guns blazing and I am amazed I wasn't sanctioned. Many are prompted to join because something angers them, I'm sure. I'm also sure good moderation is what allows some to calm down and become valued contributors and those that can't, to be removed and not clog up the posts with offensive insults. As for age differences, they say middle age is the time when a broad mind and a narrow waist change places, but bigotry is bigotry at any age.
Reply ID 23449
quote:Surely carlos was defending jazee's position. At least that's how I read it. Having similar difficulties myself, maybe I read it wrong.
Originally posted by Wrapper
Carlos, you are insensitive yourself. If you are referring to Jayzee about spelling, then get a life. The geezer is dyslexic. Engage brain before opening mouth.
Reply ID 23533
I apologise to Carlos as you are right Shunt, he was not having a pop.
Reply ID 25023
I think you are all lovely. Bring the cuddles back to forums, that's what I say. Although this is the first time I've said it and don't want you to think this is personal consitution thingy. Ooh I've gone all bashful.
Reply ID 25035
quote:[?] Perhaps you need a lozenge?
Originally posted by Ian Ozenthroat
I think you are all lovely. Bring the cuddles back to forums, that's what I say. Although this is the first time I've said it and don't want you to think this is personal consitution thingy. Ooh I've gone all bashful.
Reply ID 25038
Despite my best efforts of diffidence and gibberish, you've correctly sensed that I'm needy of something (mushrooms/punch in the face/combination of both) I should probably ask whether you are qualified to give medical advice? It doesn't matter if you're not, it's just that I'm doing a survey.
Reply ID 25204
Admin - this person is openly referring to illegal drugs on this site, which is completely unacceptable. Please can you ban him.
Reply ID 25257
quote:What??!!
Originally posted by carlos
Admin - this person is openly referring to illegal drugs on this site, which is completely unacceptable. Please can you ban him.
Reply ID 25380
What do you mean what? The guy said he's needy of something, then refers to mushrooms. I know a lot of people are out of touch with the youth of today on this site, but he's not referring to closed cap tesco jobs. It's 'Magic Mushrooms', the psychadelic stimulant. Is that really acceptable on here, a public 'community' forum? I've seen people on here get banned for less. It's disgusting that drug condonment should be advertised on a site where young children can potentially come to learn about how suburban middle class householders view the world.
Reply ID 25382
Sorry I forgot, your not allowed to log on unless you have either a work address or an internet service providers address. I doubt a youngling would have either. Therefore they are mainly excluded I can imagine - a bit like the skate park saga really!
Reply ID 25392
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Reply ID 25445
Good for you Carlos. Hertford's youth needs protecting from the pernicious influence of people like this Ian Ozenthroat fella and his threatening references to 'mushrooms'. I feel better in the knowledge that there are enlightened people like you out there tempering the moral tone. Must go - got books to burn.