The state of the ME/NA forum

[Ban Hammer 13,282]

Perhaps remove the united part?

And stop trying to cause trouble

good point, it's certainly not united. unless one wants to take that as sarcasm

[Veiled Princess 1]

I think a good start to getting the MENA forum back to the way it used to be would be moving these threads that get out of hand to off-topic.

That's a good idea.... it's like telling trouble makers

[babybunny 2]

I am extending the olive branch here. I would like to say sorry for any ill will. although somethings are said mostly because, sometimes when backed in a corner you have to defend yourself. at the sametime its not nice to be pushed in that same corner. so starting here. shonnie is comming with a sincere heart. and publicly appoligzing. take it for what its worh or not. I think we all have said things on how we feel were we stand on issues and what not. I think there are no secrets its all old dubage. moving forward- turning the page. once again sorry to each one of you..-good day. shonnie..

[Ban Hammer 13,282]

I am extending the olive branch here. I would like to say sorry for any ill will. although somethings are said mostly because, sometimes when backed in a corner you have to defend yourself. at the sametime its not nice to be pushed in that same corner. so starting here. shonnie is comming with a sincere heart. and publicly appoligzing. take it for what its worh or not. I think we all have said things on how we feel were we stand on issues and what not. I think there are no secrets its all old dubage. moving forward- turning the page. once again sorry to each one of you..-good day. shonnie..

who are you and what did you do with shon?

jk

[amal 4]

I am extending the olive branch here. I would like to say sorry for any ill will. although somethings are said mostly because, sometimes when backed in a corner you have to defend yourself. at the sametime its not nice to be pushed in that same corner. so starting here. shonnie is comming with a sincere heart. and publicly appoligzing. take it for what its worh or not. I think we all have said things on how we feel were we stand on issues and what not. I think there are no secrets its all old dubage. moving forward- turning the page. once again sorry to each one of you..-good day. shonnie..

now if everyone could just follow suit things might ease up 'round here...maybe this will be the beginning of a new trend.....

[moroccogirlny 100]

I am extending the olive branch here. I would like to say sorry for any ill will. although somethings are said mostly because, sometimes when backed in a corner you have to defend yourself. at the sametime its not nice to be pushed in that same corner. so starting here. shonnie is comming with a sincere heart. and publicly appoligzing. take it for what its worh or not. I think we all have said things on how we feel were we stand on issues and what not. I think there are no secrets its all old dubage. moving forward- turning the page. once again sorry to each one of you..-good day. shonnie..

Very nice of you Shon

Jean, well done! That's why I have not posted on VJ in so long. As you can see what happened with my last thread.

Leila

[LaL 418]

I think a good start to getting the MENA forum back to the way it used to be would be moving these threads that get out of hand to off-topic.

but isn't that like dumping our shiznit into another forum? I would suggest IGNORING as much as possible. I am taking my own advice and hope to improve the situation in my own small way. I guess just be responsible.

[sarah and hicham 3]

draaaaaama

[Jenn! 918]

I think a good start to getting the MENA forum back to the way it used to be would be moving these threads that get out of hand to off-topic.

but isn't that like dumping our shiznit into another forum? I would suggest IGNORING as much as possible. I am taking my own advice and hope to improve the situation in my own small way. I guess just be responsible.

Yes, I see your point. But why should threads that are really not relevant to the MENA forum, and are rather just personal attacks between members really be in the MENA forum? It is not really "our shiznit" when it's only a few members that are stirring things up. If this sort of thing were in OT, each member really would be responsible for herself without dragging the whole MENA forum down with her.

I am extending the olive branch here. I would like to say sorry for any ill will. although somethings are said mostly because, sometimes when backed in a corner you have to defend yourself. at the sametime its not nice to be pushed in that same corner. so starting here. shonnie is comming with a sincere heart. and publicly appoligzing. take it for what its worh or not. I think we all have said things on how we feel were we stand on issues and what not. I think there are no secrets its all old dubage. moving forward- turning the page. once again sorry to each one of you..-good day. shonnie..

This is definitely a step in the right direction for the whole forum. Thanks, Shon.

[Veiled Princess 1]

but isn't that like dumping our shiznit into another forum? I would suggest IGNORING as much as possible. I am taking my own advice and hope to improve the situation in my own small way. I guess just be responsible.

Yes the ignore feature is rather handy

Edited September 9, 2006 by Veiled Princess

[LaL 418]

Yes, I see your point. But why should threads that are really not relevant to the MENA forum, and are rather just personal attacks between members really be in the MENA forum? It is not really "our shiznit" when it's only a few members that are stirring things up. If this sort of thing were in OT, each member really would be responsible for herself without dragging the whole MENA forum down with her.

I guess I was trying to *own* the problem by calling it our shiznit. Most have participated, myself certainly included. Just because now many of us agree, this is a problem to be dealt with, does not mean we can just remove the issue from where its housed. If members want to battle it out and its crossing the line, report it, and ignore it. It will eventually die itself out if we pay it no mind. The members who continue to act and react in the childish way will isolate themselves.

[Jenn! 918]

Yes, I see your point. But why should threads that are really not relevant to the MENA forum, and are rather just personal attacks between members really be in the MENA forum? It is not really "our shiznit" when it's only a few members that are stirring things up. If this sort of thing were in OT, each member really would be responsible for herself without dragging the whole MENA forum down with her.

I guess I was trying to *own* the problem by calling it our shiznit. Most have participated, myself certainly included. Just because now many of us agree, this is a problem to be dealt with, does not mean we can just remove the issue from where its housed. If members want to battle it out and its crossing the line, report it, and ignore it. It will eventually die itself out if we pay it no mind. The members who continue to act and react in the childish way will isolate themselves.

You're right. I've participated as well, and I wouldn't want to try to claim that it's only a few that have spoiled it for the rest of us. We do have to own this problem.

On the other hand, I think many of the wars here have been exacerbated by non-MENA members that have participated in the threads as well. These threads may start off as MENA-specific, but turn into train wrecks that no longer have anything to do with the intended use of the MENA forum.

ETA: I suppose I don't have three hands, but on the other hand. I see what you're getting at. If MENA members "take back" the forum, there will be no reason for the "outsiders" to come in, because it would prove to be pretty boring for them.

Edited September 9, 2006 by jenn3539

[Together4ever 1]

Perhaps remove the united part?

And stop trying to cause trouble

good point, it's certainly not united. unless one wants to take that as sarcasm

Charles, you're a funny guy. I've seen your posts around VJ. I think this is one case where it would be really cool if we could let this take a positive turn and let some healing happen. There were a lot of friendships here, a lot of sharing and caring that has been shredded and I know many have expressed to me privately that they would love to see this heal. Maybe can we just tone the "ha has" for awhile and let the dust settle. There have been some people really hurt by this. I will continue to enjoy your antics in other threads though. Please don't misunderstand where I'm coming from. These ladies mean a lot to each other. Well, most of them anyway. Just thinking salt in the wounds right now might not be a great idea. Or... I could just be poking my nose where it doesn't belong.

Edited September 9, 2006 by just_waiting

[Veiled Princess 1]

Yes, I see your point. But why should threads that are really not relevant to the MENA forum, and are rather just personal attacks between members really be in the MENA forum? It is not really "our shiznit" when it's only a few members that are stirring things up. If this sort of thing were in OT, each member really would be responsible for herself without dragging the whole MENA forum down with her.

I guess I was trying to *own* the problem by calling it our shiznit. Most have participated, myself certainly included. Just because now many of us agree, this is a problem to be dealt with, does not mean we can just remove the issue from where its housed. If members want to battle it out and its crossing the line, report it, and ignore it. It will eventually die itself out if we pay it no mind. The members who continue to act and react in the childish way will isolate themselves.

You're right. I've participated as well, and I wouldn't want to try to claim that it's only a few that have spoiled it for the rest of us. We do have to own this problem.

On the other hand, I think many of the wars here have been exacerbated by non-MENA members that have participated in the threads as well. These threads may start off as MENA-specific, but turn into train wrecks that no longer have anything to do with the intended use of the MENA forum.

ETA: I suppose I don't have three hands, but on the other hand. I see what you're getting at. If MENA members "take back" the forum, there will be no reason for the "outsiders" to come in, because it would prove to be pretty boring for them.

The offer was extended at one point to require a password of some sort to access this section in an attempt to restrict access to those who just want to cause trouble and it was rejected... let's not complain about others coming in now....

[Welshcookie 17]

I am extending the olive branch here. I would like to say sorry for any ill will. although somethings are said mostly because, sometimes when backed in a corner you have to defend yourself. at the sametime its not nice to be pushed in that same corner. so starting here. shonnie is comming with a sincere heart. and publicly appoligzing. take it for what its worh or not. I think we all have said things on how we feel were we stand on issues and what not. I think there are no secrets its all old dubage. moving forward- turning the page. once again sorry to each one of you..-good day. shonnie..

Nice post Shonnie

Good luck with getting your forum the way you wish it to be ladies