High Number Of CEHST Participants Leaving The Forum

[Torete 121]

I disagree respectfully.

I'm not sure, but I think I was the first black/Muslim liberal thinking poster in this forum. When I started posting back in 2013 here, it was pretty rough, but I didn't feel like I couldn't fit in. The only thing missing was being gay, I would have been the trifecta. Considering I embody at least 2 things that some people abhor and was able to give as much as I took, it can't be that bad here.

Thank you for being respectful...otherwise I'd have to report you...sarcasm included free of charge.

At least you'll admit that it "was pretty rough", but I don't think it's a matter of "fitting in". If by fitting in you mean it might have been difficult because you identify by being a black/Muslim liberal, it would only bolster my argument (IMO) that long-time posters aren't welcoming. What the hell does your race, being a Muslim, or being liberal have to do with having an opposing argument or opinion dismissed out of hand?

I suppose it's only bad here as much as one makes it. As for me, the constant bickering comments aren't enjoyable.

Edited October 14, 2015 by Torete

[GandD 5,966]

I counted 10 "long-time" posters...based on my observations of posts/threads in the CEHST. Same people as always posting, maybe a couple of "new posters" but nothing to boast about.

As for myself, and IMO, (which I should be entitled to) it's extremely difficult to break into this forum and the obvious cliques don't make it conducive or a newbie to want to post. Long-time posters being dismissive, derisive, unable to appreciate other points of view, beating down those "new posters" to the point of submission eventually leading to "what the hell, why do I try". Non-specific phalluses here.

Rarely do I post or even view here any longer because of that. Most unwelcoming forum IMO.

Its most likely because everyone assumes new posters are a sock puppet with a new persona. We (the mod team) are usually on top of that but no one thinks we are. Which leads to us moderating other people for badgering new people. Which makes them think we're protecting people something. I think its just natural for people to assume "the man" is out to get them. And there is tons and tons of completely off base assuming around here. But what are you going to do? People will believe us or not.

Edited October 14, 2015 by GandD

[Torete 121]

One should ask themselves, "Would I act this way, talk this way" if I were in a room with a complete stranger trying to conduct a conversation in an adult-like manner?

I'd like to believe, "I think not".

[Torete 121]

Its most likely because everyone assumes new posters are a sock puppet with a new persona. We (the mod team) are usually on top of that but no one thinks we are. Which leads to us moderating other people for badgering new people. Which makes them think we're protecting people something. I think its just natural for people to assume "the man" is out to get them. And there is tons and tons of completely off base assuming around here. But what are you going to do? People will believe us or not.

Fair enough, but you know what they say about assuming right? I think it would be good to give the "new posters" some latitude and let their persona come out in due time rather than pigeon-holing them as a sock puppet off the bat....not saying YOU do that.

Tons of assuming? The amount is astronomical!

I don't have the answer to the original question, because, well here I am in the forum.

[GandD 5,966]

G. has had to take off long stretches of time because of work demands. Others of us have filled in. If there are complaints or questions, by all means PM the mod involved.

For the record, I've frequently sought second or third mod opinions before taking action in this forum.

Yes, this is true and I apologize for my disappearance. I don't think this is likely to change. My day time life is a disaster right now. Business is really good in the industry which means I get my butt kicked pretty much everyday. I'm not sure what my future is here TBH but its clear that I have not been an effective moderator here as of late. For that I apologize as well. Not looking for pats on the back or anything but I haven't really given you guys (outside of the mod team) a heads up.

[GandD 5,966]

Fair enough, but you know what they say about assuming right? I think it would be good to give the "new posters" some latitude and let their persona come out in due time rather than pigeon-holing them as a sock puppet off the bat....not saying YOU do that.

Tons of assuming? The amount is astronomical!

I don't have the answer to the original question, because, well here I am in the forum.

Like I said, we do take action if we see it. But its usually retroactive. And sometimes the damage is done.

Now would be a good time for us as a group to highly encourage the new and let the old hate go. The posters here have to drive this change. The mod team can only help keep the car between the lines so to speak.

[Torete 121]

Like I said, we do take action if we see it. But its usually retroactive. And sometimes the damage is done.

Now would be a good time for us as a group to highly encourage the new and let the old hate go. The posters here have to drive this change. The mod team can only help keep the car between the lines so to speak.

You are correct sir or maam. I agree with you. However, I believe that it needs to start with the long-time posters/members first. Let them take that first step, let them set a new tone and at least try, because perhaps new posters will want to post/participate.

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

I disagree respectfully.

I'm not sure, but I think I was the first black/Muslim liberal thinking poster in this forum. When I started posting back in 2013 here, it was pretty rough, but I didn't feel like I couldn't fit in. The only thing missing was being gay, I would have been the trifecta. Considering I embody at least 2 things that some people abhor and was able to give as much as I took, it can't be that bad here.

I didn't start posting in Off Topic (precursor to P&R, which itself was the precursor to CE&HST) until the summer of 2010 on a regular basis. I was TERRIFIED of some of the people in here. I got bashed about a bit and thoroughly hazed. Being the most visible feminist in what's primarily a sausagefest (especially these days) wasn't always fun. Until it was fun. Now it's not fun again, but in a different way. We don't cover much beyond racism and guns, and often the intersection of the two, and it's frankly a bore. Topics not on these grounds are often ignored. It's frustrating. Maybe I'm a hypocrite and not doing enough in posting new topics, but I'm busy as hell at the moment (work/school) and pretty much all I can manage is a one-liner or two. And maybe a pizza cat gif.

[Torete 121]

Sausagefest...nice touch.

Another honest comment...terrified. That says a lot doesn't it?

Think about how a new poster might feel...much like you did back when you joined at the turn of the century.

Edited October 14, 2015 by Torete

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

Sausagefest...nice touch.

Another honest comment...terrified. That says a lot doesn't it?

Think about how a new poster might feel...much like you did back when you joined at the turn of the century.

Last touch was a low blow. I see you are learning our ways.

[Torete 121]

Last touch was a low blow. I see you are learning our ways.

:-)

[Rob L 3,811]

I didn't start posting in Off Topic (precursor to P&R, which itself was the precursor to CE&HST) until the summer of 2010 on a regular basis. I was TERRIFIED of some of the people in here. I got bashed about a bit and thoroughly hazed. Being the most visible feminist in what's primarily a sausagefest (especially these days) wasn't always fun. Until it was fun. Now it's not fun again, but in a different way. We don't cover much beyond racism and guns, and often the intersection of the two, and it's frankly a bore. Topics not on these grounds are often ignored. It's frustrating. Maybe I'm a hypocrite and not doing enough in posting new topics, but I'm busy as hell at the moment (work/school) and pretty much all I can manage is a one-liner or two. And maybe a pizza cat gif.

[We Keep Receipts 9,238]

Thank you for being respectful...otherwise I'd have to report you...sarcasm included free of charge.

At least you'll admit that it "was pretty rough", but I don't think it's a matter of "fitting in". If by fitting in you mean it might have been difficult because you identify by being a black/Muslim liberal, it would only bolster my argument (IMO) that long-time posters aren't welcoming. What the hell does your race, being a Muslim, or being liberal have to do with having an opposing argument or opinion dismissed out of hand?

I suppose it's only bad here as much as one makes it. As for me, the constant bickering comments aren't enjoyable.

A lot. Some people here when they can't win the argument, they attack the person, not the subject. Can't tell you how many acid throwing, suicide bomber, rap videos, and acceptance of the N-word I had to sift through just for making a coherent point. Same thing with folks who weren't American born.

As for Killary, I suspect being a strong woman made her a target as well. I've noticed that with the ladies here. Penny, Val, Novembro, and Harpa all had their share of attacks for just being women.

[decocker 7,198]

Its most likely because everyone assumes new posters are a sock puppet with a new persona. We (the mod team) are usually on top of that but no one thinks we are. Which leads to us moderating other people for badgering new people. Which makes them think we're protecting people something. I think its just natural for people to assume "the man" is out to get them. And there is tons and tons of completely off base assuming around here. But what are you going to do? People will believe us or not.

this is 99.9% me.

Sausagefest...nice touch.

Another honest comment...terrified. That says a lot doesn't it?

Think about how a new poster might feel...much like you did back when you joined at the turn of the century.

i was terrified too, but terrified means something a bit different when posting on the internet.

any new poster joining in a forum with history is going to be intimidated.

[Torete 121]

A lot. Some people here when they can't win the argument, they attack the person, not the subject. Can't tell you how many acid throwing, suicide bomber, rap videos, and acceptance of the N-word I had to sift through just for making a coherent point. Same thing with folks who weren't American born.

As for Killary, I suspect being a strong woman made her a target as well. I've noticed that with the ladies here. Penny, Val, Novembro, and Harpa all had their share of attacks for just being women.

Yeah I hear you. I probably should have said it shouldn't matter instead. That's part of what I don't get. The goal shouldn't be to "win the argument", rather it should simply be an exchange of opposing viewpoints and input. It's what drives good conversations. You're right, I've seen it all too often...member ABC just has to win the argument. It cuts both ways though.

IF, and a big IF, even IF I didn't like black people, liberals, Muslims or any other class one wishes to latch onto, that doesn't mean I or you have to be anything less than respectful with one another. Your sifting I fear is just one outfall of the state of society.

this is 99.9% me.

i was terrified too, but terrified means something a bit different when posting on the internet.

any new poster joining in a forum with history is going to be intimidated.

It DOESN'T have to be that way. But, I still agree with your assessment.

Edited October 14, 2015 by Torete