A moment of specific appreciation for this forum

[Flick James]

Sometimes I take for granted how exceptional a little community this forum is.

This became apparent on another forum I was on today. I have an interest in Irish traditional music, as I've brought up here before, and there's a site that's devoted to those who play in sessions like I try to do sometimes. I got into a spirited debate with a fellow about our differing perceptions of trad music. He being in Ireland and me being in the U.S., he felt it necessary to point out that my not being from there means that I lacked some understanding of the music that he had. This kind of cultural exclusionism is not uncommon, but I took exception to his comments, in an assertive but in a manner very respectful to the music and to his opinion. I even had a couple of others, one from Ireland, supporting me. Anyway, the guy that I was debating with wasn't upset with me, nor I with him, and we soon found common ground and got a handle on our mininterpretations of what the other was saying, and all was good. In general everybody involved in the discussion seemed to come to an understanding that was refreshing, as oftentimes the discussions on that board get overrun by salty old curmudgeons, which I actually quite enjoy much of the time.

Then I logged in a little later and saw that some of the content, much of it mine, was deleted from the thread, presumably by the moderator. I was a little upset. Most of the content deleted had to do with my experiences in Ireland, and measured, never disrespectful responses to his comments about my not being from there, while his were kept in. I'll live, but it did get on my nerves. This spirited discussion was censored, and I was the primary censoree.

To make a long story short, I was reminded what a great thing we've got going here. Andrew has the coolness to let discussions happen, and only steps in to lock a thread if things get out of hand, but he never deletes content that I can remember. I appreciate that I can post my sometimes abrasive comments and opinions, others can post theirs, and we don't get treated like children from the moderators.

Just wanted to show some heartfelt appreciation for this forum.

Carry on.

[Kaseykockroach]

Out of all the six forums I regularly visit, this is the only one where I don't feel like an idiot after browsing. :D

[indianasmith]

I could not agree more.  There is an incredible diversity of opinion here, but an atmosphere of respect and affection that make it a safe place to air almost any opinion.  Other than the occasional misfit or troll who muddies the water, all us regulars seem to get along OK, even when we could not disagree more!

Thank you Andrew!

[Flick James]

I enjoy this site for a couple of key reasons.

A) The members just kind of do what they do. Occasionally, egos may get bruised, feelings hurt a little, and sensibilities offended, but mostly it all works itself out.

B) Andrew just kind of lets these things happen, and gives the trolls and idiots enough rope to hang themselves, and rarely seems to find the need to lock a thread, and most importantly to me, he doesn't edit the content. What was said was what was said.

The latter was what bothered me about this other experience. The moderator took it upon himself to take a knee-jerk reaction to some mild toying with cultural lines, and edit out what he thought was offensive. Nobody involved in the debate, from what I could see, had the slightest problem with it. Yet, the moderator felt inclined to delete content on a forum where the discussions disappear off the first page within a day much of the time.

[claws]

There is an incredible diversity of opinion here

Especially when it comes to movies. How many times my head exploded Scanners style I do not know. I'm not saying this in a negative way. It's just something I have never experienced at any other forum before. And I've been posting online for 10 years.

This is the only movie forum out of many that I visit, where Off Topic, games and Miscellaneous stuff seems to get more attention than movies. Because of that I have been subconsciously posting more in off topic while I find myself saving most of my movie related posts for other message boards. Not doing this intentionally, I'm only adjusting accordingly I guess.

This is the only movie forum out of many with a ridiculous amount of "appreciation" threads. I'm not a fan of appreciation threads when they focus on specific persons. That to me is just another form of segregation, unfair and a slap in the face to others simply because they haven't reached a certain level of "appreciation" yet.
Besides that and the occasional over sharing I have no issues with badmovies.org. A fun place to hang out 

[The Burgomaster]

In general, I only contribute to 2 forums: this one and Board Game Geek.  However, I don't really "know" anyone in the Board Game Geek forums.  I go there mostly to read about various games and ask questions about game rules when the rule book is unclear.  I don't really "hang around" in there like I do here.  (Maybe "hang around" isn't accurate . . . I "lurk.")  I may not always agree with all of you, but I respect your opinions and I think you have a lot of interesting things to say.  I hope I get to meet some of you in person some day.  I'll buy the first round of beers.   

[tracy]

I have been a member of many forums,most of which have pretty much imploded under the weight of political debates or bad feelings. I like this forum very much because I can enjoy the discussions without anyone jumping all over me for my views. Granted,nothing I think is particularly controversial but some I've talked to take every little thing too dang seriously. As I have told many folks,I come online to have some fun and join others....not to delve deeply into all the latest news and trouble. I love a spirited and intelligent discussion...plus there is a nice sense of humor here which I like. Thanks for having me.

[Mr. DS]

I disagree with Flick, you're all a bunch of a***oles...










nah just kidding, this place is cool.   

[Flick James]

True, but the site is first-rate despite this.

[HappyGilmore]

Overall, I can't think of any specific problems on this site with any particular poster since I've begun coming here.  Other forums I've gone to in the past, I noticed a tendency to see a lot of fights and such break out.  Even though I particularly wasn't involved in them, it took away from some of the fun and I'd not go back for a couple weeks. 

[RCMerchant]

This place is a life line for me. I love you all.
When I went to rehab-you were there. .went to jail-you guys were there. My wife dies. You guys were my life line. I love you all. My BEST freinds. How you put up with my s**t-I dunno.