I'm a little late, but I'll weigh in since I posted there as well.
To be honest, if it doesn't have anything to do with my car, I usually don't even read the thread. I was a day or two late in finding the dark side, and wondered what Logan was thinking. When he 'outed' me, I realized what he was doing, and thought my experience could help. I edit/moderate a board based souly on political discussion, and I know that is one topic that gets people riled up. All one has to do is challenge another's opinion. If that opinion is based on the opinions of others the person is unable to logically defend their position; anger, name calling and eventually threats to one's person ensues. I know that is exactally the type of discussion Logan, Mary and Dan try to avoid here, because it can only lead to bad places. Sometimes those threats are carried through in the real world. It's happened to me, which is why I write under a pseudonym. MM.net is the only place on the Internet where I've given my first name, and my personal information is available from Mary's list. Hopefully, that shows the trust I feel for this community.
As for 'the experiment', I don't think it's valid to call it 'scientific'. It wasn't meant to be. It was a 'Lord of The Flies' scenario, meant to show people what would really happen if left without rules. I think it was stunning, and disappointing at the same time. It certainally makes me appreciate what the moderators put up with (being there myself) and how their efforts have built this community. It distressed me to see the personal attacks on them. From what I can tell from reading their posts , they are warm, intellegent people who only want to do good. They didn't deserve that. Same goes for Dennis, Lido, Sarge, and anyone else I missed. They've spent their money, and documented processes for us out of the kindness of their hearts at no cost to us, to make the Marauder community better. I've read so much on transmissions, engines, forced air systems etc. that I couldn't possibly have learned anywhere for the price. Dissing' them in print is just wrong.
Well, no regrets. I said what I said. I didn't try to tick anyone off, and not call them down. Nothing I wouldn't have said on this side of the line, excluding that the subject matter isn't permitted. If I did manage to tick anyone off, well, chalk it up to the passion involved in discussing politics, and accept my regets. Your politics is different than mine and is different from most everone elses. It was only my intention to have a discussion with a different crowd on a subject which stirs me, and in which I am versed. It was also my intention to show people how quickly the subject of politics degenerates onto name calling and physical threats, once the advantage of seeing the body cues you miss in a person are removed; when all you can see is their written word. I'm certain many hard feelings have arisen because one cannot hear the intonnation of voice or playful look in the eyes.
Having participated in many on-line communities since the BBS days, I'd also like to make an observation. Whether a total lack of politeness is a reflection of our society or the lack of basic manners in society is a reflection of an increasingly impersonal on-line 'social communities'; there is a disturbing trend that I find was amplified in TheDarkSide. People think that relative anonymity and large distances allows them to be outwardly rude or hostile to others, and what's worse is; those people that are proud of their rudeness! It's just wrong. My 2 cents.
Thanks again to the people who put their skull sweat and time into making this a wonderful community.
And, thanks for reading my rant.
it would never run the same. OK nuff said keep it real and many more good times to come.:beer: P.S. the haters:banned: .
