New House Rules?

[txpharoah]

Pharoah, I missed something in your last. Green and wet? Would that be Corpus Christi area, wet, or way North, most likely green? Or, maybe, you have to go East to get green. And I know Texas up, down abd sideways. I've read every Louis L'amour book ever written. Louis wouldn't have fabricated anything, would he?

Pretty much everything on the east half of the state is green and sections here and there are covered in lakes (including "south" to Houston and Corpus and the "north" to Dallas as well as "east" to Tyler and Nacogdoches where the shuttle broke up - which I heard and saw that morning). I live in one of these "green and wet" areas. Desert is to the west and panhandle. Even much of the south toward Mexico is known as "the valley" and known for its citrus fruits, so not dry there either.

I don't mind too much that every movie/cartoon draws us out to be cowboys that ride horses and live in a desert overrun by Mexicans and Indians. California people drive fancy cars and surf all day. And Florida is just old people and Cubans. Canadian are all Dudley Do-Rights. Etc. Etc.

[Karate Media]

I think two basic points are being overlooked:

1) Baldrick has posted General Rules that state " [do not] post any abusive, obscene, vulgar, slanderous, hateful, threatening, sexually-orientated or any other material that may violate any applicable laws."

2) Vitualis created a "Report problem posts" thread that asks members to report posts that do not abide by Baldrick's General Rules (among other things).

I assume that Baldrick and Vitualis understand that some of these concepts are subjective (eg, obscenity) and that members will interpret them in their own way. So all of this talk about 191 countries, Freedom of Speech, whiner-bashing, etc., has absolutely no point. There are rules set down and the mods have asked us to help uphold these rules, despite their inherent subjectivity. Case Closed.


BTW -- I haven't thought about Leisure Suit Larry in years! Hahahahaha! Thanks for the memory, TX



...


uh...not that I would ever play a game like that! What a vile concept!

[Karate Media]

Oh, and I also wanted to reiterate that (from my POV) most of the people complaining about having to wade through OT posts to find valid DVD/VCD posts were talking about the period of time when OT posts showed up on the front page. I don't think anyone here is looking for bitrate answers in the OT forum.

I like the OT section, but I support the decision to banish it once more from the front page.

And I also think that TX is right -- professionals would be far more likely to go to a forum like dv.com, where there seems to be mostly professional talk going on, no obvious boobie jokes, and little flaming (less than you find here). Like it or not, boobie jokes are unprofessional and will keep some pros from participating.

[gmatov]

Karate,
Agreed.
Baldrick has posted the no-nos.
Abusive: I agree. But if someone busts your chops, you bust him back. You don't cry "He badmouthed me, ban him."
Obscene: Obscenity is in the eye of the beholder. There are some jurisdictions that tell you "This is dirty", even tho' you might think it is "mildly racy". So,should we go with the most restrictive jurisdiction?? I think we should be able to shut down the entire internet if we go by those rules.
Vulgar: Scatology? Wow, you want to shut it down, don't you?
Slanderous: I haven't seen too many posts saying so and so sucks, with names.
Threatening: There are not too many of us who are close enough to feel threatened. txpharoah said if I was down there I might get my butt kicked, but he didn't say I'm gonna send a Texan up there to kick your butt. So, threats might not be a large problem.
Sexually oriented:" What,you are asexual? Sex does more or less sdrive the whole human race. I mean, an amoeba has no other thing in "mind" except to procreate.
As far as violating "applicable" laws, I don't know which applicable laws we could be violating. I mean, this site is dedicated to circumventing Macrovision, DeCSS, rips, duping your own DVDs as backups, etc All these things are, according to "them", illegal.
There is a link at the end of each post that asks you to report this, that, or the other. True. But, I don't think that Baldrick meant for it to be used every time some one said some thing that you didn't like.
I shall reiterate. If you find something offensive, go to the next topic. I almost said go away, but that COULD be interpreted as abusive.
And, just because the Mods have asked you to help/report problem posts, it does not mean that every post you have a problem with is worthy of banishment.
We nevert, never, never, say "Case closed." You must be either 12 years old or a devout Catholic to use that term. (Baldrick: If this violates the religion thing, sorry.) The case is never closed. There is always another viewpoint. Jeez, there are over 100 people released from Death Row, due to DNA analysis, who were to be executed. And you say "Case closed."? Shees, thiink a little, fella. Grow up!

[gmatov]

Boobie jokes? You mean like natural protuberances on the50% of the population that have them? You do have a problem. I would report it if I were you. I think most of the Mods are flat chested, so they will probably commiserate.. Then again, they might not.
This, in particular, annoys me, as my youngest is giving me my first natural grandchild in about 3 weeks, and plans to breast feed (and for any ******* to make jokes about that, tell me where you live, I'll come whoop your butt, if you are close enough.) THIS IS NOT A THREAT, Baldrick, it's a joke.

[txpharoah]

As long as they don't go too far overboard. Some of the things have been a bit TOO risque in the past.

Boobie jokes? ... my youngest ... plans to breast feed (and for any ******* to make jokes about that, tell me where you live, I'll come whoop your butt, if you are close enough.)

Now that's funny. And it wasn't tacky. It didn't need to be to make it funny.

And I live in Texas. Nope, not a counter-threat either! :P

People don't need to be so insulting or obnoxious in off-topic with posts that speak of public urination and masturbation information. Right now I think of it as little more than a sespool of immature junk. So I don't go there. It was only a problem on the front page. It's fine now. Baldrick made a good, respectable business decision.

[Karate Media]

Jeez, there are over 100 people released from Death Row, due to DNA analysis, who were to be executed. And you say "Case closed."? Shees, thiink a little, fella. Grow up!

What the hell is your point? All I was saying was that the person who runs this site has set down rules and the people appointed as mods have asked members to report posters who break these rules.

I specifically stated that the terms used by Baldrick (eg, "obscenity") were subjective (either read my posts in their entirety or get a dictionary), and therefore subject to personal definition. You simply reiterated what I stated in a few sentences, but dragged it out and pointed it at me, as though I was trying to lay down the rules. I'm not. I'm just pointing out that someone already has and that he runs this site -- he has the last word, not you or me. And that is the "case" that is "closed." If Baldrick doesn't want people complaining, then he will close the "Report problem posts and members" thread.

If you had actually read this whole thread, you would have seen a post of mine earlier that stated that I don't care what people talk about -- certainly I'm not out judging what is obscene and what is not. (And "boobie jokes" just means "sophomoric humor" -- like posing polls about masturbation -- but based on your own sophomoric response to my simple post, I wouldn't expect you to understand)

Wait, you know, I was going to try to finish writing a nice rebuttal, but you are not worth it. I made some very clear, concise statements and you decided to turn it into what seems to be a personal attack on me. That makes me wonder how old you are. Certainly, your lack of forethought in responding to my innocuous post shows you to be quite immature, regardless of your physical age.

[mats.hogberg]

Well, mods - another interesting thread turned into a mud slinging contest. Time to shut it down, I'd think...

/Mats

[gmatov]

Mats.,
I don't think it should be shut down. I've seen worse than this in other threads. I do agree it should remain off the front page. If you have to hunt for this thread, then there should be no reason to whine that you don't like what you see and read. There are a few ON the front page that I haven't even clicked on, the subject matter being what I, subjectively, find inappropriate. Anyone else wants to read it, feel free. No skin off my nose.

Karate thinks this was a personal attack. Sorry about that; it isn't.
"Sophomoric humor"! Now I understand. I thought you meant simply off-color. Sorry, again. But your response cut me to the quick. I'm devastated. Not really, but what the heck? Just let's not be so quick to complain when we're on the "back pages". We're here by choice.

[Will Hay]

We need a few more people on this site like you gmatov
Will

[Karate Media]

Karate thinks this was a personal attack. Sorry about that; it isn't.
"Sophomoric humor"! Now I understand. I thought you meant simply off-color. Sorry, again. But your response cut me to the quick. I'm devastated. Not really, but what the heck? Just let's not be so quick to complain when we're on the "back pages". We're here by choice.

Questioning my maturity and telling me to "think a little" and "grow up"? I take that as being personal.

I haven't been complaining, I was just joining in the discussion; my point being, "Baldrick's House, Baldrick's Rules," and listed some of those rules. From your litany of comebacks in your earlier response to me (questioning concepts such as "obscene" and "sexual"), it sounds like you have some serious issues with Baldrick's rules -- take it up with Baldric, then. But don't tell me to "think a little."

And I have serious doubts about the mental capacity of someone who cares far too much about the off-topic section, whether they are a "complainer" or a "supporter." This site is suppossed to be about VCDs and DVDs and mpgs, etc., and the Off-Topic area is just a rest area, a place to contain the silly things that people sometimes want to communicate. It's not a god-given right, or even a necessity -- it's just a luxury that Baldrick allows.

It sounds to me like you care far too much about the OT section. So why do you bother to come to this site anyway? To discuss pornos in Off-Topic?

Like I said before (and obviously you didn't read earlier posts) the only times I have complained were: 1) Arguing against tx's complaint about an off-topic thread (I supported it, we pm'ed eachother, and I still think TX is a swell person regardless of our differences on that topic)

and

2) Reporting a poster who joined (it seems) just to post rambling BS in the wrong forums. Normally I wouldn't even care about that sort of thing, but something about him seemed subtly creepy...


Obviously, I'm not off trying to censor posts and get people banned or close threads -- so I don't consider myself being "quick to complain." Unless you think that voicing an opposing opinion in a discussion is "complaining," in which case I again question your maturity and sanity.

I don't think we need more posters like you. In fact, I need less people like you in my life.


OK, I'm done breaking rules....just wanted to get that off my chest.

[Will Hay]

I don't think we need more posters like you. In fact, I need less people like you in my life.

I think this last comment demonstrates how, for some inane reason, gmatov has climbed under your skin.
Why you can take offence at such an inoffensive, off-the-cuff comment is beyond me, and yet you still feel so offended insofar as you come back and repeat what you first said, even after gmatov responds.
I was going to simply say 'have a day off Karate Media', but I fear that both that comment and the text I've posted is going to be taken out of context, much like gmatov's post.
Will Hay

[gmatov]

Silky,
Thanks, I think.
I like the name of your town. Sounds like it's straight out of Dame Christie's books.(I think it's "ie" rather than "y".) I've read most all of them.
You've dropped the explanation on your sig. Do you think everyone now realizes it's a funny?

George

[gmatov]

Karate,

One last post on the subject, as this discourse seems to be going nowhere.
I AM sorry I said you should "think" and "grow up". I can't think when was the last time someone got so po'd at those remarks.

Baldrick's house, Baldricks rules, correct. I have no problem with them. However, I would just about bet that they have some latitude to them. No 40 pages of exactly what is and is not permissible. Rules in general, much as there are some nuisance laws which are rarely enforced, but can be invoked in support of other infractions. As a for instance, a campground with "No Alcoholic Beverages Permitted" at the entrance. Now, many people do have beverages of their choice there, without getting busted. But, if a party becomes a nuisance, the rule can be invoked, and you are outa there.
Similarly, I think there is some leeway here. Too many people get offended, there is a rule to be invoked, Sorry, that's the rule, no one takes offense, carry on, it IS Off Topic.
I have read more vituperative comments in the threads dedicated to converting than most of this one. Well, barring your last couple.
Good grief, a "subtly creepy" person! I hope it's not me! I'd be devastated again. You CAN be wicked, can't you?
Well, this is my last word in regard to your posts.

[gll99]

I didn't really plan to take part in this "debate" or discussion (I admit to having curiously read all the posts) but feel compelled to because I have a topic I'd like open for discussion.

Unfortunately if the off topic is not shown on the front page then I may not get the feedback I would like. I don't believe it fits anywhere else.

Since I am here...... here's my 2 cents.

I' m no prude but I believe that off-color, highly descriptive foul language (even with one missing letter missing here and there) should not be any part of the main forum. Whether it should be banned entirely is up to Baldrick as he sees fit. The rest of us can support it or complain but in the end we have no say and must take it or leave it (unless Baldrick is willing to poll us on it and apply the results). I do note that there are children members using the forum and non members freely browse here. I would at least recommend the removal of such topics from the eyes of non members.

It's too bad that there isn't a different section for that type of "comedic" discussion (I believe most of it is a poor attempt at youthful shock humour regardless of the age of the participants).

Off topic subjects could still appear on the front page but with a "OT" qualifier like "MAC" does. That would satisfy those who don't like to look at OT and if the vulgar stuff is kept somewhere else then it won't be on the front page (although I'm not suggesting it be kept at all).

[gmatov]

gll99,
No kidding, are you really a psychiatrist? I haven't seen one of you guys since the Navy '60s You're not on my list of "must sees" either, but not in a derogatory vein. I'm just hoping "oldtimers diseaes" passes me by without making a visit.
Well, whether it's a nom de plume or not, I agree with you in most respects. I don't consider damn and hell, or even *******, where appropriate, to be really, really foul language. However, some of the stuff you do hear and read does go too far.
If there were a different section for that type of discussion (Isn't that, basically, what Off Topic is? ), be assured that someone would find it and make the same kind of complaints there. As a "shrink", I'm sure you are aware of "human nature".
I never paid attention to see that the "Front Page" doesn't have a Forum designator as the Mac and VCDEasy do. That might be a good idea, if it was not too hard to implement. Baldrick (and crew, if they help with more than moderating) seems to have more than enough on his plate already. I, for one, do not think I could handle this site.
Since there is no identifier on the front page, perhaps it would be simpler, and more effective, to rename it. Now I see txpharoah's point. A new browser would see "New house rules" and think he HAS to read that. You have to know the rules to play the game. Surprise. It's not so much rules as some people calling each other names.
And the OT qualifier might even get more people to look in, much as "The World's Funniest Blond Joke" got a couple clickers. What do these people talk about when they're not ripping and converting?
Ah, well.....

[Doggiedaddy]

Bla, Bla, Bla.

Where the dvd forum I heard about?

Dd

[CaptainC]

Did anyone see my torch!!!!

[gll99]

gmatov:

I don't consider damn and hell, or even *******, where appropriate, to be really, really foul language.

I think by today's standards most people would agree with you. On this forum we have to rely on Baldrick to decide what he accepts.

And the OT qualifier might even get more people to look in, much as "The World's Funniest Blond Joke" got a couple clickers.

In my example OT would not contain the "vulgar stuff" it would be elsewhere in another category. My idea of identifying the OT is so that it could remain on the front page (sans the vulgar stuff) and yet be identifiable to those who only want to read video related posts and don't want to read any OT subjects. OT (less the vulgar of course) can at times be interesting but will be lost if not given a place up front.

My suggestion should satisfy everyone.

My handle descriptor came about because someone seemed to mistake me for his personal counselor or shrink or something and started to tell me how much I hurt his feelings and so forth with some comments etc..... It got really funny till the thread was closed. Anyway there it is but it's old news. The tag seemed fitting at the time. The fishing stuff at the bottom is along the same idea. If the thread had not been locked it might still be going today. I may change it all one day, I have to decide on a good one.

To all:

Don't take barbs too seriously (unless your married to one )

[gmatov]

Doc,
Do you mean to have an OT which is just that, OT, and within that have a second "folder", with maybe a "Disclaimer", "May contain subject matter....", etc? I think it would be just one more layer anyone who was looking for something to complain would have to peel back. If we went 12 layers deep, and required special registration, and parental OKs, it would still happen. Human nature again.
As is, a quick look, a "That's not for me!", and away you go. I mean, we're not really wrecking anyone's psyche, even if he does glance at it.
And, you can always check "Notify me when a reply is posted.".
I don't keep this topic open. When my e-mail ding-dongs, I check it, and if there is a "Reply", I check it when I'm done with what I am doing at the time.

Some of us don't spend all our time at Video. I haven't done 1 in about 10 days. 'Course, I'm in the midst of making a crib for my coming grandchild, so time is a little short, right now. It has been relaxing to have some discourse on the OT page when I call it an evening. Even considering some of the, what shall I call them, snits(?), it's been entertaining. Generally beats the hell out of the boob tube.

Entertaining about your handle, too. : - )

DD,
I think the DVD forum you heard about is 2 pages back thataway.

[Raen]

First off let me say I have NEVER complained to a MOD here about OT posts. Ever. Hell I have never sent a mod here even a private message.

Second. MY complaint about wading through a dozen OT post was when OT showed on the front page.

Third. You are right its the First Amendment that protects the freedom of speech. And it states that CONGRESS shall not restict speech. The First Amendment still doesn't give you the right to come into my yard and preach. And who is congress? Is Congress.. I don't know... THE GOVERNMENT?

Sorry if I struck a nerve with you.. maybe you should run to the OT forum and complain about the bad day of posting you have. You can't see it but I'm playing the worlds smallest vioilin for you and its playing 'My heart bleeds for thee'

[gll99]

gmatov

Some of us don't spend all our time at Video. I haven't done 1 in about 10 days. 'Course, I'm in the midst of making a crib for my coming grandchild, so time is a little short, right now

Congratulations!!!!

I have four of those little things and there lots of fun. I spoil them rotten then send them home to mom(s) and dad(s). Funny how things change. Children must be improving. The proof??? Some days my kids couldn't do anything right and my granchildren never do anything wrong. Go figure???

Can't be me, can it?

I belong to and visit different forums but mostly using a different login name so don't spend all my time here but it is one of the better ones. When I go into a programming binge then VB gets lots of attention.

I guess I just want OT back on the front page (or some form of it) and find some place to dump the other stuff. Otherwise maybe under "other" there should be a "Residual Related Other" which would include all DVD,vcd, svcd,etc. for general discussion not covered in the other topics" and then have the OT for whatever is left over and really "off topic".

I will have to put my 2 discussion topics in OT for now and see if anyone responds. They are somewhat related to DVD video, music CD's and Mp3 and also P2P downloading but I can't honestly slot them anywhere else and pretend like I didn't know. It's just a couple of real topics I have come across that might make for some discussion.

It's pretty late here so will probably post them later today.

[gmatov]

Raen,
I have a normal 4/4 violin. What does the worlds smallest sound like? How many octaves? Do you play it well, and how long did it take you to learn? Wish I were better

Run to the Mods? Hell, they're doing a job, and quite well. I checked out the problem posts thread and can't believe how few there are, really, unless they're kept elsewhere after a while. With over 50,000 users, it's inevitable that some are not going to like what someone else says, regardless of the topic.

Congress is supposed to be the will of the people, but, somehow, after our "representatives" get elected, they find that they know what we want and need better than we do.

And you are back on the "You can't come into my yard..." That is your yard. This is a Forum, in which Baldrick has created an Off Topic page, where kindred spirits can argue a point if they so desire, and not offend too many people. Too many people might just be the key words here. One person is offended, the Mods might just think someone is too sensitive. A dozen or fifteen, and there might just be something to be concerned about. As there were only about that many involved, in toto, it looks as though only 1 or 2 had any complaints at all.

I'm at a loss as to why you would come back 4 days later to pick up your fight. If it was a self imposed cooling off period, I'm sorry to say it doesn't seem to have worked.

If you were really good at this stuff, you'd have uploaded a clip of yourself playing the world's smallest violin. Other people have small animations.
Now, I, on the other hand, haven't the foggiest notion of how you would do that. Maybe you would enlighten me.

Hey, a bad day of posting here beats a good day at work.

You have a nice day, now, y'hear.

[txpharoah]

Congress is supposed to be the will of the people, but, somehow, after our "representatives" get elected, they find that they know what we want and need better than we do.

No. Majority rules. Sounds like you're just on the unpopular end a lot.

[bbb]

But if you think that a topic is closed because of a wrong reason then it just to complain and we maybe can unlock it. The moderators(not me ) can make "mistakes".

Baldrick is saying that Mods can make mistakes with locking threads. "Mistakes" meaning that a thread was locked without breaking any stated Forum rules.

Some people still assume that just because it's locked or reported, that stated forum rules have been broken. This casual acceptance of the presumption of guilt is disturbing. However, Baldrick himself states that mistakes can happen ("we are only human"). Mods and those who report threads should READ THE ACTUAL FORUM RULES before locking or reporting them. If no rules were broken, don't try to make up new unstated rules based on your own morality system and pin it on Baldrick. Don't assume that just because it's locked, Baldrick justified the lock. Once again, Baldrick stated that other Mods are doing most of the locking and that other Mods can make mistakes.

Also, Mods should watch out for thread reporters who try to spin/twist a post that they don't agree with into something that sounds offensive to goad a Mod into locking it down (even though STATED rules where not broken). For instance, an angry reply is not always a personal attack. It could simply be a reply by someone who is frustrated by another (the reporter) who is playing mind games. The angry reply (reply as in a response to a previous post) could simply be an attempt to defend themselves from the one playing mind games. Just remember, rarely does one post angry replies without some provocation (e.g., flame bait).

[Raen]

Cooling off period?

I think you have me confused with yourself. This thread doesnt upset me. But you stated in no uncertain terms it had upset you. I figured after your last half-assed attempt at a rebuttle that you might need four days to actually come up with some facts... its too bad you didnt use those days to look up anything. That or I had better things to do.


As for uploading a clip of me playing the violin.. your legendary wit surpasses me again..or is it your half-wit surpasses me. At least one of them surpasses me. I'll let others reading judge that for themselves.

This is a forum. Now please go get someone to read this aloud for you as you still aren't quite grasping it. This is a forum owned and operated by someone. This is their yard. And even if he lets you have OT discussion, at any time he can change his mind and do whatever he wants. As this is his 'yard.'

As for Congress being the will of the people. It doesn't work. If we had a vote right now on if we should pay taxes or not the majority would more likely vote not to ever pay taxes again. Without taxes we have no schools, police, fire dept, or order. The mass doesn't know whats good for them so I think its a good thing they don't listen to the mass about everything or we'd all be living in crap.


I won't debate anymore about government here. As it is very clear you are unable to grasp the idea that your freedom of speech doesn't cover these forums or you would have dropped the argument 2 pages ago. In fact I don't think I'll debate you at all anymore. I've had better debates with a brick wall. At least they grasp facts when you explain them in child-like small sentences. I could explain to you in minute details how and why planes can fly, its not much of a debate if they only thing you have to counter with is "no they don't." Some people just hate being wrong so much that they refuse to accept simple facts, even at the risk of looking like an idiot, even in the face of stupidity. Ok. I'm wrong, you're right.. Planes don't fly--their wings are just there for looks

[gmatov]

gll99, or Doc,

This'll be my 4th also. 2 boys, 14 and 7, 1 girl, 11, my favorite granddaughter. 'Course she says "I'm your ONLY..." but she's still my favorite one. Jedo's soccer buddy. ( Jedo is Serbian for grand dad) I'm free when her practice comes up, and her mother's at work, so I get to take her, and I get to take her to games, she's to be there 1/2 an hour early, and I have the time, so I'm blessed again.
My youngest, the mom to be, found a corner crib, a 5 poster, quarter of a circle crib. It's looking good, so she says as she comes to view my progress, but, I gotta tell you, it is not the easiest thing I've ever made. If your mail address is in your profile, I'll send you a pic when it's done to my satisfaction, if you like. I'm usually proud of my completed projects.

Hey, did you ever think that if you had known how much fun the grands are, you'd have had them first?

'Nough of that. I've probably left myself open to another attack. This has NOTHING to do with DVDR!!!! So be it.

Point out where you slot the topics. I'd be interested in reading them. It IS DVD, etc, but there is more to life than that.

I'll buy your ideas on dividing these topics. I just don't know if it's going to work as you suggest. As I pointed out, some people will dig to find something they don't like. Just so the e-mail notices point to the new location. I split my time between (amongst?) 3 or 4 forums. Some I haven't used for awhile, and I've forgotten my password, and when they can't match me up, try to re-register, but my name is taken, so if I change my name and try my trusty password, it's taken, so I wind up passing the site by. Or the site folds or is sold and goes commercial.

The only programming I tried was 20+ years ago with VIC basic. I wasn't any good at it then and haven't tried it since, although it seems that it is much easier today than then, with all the modules, pre-made buttons, etc.

Ah, well, I'm off to bed. Past 3 AM here. Fortunately, I'm on a voluntary layoff at work, so, even tho' 6AM comes early, all I have to do is punch the clock off and roll over.

Later.

[gmatov]

txpharoah,
First, out of curiosity, did you see the half apology a couple posts above about the front page, no delineator as to which forum a post is in except for Mac, VCDEasy? I don't look at those issues, just click on "posts since last visit". I hope that explains my earlier remarks about your friends not wanting to view the posts. Silly me, I didn't realize how easy it would be to open a thread more or less by accident, and finding garbage in one of them. You DON'T have to look for OT, or you didn't before. Sorry about the misunderstanding.
Yes, majority rules. But it is the majority that we have elected. The "majority" is not necessarily voting as we would wish them to. The unfortunate thing is, once we have elected them, they are damned hard to un-elect when they do what we don't wish them to.
I guess I am kinda on the short end of the stick in some people's minds, huh?
Ah, well, I got broad shoulders for the skinny old fart that I am. And, by my last count, only a couple guys are pissed at me. Piece a' cake.
(You are tough. Cowboys-truck drivers was not funny? Ask your wife if she thinks so. Maybe it's just so old you've heard it a hundred times.)

BBB,
That's more or less what I was referring to with the rules in place in case you do something someone really doesn't like. "See, we got this rule..."
And as far as an angry reply, no one has, to my mind, angered me. Some of the "attacks", if you want to call them that, are hilarious. Oh, poop. That will probably anger one or two people. No one likes you to make light of their really, really, most deeply held beliefs. Sigh! Mea culpa.
I think Baldrick is probably one of the most liberal people here. It is his site, and he doesn't jump at the first whine or whimper he reads and say "Yer outa here."
Anyhow, thanks, I consider your post a little like support, intended or not.

Baen,
Oh, please, don't confuse me with you. I'm calm, cool, and collected, and you're jumping all over me for hinting that, expert that you are, you could have uploaded an animated gif or something so I could see you playing a tune about how sad you are that I can't hear "My Heart Bleeds for You". I do love the violin, and would have liked to hear it. I'd ask you to send me a copy, but that would be illegal, and I don't condone warez. Never mind, I'll find a copy; just hope I can find a violin rendition.
My wit is a legend. Jeez, I've written maybe 3 jokes in these pages. If that makes me a legend, I need an agent. I must be better than that Lewis guy.
Upset. Har de har har har. (Who said that? Jackie Gleason?) It will take more than a rant and rave or two to upset me.
Are you quite positive that "This is his yard."? I mean, you only said it twice in a 6 sentence paragraph. 3 or 4 times might have driven it into my thick skull. ( Wow, I can't wait to read what that might lead you to threaten me with next. BTW, "threaten" is not here as a keyword in case I drop dead of something driven into my skull in the next week or so. I'm not creating a paper trail.)
Do you know, (of course you don't; you'd have never brought up the asinine remark) polls have been taken as to whether people felt they were paying too much in taxes? In every one, the majority (more than fifty percent) replied that they were paying just about the right amount?. A good percentage, significant, anyhow, thought they may be paying less than their fair share. The rest, mostly super rich, complained that taxes were killing them So your argument does not hold water. Even the Revolutionary War was not because they had to pay taxes. It was Taxation Without Representation. We had no say in how the country was run. All was decided in England. We wanted representation. We fought for itand won. And so there is a US of A,and not a CrownColony. I humbly suggest you might study your textbooks a little more closely.
The masses don't know what the hell is good for them? I will tell you, fella, that if you said ANYTHING that DOES have a tendency to piss me off, it is that. Who in the hell are you to say "We know better."? Are you one of the "Silver Spoon Babies", the upper crust who have to tell the lower classes to wipe their noses, they're too dumb to do it without your guidance?
And, educated whatever that you are,the proper term would be "the masses", not "the mass". If you have to be derogatory and superior, at least get the terms right. Lenin would be ashamed of you.
Airplanes, at least jet airplanes, can't fly. they are more or less guided missiles. The wings provide ADDED lift, to increase payload, but when the engines quit, they drop like rocks. The thrust of the engines is what keeps them going, all the control surfaces do is help to aim them. Propellor planes, on the other hand, actually could glide in case of engine failure, and, hopefully, set 'em down. Fire goes out on a jet, down she goes. of course, the big, fat bumblebee has been mathematically poven to be impossible, too, so draw your own conclusion.
"Ok. I'm wrong, you're right.." Hey, finally a sentence I can agree with, and you said it. You're finally seeing the light. Good for you. That wasn't so hard, was it?
But you can't honestly call this a debate, can you? A debate has something of substance, some character. This... I don't know what you WOULD call it, but debate it ain't
Was that the brick wall into Diagon Alley, in Harry Potter 1? Well, hell, that's unfair competition. You've brought in a ringer. I couldn't outwit a magical brick wall. How did you do? A draw, or did it whip you, too?

Baldrick, I'm sorry, it's just too easy. What DO they teach in the schools today? Especially in the US. We don't even teach a foreign language to fluency. All the "furriners" will understand if you just talk loud enough. I've used that one before. At my age you do have a tendency to repeat yourself.

George

[Will Hay]

I like the name of your town. Sounds like it's straight out of Dame Christie's books.(I think it's "ie" rather than "y".) I've read most all of them.

It's actually a place from an old movie, 'Oh Mr Porter' circa 1938 starring a great comic actor of the time, Will Hay (hence my anon. internet name!)

You've dropped the explanation on your sig. Do you think everyone now realizes it's a funny?

Jeesh, I hope so!
I had one guy say, and I quote 'die soviet pig'.
From some of his earlier posts I think he had mental issues (he was on medication), so of course I let it slide
Will

[gmatov]

Will,
I think I read the posts you mention. I took a quick glance at the Complaints Department, some name like pquezl? He said "Oops, sorry, my medication wore off.", and the Mod advised him to take his medicine before he posted?
That the one?
Never saw the movie. I do like a lot of the stuff on BBC we get here, "Monarch of the Glen", "Keeping Up Appearances" or whatever with the Buckets (Oops, sorry, Boo-kay), "Are You Being Served?", and most of the other comedies, as well as Poirot and other mystery series. Jolly good fun, what?
I guess that would make your town a newer one, developed in the years after the movie. One never thinks of England having new towns cropping up. All on TV, whatever, are quaint old Victorian villages, or ancient cities full of treasured antiquities, and narrow streets. But, I guess, the Bookays do appear to reside in a modern residential neighborhood. That did slip by me.
Here, on the other hand, housing developments spring up overnight. Some years ago, I drove to my favorite dove hunting area one opening day, and where there were acres of corn fields a year earlier, there were a hundred houses, or more. Ruined hunting for me. They'll also build next to a gun club, in operation for 50 years or more, complain about the "nuisance", and drive the club out of existence. "Good, we can put 50 more houses where the range used to be."
Ah, well, it's progress, but I don't have to like it.

George