DU Trolls, etc. at THR

[K Frame]

Why?

Because that kind of crap is a magnet for others who like to use the same sort of "debating" tactics. It also tends to attract the even rowdier individuals. If it's not controlled, it becomes an avalanch.

At the point where the noise begins to drown out the signal, to use a phrase, a forum tends to start shedding reasonable individuals (far too often people who have been posting for a long time) who are more interested in dialog than screeching.

When that happens, it becomes an ugly fight at the monkey house and it's very difficult to regain control of it.

I've seen it happen to far too many good boards on the internet, and as I consider this to be overall one of the good boards, I will do everything in my power to prevent that from happening.

I will, if the situation requires it, cut a swath that would make W. T. Sherman proud.

And as I said in another message, I have no doubt that few, if any, of the regular long-term posters here would be in the least affected by that. To a large degree those people know how to conduct themselves.

[Leatherneck]

Look, guys: it ain't rocket science. Look at the names Oleg chose. The High Road; Armed Polite Society. In what I've read of his posts, he's a soft-spoken, articulate and polite person. So are the mods for the most part. It's part of the public image of gun enthusiasts he's trying to cultivate on the World-Wide Web.

For years now, I've enjoyed the knowledgable and polite discussion on these forums. I'd hate to see them deteriorate into the kind of crap one sees elsewhere. Be polite. Take the High Road. Simple.

TC

[K Frame]

"So are the mods for the most part."

Yeah yeah, I'm Atilla the Mod...

I'm going to get you and your little cabin in the woods, too, my pretty!   

[Ex-MA Hole]

I think Mikey likes you.......

[longeyes]

Look, guys: it ain't rocket science. Look at the names Oleg chose. The High Road; Armed Polite Society. In what I've read of his posts, he's a soft-spoken, articulate and polite person. So are the mods for the most part. It's part of the public image of gun enthusiasts he's trying to cultivate on the World-Wide Web.

For years now, I've enjoyed the knowledgable and polite discussion on these forums. I'd hate to see them deteriorate into the kind of crap one sees elsewhere. Be polite. Take the High Road. Simple.

But you see, my friend, it's NOT simple.  This is not about impugning Oleg's character, but when you ban someone you are impugning THEIR character and tarring their image.  I kept it civil for seven years.  If I perseverate, irritatingly, about this, it's not because I have no life outside THR, it's out of principle.  It galls me, frankly, to see a lot of people backing whatever was done without really knowing the specifics.  That isn't high anything, it's sycophancy.

[ArfinGreebly]

Recently had a thread where a fellow began ranting about Kalifornina (in various creative spellings, imparting meanings beyond politics).

When I suggested that the generalities and rudeness were probably not the best approach, I was ignored.

When I flatly told him he was breaking the rules and to check the Terms & Conditions, he advised me that I had mistaken him "for someone who cares what you think."

And further, that he had lived there and, "I earned the right to call it whatever I please."

No one was arguing with his stance against socialism/communism, erosion of 2A rights, just his presentation.

I dunno if he ever got smacked for that, but it's that kind of conduct that has the mods overworked.

It's not civil, even if it's not technically "trolling."

That same guy, in my house, telling me (or any of my guests) "you've mistaken me for someone who cares what you think," would be shown the door.  If he wants to run his household that way, fine.  I don't have to visit.  In my house, however, he'll either behave or leave.

Oleg has several thousand guests "in his house."

It's not unreasonable that he gets some say in the standards for civility therein.

[longeyes]

Again, if this were only about civility, you'd be right.  I don't believe it is.

But then, frankly, I'm bored with the whole thing.  Too much moral smog in the living room, you know.

[K Frame]

OK, I think I'm closing this one, as well.

We're not going to solve anything as it pertains to THR. Same owner, but different management, but I think everyone has explained, both well and civily, their point of view.