Fare Thee Well!!

Post by **jones jones** » Tue Oct 25, 2011 11:20 am

Way back when in 2008 when I first joined FG, it was a vibrant and very active Online Forum. There was a cross section of Brit & American members who, despite their differences got on very well. Often there were a couple of hundred members online and thousands of guests.

Then something weird happened. Almost out the blue members were at each other’s throats and there seemed to be a competition among members to see who could be the nastiest. As things went from bad to worse members, mostly American I think began to leave for pastures new.

I was banned so I used to return as a guest just to see if things were improving. But alas they were not and it made me sad. Rather naively and because I really enjoyed FG, I thought that perhaps I could rejoin and just maybe help to in some small way to jog this lifeless corpse of a Forum back to life.

So I asked Tombstone to forgive my past transgressions and to allow me to once again become a member. Luckily I was allowed back and again I was silly enough to think that maybe bygones would be bygones and I would be treated like any other member.

Suffice to say I was wrong and because I am not one to lie down and roll over when the pack snaps at me, I had to contend with a backlash from the bad old days. Okay, I said, you behaved very badly so take the flack up to a point and then perhaps you will soon be accepted as a regular earthling. I was wrong … AGAIN.

So to cut a loooooooooong story short, I am really really not prepared to be the whipping boy of FG, nor the “provider of laughs” for a small minority of the even smaller FG membership. So I like the rest of the FG members who really made FG a great Forum, am off to seek pastures new too.

I know that this will hardly cause a ripple in the day to day events here, but it is the only way I have to register my disapproval of and my sadness at what this once thriving Forum has become.

I have this very real fear that I will never be able to return to Forum Garden again simply because it will not be around for much longer.

I hope that Bryn and John Spotty will leave this thread for a while, if only to give the “Old Guard” a chance to dig up even more dirt about me. They do so need something to make them laugh.

Post by **Bryn Mawr** » Tue Oct 25, 2011 11:34 am

jones jones;1373428 wrote: Way back when in 2008 when I first joined FG, it was a vibrant and very active Online Forum. There was a cross section of Brit & American members who, despite their differences got on very well. Often there were a couple of hundred members online and thousands of guests.

Then something weird happened. Almost out the blue members were at each other’s throats and there seemed to be a competition among members to see who could be the nastiest. As things went from bad to worse members, mostly American I think began to leave for pastures new.

I was banned so I used to return as a guest just to see if things were improving. But alas they were not and it made me sad. Rather naively and because I really enjoyed FG, I thought that perhaps I could rejoin and just maybe help to in some small way to jog this lifeless corpse of a Forum back to life.

So I asked Tombstone to forgive my past transgressions and to allow me to once again become a member. Luckily I was allowed back and again I was silly enough to think that maybe bygones would be bygones and I would be treated like any other member.

Suffice to say I was wrong and because I am not one to lie down and roll over when the pack snaps at me, I had to contend with a backlash from the bad old days. Okay, I said, you behaved very badly so take the flack up to a point and then perhaps you will soon be accepted as a regular earthling. I was wrong … AGAIN.

So to cut a loooooooooong story short, I am really really not prepared to be the whipping boy of FG, nor the “provider of laughs” for a small minority of the even smaller FG membership. So I like the rest of the FG members who really made FG a great Forum, am off to seek pastures new too.

I know that this will hardly cause a ripple in the day to day events here, but it is the only way I have to register my disapproval of and my sadness at what this once thriving Forum has become.

I have this very real fear that I will never be able to return to Forum Garden again simply because it will not be around for much longer.

I hope that Bryn and John Spotty will leave this thread for a while, if only to give the “Old Guard” a chance to dig up even more dirt about me. They do so need something to make them laugh.

Seeing as you include me by name I'll ask - in what way do you think that I have treated you badly?

And, for your interest, as a matter of policy I don't delete thread at all and I don't compost them lightly so this thread is likely to be around for more than a while.

Post by **jones jones** » Tue Oct 25, 2011 12:05 pm

Bryn Mawr;1373429 wrote: Seeing as you include me by name I'll ask - in what way do you think that I have treated you badly?

And, for your interest, as a matter of policy I don't delete thread at all and I don't compost them lightly so this thread is likely to be around for more than a while.

Ah Bryn old chap ... it's not you. You have been the one & perhaps the only true gentleman on these boards from way back when.

I have soaked up quite a bit of what has come my way since I rejoined. I also realise that as the Gaffer you have to keep in the background and adjudicate without fear and favor.

Often there is a last straw ... In my case it was Oscar's "penile" reply. Totally uncalled for and a touch "tacky" don't you think? Personally had it been posted on any Boards I managed, it would have been deleted. That is not to say that you should have done the same. I have always been in favor of free speech and all that ... but nevertheless it left a bad taste. Sorry.

Post by **Betty Boop** » Tue Oct 25, 2011 1:19 pm

jones jones;1373438 wrote: Ah Bryn old chap ... it's not you. You have been the one & perhaps the only true gentleman on these boards from way back when.

I have soaked up quite a bit of what has come my way since I rejoined. I also realise that as the Gaffer you have to keep in the background and adjudicate without fear and favor.

Often there is a last straw ... In my case it was Oscar's "penile" reply. Totally uncalled for and a touch "tacky" don't you think? Personally had it been posted on any Boards I managed, it would have been deleted. That is not to say that you should have done the same. I have always been in favor of free speech and all that ... but nevertheless it left a bad taste. Sorry.

I've not seen what you speak of JJ, but just wanted to say, don't go, why let them win, carry on regardless and let no one drive you away.

As a side note, report what it is that offended you and the membership can decide if it's tacky and if it warrants removal. We are desperately trying to get you guys to actively moderate one another out in the open so no one, mod or owner can be accused of favoritism.

Post by **jones jones** » Tue Oct 25, 2011 1:31 pm

Betty Boop;1373444 wrote: I've not seen what you speak of JJ, but just wanted to say, don't go, why let them win, carry on regardless and let no one drive you away.

As a side note, report what it is that offended you and the membership can decide if it's tacky and if it warrants removal. We are desperately trying to get you guys to actively moderate one another out in the open so no one, mod or owner can be accused of favoritism.

Ah Miss Boop! After all this time you still manage to make me go ... "sigh!" :-4

As you are aware, I have never ever willingly left FG before, but have always only left because of a banning order. That in itself should perhaps be ever so slightly meaningful if nothing else.

Post by **Bryn Mawr** » Tue Oct 25, 2011 1:55 pm

jones jones;1373438 wrote: Ah Bryn old chap ... it's not you. You have been the one & perhaps the only true gentleman on these boards from way back when.

I have soaked up quite a bit of what has come my way since I rejoined. I also realise that as the Gaffer you have to keep in the background and adjudicate without fear and favor.

Often there is a last straw ... In my case it was Oscar's "penile" reply. Totally uncalled for and a touch "tacky" don't you think? Personally had it been posted on any Boards I managed, it would have been deleted. That is not to say that you should have done the same. I have always been in favor of free speech and all that ... but nevertheless it left a bad taste. Sorry.

I very much agree that it was uncalled for and tacky and I passed comment on it in just the same way as I passed comment on your dig at her in the previous post.

The Garden has long had a policy of tolerating a lot and only "punishing" a member when the post is totally outside the ToS or the recipient reports the post. This is especially true since the discussion over whether a given post was infractable was opened up to the membership rather than kept within the Modpit.

Whether this policy is right or not I don't know but it generally works - if I see something I think is going too far I'll make a public comment or, if it continues, send a PM but the members here are, mostly, adults and treated as such.

If you object to the post then report it and a decision will be taken. If a post is not reported then it is assumed that no offense was taken.

Lon · Post by **Lon** » Tue Oct 25, 2011 2:12 pm

jones jones;1373445 wrote: Ah Miss Boop! After all this time you still manage to make me go ... "sigh!" :-4

As you are aware, I have never ever willingly left FG before, but have always only left because of a banning order. That in itself should perhaps be ever so slightly meaningful if nothing else.

Hey Jones Jones--------don't be chicken---t, stick around.

In the seven years that I have participated in this forum I have seen people come and go and assume that this happens as well in a number of different forums. One of the problems as I see it is the fact that most Americans are not interested in foreign politics or what's happening in your (out of the U.S.) neighborhood. They come on to FG and read from someone a happening in Leeds and say "Oh, looks like all Brits on here" and move on. On the other hand, folks in other countries besides the U.S. take an interest in U.S. politics and even local doings. Sadly, many of my countrymen not only are incapable of thinking outside the box, but outside the country as well. FG has one of the best formats that I have seen compared to most others and I hope that it can reach it's full potential and that's one of the reasons I hang in. Do I have a solution? No.

Accountable · Post by **Accountable** » Tue Oct 25, 2011 6:59 pm

jones jones;1373428 wrote: So to cut a loooooooooong story short, I am really really not prepared to be the whipping boy of FG, nor the “provider of laughs” for a small minority of the even smaller FG membership. So I like the rest of the FG members who really made FG a great Forum, am off to seek pastures new too.
K bye.

Flagellate much?

Lady J · Post by **Lady J** » Tue Oct 25, 2011 8:42 pm

jones jones;1373428 wrote: Way back when in 2008 when I first joined FG, it was a vibrant and very active Online Forum. There was a cross section of Brit & American members who, despite their differences got on very well. Often there were a couple of hundred members online and thousands of guests.

Then something weird happened. Almost out the blue members were at each other’s throats and there seemed to be a competition among members to see who could be the nastiest.

J ~ You always told me that you travel to FG for relief from the reality of the everyday world filled with its problems and disgruntled earthlings and you always said how much you enjoyed FG. I know it pains you to even think about leaving. You had hoped for times to be full of life and spunk as they once were; unfortunately times have changed and the earthlings aren't so happy any more. You could always try to make a difference...but first you must check that you do not have a FG bulls-eye on your back?

I understand how you feel...you invited me here and I must say my inception was not very pleasant and I know it was based off your past, but it should not have been as you had sworn your allegiance to change thru learning from mistakes and atlas you are The Wiser One.

You know I do not like seeing You or anyone beaten down or insulted; doesn't matter if it is in real life or cyber....it still hurts....it shows no class or manners, and is a waste of energy which could go to more positive, intellectual things.

I am with You as I came with You.

Now something more on the light side ~

:-3

If you leave .... then who will be here with wit and talent?

:-4

who will be loving and charming the women?

:yh_star

there will be no more shining star!

Lady J

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Wed Oct 26, 2011 3:57 am

I have left several forums, never felt the need to announce my departure.

Never had to look for it but most forums have an ignore button for posters you don't gel with, maybe use that before casting yourself adrift.

Post by **Betty Boop** » Wed Oct 26, 2011 7:42 am

jones jones;1373445 wrote: Ah Miss Boop! After all this time you still manage to make me go ... "sigh!" :-4

As you are aware, I have never ever willingly left FG before, but have always only left because of a banning order. That in itself should perhaps be ever so slightly meaningful if nothing else.

why the sigh? the one that got away hey :wah:

Don't leave now, forums have been struggling for years, possibly due to the rise of facebook. It has to be said, some people seem to have this way of viewing FG through rose tinted spectacles but the reality is that there has always been conflict in the garden and I guess there always will be. There are plenty of members here that actually adore the conflict and plenty that hate it. Pick your side and steer clear of the opposite one, even use the ignore button as Bruv suggested. Go on, I dare you!

Post by **jones jones** » Fri Oct 28, 2011 10:42 am

Betty Boop;1373529 wrote: why the sigh? the one that got away hey :wah:

Don't leave now, forums have been struggling for years, possibly due to the rise of facebook. It has to be said, some people seem to have this way of viewing FG through rose tinted spectacles but the reality is that there has always been conflict in the garden and I guess there always will be. There are plenty of members here that actually adore the conflict and plenty that hate it. Pick your side and steer clear of the opposite one, even use the ignore button as Bruv suggested. Go on, I dare you!

"Mamma mia, here I go again

My my, how can I resist you?

Mamma mia, does it show again?

My my, just how much I've missed you

Yes, I've been brokenhearted

Blue since the day we parted .... "

Okay Miss Boop ... Ya convinced me!

Post by **jones jones** » Fri Oct 28, 2011 10:47 am

Bryn Mawr;1373449 wrote: I very much agree that it was uncalled for and tacky and I passed comment on it in just the same way as I passed comment on your dig at her in the previous post.

The Garden has long had a policy of tolerating a lot and only "punishing" a member when the post is totally outside the ToS or the recipient reports the post. This is especially true since the discussion over whether a given post was infractable was opened up to the membership rather than kept within the Modpit.

Whether this policy is right or not I don't know but it generally works - if I see something I think is going too far I'll make a public comment or, if it continues, send a PM but the members here are, mostly, adults and treated as such.

If you object to the post then report it and a decision will be taken. If a post is not reported then it is assumed that no offense was taken.

I have always be loathe .... rather reluctant to report a post Bryn. This is probably due to my own history/experience here. In any event I have decided to stay.

Post by **jones jones** » Fri Oct 28, 2011 10:51 am

Lon;1373460 wrote: Hey Jones Jones--------don't be chicken---t, stick around.

In the seven years that I have participated in this forum I have seen people come and go and assume that this happens as well in a number of different forums. One of the problems as I see it is the fact that most Americans are not interested in foreign politics or what's happening in your (out of the U.S.) neighborhood. They come on to FG and read from someone a happening in Leeds and say "Oh, looks like all Brits on here" and move on. On the other hand, folks in other countries besides the U.S. take an interest in U.S. politics and even local doings. Sadly, many of my countrymen not only are incapable of thinking outside the box, but outside the country as well. FG has one of the best formats that I have seen compared to most others and I hope that it can reach it's full potential and that's one of the reasons I hang in. Do I have a solution? No.

Ah, the voice of reason Lon. I must say that of the many members who have come and gone here, you have never ever bad mouthed anyone to my knowledge. Yeah I am gonna stay.

Post by **jones jones** » Fri Oct 28, 2011 10:54 am

Accountable;1373512 wrote: K bye.

Flagellate much?

Guess that coming from Texas you wouldn't know what a "raspberry" is? Anyone if you do, then thats what I'm blowing you!

Post by **jones jones** » Fri Oct 28, 2011 11:00 am

Lady J;1373514 wrote: J ~ You always told me that you travel to FG for relief from the reality of the everyday world filled with its problems and disgruntled earthlings and you always said how much you enjoyed FG. I know it pains you to even think about leaving. You had hoped for times to be full of life and spunk as they once were; unfortunately times have changed and the earthlings aren't so happy any more. You could always try to make a difference...but first you must check that you do not have a FG bulls-eye on your back?

I understand how you feel...you invited me here and I must say my inception was not very pleasant and I know it was based off your past, but it should not have been as you had sworn your allegiance to change thru learning from mistakes and atlas you are The Wiser One.

You know I do not like seeing You or anyone beaten down or insulted; doesn't matter if it is in real life or cyber....it still hurts....it shows no class or manners, and is a waste of energy which could go to more positive, intellectual things.

I am with You as I came with You.

Now something more on the light side ~

:-3

If you leave .... then who will be here with wit and talent?

:-4

who will be loving and charming the women?

:yh_star

there will be no more shining star!

Lady J

Ah BooBoo! You've known me since the days before Pearl Harbor and even tho you know it is not in my DNA to be true to one ... I am gonna try! :-4

Post by **jones jones** » Fri Oct 28, 2011 11:04 am

Bruv;1373523 wrote: I have left several forums, never felt the need to announce my departure.

I guess thats because you have never ever felt the way I do about Forum Garden.

Never had to look for it but most forums have an ignore button for posters you don't gel with, maybe use that before casting yourself adrift.

Once something is written/posted about you, the ignore button is of little or no use.

YZGI · Post by **YZGI** » Fri Oct 28, 2011 11:13 am

Damn that cost me $5 bucks..

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Fri Oct 28, 2011 11:18 am

I guess thats because you have never ever felt the way I do about Forum Garden.

Oh don't be so dramatic.........it's a forum.

Post by **jones jones** » Fri Oct 28, 2011 11:35 am

Bruv;1373674 wrote: Oh don't be so dramatic.........it's a forum.

Bet you know what a raspberry is! :yh_rotfl:yh_rotfl:yh_rotfl:yh_rotfl:yh_rotfl

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Fri Oct 28, 2011 11:39 am

jones jones;1373679 wrote: Bet you know what a raspberry is! :yh_rotfl:yh_rotfl:yh_rotfl:yh_rotfl:yh_rotfl

A childish expression of disdain ?

Post by **jones jones** » Fri Oct 28, 2011 11:45 am

Bruv;1373680 wrote: A childish expression of disdain ?

Why are you being so nasty towards me? I can't recall ever having been horrible to you.:-1

Kathy Ellen · Post by **Kathy Ellen** » Fri Oct 28, 2011 11:55 am

Hi JJ,

Somehow you just have to ignore those who bother you and enjoy the rest of the members who are nice to you.

Works for me!!

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Fri Oct 28, 2011 12:07 pm

jones jones;1373682 wrote: Why are you being so nasty towards me? I can't recall ever having been horrible to you.:-1

Nasty..... moi ?

I am not the one blowing raspberries.

Have you an extremely thin skin ?

I have re read the whole thread.......about your dramatic exit.....now cancelled......and can see no nastiness from me.

I normally keep out of Forum politics......I must be warming to you.

Post by **jones jones** » Fri Oct 28, 2011 12:07 pm

Kathy Ellen;1373685 wrote: Hi JJ,

Somehow you just have to ignore those who bother you and enjoy the rest of the members who are nice to you.

Works for me!!

Hi Kath honey! Nice to hear from you again! I hear you BUT I have never ever been able to ignore anyone. I try nor to be judgemental and I guess I am old fashioned, but I still believe that every earthling is fully entitled to their opinion. On the other hand I suppose it is my father's fault cos he always told me: "Son, allow anybody to crap on you, no problem. BUT never ever allow them to rub it in!"

You take care now! :-6

Post by **jones jones** » Fri Oct 28, 2011 12:39 pm

Bruv;1373689 wrote: Nasty..... moi ?

I am not the one blowing raspberries.

Have you an extremely thin skin ?

I have re read the whole thread.......about your dramatic exit.....now cancelled......and can see no nastiness from me.

I normally keep out of Forum politics......I must be warming to you.

Yes I do have an extremely thin skin. It is because I am sensitive, creative, caring, lovable, tactful, funny ... Oh I could go on and on and on!

"Dramatic exit"? Would you have preferred that I simply vanished in a puff of smoke? Like Woooooooooosh! Surely you jest?

Surely you would have much preferred that I stay? Is not the whole deminished when part of that whole is no more? No it was NOT a "dramatic" exit by any stretch of the imagination. You want dramatic? Believe me I can give you dramatic! It was simply a prelude to an exit ... an explanation as to why I was leaving.

Perhaps also a peaceful protest, an attempt to make known to the powers that be that one of their people, one of the crew, one of the cogs of this great machine that is Forum Garden was being driven to depart because of a thoughtless remark made probably in haste after an equally thoughtless remark by yours truly.

However I have decided to stay a member of FG. Why? Because I like it here. Simple.

(Oh and also because BooBoo and Miss Boop & Georgia and some other people asked me to stay and because I like and respect the Gaffer & I am still hoping that FG can perhaps return to what it once was.)

So, there you have it.

along-for-the-ride · Post by **along-for-the-ride** » Fri Oct 28, 2011 3:41 pm

I am glad you have decided to stay, JJ. I have been thinking of this old song below;

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Fri Oct 28, 2011 4:00 pm

jones jones;1373694 wrote: Oh I could go on and on and on! I bet you can...................and do.

..........................However I have decided to stay a member of FG. I am happy for you, and glad your crisis has been resolved.Why? Nobody asked Because I like it here. Simple. Don't call me Simple

.................So, there you have it.

Thanks for keeping us up to date.

I shall look forward to knowing you better.

(Note to myself......overly dramatic and verbose......but give the guy a chance)

Snooz · Post by **Snooz** » Fri Oct 28, 2011 5:07 pm

I'm thinking there's a possibility of bi-polar disorder, but it's interesting to watch so I'm not complaining.

Lady J · Post by **Lady J** » Fri Oct 28, 2011 10:42 pm

jones jones;1373668 wrote: Ah BooBoo! You've known me since the days before Pearl Harbor and even tho you know it is not in my DNA to be true to one ... I am gonna try! :-4

You better do more then try, after all these centuries or I will throw the iron skillet from our breakfast at your head!

I knew you would stay.

BooBoo

Post by **jones jones** » Sat Oct 29, 2011 3:41 am

SnoozeAgain;1373720 wrote: I'm thinking there's a possibility of bi-polar disorder, but it's interesting to watch so I'm not complaining.

Now ya talkin' my language oh Sleepy One. You have hit the hammer on the head ... I mean the nail on the head. How did ya guess?

Perhaps I should not be so flippant. I guess others may not make light of their disorder the way I do.