A couple of months ago, The Gazette Web site surpassed 50,000 reader comments, or “blogs,” as people like to call them.
We have not counted, but we speculate that of those 50,000 comments, the negative ones probably far outweigh the positive and useful ones. And that is too bad.
Our goal of allowing comments on the Gazette Web site is to encourage thoughtful discussions about news stories. More often than not the conversations seem to wander to unrelated topics, and bloggers hiding behind the anonymity of screen names like to attack people on the message boards.
One person commented to me recently that these posters were “cowards” for not posting under their real names. We agree.
A year ago we established a User Poster Policy Agreement to try to clear up the problem. We have rules against ad hominem attacks on fellow posters or people mentioned in stories and inappropriate language. The intent is to encourage the discussion of issues in a civil manner. This should be fairly common sense, but unfortunately for some people who hide behind screen names, common sense goes out the window.
Of the more than 7,000 registered users, there only seem to be about a dozen frequent posters unable to follow our online posting rules, and that leaves us with a decision about what to do.
Many people have suggested that if people would just post under their real names the negativity and attacks would go away. We agree. Unfortunately, the technology to verify users does not exist. We are talking with our software company about some options, however.
We want to commend Emporia resident Steve Corbin and San Francisco resident Brian Protheroe for having the courage to voluntarily post using their real names. We wish more people would follow their example.
The approach we have been using to resolve the problem posts is to remove the individual inappropriate posts. The sheer volume of comments is overwhelming, however, and it is hard for our small staff to babysit the messages every day.
When we pull comments down, oh, how the posters howl and criticize us about how we have violated their freedom of speech. For the record, we pay the bills for our Web site, and we can make the rules. Posting comments on our Web site is a privilege, not a right guaranteed by the Constitution.
It should be noted that we are not the only newspaper wrestling with this problem. As it turns out, most newspapers around the country have the same issue. The Ottawa Herald got so fed up with it that they canceled their comment sections altogether.
I am not sure what the answer is for Emporia. We hope that the few problem posters can just clean up their act.
In the meantime we will be enacting some new rules:
• If conversations go off track or if posters are attacking people, instead of just removing the single comments we will disable the comment function from that story. If people can stay on topic then comments will stay.
• If people want to post comments at the bottom of the stories then they need to be related to the topic.
• If people want to comment about issues not related to news stories, then those discussions need to take place in the news forums. In our news forums people are free to discuss whatever they want. All we ask is that at the bottom of our news stories, those comments be about that story.
• If we see a tendency of certain posters to not keep on topic on the bottom of stories, then we may ban those users.
We have set up rules, and all we ask is for people to be respectful of others and follow the rules.
The Gazette works hard to be responsible and accountable to the community. Our Web site is a portal to the world and we ask people to keep that in mind as they are writing their posts.
Beo_Saoirse (anonymous) says...
Dear Gazette, Good Luck. You're gonna need lots of help just to keep up.
December 5, 2009 at 8:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Well, it would seem that I will make the decision to abandon the Emporia Gazette Web site, just as I abandoned the printed version of the Gazette, because of the erratic or non delivery of something that I was paying for and just as the printing of the Gazette in the birth place of the Gazette was abandoned ! Perhaps the name of the storied old paper should now be changed to " Not so Emporia-Emporia Gazette " or the " _____________ Gazette", you fill in the blank with the name of whichever town or city the Gazette is now printed in !
Goodbye and Good luck to everyone !
December 5, 2009 at 9:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Beo_Saoirse (anonymous) says...
I have so many questions, Mr. Walker, that I don't know where to begin. However, taking a heavier handed approach to editing the forums seems like it's gonna leave The Gazette much more open to attack -- both legal and personnel.
I am curious as to how much protection the First Amendment gives you when it comes to what is posted on your site? If you try to remove posts you deem liabelous, yet one gets through, are you then accountable for that one post?
Will you remove posts that differ from The Gazette? What if I state my opinion about the capabilities of a public figure or public official and that opinion is not so positive? Will it be removed?
What steps will you take to prevent a banned poster from obtaining a new account under a different name and continue his or her posts?
Do you really think referring to your readers as "cowards" is such a great idea?
Methusula does bring up a good point. We have seen repeated examples in the Gazette about shopping at home. Yet, the Gazette has moved its printing operation to another community more than 70 miles away. If we can't count on the Gazette to practice what it preaches and shop at home, can we count on it to effectively manage its own forums?
My concern, Mr. Walker, is that at a time when the public needs a place for free and open discussion, The Gazette could muzzle the public's voice. There are some "bad apples" in the bunch. Should we throw out the whole basket?
December 5, 2009 at 9:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
How do you propose to determine what is a negative or off-topic comment. Just because a comment does not agree with your world view does not necessarily make it negative.
And when does a topic go off-topic. The recent article about the Seasonal Celebration has sparked a lively...and mostly civil.... discussion about religion. Does that then make it off- topic. If it does then your forum will soon become boring and useless and I will certainly take my business elsewhere--both literally as well as figuratively.
As to anonymity.....When you devise a way to insure that all poster id's are valid....and require real names.....I will be glad to use my name and it will not change what I say at all. I have only once been ashamed of anything I said on here because I succumbed to others and used a personal attack which was promptly pulled by staff.
But if we are all limited to positive cheerleader comments that remain always on topic these boards will soon become as boring and unread as the boards on the side of a barn. Then how will you be able to sell advertising on here when nobody is reading it?
December 5, 2009 at 10:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Beo_Saoirse (anonymous) says...
I have no problems with rules when they are needed. I have no problem with respectful discussions, or anonymous postings that are also respectful.
My concern is that the rules will stifle otherwise healthy dialogue. Will the Gazette apply community standards or its own standards when judging what will be allowed. And no, they are not necessarily the same.
My feeling is that the Gazette ought to edit for libel and obscenity and let the posters regulate themselves...give us a free and open -- or marketplace -- for ideas.
By the way, I don't think these count as blogs but simply as reactions and comments to stories. Not even the New York Times can boast of having more than 50,000 blogs.
Finally, for now, I'd would rather have the Gazette be my portal to Emporia and Lyon County and issues related to . There are plenty of other portals to the world - CNN, MSNBC, FOx News, New York Times, to name a few, that the average person can access. Let the Gazette be what no one else can do better -- be the portal to our community.
December 5, 2009 at 11:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
Posting as an anonymous user is something that allows people to voice their points of view without fear of repercussions. There is also the flipside where there is no accountability and things can get ugly. Simply put you take the good with bad. There are forums identical to this one at every paper and news portal I have visited, all are anonymous and all have people debating topics in constructive manners and there are also the “trolls”, it’s just the nature of the beast. Instead of trying to censor your forums I would suggest trying to modernize them, the lack of an edit button or even the ability to use a signature or avatar to customize a poster’s handle, or even the ability to quote others are very basic features and quite frankly with how easy forums are to maintain and setup I am surprised that there have been no upgrades.
But then again, anyone with a decent knowledge of computers can exploit this site for information, which is perhaps libelous in nature and has been brought to your attention before, yet it remains as it was. I am also confused with your claim of having to “watch over” the forums; half your admins are in Lawrence.
December 5, 2009 at 11:29 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Free4all (anonymous) says...
So not only will you ONLY post what news you decide and censor other IMPORTANT news like PEOPLE MISSING and various others I hear about but now you will decide who will and will not comment.
WELCOME TO THE PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF EMPORIA!
Just ban me and get'er done.
I HATE THIS FRIKN TOWN
December 5, 2009 at 11:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Beo_Saoirse (anonymous) says...
I can look past the "few negative commentators" to the great discussions that occur on these forums. Please, Gazette, keep them alive and free and look past the few who see such an exchange of ideas as a nuisance.
December 5, 2009 at 12:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Oh, and Mr. Gazette, just who is it that pays you so you may pay your bills ? I believe it is most of those/us" cowards", as Obversation put it, at least those who still pay to recieve such a, at times, biased, opinionated publication !
Granted there are those who can and at times do, try to get our opinion/s published in the Gazette, by way of the people speak etc., however even that too is regulated, edited and censored !
As you can see, I will no longer call the so called " local " newspaper, The Emporia Gazette, but just The Gazette as it is printed elsewhere .
And this is definately my last post on any of the Gazette forums, as the Gazette is not really interested in my or anyones true opinions on anything !
I may continue to read the forums, but it will take all the will power I have within me to keep from posting on them !
December 5, 2009 at 12:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Cowards may be a bit harsh.
I can think of a couple of past posters though.
I sign my name because I just don't care if people agree with me or not. 20 years ago when I was building up a clientele and business, maybe, but not now. I consider myself to be pretty much middle of the road in my thinking and while I did get a LITTLE fired up during the smoking ban debate, the people who know me know I am harmless.
I really hope these "blogs" continue as they have become my hobby, so to speak. While it would be nice to know who I am arguing with, I understand the need of some to remain anonymous.
December 5, 2009 at 12:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
I totally agree with all the comments here, especially the pionts brought up by Beo, biscuitboy, and goodoleboy.
I think you've been doing about as well as you can be expected removing offending posts.
Will you soon be doing away with our anonymity when we vote?
You also just labeled people who do not post under their real name as "cowards". Under the Terms of your own User Policy Poster Agreement, I hereby call on a Citizen's Arrest-style action: You are to strike your rude, negative comment aimed at anonymous posters and remove your own comment. Or disable your own thread.
December 5, 2009 at 1:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ToxicPink (anonymous) says...
It's called a flipping handle. Jesus. I named a USERNAME in connection to like every other website I join with the same one.
Its not because I'm afraid of you. =/
My names Michelle and I'm a 23 year old college student graduating on the 19th.
On that note, your calling out of people who do no use their real names is a problem to me. If people are uncomfortable using their real names it could very well be for other readons, many, many many other websites, (Remember you're still on the internet), discourage people from giving to much personal information.
Yes this is a local website for a local paper, but it's still online and I still do not give people online out personal information. Ever.
You want to have a "Gazette Posters Conference" and host it in a public place? Then I'd go and let everyone know who I am, until then I'm not letting a bunch of strangers know intimate details about me.
December 5, 2009 at 1:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
My definition of a free society is a society where it is safe to be unpopular and make negative comments. William Allen White said, "liberty is the only thing you can't have unless you are willing to give it to others." He also said, Women should raise more Hell and less flowers. And how about the one concerning young people rioting on the campus. Let's not forget "What's The Matter with Kansas." This might be negative but it is my heartfelt thought--The things that have made this country [that I fought for] great are now being subverted for the things that make Wall Street rich. A baseball manager by the name of Leo said, Nice guys finish last but I say nice guys like Chris Walker are winners before the game even starts. The problem as I view it is this: The Emporia Gazette Blog's real test lies in it's respect for minority opinion but we need a shared understanding of limits, like any noncoercive relationship. K.B. Thomas jr. said, "The best kind of daily democracy is daily blog citizenship." He also said, "The most important political office in this town is that of the private blog citizen." One more for the Gipper, The Emporia Gazette Blog should be a small hard core of common agreement, forming a circle of a rich variety of different viewpoints creating the noise of democracy. To blog what's wrong with Emporia and America is to blog what's right with Emporia and America. The freedom to blog is the fresh air that is changing America and Emporia." One last profound thought by Dwight D Eisenhower,"a people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both."
December 5, 2009 at 1:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ToxicPink (anonymous) says...
Oh and another thing, if you have such a problem keeping up with the negativity, take some examples from actual forums on this world wide web and hire a few people to sort through the suggested removals you get, and to watch stories you already know are going to be stomping grounds for arguments. They are not hard to figure out, in fact I go to those first.
December 5, 2009 at 1:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ZaneRokklyn (anonymous) says...
You know, I would love to change my account settings so that I'm not anonymous. Seriously, I would -- I maintain several large sites that get lots of comments, and I agree totally with what Chris is saying, and I'm proud to stand behind what I post here. But when I try to change my profile, there appears to be no way to change my username. And when I try to change my anonymous setting, I get an error message. So I am actually unable to comply with what's being asked. In the meantime, I guess I'll sign below.
So Chris, perhaps it would be more effective to 1) make sure people can change their account settings and then 2) ask them nicely to do it, with instructions. And give thanks that you've got a vibrant, active readership who reads your articles and has opinions about them. I know a lot of sites that would love to be in your position.
Even so, yes, these comments need to be moderated. Freedom of speech does not apply here; the relevant concept is freedom of press, and it's your press. If I may make a suggestion, maybe your software allows different levels of membership, where some users can post without a moderator's approval and others need approval, and people could earn their way from one category to another by their good or bad behavior rather than all being painted with the same brush.
Ben Stallings
Web Developer, interdependentweb.com
Emporia, KS
December 5, 2009 at 2:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
Question for the Gazette staff: We've seen instances of robberies and voilence directed at people who's names and/or other information were gleaned online. If someone disagrees with someone else here, and has their name posted, and someone who knows that person enacts some threat or violence against them....... can the Gazette be held responsible?
You apparently have no problem with labeling some posters here as "cowards". So am I free to express the opinion that some of your editorials I have found cowardly in their deceptions and spins? What about the editorials I have deemed to be negative?
I see you still haven't censured yourself yet for your own derogatory branding of posters as "cowards". Guess much like methusla and Beo pointed out, seems you don't always practice what you preach.
December 5, 2009 at 2:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
A common threat can often bring new allies together......as such I stand in major agreement with most of reddogs post. Lord I must have had too much jelly this morning. We do sometimes get to be a radical and loudmouthed bunch.....but my guess is many royalist back in colonial America though the same of the Colonialist.
Given time we might even occasionally muddle through to some good ideas. My bottom line guess is that you would lose more by getting rid of us than you will by keeping us around.
I will happily use my real name if that becomes required.....or like observation said I just won't post. But singling out Brian Protheroe as some kind of an Icon of bravery for using his real name when he lives in San Francisco.....give me a break. I doubt that he has much concern about somebody with a belly full of beer showing up at his front door in the middle of the night mad about something he wrote.
Now if my last thought is to negative for the censors then ban me......not everyone else. Some of them might even take out an additional subscription or two to see me go. Hmmmm....now there's a thought. maybe you could like hold an auction and ..................... Hmmm.
December 5, 2009 at 2:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
I first started posting here during the Tyson/Somalian fiasco, and posted information from people I knew who worked there giving me first-hand information on the goings-ons. I did not post my name and info then for fear of recriminations against those people - I continue to not reveal that information in case that a similar future situation may arise. I saw and knew of alot of disparagy between what Tyson was telling the public on one hand and what employees themselves were seeing on the other. And I have also seen other situations where poeple have lost their jobs in similar fashions. I wish the world was an ideal one where nobody had to worry about personal info being publicized but alas I live in the real world. Perhaps if I lived halfway across the country or had no more personal, family, or business ties to Emporia I would be more inclined to divulge personal info. But if you want to force that issue then you will also limit what information certain people may or may not feel free to divulge. And I don't care to create a separate id for each and every thread here based on whether I think my opinions and info might have possible recriminations against me or familhy or friends. As I said, I think you've done about as good as you can do removing offending posts, and in at least one case I know of, the offending poster. Perhaps the readers themselves need to take it upon themselves to do a better job of policing their own discussions, meaning reporting (via the suggest removal link) posts deemed inappropriate.
December 5, 2009 at 2:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Beo_Saoirse (anonymous) says...
I am uncomfortable with the thought that an institution that basks in the protection of the First Amendment can so quickly pull it out from under the very people it claims to represent.
December 5, 2009 at 2:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
admireed (anonymous) says...
Do what is necessary to keep blog open and available
Edward McKernan
Admire, KS
December 5, 2009 at 2:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ToxicPink (anonymous) says...
You all need a lesson on safety online.
I send you all best wishes giving out your real names and hope that you're never a victim of cyber stalking.
As for me, as soon as I have to tell all you complete and utter strangers everything about me, I'm out of here. I don't trust a single one of you enough to tell you my full name, which would tell you were I live, where I sleep, where everything of value is to me.
And I don't want you to trust me either. Because as soon as you start trusting everyone enough to give them personal information, you run the risk of giving yourself to someone you shouldn't.
In case you haven't noticed, Emporia not crime free.
December 5, 2009 at 2:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ToxicPink (anonymous) says...
Is not* Thanks for an edit button!
December 5, 2009 at 2:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
Trust big government instead!
LOL
PS - I've had my identity/credit stolen - TWICE. I echo what ToxicPink says. As much as I respect quite a few of the posters here, including those I often disagree with, that does not mean I trust that information to be made public. Who's to say one wouldn't make up their info? For all I know Brian P of San Fran lives in Olpe. (No offense intended, Brian - I would like to, and do, believe you. But I have no concrete proof other than your word).
Just sign me: Already been burnt. Twice.
December 5, 2009 at 2:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
These forums are boring anyway since Seriously R. Folks left them.
R.
ps
I'm still against burglary, even though that is being negative.
December 5, 2009 at 2:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
seriously! Been wondering where you've been! (Hope your last few weeks have been better than the reason for my temporary absence :-)
But please don't divulge any personal information as to why. I'd hate to see you burgled or something as a result.
December 5, 2009 at 2:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
ToxicPink makes a great point about worldwide identity security when identifying yourself. Not everyone who posts on here actually lives in Emporia or even in Lyon Co. but the majority of us do. For those who don't live here, they would be harder to locate if they were signed by name only, but for those of us who do live within the city or county, we would be easier to find.
For me, though, the biggest reason to not advertise my name on every post, is for people who surround me. I have posted my name before(the only time I have ever received a beer bottle in my mailbox....coincidence??), and while that means nothing to most Emporians, it could be harmful in a town this small. Say, for instance, that I am relating a story about one of my former job superiors, maybe as a "what not to do" example, that I've learned in real life. That could easily turn into slander or even just revealing info about them that they didn't want advertised to those who do know me and can figure out who I'm taking about. My anonymity preserves their anonymity. That applies to my family members as well. What if I have been in a three day long debate with a person who has been greatly personally offended by my disagreement with their position (happens frequently) and it turns out to be the person my spouse interviews with that same week? Or maybe it's a superior already in place. If that person can't separate my opinion from my spouse's work record, that could be damaging.
I also wonder who defines "negative." I initially thought that would mean comments that go against the user policy or are just outbursts of general hatred that aren't really about the story. These parts of Chris' article threw me off of the definition, though:
"We have not counted, but we speculate that of those 50,000 comments, the negative ones probably far outweigh the positive and useful ones."
and
"Of the more than 7,000 registered users, there only seem to be about a dozen frequent posters unable to follow our online posting rules,..."
If only a dozen are not following the rules, then that isn't the criteria for the "negative" definition. So then, what is it? Is it the first comment on each thread that differs in opinion with any opinion that has been stated prior (article author or posters)? Does it include every dissent of opinion then following that? I am perplexed............is questioning something out of perplexity, negativity? I am not being sarcastic here......I really want to know.
Oh yes, and the news forum page seems to be disabled and has been for several days. Before that, it took several minutes to load on a good computer. That is not a legitimate resource right now.
December 5, 2009 at 2:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
admirred'''''so that's what your handle means...and I always thought you were just being overly proud of your self. Sorry...just trying to add a little off-topic levity. :-)
There are other considerations to the anonymity question other than all of our cowardly natures however. I am not ashamed of what I say on here.....but there are security and safety concerns as already pointed out. In addition.....some of my remarks could put my job in jeopardy as clients and associates found themselves in disagreement with me. This would be especially true on topics such as religion.
Wait a minute....it couldn't be that that's why they want to do away with anonymity......could it?.....Nah, couldn't be.....could it?
December 5, 2009 at 2:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
Did anybody else see the Jets beat Buffalo?
R.
December 5, 2009 at 2:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
shadou (anonymous) says...
Perhaps if we all practiced a bit of respect for each other the problem would ease.
Many people know my name. I would have used it when I originally entered the site but I was only able to use my User Name. And, as was pointed out earlier, we must sign our posts because otherwise only that user name will automatically appear.
As for privacy, good points have been made about identity theft and stalking. Enough said.
I don't post very often and I do try to stay on message when I do. Why should I waste your time by drifting? And why should I waste my own time wandering around in the ether?
Regarding "First Amendment" rights, no such issue arises in blogs. We're here because we choose to be and we are being hosted by a private entity. The "Gazette" doesn't have to provide us this opportunity. So let's just enjoy the blogs and try to honor what should be common courtesy.
December 5, 2009 at 2:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
I heard TIger Wood's mistress once posted here...... and look what happened.....
December 5, 2009 at 3:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
oh4theluvof.......as usual very good post. And I don't drink beer and I hate beer in bottles because it is apparently a law that when you drink beer from a bottle you have to then break the bottle on the sidewalk or in the streets. Now if I wasn't anonymous I would probably have a beer bottle broken on my head,
open_eyes
how was that for a twist and dodge to get back on topic....pretty good huh....:-)
December 5, 2009 at 3:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
seriouslyfolks
Where have you been.......I know none of my business and we must protect your anonymity also.....but you have been anonymously missed by me and others.
December 5, 2009 at 3:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
Masterful!!!!
But.... you may have already given too much away. Now next time someone sees someone out on the dance floor with great moves, and not drinking beer........ just hope it isn't someone who you may have offended online.
That's it. From now one I'm going to dance like I have 2 left feet..... throw them off the trail..... ;-)
December 5, 2009 at 3:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
Yeah, I don't know. The new Camaro is cool I guess but I still prefer the Challengers and Mustangs. Especially the way the rear fender flares out a little more on the 2010 Mustangs, they just look so cool. IMHO
R.
ps
Don't get me wrong. I'd still take a Camaro if a free set of steak knives was thrown in............ I'm just sayin'.
December 5, 2009 at 3:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justthinkin (anonymous) says...
OMG - Thanks Chris, this was fun.... Glad you got it started... Seriously, I've missed you, too. Welcome back...
Now, to get on subject to keep from being removed.... I guess if you don't agree with the Gazette, you aren't welcome.... I don't post often either, but I'm going to try to refrain from disagreeing with the Gazette.... after all, they have ways of knowing who I am and I don't want them to start putting their paper on my porch again!
December 5, 2009 at 3:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
Dude!!! Calm down! This is why we always get in trouble on here. If you would just listen to what I'm saying you would realize that I' not disagreeing with you. "Twilight" may be the greatest movie ever but I can't say it is for sure until I actually see it. Do you understand now? I'm not tryin' to talk down to you or nothin' but sometimes you got to read all of what I'm sayin' and stop taking everything so personally. It's just a movie.
R.
December 5, 2009 at 3:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
Yeah....its "just a movie"....... until you actually get BITTEN by a vampire....... ;-)
December 5, 2009 at 3:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
Here we go again!
If I've said it once I've said it before (I honestly can't remember if I have said it or not .................... anyhooooo) If you have a pet werewolf you don't have to worry about vampires.
R.
December 5, 2009 at 4:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
Oh, good heavens!!!! He's back!!! I wondered how long the reprieve would be...........:-)
biscuitboy, I noticed that while I was posting, you posted essentially the same thing that I was taking a very long time to type. "Nice post as usual" back at you. I am wondering, though if this type of conversation between posters is considered off-topic. I have begun pondering the definition of "off-topic" now and I am perplexed more still. biscuit, you brought up the mostly civil and very dynamic discussion on the "Seasonal Celebration" time and date and no flash photography announcement. To me, it was all connected, but it was reviving the name debate which was not part of that announcement. Does that mean that if we were to comment on that piece, it was to only say nice things about the time, date and the banning of flash photography? If I wanted to comment that it is a nice program overall but that I get tired of people's cell phone conversations going on around me, would that be negative and off-topic? (BTW, there is a question or two that you have asked there that I would love to discuss, but was already thinking that should go on the religion discussion on the news side, which I found to be disabled, and then I got a head cold that made me not want to have to think for a couple of days ....stupid Christmas lights.....and now in light of this article I think I still shouldn't answer them on the Seasonal program thread)
Chris, are discussions that are conversation progressions that end up not on the original topic, but on related ones, being discouraged here? Are conversational type posts being discouraged here? Would you rather that we each answer just the article in a vacuum...no socialization? How far in or out do you draw the line?
December 5, 2009 at 4:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
Those are very important questions ohfor....and the answers to them may go along way towards determining the future of this platform. If narrowly construed, the no off-topic rule could quickly make this forum about as interesting as watching grass grow. Now if that is what Chris wants....it's his paper and he can ruin it however he likes.............but the last time I watched grass grow it quickly became boring and I moved on some place else.
December 5, 2009 at 5:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
Personally, I think most reader comments/blogs are going to be, by their very nature, "negative" - or at least in opposition to a point of view. How often do people write in to just simply say "I agree completely". I mean we all do occasionally, but if that's going to be the only thing allowed, then what is the point? Gets pretty boring pretty fast....... you also stated that the positive blogs were the "useful" ones. So that means "I agree" is much more useful than, say, posting information which disagrees or even disproves a particular point of view?
How about on the next Gazette readers poll, you only present one button or one selection choice to vote. That way you won't get any negative votes....... only "useful" feedback...... LOL
December 5, 2009 at 5:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
Right now my grass is pretty dormant due to the cold weather and time of year. Just thought ya'll would like to know that.
Of course, if the earth continues to warm, my grass growing season will be prolonged, making for more interesting and longer discussions.
And NO, I'm not referring to "THAT" kind of "grass"....... LOLOL...
December 5, 2009 at 5:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
I totally agree in a most positive way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:-)
:-)
:-)
:-)
:-)
:-)
:-)
:-)
:-)
:-)
:-)
:-)
:-)
:-)
:-)
December 5, 2009 at 5:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
By the way.......the gazette forum...where we are supposed to take our negative and not useful comments is still disabled. Now open_eyes that brings up yet another dance step......or as Bob Seger once wrote.....just give me that old time bait and switch....or some thing close to that. What ever it was I am certain it was a useful and positive thing that he wrote therefore eligible for inclusion in this post....I hope.
December 5, 2009 at 5:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
burrittobandit2 (anonymous) says...
Greetings fromm Las Vegas, Nv. If you want to read a lot of liberal comments go and read the las vegas sun. It will crack you up. My father was from Emporia so I know about your town. Anyway I will continue to read your paper online.
December 5, 2009 at 5:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
My identity became known during the Somali situation when my concern was that not enough attention had been paid to introducing the Somali people to American society by sponsoring agencies. In fact, it was I and one other poster who contacted the city about having a town meeting with all parties present. I even hosted the first meeting. For that, I received several hate letters in the mail calling me a racist. And one hex.
Most people have forgotten who I am, but my point is that there are indeed dangers involved with allowing one's identity to be known. Hate mail and a hex are mild compared with what could be done. I believe it would be downright foolish to take the chance of living inside the lion's mouth.
When my best friend, an investigative reporter for the Honolulu Advertiser, won an award, it was for a 7-day series of articles revealilng the names of local mobsters who had been terrorizing the islands for a number of years. Neither his life, nor that of his wife and children were ever the same for years afterwards. Do we have people capable of that kind of destruction around here? You never can tell.
As biscuit so aptly puts it, "We sometimes get to be a radical and loudmouthed bunch.....but my guess is many royalist back in colonial America though the same of the Colonialist." I too have been radical and loudmouthed on here, and on two occasions, have even had my comments removed. This is good, I deserved it.
I agree with the rest of the many sensible comments and questions posted on this thread. My question is this: What else is driving this besides a problem with negativity?
Did someone threaten to pull an ad?
To tell the truth, the comments, both negative as well as positive, have done more to drive people TO read the forum than away from it. I can't even begin to count the number of people who suggested to me from time to time, "Hey, you should read the Gazette's forum. There's some really good stuff being said and some really crazy stuff too." I"ve never fessed up.
Remember when seriously started commenting about being against burglary? The thread erupted with all kinds of related ideas and even the staff at the Gazette admitted to being entertained by it all. And I agree with biscuit about the very dynamic discussion on the "Seasonal Celebration," civility and all. Many in Emporia who don't participate have been reading that thread. That means they're reading all the ads too.
Thanks for the link to WAW's book, YY. At this rate, I think I may go "30." Either that, or we could scratch up some coin for a website and continue our daily discussions. Too bad you can't pop in a quarter everytime you want to give your opinon on some topic.
December 5, 2009 at 6 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
Oh create....if your quarter idea catches on I will be on welfare.
December 5, 2009 at 6:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
neighbor (anonymous) says...
The Gazette knows who we are, didn't we all have to register to be able to post?
Do you really think your website is gaining in popularity and being regularly "hit" because of your articles and advertising? I hope you're not that naive. Go ahead and demand real names, and watch your on-line revenue dry up. The number of hits on your site is what gets you listed on Google and brings in advertising $$$. I had numerous people suggest that I should read your blogs, people are being entertained by them. I would suggest that your name calling friend is the coward for not having the brass to use his real name on the comment section and saying it him/herself.
If you decide to make us use our real names, I too will be dumping my cookies and history file, then finding another source of local interaction.
December 5, 2009 at 6:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Beo_Saoirse (anonymous) says...
Observation, I'd wager good money that you missed the mark on this one.
December 5, 2009 at 7:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
Posted by neighbor (anonymous) on December 5, 2009 at 6:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"The Gazette knows who we are, didn't we all have to register to be able to post?
Do you really think your website is gaining in popularity and being regularly "hit" because of your articles and advertising? No, it's because of Seriously R. Folks, dang it!"
Thanks neighbor. I wholeheartedly agree.
R.
December 5, 2009 at 8:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
barefootin (anonymous) says...
im going to miss methusla
December 5, 2009 at 8:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
Gosh we're all starting to sound like a bunch of tea-partiers. I didn't realize everyone here was so racist ;-)
December 5, 2009 at 8:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
neighbor (anonymous) says...
Anyone taking wagers on how long it'll be before ole Meth posts again? :P
December 5, 2009 at 9:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
Observation,
It wouldn't be quite the same as knowing that you're talking to your own townsfolk, primarily. I don't want to discuss Emporia's business with people in Canada who don't know where Emporia is, or even Kansas. Maybe one of our web smart posters could start an EmporiaChat or EmporiaBuzz site. They could just do summaries of news pieces from KVOE or the Gazette for people to launch from and have the help of three or four volunteer moderators. I don't know how to do all of that and this is not a great time to try to learn, but I am willing to try if the support and volunteer help is there. Maybe this would all be less aggravating to someone whose hobby it is.
December 5, 2009 at 9:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
neighbor,
I already took 6:00 this evening and lost.........I'm out :-))
December 5, 2009 at 9:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Beo_Saoirse (anonymous) says...
Y'all already lost on the Methusla Pool. He posted his good-bye at 9:41 a.m. but was back by 12:36 p.m.
December 5, 2009 at 10:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
seriouslyfolks, So very glad to see you are back!!! You were missed and also your "cat" stories or films. I always looked forward to see what you were going to come up with next!!!!
I truly have enjoyed these blogs but do agree very much concerning "identity" thief, having that occurring once and a terrible mess to get cleared.
I have learned so very much from each poster and at times, must admit I''ve gotten rather "hot under the collar" at some post but that truely is one beauty of our nation, Freedom of Speech. Please keep it up and allow this girl to learn from you! Please, Meth, come back!!!! Even tho at times I may not agree, I learn a different prospective.
December 5, 2009 at 10:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
I'd support an Emporia Buzz site. I don't know how to do it or I'd start one. If such an idea hits it off, I'd put money on everyone in Emporia and surrounding area going there to listen to discussions instead of going to the Gazette site because people I know are constantly asking me if I'd seen this or that on the Gazette forum.
Once upon a time, a cranky old neighbor man came to the back fence to yell at the kids in the alley for making too much noise. "Hey you kids, knock it off or I'll take your bikes away." For the rest of the day the alley was quiet.
Early the next morning, into the old man's garden and across the newly seeded grass, a dozen bicycle tire tracks lay.
I like to end sentences with verbs.
December 5, 2009 at 10:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
marko (anonymous) says...
take a look at topix i keep up with several old hometowns on their site
December 6, 2009 at 12:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
empbrat (anonymous) says...
Well what can I say....hmmmm. Ya know, using your real name is a terrible idea. I have a friend in Nebraska whos husband USED to post comments on their local newspaper site using his real name. On one certain occasion he posted to one of the news articles, and a person that disagreed with his post, tracked him down by his real name and broke into this mans house in the middle of night, armed no less, and it turned into a scuffle inside the home. Sorry to say his wife was shot in the stomach during the scuffle and was hospitalized in crital condition. She recovered but the suspect escaped the home and was never caught to this day.
Why did this happen? Because their local newspaper had it set up so that if you wanted to post your comment, you had to use your real name. Don't make the same mistake by enforcing this issue. Hire a moderator to handle the posts coming in and that should put an end to the problem.
Some of you may say, nah what happened to your friends family won't hapen here...don't fool yourself....my friend was living in a town of 25,000 population and it happened there, why couldn't it happen in Emporia. This is the internet and placing your name for everyone to see is opening a door for alot of trouble.
I AM NOT A COWARD....I refuse to use my name simply because I prefer to keep my loved ones protected from harm.
December 6, 2009 at 12:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
K.B. Thomas Jr. said, "Everybody is crazy for at least 10 minutes everyday, the trick is to not go over the limit." Somebody once said, "When it comes to staying young, a mind lift beats a face lift." Is this positive or negative and I say it all depends on how you look at it. Is it negative to be over the hill? I say, Heck No! That's when you start picking up speed. I heard a guy today say that he yearned for the good old days, I told him to go home and turn off the air conditioner. Was I being negative or positive?
December 6, 2009 at 12:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
My grandfather taught me the difference between a hero and a coward. One time at a little league ballgame the umpire made a questionable call for the last out of the game. Two ladies approached my grandfather and said, "Are we going to stand for this and my grandfather said,"No were not going to stand for this!" The two ladies went after the umpire and my grandfather took one step sideways and went to his car. This taught me that the difference between a Hero and a coward is sometimes one step sideways.
December 6, 2009 at 1:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
The hardest thing to remember about bloging is to remember that feelings are everywhere.
December 6, 2009 at 1:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
The other day I showed Chris Walker my Thanksgiving shirt with turkeys on it and I told him it was my Liberal shirt but, I smiled when I said it and he went on the trip with me. I forget sometimes that it won't work on the internet. Burt Rich, a well known black contractor that built several downtown buildings said, "forgive your enemies--if you can't get back at them any other way." He also said, He didn't have any enemies--He outlived them all.
December 6, 2009 at 1:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
How can you say that upsetting the applecart is not positive? If you don't, they will all rot anyway. Bloging once printed, has a life of it's own.
December 6, 2009 at 2:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
I am sorry. This is my way of getting the last word.
December 6, 2009 at 2:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
Very good point Open Eyes, the sheer hypocrisy involved in the Gazette calling people cowards on one hand then telling everyone to play nice is laughable, fine example they are setting indeed.
Too many people often take debates way more seriously then need be. I myself have been guilty of this at times, but there is always that option of simply ignoring something you don't like, an option I might add, that too many people in this day and age seem to have forgotten.
We should all just head down Town Royale some night=)
December 6, 2009 at 3:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
reddog.....I totally, 100 percent, completely, and all the way to the max, enjoyed and appreciated your last barrage of post. Furthermoree I even agreed with all of them except the turkeys but since you said it with a smile it must have been positive....so okay!
Now will someone please pass the jelly.....please.
December 6, 2009 at 4:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
If Chris succumbs to the wishes of who ever the positive spirited person or persons driving this misguided proposal of positive improvements....I too will be happy and positively inspired to dip into my meager resources and my more abundant volunteer time to make a new website happen. I will be driven by a positive and public spirited desire to re-establish a place where I can then revert back to my negative, mean-spirited, and cowardly self. For only in that way do I feel I have any chance of making a positive impact on my community......which is of course what most of us posters here [on all sides of the issues] are really trying to do in our negative, mean-spirited, and cowardly ways.
December 6, 2009 at 4:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
I like goodoleboys idea about the Town Royal. We could all check our guns at the door.....wear paper sacks over our heads with question marks on them and have a great evening trying to figure out who the others were. Of course I fear the dog hair on my jacket would be a dead giveaway for me. lol
December 6, 2009 at 4:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Hey Chris,
Whatup with the NEWS FORUM page? Going to be fixed anytime soon?
December 6, 2009 at 7:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
I was being positively motivated by being called a coward [certainly intended as inspiration for my improvement] when it dawned on me that I might only be half-cowardly. Granted, I had placed safety, security, and job concerns, above bravado when electing to do as the Gazette asked and provide them with an anonymous user-name. But I foolishly [and uncowardly like] chose a name that was already emblazoned in part on my license plate. As a result, a number of people have approached my in parking lots and parks asking if I was in fact biscuitboy. Up until now none have been armed, in fact, all have been quite pleasant.
My question then is does this make me a full blown sniffling coward.....or just a half a#### sniffling coward?
December 6, 2009 at 7:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
Incidentally....I believe the methusla pool is still open. It could be argued the his 12:36 p.m. post was an addendum to his 9:41 a.m. farewell post. If that is the case the pool is still valid.
Dec. 7th, 7:30 a.m.
December 6, 2009 at 7:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
As the young folks say, "23 skidoo!"
R.
December 6, 2009 at 7:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xz_bnQ...
Goodbye methusla.
December 6, 2009 at 7:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
Goodbye stranger, it's been nice
Hope you find you're pair of dice
I know they meant so much to you
Purple and fuzzy hanging from your rear view
Goodbye stranger .......................
December 6, 2009 at 8:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
Yes Sir......seriouslyfolks is back!
And I am glad!
December 6, 2009 at 8:37 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ToxicPink (anonymous) says...
When did our actions get upgraded from negative to attacking? =o
December 6, 2009 at 9:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
Good question Toxic Pink....
December 6, 2009 at 9:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
Apparently the Gazette is selfish with the edit button, guess they feel only they should have the power to backpeddle, even though Chris Walker is still attacking people with the coward comment. This whole deal has really got me thinking about taking the ole' gazette off my bookmarks and just being done with it, this site is getting to be about as rigged as our city officials in that if you don't nod in agreement with them they sweep you under the rug.
Perhaps a new visotor's center will increase circulation....
December 6, 2009 at 9:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
My morning thoughts....
If the Gazette feels there are only a dozen or so who regularly violate the Terms, perhaps they should email those 12 directly (since they have our registered email) - or post those 12 handles (in an article such as this) with a warning that they are on probation. A few I could probably guess but since it is confusing, as others have pionted out, exactly what constitutes "negative", I have no idea who all that might encompass, including me.
goodoleboy, perhaps their attitude of sweeping anyone that disagrees with them under the rug is just a trickle down effect of the White House's "War on Fox News"...... LOL ........... which makes me think.....hmmmm..... all that attack on the First Amendment did was 1) Rally other news orgs together behind Fox.... and 2) BOOST FOX'S RATINGS......Ahhh...... perhaps me sees a rather sneaky sinister reverse psychology plot going on after all....... ;-)
December 6, 2009 at 10:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
I think that is a lot of the problem I'm having here. If there are only a dozen or so regular violators why are we looking at throwing out the baby with the bath. It seems it would be rather a simple process to address those problems with the violators. But they have also said that the majority of the comments......(in their guesstimation).....are negative. If both those statements are true then the violators they are talking about would include most of the handful of people who post virtually every day......the same people who are commenting the most about this story......people like me.
Since this charge is now hanging over most of the most prolific posters I believe for the sake of decency Chris needs to either accuse us outright and remove us......or clear us so we can quit wondering if we are the one who somehow has crossed his line. Until then I think I will borrow a page from the old doomsday clock and from the associated press and start closing my post like this ........(27).
December 6, 2009 at 10:29 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
observation
Checked out your link......Looks pretty good to me.....of course the key is can it attract enough posters of different persuasions to make it worth participating in it.
December 6, 2009 at 10:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Now let's weigh this. On the general heirarchy of things, is negative an upgrade from attacking? Or is it the other way around?
You've got me thinking, Toxic Pink.
We could build a formula If we've a mind to. Or a poem.
Negative, Schmegative
Fiddle dee dee,
The publisher says
We're cowards. Ah me!
We've spit and we've railed,
And we've argued non-stop,
Topics get torn from the
Bottom to top.
Then down again, up again
No quarter given,
Screaming and yelling,
No truce, we are driven.
We opine, we believe,
It's our natural bent,
But now we've been cuffed,
So do we repent?
But I heard one exclaim,
As he rode out of sight,
Happy Christmas to all,
And to all a good fight!
December 6, 2009 at 10:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
marko (anonymous) says...
careful, next thing ya know, the gazette will go all 'rupert murdoch' on us and restrict it's web content so google (and topix) doesn't get to use gazette's articles, and then b4 u know it the paper will be printed in austrailia
December 6, 2009 at 10:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
marko (anonymous) says...
maybe the article generating this conversation could be the next one added topix
December 6, 2009 at 10:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MisterO (anonymous) says...
I wonder if Mr. Walker would be "brave" enough to call half the posters on these forums a coward to their faces.
Particularly since quite a few of them have identified themselves as veterans (classy move calling our veterans "cowards" by the way).
I wonder if Mr. Walker as brave enough to enlist as some of these posters have.
I somehow doubt it.
December 6, 2009 at 11:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ToxicPink (anonymous) says...
The "upgraded" comment was sarcasm. =P
And I did have to read through to realize that the story was edited for this morning.
And Create, I loved your poem! Good job. XD
On another note, calling me out in public won't make me pull my tail between my legs and whine for forgiveness, in fact it'll just tick me off. =)
December 6, 2009 at 11:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ToxicPink (anonymous) says...
And since I'm always just a ball of negativity, I thought of something to be helpful! =) Yay!
Fix the forums. I can never get into them to be able to see what they look like, therefore I cannot post there and keep my opinions that aren't cheery out of the comment section.
Get them working, get them organized, make them look like an actual forum if they do not (Someday I hope to see what that area of the website looks like) and set up a better Terms of Service for that particular area. My problem with the one your currently have is that it's wordy, hard to read through and by making it such you pretty much guarantee the majority of people are not going to read it.
You may completely cast me off and are probably rolling your eyes even up to this sentence, but I've written several ToS agreements for other websites and can tell you exactly how to reorganize it. =P
(Also, I know the word of the day must have been obfuscated, but quit it! That's like not even close to daily language.)
December 6, 2009 at 11:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
Toxic Pink........
Nor me.....Despite my rather cuddly sounding handle.....I am not one that cuts and runs easily. But I have no qualms about taking my business elsewhere. When that time comes, the number at the end of my post will go to (30). In Associated Press parlance that means......its over....I'm done.
.......................................(27)...........................................
December 6, 2009 at 11:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
create - your poetic skills are impressive! ;-)
December 6, 2009 at 11:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
Please, click on my link and sign up! Two of us are lonely over there and my commenting hours here are numbered. They have a couple of really cool features....I have been doing some exploring. Just post a comment on the "EG exiles" thread I started and we'll do this together. We'll be masters at it in no time. Some of EG stories with direct links back here are there already, making it familiar. We will have to learn how to get more of them as well as from KVOE and the TC Journal. Life could be MORE interesting in front of Emporia computers!!!!!
December 6, 2009 at 3:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
To all my old friends.....(and a couple of enemies)......I have now joined the rebellion. One note however......some rascal had already abscounded with my handle. So when you come over....as I hope all of you do......I will no longer be biscuitboy.......now I will be biscuitwdog..See you there.
..............................................(29).....................................
December 6, 2009 at 3:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
Farm Raised
He's on the topix board now along with a growing number of us. We even have a topic about us moving over.
.............................................(29)......................................
December 6, 2009 at 3:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
GOLLY G,
Looks like just Chris and me.
COME ON
CAN'T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG?
December 6, 2009 at 5:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
It looks like a few posters have moved on up to another site.Topix?
Haven't seen this kind of uprising since the Boston tea party.
December 6, 2009 at 5:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.
December 6, 2009 at 1:22 p.m. ( permalink )
truelovecharlie (anonymous) says...
Chris; your software should allow you an IP address as people sign up for the ability to comment. If said poster violates the posting rules a number of times; your software should allow you to block that posters IP address from posting. I am one of the biggest voices for keeping our rights; however, I would disagree that this would violate freedom of speech as it is a PRIVILEGE to post here and we all agree to the terms of this sight for that privilege. If you violate the terms you should be banned or removed. It's not rocket science to stay on topic and not use foul language. If you go into Steve's bar and constantly cause problems; guess what? You'll be barred from Steve's place and rightfully so.
December 6, 2009 at 6:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Looks like I''l be going over to Topix too. Hope no one has taken my handle. ................30..............
December 6, 2009 at 7:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Cherry_Bomb (anonymous) says...
Isn't it sad that Chris Walker has been on the radio reminding people to shop emporia ....but the gazette decided to shop out of town all the way to lawrence to have the paper printed ..... SAD Sad sad
December 6, 2009 at 8:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
FinallyOUT (anonymous) says...
This editorial doesn't suprise me in the least. This is Emporia through and through.
I do agree that if someone is abusive on this site, it is indeed the Gazette's right to remove that post.
However, what I think Mr.Walker, Ashley Walker and the rest of the "Gazette Gang" sometimes forget is that Emporia isn't all unicorns and rainbows. There is ALOT of negative things that go on in this city and I do feel that these boards give some residents who don't have the option to be on the city commission a place to vent there frustrations and there feelings about the city.
But again, this doesn't surprise me in the least. My guess is that these boards will be down before the winter's over.
Nobody wants to hear the negative...
That's what Emporia's all about sometimes.
But the negative needs to be discussed to GET to the positive. That's how change get started. ALOT of great grass roots discussions and movements have gone on from these boards.
It's sad Chris forgets that.
December 6, 2009 at 9:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
Steve and Open_eyes, come on over. Open-eyes, believe a vote is that you be "head" of the new sight. We so need your insight.
December 7, 2009 at 12:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
FinallyOUT hit the nail right square on the head when he said a lot of negative needs to be discussed to get to the positive....but that has apparently been lost on the management of a once proud paper. I also agree that this board will be history by Spring....and I'll go one further. I predict this newspaper......as a daily full service newspaper.....will be history within five years.
It takes innovative, courageous, management that is not afraid to walk on the edge for a newspaper to survive anymore. Unfortunately, I don't see that at The Emporia Gazette anymore.
Truth be known....my bet is that Patrick Kelly was fired, or forced out, because he didn't follow the current "Yellow Brick Road" philosophy of current management.
I'm withholding taken the ultimate final step for the moment to see what (if any) reaction to this weekend is forthcoming from Mr Walker. Until then I'll just sign out......
....................................(29+)...........................................
December 7, 2009 at 4:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dalelinn (Dale Linn) says...
Two pennies worth: There are quite a few thoughtful posts on Mr. Walker's editorial. I would like to add that there are numerous reasons that one would post anonymously other than being a "coward". I would also like to say that when I agree with an editorial, I don't usually say anything. Sometimes when an editorial seems ridiculous to me, I feel I have to respond. Evidently when I disagree with an article, I'm being "negative", as per Mr. Walker's editorial. It is too bad we just can't all say the same thing. Then we could just call the newspaper "Tass" and we'd all be a "happy family".
December 7, 2009 at 6:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dalelinn (Dale Linn) says...
Mr. Walker, I was remiss in not asking if you were going to "print" the name of the person that suggested that posters that didn't use their real name are "cowards", or this this person, a "________", too? I suppose that the current letter I have submitted to the Gazette will not be posted, as it does not at all agree with a previously letter writer. It surely is an "attack" letter.......... Thanks for the forum, and editorial attacking me.
December 7, 2009 at 7:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
To all those who have felt the need to speak out here, but at the same time also widely criticize and condemn the tea party protestors..............
well never mind. Speaks for itself. People in this country have a right to speak up when they disagree, whether it happens to align with your particular point of view or not.
There may be some racists on here (unfortunately), some idiots (likely me), some who just follow the crowd..... but I don't think as a whole this thread has been a bunch of racists, nazis, or hooligans, and I won't characterize the entire basket because of a few bad apples.........
America. No place else on this earth I would rather be. ;-)
December 7, 2009 at 8:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
I don't know, biscuitboy - I thought Pat Kelley pretty much followed the Gazette's agenda. After all, didn't he do a little bit of name-calling (negative posting) in his farewell column?
December 7, 2009 at 9:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
When initially signing up and (quickly) scanning thru the User Terms agreement, had I noticed a clause that stated even though users were not to get involved in name-calling and whatnot the Gazette still reserved that right for itself, I probably would have said what a bunch of hypocrites and not signed up.
December 7, 2009 at 9:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodjoss (anonymous) says...
The WORST thing about censorship is _______________
December 7, 2009 at 10:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HenryVIII (anonymous) says...
Is this why the forum page is broken?
http://www.emporiagazette.com/forums/...
Or am I the only one it’s not working for because I was banned?
December 7, 2009 at 10:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tbluma (anonymous) says...
Gee Chris I just don't know where to start.
Do you really think that for every positive remark that there isn't going to be a negative thought?
If there weren't negative comments this place would die of utter lack of participation. Op Ed's tend to have that effect on people.
I've said it before and I'll say it again "I don't have any idea how your liberal paper ever survived in this town as long as it has", you just drove another nail in your coffin.
As for staying on track I'll admit that these post do drift but hey that's what makes them fun.
Quit drinking the Kool aid Chris and wake up to the real world.
December 7, 2009 at 11:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
open_eyes
Yes he did in his farewell......but by then he had been largely untethered from the will of his masters......Hope to see you and goodoleboy and tbluma and whom ever else that wants to join us on the other side.
.......................................(29+).......................................
December 7, 2009 at 12:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
b3bill (anonymous) says...
It's nice to see that Chris chose to agree with the person (whose real name is not yet revealed) about calling some posters as "cowards", and then writing an article about it.
In using vocabulary from the article, I feel Chris is being a "coward" for not revealing that person's real name. I'd think that person would have no problem with his/her full name being revealed in print and online. Since Chris has decided to throw mud at various posters with name calling of "cowards", let's see what he does next.
Unless I see a post here, online, in this comment section, very soon, with the name Chris Walker that I can positively identify as being the editor of The Emporia Gazette, I will have to conclude one of the following:
1. That Chris is being a "coward" for not addressing the various questions/comments posted here resulting from the article he wrote. It is both very arrogant and cowardly to print an article like this, then open it up for online comments (and remember, not all articles have a comment section), and then chose to ignore all posters by not responding here. Chris clearly has many questions/comments directed at him specifically.
or
2. Is Chris Walker, editor, posting here under another name(s)? I have no way of knowing that he or anyone else at The Gazette doesn't.
December 7, 2009 at 12:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
"bowing with baggy pants"....... sounds like....
HAMMER TIME!
LOLOLOL ;-)
You go, YY4U! Put the hammer DOWN on Gazette hypocrisy!!! LOL
December 7, 2009 at 2:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
Actually Chris stated that "we agree" hence suggesting that all of the gazette feels anonymous posters are cowards.
I refuse to support and abide by the hypocrisy on display, gazette subscription canceled, and goodoleboy might or might not post here anymore depending on who remains. One thing I can be sure of though, next time I bump into Mr. Walker around town I will happily present myself and ask if he has the fortitude to call me a coward in person, or if it is just easier on his part to attack people on the internet.
Lesson #1 of the internet, anyone can be a tough guy, few can back it up.
December 7, 2009 at 4:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mslater (Matt Slater) says...
Sir,
"It often happens, that the most zealous Advocates for any Cause find themselves disappointed in the first Appearance of Success in the Propagation of their Opinion; and the Disappointment appears unavoidable, when their easy Proselytes too suddenly start into Extreams, and are immediately fill'd with Arguments to invalidate their former Practice. This creates a Suspicion in the more considerate Part of Mankind, that those who are thus given to Change, neither fear God, nor honour the King."
I Am, Sir,
Your Humble Servant,
Silence Dogood (I wish this poster would have given his real name!)
December 7, 2009 at 4:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
cwalker (anonymous) says...
Perhaps I need to clarify the coward comment in my article. Is it right for someone to attack another person on the message board and then hide behind their anonymous screen name?
For instance last week one person wrote on the message board that a certain former school administrator "should burn in hell". Do you think this is appropriate?
Chris Walker
The Emporia Gazette
December 7, 2009 at 4:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
cwalker (anonymous) says...
We apologize for the forums being down. Tech support should have the problem fixed in the next day or two.
Chris Walker
The Emporia Gazette
December 7, 2009 at 4:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
USNretired (anonymous) says...
I am glad to see this attention to the blogs. Please add a link to each poster so that the profile may be viewed by all
Jesse McGill
currently of
Fredericksburg, Virginia
December 7, 2009 at 4:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
Then I think that post should be removed and that poster put on warning, or banned for repeat offenses as you deem necessary.
It's obvious here when someone crosses the line with inappropriate suggestions and name calling.
What is not clear is what you consider "negative" posting. Since you are complaining about negative posts as well far outweighing positive, are you trying to say that 30,000+ of the posts were similar to saying someone "should burn in hell"?
December 7, 2009 at 5:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
Naw open eyes, what happened was that someone with pull in town had their feelings hurt and made a stink. Everyone here gets emotional at times, its hard to avoid in debates, but the benefits of what comes out of the resolutions far outweighs a few people bruised egos. I have seen FAR FAR worse said on other message boards, and like I said the "ignore" function on a forum works wonders.
December 7, 2009 at 5:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mslater (Matt Slater) says...
Chris,
It's your blog, you can do what you want with it. My OPINION (getting to be a cursed word on here anymore, haha) is that you get an auto-filter, which filters out language a reasonable person would find offensive.
I don't feel people need to put their real names on here if they don't want. With all of the identity theft and other problems online, putting one's real name in cyberspace is a definite security problem. My other train of thought is this: no one else puts their real name on forums or other news comment sections. Instead of people getting upset that some anonymous person said something bad about them on the Emporia Gazette Forums, maybe they should just grow thicker skins. Heck, maybe a dose of the truth is what some people need. As for myself, I will continue to put my name on here. If you disagree with me, I'm ok with that. I love a good discussion. It's just when it becomes heated that it becomes a problem.
Keep it clean people, so we all can continue to enjoy this benefit.
Matt
December 7, 2009 at 5:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
Chris.......Had that former school administrator been an unemployed truck driver who had just been accused of killing his wife and children.....would you have been as easily offended. If not I would wonder why? Yet people who were not former school administrators have had some very rough things said about them......including me. Those things however seem to have gone unnoticed by you and your staff...and again I wonder why?
........................................(29++)....................................
December 7, 2009 at 6:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tbluma (anonymous) says...
Good point bb (hope you don't mind the abreviation bisquitboy wouldn't want to be negative or offensive here). I seem to remember a post here a week or two ago (by one of us who post's very frequently) that was positively, absolutely degrading to truck drivers. Are they any less than a school superintendant, I think not, just a different pay grade.
The Christmas program got pretty wicked for a while also, but I do believe a lot of good came of it. Shoot if we all go through life and never get our feelings hurt or never hurt anyone's feelings then I would suggest that we never did anything.
So if Chris want's to be a child, take his ball and bat and go home so we can't play any more, so what. I'm sure we'll all get along fine without him or his wife. I personally get tired of him and her and the rest of the staff with their liberal whining views anyway.
That being said, if I were of the same mind set as they are then this page just wouldn't be any fun, would it?
December 7, 2009 at 8:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
Negativity is so subjective.
I was thinking about writing some editorial about how we could solve so many of our problems if we just nuked everyone else on the planet out of existance for no good reason, friend and foe alike. Think of all the money we'd save on foreign policy programs alone. Or mass extermination of anyone making less than $100,000/year. Get rid of all the poor and sick, only the wealthy survive. (I would be included among those exterminated, but hey, its for the greater good).
Now, I have a feeling comments to that article might run close to 100% "negative".
Shame on you all. Have something positive to say about my idea or shutup. (To paraphrase the Gazette attitude).
Just one of your local cowardly rabble-rousers
;-)
December 7, 2009 at 8:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
Although this is easily where I actually blog myself most often, I've read/scanned thru quite a few message boards in the last few years.
I find them all roughly the same. Most people don't bother to voice the opinion "me too" nearly as often as those that point out errors or why they disagree. It's pretty standard throughout cyberspace.
Now if you want to remove posts you deem offensive (language, threats), you have that right, and you state so in the Terms.
If you want a mesage board that always stays "positive" -
might I suggest the "My Little Pony Fan Club" site or something similar on Disney or akin to that.
Just a suggestion.
December 7, 2009 at 9:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
phiber101 (anonymous) says...
I'M BACK!!! ;) Alright, so now the Gazette is pulling the censorship card. Well, yes you guys are the ones paying the bills for maintaining the hosting for the Emporia Gazette Online as well as providing us "cowards" a place to post what we think of individual stories prepared by and for the Emporia Gazette. WE are the ones paying for the local paper that keeps YOU with a job. Granted, not everyone is going to have the same feeling about any single article! Some of us have stronger "opinions" than others. Some of us are fed up with being censored because we said something negative (regardless of it being true or not) about the "higher society" here in Emporia.
With that said, why is it we are classified as cowards because we don't lay our lives out there and let you know everything about us? By posting your name on here Mr. Walker, I learned that you own a few houses here in or around town, are married and are current on your property taxes. That info took me all of a minute to find. Requiring people to put themselves out there or calling them cowards for not doing it is ridiculous! What's to stop people from looking up those on the forums who have offended them in some way and stopping by their homes?
I can understand deleting comments that people are using foul language, being racist or threatening violence on someones person, but deleting comments because it goes against your feelings is obsurd. Not to worry, I'll be creating my own site in the future to allow those voice their opinions and I won't be deleting comments because someone doesn't agree with Matt Zimmerman! (just used that as an example since I've had a few deleted)
Damon
Emporia, KS
December 7, 2009 at 9:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
phiber101 (anonymous) says...
hey open_eyes, I'll be the number 2 member of the My Little Emporia Pony Fan Club if you make it! Definitely make a Facebook page for it! ;) hahahahaha
I agree though, it seems that if the negative posts are geared towards the "higher ups" (as I like to call them) then they are deemed inappropriate and deleted. Now, I remember all the negative remarks towards the article about Brain Trestor who's been missing since late October, and I don't recall any comments being deleted as people tore into his character because he was on parole. Does it make someone less human if they've had trouble in the past?
tbluma (I think that's his handle) stated that there was an article that was degrading to truck drivers and what was said was said and not being censored. 3 of my uncles are truck drivers........does their occupation make them less human? I think not!
December 7, 2009 at 9:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
Being negative????? Emporia IS a negative town! Did I get your attention??? Seems so many times it is easier to be negative then positive. Yes, can't we "support" how we feel without being so very negative? When I'm speaking of "negative", I mean the habit that "some" folks have of "ripping" each other down that truly has nothing to do with the topic in general or for the betterment of the community.
Also, I have many times "strayed" away from topic but in doing so, hope I haven't been negative and yes, have often learned because of that "straying". The Gazette sight, by the way of its posters, for the most part, has been very INFORMATIVE. Let us give this sight some praise for "being there" in the past and hopefully the future.
December 7, 2009 at 10:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
slimbolen99 (anonymous) says...
Trust me, the Walkers are anything but what the Emporia Gazette was founded upon. Look at the house that they live in compared to the house that the press operators who's jobs they outsourced lives in. He worked there 30+ years; how long have the Walkers worked there? What have they contributed other than an editorial once in a while, which, at it's best, contributes to nothing more than reading about how their kids rule the house. The Emporia Gazette is as much as a newspaper as the National Enquirer anymore.
December 7, 2009 at 10:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
These blogs are quick and simple way to express thoughts and opinions, the gazette and the leaders of this town should actually pay them some attention, they are not an anomaly, there are quite a few people in this town that are not happy with the direction of things. Ignoring that will only make it worse in the long run. So keep on spending, talking about ludicrous notions of a visitors center and ignoring your constituency, it's only a matter of time before it comes back to haunt you.
December 7, 2009 at 11:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
Also, I DO agree with the posters concerning the above use of the term "cowards". Once you've been "scammed" (identity theft) and it has taken MANY months to get it corrected, it DOES make one fearful of posting their name, NOT just because of WHAT you have said!!! PLUS, I'm not saying I would join "My Little Emporia Pony Fan Club"! (How boring!!) My granddaughters would love it!!!!
December 7, 2009 at 11:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
Gee, I just read some posting that I hadn't read, afraid I was "hung-up" on the negatism part of the article AND then I read "open_eyes:" post concerning nuke, mass extermination of those that make less then $100,000, are "gaining on age" (my term!). I don't stand a chance, I'm in the poor category and also "gaining on age". I have NOTHING positive to say about your idea and also, I WON'T shutup!!!!! Please let me know when you plan on doing this so I can kiss "something" goodbye!!!!! I will say something positive, glad you DID include yourself when you nuke us all to the "outer regions"!!!!!
December 8, 2009 at 12:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
Well I, for one, have made the decision to give the esteemed and admired Walkers what it is they apparently want......positive, uplifting, comments.
open_eyes, goodoleboy, tbluma, phibber 101 sandman, and slimbolen99...those were with out a doubt some of the most inspiring and motivating comments I have read in some time. After reading them I came away with a new sense of purpose and direction in my life. And as such I have been moved to take some positive steps for the betterment of the wonderful community that I live in.
Therefore I shall go to the Gazette office today and cancel the remainder of my subscription. I will also, as of now, stop posting on this board until such time as Mr Walker determines, and publicly make clear, that our exchange of views is welcome in his Little Pony world. I have enjoyed my dialogue here with all of you.....( and I mean that tbluma, :-).....including at times Mr and Mrs Walker. But since it is apparent that Mr Walker did not feel the same way I shall now take my marbles and go to my new home.
...........................................(30)....................................
December 8, 2009 at 4:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bdprotheroe (anonymous) says...
Dear Mr. Walker,
In the best interest of the community and The Emporia Gazette, I recommend shutting down the blog option of the newspaper. True, the negative comments, personal attacks, random tantrums, and improper use of grammar are appalling, but there is a far larger concern to take into account.
The newspaper website is the primary portal for the rest of the world to see Emporia (thus, the term World Wide Web), and from which it forms an opinion of the community. If any person from across the nation, or around the globe for that matter, were to conduct a simply Google search of “Emporia, Kansas,” there are few concrete and truly representational websites that generate as the search results. The Emporia Gazette is one of the few that presents itself as the face of the community, “the public relations department.” I doubt those who post their comments to this website realize the outside world is paying attention, and are forming their perceptions. What must they think of Emporia after reading the comments posted upon the blog?
Preserve the newspaper’s quality journalism for which William Allen white worked so hard to create. For the sake of The Emporia Gazette, its history and its future, eliminate the blog.
Thank you,
Brian Protheroe
San Francisco, CA
December 8, 2009 at 11:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bdprotheroe (anonymous) says...
Dear FarmRaised,
Thank you for proving my point. The typos were inserted in hopes that someone with an axe to grind would highlight them.
Again, Mr. Walker, shut down the blog.
Sincerely,
Brian Protheroe
San Francisco, CA
December 8, 2009 at 11:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
Hmmm....... let's look at some San Fran blogs - are they all "My Little Pony" positive?
Ok, took me all of 15 seconds to go to a San Fran blog and pull up this at random:
"sound the same way that Obama got Elected,no body knew anything about him either,people warned us,that he was the most Liberal Senator in Office,A marxist,Elitest,Inexperienced, anti-Isreal,and follower of Rev. Wright. BUT DID WE LISTEN?"
Most of the blogs on the particular one I chose seemed to be Sarah Palin bashing. And no, they were NOT kind.
"Reply i was expecting so much more, i didnt realize that these people know nothing and are pretty much what the rest of the world thinks of americans. if these are "real americans" i am not a real american. "
Based on what little I've read in 10 seconds, San Fran is the toilet of America.
I think Mr. Protheroe needs to get outside once in awhile.
December 8, 2009 at 11:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
Guess what, Brian? There are some people (even in San Fran) that are not happy that your leaders openly defy Federal law and declare it a sanctuary city. There are some people ther who are not happy every time San Fran tries to find some way to make all drugs legal.
But in the interest of positiveness lets shut those people up.
Hey, why didn't we shut all the San Fran war protestors up? Please do tell.
December 8, 2009 at 11:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
Isn't it funny how often those who cry the loudest about rights being taken away (can you say "Patriot Act") and preservation of free speech are also the loudest at suppressing it when they don't like the message?
HYPOCRITE HYPOCRITE HYPOCRITE
Gazette - pull this post and we'll know exactly who falls under the banner above.....
December 8, 2009 at 11:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
Please, Mr Walker, for the sake of For the sake of not only The Emporia Gazette, its history and its future, but all newspapers everywhere in this great land, eliminate the blog. Get rid of any voice of dissension. Next time I see an anti-war demonstration I want them all arrested and sent to Gitmo indefinitely. Next time I see rioting as I saw after the marriage ban was upheld in California I want to see them treated exactly as Iran is treating their student protestors.
For the sake of this country, its history, and its future.
December 8, 2009 at 11:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
I read quite a few forums from around the country during the whole smoking ban debate to see what people around the country were saying about it in their locations and they all "sounded" pretty much exactly like us (well not me because I'm an original but the rest of you'ens). So I reckon when folks read these here forums they probably think that we are like them except for that one crazy guy that calls himself R.
R.
Take a chill pill dudes.
December 8, 2009 at 12:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HillsReader (anonymous) says...
Any one wishing to vacate the premises is more than welcome at ljworld.com.
(who, by the way prints the Gazette)
They know that online is the future, they understand online readership and think towards the future, and don't try to shove their readers back into the 1950's.
They are promoting social media, not trying to stifle it.
Sure, you are encouraged to behave and if you write something that breaks the rules, the comment will be pulled or your account can be banned.
However they understand that it's often the thread interactions that bring people to the site, the interjected bits of humor, the fellowship that grows in the community.
A friendly place to visit.
The more page views they have, the more advertising they can sell. So they want people to come, read, comment. Come back to read more, comment more.
(To compare, they've got 1,073,273 so far, you'll have plenty to entertain you.)
Sure, there are trolls and those who love to argue. You get to know them and skim right over those.
The staff too are discussing ways to improve the site, but it's not about closing the comments section, it's about how to improve it to make it more user friendly, more enjoyable, more advanced.
I agree that while some feel being anonymous lets people say things they might not say otherwise, we've seen several instances where readers have had stalkers and problems have occurred, so I have to say it is a real safety issue to go public.
You may be sane and honorable in your comments. But you can't control everyone in the public, and there are those out there who may decide to be your personal troll just because you're a nice person.
December 8, 2009 at 1:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HenryVIII (anonymous) says...
Observation,
"Safe place"? That site has all sorts of pop-ups and other questionable content! The Gazette’s site is a safe place where you have to click on an ad for it to pop-up. I think we should listen to Chris here, folks; he’s only protecting us. It’s for our own good.
Maybe now I’ll be praised in his next article! ;-)
'enry
December 8, 2009 at 1:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
moderator (anonymous) says...
Forums are working again.
December 8, 2009 at 2:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
I also recall William Allen White once wrote an editorial entitled "Whats The Matter With Kansas".
I just now re-read it.
Seemed extremely negative to me. It should be stricken from the Gazette archives, or at least WAW should have had his editorial privileges rescinded.
Oh, and I'm starting a petition to have Oscar the Grouch removed from Sesame Street.
December 8, 2009 at 3:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.
December 8, 2009 at 2:33 p.m. ( permalink )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.
December 6, 2009 at 8:42 p.m. ( permalink )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.
December 6, 2009 at 10:08 p.m. ( permalink )
sandman (anonymous) says...
OK, open_eyes, you have gone toooo far this time in wanting to remove "Oscar the Grouch" from Sesame Street!!!! I think he is CUTE!!!! Remember, even "grouches" have their days of wanting some positive "loving"!!!
Also, please don't mention the smoking ban, which was so very NEGATIVE, but the people of this town were told "positive"!!!!! Went to a meeting last Saturday morning with our three "voices" there, our senator stands up and states again (has at each meeting I've attended) how "fearless" the bans "leader" was and what a great job she did in getting the smoking ban passed and how much better we all are. Naturally, I'm the onlly one in the room that saw past the "positive"(smokes). Say, guess whose son is on TV advertising a certain Beer, made me laugh when I first saw the ad. Life is a WONDERMENT!!!! Guess we ALL aren't perfect afterall!
December 8, 2009 at 5:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
Tiger Woods is perfect.
December 8, 2009 at 5:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
Sorry. Meant to say "was". ;-)
December 8, 2009 at 5:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
Open eyes,
better look in Bert, he is all kinds of evil
http://www.bertisevil.tv/index2.htm
December 8, 2009 at 5:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
open_eyes, not sure about Tiger Woods, would need to talk with his mistress!!!!! Bet "wifey" has avoided that conversation!!! He only had one black eye, correct??? At least he didn't end up a "Bobbett"!
December 8, 2009 at 6:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
LOL goodoleboy - good find! ;-)
Well in that case, the REAL question is: Is he evil to Ernie, and is Ernie on the Gazette staff or agree 100% with the Gazette point of view?
The answer to is he "evil" all depends on that.........
sandman - I think you mean "mistressES".......
LOL
December 8, 2009 at 6:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
Goodoleboy, HOW COULD YOU??? Some people will read what you posted and take it for real that "Oscar" is not only a grouch but NOT nice!!!! Now just wait a minute, my children and grandchildren have had him beside them and I must admit that every once in a while I got to give him a hug!!! As I've said, even US grouches like some "lovin" sometime! Goodoleboy, are you blue with envey????? Just think of all the hugs he has received!!!!!
December 8, 2009 at 6:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
open_eyes, you are probably correct, I should have made it "Plural" instead of "singular" but hopefully, one mistress at a time!!!!!! In rethinking, that is also probably "false"!!! (this day and age)
Now, isn't it "Bert and Ernie"? not Oscar? My children also had "Bert and Ernie" to teach then that, yes, guys are friends also. In fact, one of my sons had a "doll". They had just come out with a "male" doll and this mother thought it was neat to teach our children at a young age, that yes, there is a difference.(Plus alot less questions later on!!!) Plus, men become a Daddy and will need to help with his baby.
December 8, 2009 at 6:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
Rats open_eyes, I forgot!!! Does ANYONE agree 100% with ANYONE?????(especially the "Gazette"!!!!)
December 8, 2009 at 7 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Pingeon (anonymous) says...
Interesting how all the comments containing links to the other discussion forum (that EG doesn't control) have now all been removed......
December 8, 2009 at 9:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
GoodMorning (anonymous) says...
Back during the smoking debate, a primary concern was that business owners had the property right to operate their businesses as they saw fit. Mr. Walker owns the Gazette. Does he have that right, also? Where are his property rights defenders?
December 8, 2009 at 9:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Pingeon (anonymous) says...
GoodMorning - He has that right and is abiding by it. If you also remember correctly during the smoking ban debate, a major argument was the right of the customer to take their business elsewhere if they didn't like something that was going on. The regular posters have seem to found a new place to express their thoughts and opinions now that Mr. Walker doesn't want to hear them anymore. See, free market at work. Isn't it great? :)
December 8, 2009 at 9:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kira002 (anonymous) says...
I run a couple of websites for TV shows that currently have about 380,000 visitors/mo coming through (neither is on the air at the moment; that's about 1/2 our normal traffic) and keeping up with comments is indeed time consuming. Add in forums and you've got a full-time job on your hands. I am fortunate to have a co-owner who shoulders a lot of the load, and 3 volunteers who help keep things in line, but we'd be going crazy without certain rules in place. Flaming, trolling, and posting off topic are not allowed, but we won't delete comments simply because they disagree with us. It's a fine line, but worth the work to build a lively, respectful community of commentors.
Don't get me wrong, there have been occasions when we've had to talk to someone specifically about their behavior, and a few have opted not to return or have violated the rules and been banned. I've been known to get frustrated by commentors who seem to willfully misunderstand a point or cling to a belief that is contrary to my own, to the point that I've wanted to throw in the towel. The job of a website owner is not always pleasant, but that's the nature of running a site that allows comments and interaction. So far, the love of the content and (most of) the community is worth the trade off. Best of luck to you, Chris and everyone at the Gazette as you figure out how to move forward.
P.S. "Comments" are comments. A "blog" is the site you comment on. ;)
December 8, 2009 at 9:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
I think when people get too out of line with their comments (personal attacks, divulging personal info as crack did awhile back) - invariably other posters click on the "suggest removal" button, which I assume alerts someone on the staff or emails them - meaning they don't have to spend all their time combing thru every comment on every thread. In a smaller community like this I think the boards are often self-policed fairly well.
December 8, 2009 at 10:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
kira002,open_eyes and YY4U, how I enjoyed ALL your comments! I guess I'm like that "ole" horse in the barn, "it is my barn" just as this sight. I may understand "why" others have left but yet I think it is so very sad. Good, bad or indifferent, it is OUR town, even though at times I TRULY wonder, a town that I have grown to love. YY4U, I read concerning your family, Oh! how neat!!! The history that is involved. I imagine that looking at those "birth" notices are like looking at an old home sight and trying to imagine that house full of love and life. If only those walls could talk and that is what those birth notices 'DO". When my husband past, he was cremated and had instructed me NOT to purchase a headstone etc., which I did because my thinking was in 50/100 years I wanted people to know that "yes" we walked this earth, we existed, just as your forefathers existed and you have proof, how neat!!!
open_eyes, you said on an earlier post concerning about being negative and learning. IF so many had not questioned various aspects of life or being "negative" and unaccepting, would we be where we are today? I so agree concerning the "level" of negatism, "crack" took it to far by posting a persons "location" and other comments concerning various posters. Kira002, isn't that what the person "manning" the
sight is to override?? Not general communication? I so don't want that learning to stop. There has been some truly wonderful dialog between posters on here, and yes, heated at times, but weren't we only trying to prove our point?
Chris, you really need to try and understand how we "posters" feel expecially in a time that we seem to be losing so many "freedoms" and are having so many restrictions placed on the general public, that public that is trying to keep this community going. and YOUR newspaper.
December 8, 2009 at 11:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
I know the excitement has been building to a fever pitch for an all-positive board ever since I suggested a "My Little Pony" board, so here is the official site:
http://www.hasbro.com/mylittlepony/en...
However, they don't appear to have a comments section, so I looked for some fan clubs where one could blog, such as this:
http://www.pinkiepie.zoomshare.com/2....
But, alas......... unfortunately, even this thread was not immune from negative posts. The 4th (and final) post on the board was from someone who stated they were homosexual and said "I touch myself and my little pony while listening to Micheal Jackson.". :(
But never fear - I'm still looking for a totally positive board where Chris and Brian can go and chase the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
Did a little more searching - this one seems to be very upbeat and positive:
http://mylittleponyblog.wordpress.com/
Enjoy!
December 8, 2009 at 11:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
Both of you men, NO COMMENT!!!! Oh! maybe a "little" one!! I had to laugh but also turn red, in my own home!!!. YY4u, are you SURE he said that??? I remember the first time I heard that song "Riding a Cowboy" (instead of the horse!), I was with my daughter and COULDN'T believe someone actually said that!!! Must admit, now "it" sounds kinda good! Oh! this being a widow is for the pitts!!!! Those cowboys run tooooo fast for me!!!!!! (and my" walker!!!)
December 9, 2009 at 12:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
YY4U, are you saying "Life goes on"? :-)
December 9, 2009 at 1:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
open_eyes, I just went to that last sight you mentioned and afraid my mind isn't where it should be, "Twirly Twinkle Twirl"!! Oh! Dear!!! What kind of message are you trying to send????
I suppose you are going to say it is me and my "frame" of mind!!! Could be!!!!!!!
December 9, 2009 at 2:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
Should I come right over??? Looks exciting!!!!! I haven't "twirlled" anything since I was in High School and was a majorette!!!! Will have to ask my young granddaughters if they have a ""Twirly Twinkle Twirl".
December 9, 2009 at 2:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
I am truly shocked at the positive and upright things being discussed here. And yes.....at the risk of being called another poster....I will try both sites for awhile. I did however drop my subscription and will not renew it without the satisfaction I have asked for. That being a statement from Mr Walker that our views are welcome here within some broad bounds of common decency......and that individual miscreants will be dealt with individually rather than punish us all for the actions of one or two.
December 9, 2009 at 4:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Good Morning,
Private property rights and the right of free speech are great things. I defend Mr. Walkers right to voice his opinions, be they negative or positive. Posting a comment on these blogs is not a right nor is it a necessity, (well at least to some). Chris has every right to decide how to run his business the way he chooses.
As Pingeon stated above, the free market system would work, if given a chance. While some are really offended and have left this site for the topix site, I am surprised that it was the above editorial that caused it. Pat Kelly and Gwen Larson have done more to upset me, but in the grand scheme of things, is all this hubb- bubb over the word "cowards" that big of deal, or was it just the final straw for some.
Unlike our friend from San Francisco, I urge Chris to keep this outlet for our views open.
Let this site be a place for debate and discussion be it positive or negative. That's what a newspaper is for. The chamber of Commerce can do the Positive spin on our town.
December 9, 2009 at 5:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
I also urge him to keep it open and I hope that he does Steve. He has every right to express his opinion and to run his business as he sees fit.....( a right he wasn't all that enthusiastic about granting to bar owners)......but I also have my right to cancel my subscription to his business (which I have done) until such time as I feel he he once again serves my needs.
Now some might ask why I continue to post here if I am so unhappy.......because the site is still here and if I don't how would he ever know why I cancelled. If he really thinks we are bad for his business then he will accept my cancellation, quit running remarks from the site all over his paper, and ultimately close the site. At that time I will quit posting.
December 9, 2009 at 6:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
So we can't post links now?
R.
December 9, 2009 at 9:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
http://www.inforum.com/event/group/gr...
testing ...........
December 9, 2009 at 9:29 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
http://www.quiltingboard.com/
testing...........
December 9, 2009 at 9:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
http://www.thecatsite.com/forums/
testing............
December 9, 2009 at 9:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
sandman, I didn't know what names My Little Ponies had but it appears that "Twirly Twinky Twirl" is not something I would ever name a horse of mine . I'd stick with Silver or Trigger or something more along those lines - LOL
I think biscuitboy & Steve_Corbin both echo valid sentiments - basically what has been repeated before. For me, I think it boils down to a few very simple points:
1) Yes, the Gazette has the right to pull offending posts and for repeat offenders, ban offending posters. They state that in the Terms and it is their right. As I've said before I think with the "Suggest Removal" button boards here are fairly well self-policed when things get too far out of hand. As for the occasional heated discussion I and others here I respect greatly have offered our apologies more than once. So I don't really see the problem there. Gazette, please continue to regulate as you have in the past - I think you've done a fairly decent job in that respect, don't have a problem with it.
2) Wandering off-topic. Give me a break. Big deal. We eventually find our way back ;-)
3) Negativity. Again, gimme a break. The Gazette will post editorials from nutjobs (yes, I will name-call here) like Gary Lukert stating opinions like all Republicans like to kill babies and old people, along with some other easily disproved lies. SO sorry I didn't give myself a partial lobotomy and agree with that message.
Not really. Believe it or not, I'm really not that stupid.
4) And one (seemingly minor to some, not to others) point of contention is that the Gazette decries name-calling and derogatory personal statements on the one hand but has no problem using the label "cowards" to describe others. It is my opinion that at the very least (as we often do here when we cross the line) - an apology should be forthcoming for blatant hypocrisy.
Or else why should anyone else here adhere to the Terms? Lead by example, Gazette.
December 9, 2009 at 9:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
open_eyes
"I didn't know what names My Little Ponies had but it appears that "Twirly Twinky Twirl" is not something I would ever name a horse of mine ."
Don't lie.
R.
December 9, 2009 at 9:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
Open Eyes,
I have it! Whenever I want say something negative or tear something down I should just write an editorial! Apparently if you write an editorial you free reign to be a loon, but an anonymous loon, not so much=) I can just sign them Seymore Butts and everything is kosher LOL!
December 9, 2009 at 10:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
sign under Silence Doogood?
December 9, 2009 at 10:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
ok, seriouslyrfolks, ya got me. Busted. I actually have a horse named "Miss Twinky-Eyes Rainbow Sugar Lumpkins". Actually she's a unicorn.
goodoleboy, I think you've stumbled upon the key! And nobody can disagree with you without being negative and then getting yanked!
But I think I'll sign editorials with my unicorn's name, that way I can give an honest real name but still remain (sortof) anonymous. I say sortof because unicorns aren't all that common in Lyon County. And she's easy to spot when she takes her usual evening flight around sunset each day. Hope I don't find a beer bottle in her bucket of oats.
Unless its unopened. Miss Twinky flies rather erratically after she's been drinking.
December 9, 2009 at 11:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
In my on-going effort to remain positive I again want to thank one and all for the very positive comments about the
gazette's very negative editorial. Especially you open-eyes...nice summation.
December 9, 2009 at 11:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
open_eyes, she "ain't" the only one that flies erratically after she's been drinking!!!! Guess that is why this gal doesn't drink more then two pepsi's!!!! Say, I've gotten to like the name: Twirly Twinkle Twirl, kinda a tongue twister. Opps, you guys be good now!!! Boy! being locked-up in this house, all alone, is NOT good! Come on spring!!!! I really like the name "Trigger" but was a hugh fan of Roy/Dale when I was growing up.. Someday hope to have another horse, I used to love riding. (opps, off subject)
You all are so very correct concerning the Gazette sight. Also, Steve, is amazing at times what "sends" people over the side, does it? or are there multiple reasons??? I have agreed with you many times "Let's have peace" but again, I'm not a "fighter".
open_eyes, as always, what you posted was super and I agree with all of it. You always amaze me and your "brilliance," There were a number of us that thought that. Oh! such wonderful dialog between you, goodoleboy and others. Not aiming to make you 'blush". A truly great "learning" experience,
I sincerely hope this sight stays open,
December 9, 2009 at 12:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
None of my test links have been pulled, I wonder why the other ones were pulled. I can assure you that there was nothing inappropriate in the other link. I've posted some pretty silly links in the past and they never got pulled. There is something strange going on around here.
R.
December 9, 2009 at 12:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
In another thread Sandman gifted me 50 positive points, perhaps we could all get a counter that way we know who has been naughty and nice?=)
December 9, 2009 at 9:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
goodoleboy, you truly deserved those positive points!!!! I was so very proud of you, in knowing you "alittle", you could have buried me! You are such a "gentleman" and believe me, I appreciate that fact. Or was it "compassion"? Whatever, thank you!!!!!
December 9, 2009 at 11:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
I haven't read all the comments or even the story for that matter but I heard that it has come out that their are about a dozen posters that the Gazette sees as negative. There is much speculation as to who these posters may be. Could the Gazette please reveal to us who the negative ones are? I assume I am one because of my passionate feeling about being against Burglary which I myself admit, is negative. Guilty as charged I guess. I JUST REFUSE TO BE POSITIVE ABOUT BURGLARY! I MEAN IF YOU DON'T HAVE STUFF AND YOU WANT STUFF GET YOUR OWN STUFF AND DON'T TAKE SOMEONE ELSES STUFF CUZ THEY WANT THAT STUFF THAT'S WHY THEY GOT THAT STUFF IN THE FIRST PLACE YOU SELFISH ............... Oh, sorry I got off topic. Anyway if you could post a list of the negative posters it would be greatly appreciated.
Stay warm folks.
R.
December 10, 2009 at 10:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
Start the list with Chris Walker. Not only did he write a negative article, but in the article he did some name-calling, and added a negative post to his own article.
So please tell us - who are the other 11?
December 10, 2009 at 10:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Wow, seriously, you have stuff too !
December 10, 2009 at 10:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
open_eyes
Remember, no negativity and Chris Walker would actually make 13, which is unlucky, so please don' t include him as one of the " Dirty or Negative Dozen " ! And you know that Chris would never say anything negative !
December 10, 2009 at 10:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
"The Dirty Dozen" - now there was a great movie!
(Positive comment) ;-)
December 10, 2009 at 11:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
So, where are we at on that whole "dirty dozen" list?
Reggie
December 10, 2009 at 1:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
My question concerning the "negative", where was Chris during the smoking ban and the VERY negative things that were said by "crack" during that period? I guess that was OK since it supported the "higher" ups thinking, even though many times it was "negative" concerning the "use" agreement.
Chris, please give me your interpretation of "negative". Is it using foul language or simply disagreeing? The posting of cute/or informative sights? How much of the "dialog" in the past have your read or now you have time on your hands to do so. Please don't be like "crack" and because this is a sight posters can come and verse their opinions, call us names for we are only versing our opinions, which is my understanding why this sight was "born".
December 10, 2009 at 3:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
giggles (anonymous) says...
Comment
a. A written note intended as an explanation, illustration, or criticism of a passage in a book or other writing; an annotation.
b. A series of annotations or explanations.
2.
a. A statement of fact or opinion, especially a remark that expresses a personal reaction or attitude.
b. An implied conclusion or judgment: a novel that is a comment on contemporary lawlessness.
3. Talk; gossip: a divorce that caused much comment.
4. Computer Science A string of text in a program that does not function in the program itself but is used by the programmer to explain instructions.
5. Linguistics The part of a sentence that provides new information about the topic. Also called rheme.
By these definitions, I don' t see where we went wrong. I understand not being nasty or violating the agreement, but a point of view is a point of view, not everyone is going to agree.
If you look at the state of economic depression we are in here in Emporia, then I don't know how cheery and positive you expect people to be.
December 10, 2009 at 3:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
As probably being one of the most guilty parties about drawing things "off topic"........ well, sometimes things are related. And its hard to talk about one without drawing in or making analogies to another. But sooner or late we usually get ourselves back on track. I don't see why that is such a problem, but I'll try ;-) in the future to toe the line a little better.
Personally I have no problems with negative comments, even by the editor - it is attacks on posters anonymity and calling them cowards I have a problem with. Gee, I wonder who did that in this article?
December 10, 2009 at 4:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HenryVIII (anonymous) says...
sandman,
It is my understanding that "crack" has been banned from this site. Go ahead and look for her posts, you won’t find them. As I recall, she almost always stayed on topic, presented many persuasive arguments, and never posted anything personal that wasn’t already public knowledge. You disagreed with her and that’s why you thought she was way out of line. Here are some of your gems from back in the day:
Posted by sandman on April 14 at 5:57 p.m.: http://www.emporiagazette.com/r/72/15...
"Folks, take it easy with "Crack", remember that is why they go by the name of "Crack", they can't HELP it.Also, believe that person probably NEVER won anything in their own right, so didn't matter what happened to Emporia, they can say they DID win SOMETHING, rather they actually worked FOR this ban other then on this sight."
^^^^^ Yeah, real positive! ^^^^^
Posted by sandman on June 16 at 1:17 p.m. : http://www.emporiagazette.com/r/72/16...
"...Why don't you "suck it up" and go fly a broom? You seemed to be trained for that!!!!..."
^^^^^ Well that’s not friendly! ^^^^^
Posted by sandman on June 29 at 2:32 p.m.: http://www.emporiagazette.com/r/157/217/
"...I would be one of those wives hitting my hubby over the head, he wouldn't know what hit him when I got done!!!..."
^^^^^ Scary stuff! ^^^^^
Posted by sandman on August 4 at 3:16 p.m: http://www.emporiagazette.com/r/72/17...
"...THIRD: Where is your name/address?..."
^^^^^Violating the poster agreement!^^^^^
Posted by sandman on August 5 at 3:22 p.m. http://www.emporiagazette.com/r/72/17...
"Crack, you are a bigger fool then I thought. "
^^^^^Name calling!^^^^^
Posted by sandman on August 6 at 10:47 a.m.: http://www.emporiagazette.com/r/157/245/
"crack, you remind me of a ten year old child in trying to learn right from wrong and you just don't have the mental capabilities to do so."
^^^^^Not very nice!^^^^^
Posted by sandman on August 6 at 11:10 a.m. : http://www.emporiagazette.com/r/157/245/
"Crack, OK, 3rd shift Newman Hospital. How is maintenance going?"
^^^^^Again with the poster agreement!^^^^^
Posted by sandman on August 10 at 9:50 a.m. : http://www.emporiagazette.com/r/157/245/
"That is why you are such a jerk, you have rocks not only for a bed but also for a brain. "
^^^^^Ouch! ^^^^^
Sadly, your comments towards poor crack were mild compared to those of other posters... I don't really find the above offensive; I just wanted to make sure you weren't the pot calling the kettle black...
'enry
December 10, 2009 at 4:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HenryVIII (anonymous) says...
sandman,
Also, the kids call it a "site" not "sight" because Internet pages such as this are known as "websites". Not busting your chops, just figured I'd help you out a bit. Have a good (hopefully warm and cozy) night!
'enry
December 10, 2009 at 4:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
Chris, Thank you for your response. I for one, feel we have tried to do as "directed" for the most part. You will always have one that crosses the line. Now, in "crossing that line" you are saying getting off topic. Sorry, I disagree with you for there has been some very educational dialog on here that wasn't concerning "topic"but yet was very informative. Also, as one poster said "We, in time, get back on topic".
Giggles, nice post concerning "comment". Was nice to see you here, you've been missed. Also, it depends upons whose interpretation you use concerning "going wrong". If I step outside knowing I'm going to freeze, is that wrong? To someone perhaps, but truly depends upon my reason for doing so.
December 10, 2009 at 4:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
Henry, I don't believe I've ever said I wasn't "human". Also, in the written word there are many times you can take that word out of context and have it appear/meaning different then it actually had in context.
Yes, those were the days, not sure I would say "good"!. Now I have to go outside and smoke even though you could have JUST stayed away and observed the sign! (we would BOTH be warm then!)
December 10, 2009 at 5:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
cwalker (anonymous) says...
Sandman
We have no problems with negative comments. It is the attacks on people that we have a problem with. If comments are at the end of stories all we ask is to keep comments on topic and be respectful of others is all we are asking. If you want to chat about whatever use the forums.
Chris Walker
The Emporia Gazette
December 10, 2009 at 3:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wanderer (anonymous) says...
As some have pointed out, this is a privately-owned newspaper and a privately-owned Web site. That means the owners can allow just about whomever and whatever they want on it. Frankly, I think they've been pretty tolerant up to now.
Many online forums have a moderator who has the power to "lock" a thread that's gone off topic or become toxic. I don't see that as unreasonable here.
December 10, 2009 at 6:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Pingeon (anonymous) says...
wanderer - I don't think anybody is arguing that point. The fact remains that the EG owns and runs this website and has a terms of service. If you want to post here, you have to abide by it. It is also their choice to enforce it or not enforce it. That much is understood.
My interperation of why some are upset is that Mr. Walker wasn't abiding by those terms of service. To call someone a coward (very calm compared to some of the other names that have been called on here, I understand, but still seems to be a "personal attack") and then turn around and say you can't do that anymore and we won't tolerate it. First thought that came to my mind was, "Pot, meet kettle...."
December 10, 2009 at 6:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
Mr Walker
Since you obviously have looked in on this thread a time or two I hope you do again for my question. I, and I'm quite certain a number of others would really like to hear a little more clarification about this going off-topic issue. Just how tightly are you planning on defining off-topic.
I know there have been instances where things have gone pretty far afield and stayed there. I believe most of us can recognize that when it happens. But what about a recent thread that sprung from a short blurb about the Seasonal Celebration--date, time, and no flash photography. That turned into a rather long debate that got into the origins and meaning of Christmas......a historical look at some of the customs of Christmas.....and even the Christmas--real or myth question. It was for the most part very civil and I for one gained much from it. But nobody, to my knowledge, mentioned date, time, and no flash photography. Allowable or not? I would really like some feedback on this.
Also what about short deviations...often of a humorous bent to break the tension....that quickly return to topic. I think a lot of us really have some serious questions about this off-topic issue and would love some clarification. I would also love to know if I'm on the dirty dozen list.....if I am please tell me....I can take it. If I am I will happily rid you of my problem.
December 10, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
I second biscuitboy's motion.
December 10, 2009 at 6:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
Just bumping this up to the top of the page because I am seriously hoping to get a response from Mr Walker today that includes more clarification about staying on-topic.
December 11, 2009 at 3:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
I'm still waiting for the list of the "dirty dozen".
Reggie
December 11, 2009 at 8:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Well, seriouslyfolks, as I told both Chris Walker and Steve Sauder on the radio blog, I am quite sure I am one of the " Negative/Dirty Dozen " posters, in thei opinion andr minds ! And I did not get a " No I was not considered as one of the 12 or dozen continually negative posters", answer from either Steve Sauder or Chris Walker ! And I am quite sure that from my line of commenting and questions, that, even though I did not identify myself as methusla or my real name, if either, check the forum regularly, one or both of them would have known who I was ! Oh, and yes I was the 67 year old caller !
Richard
Oh, yes, I would like to ask Chris Walker a question, if a poster on this forum signs their full, real, given name on these forums and their identity is stolen as a result, would the Gazette, then be open to some sort of law-suit ? Just asking, because Ashley and Chris, that is exactly the reason I will not give you any more info, than my real first name and prefer to remain anonymous, expecially on a world wide web !
December 11, 2009 at 10:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
I don't think even if I would post my real name it would carry any weight with the Walkers(not that I really care) because it's not a "name" name in Emporia anyway. If you know what I mean.
It's kinda funny now that I think about it but I actually invited Jamie Sauder to get himself an anonymous name and join us in the fun here on the forums. I don't think he ever did but I hope he did and enjoyed doing it as much as I have. I also feel that people enjoy Seriously R. Folks a lot more than they would if it was just me. Just some random thoughts from the man behind the mask.
Reggie
December 11, 2009 at 10:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
seriouslyfolks and most everyone on these threads are, in my opinion, really and truly great, decent, good hearted, intelligent people at heart and in mind !
The problem arises, when someone makes a comment, without thinking and sometimes that comment really hurts one or many people ! I know I have made these types of comments after being called, a coward, stupid, idiot, uneducated, etc., !
I can say most of the time, it has been a great pleasure debating, bantering, joking and having serious intelligent discussions with all of you and I appologize for returning to the Gazette Forums, especially when I said that I would never post on these threads again ! Sorry, if I disappointed anyone by returning, forgive me !
December 11, 2009 at 12:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mslater (Matt Slater) says...
Here is another reason I am against making people put their real names on here if they don't want to. During the smoking ban debate, I received a lot of spam emails, and actual spam snail-mail from sources that were obviously given my name, etc. from here. These include junk mail for stop-smoking aids, etc. It was a HUGE pain for about 2 months.
Chris, if you think people in Emporia won't do petty crap like that, I can assure you they most definitely will/do. I am pretty sure the person who did it has been banned from here, but I'm not 100% on that. I will still continue to put my name on here, but I am totally against everyone being made to.
Matt
December 11, 2009 at 12:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
biscuitboy and seriously, I was truly hoping that Chris had responded to your question. As it was stated above, I don't believe that any of us are trying or tried to go against the desires of the Gazette.but have responded to each other in a positive manner even tho may be "negative". That is communicating, is it not? To express ones feelings.
seriously, you have been missed. Even tho I am not a true cat lover always enjoyed the "little" trips you took us on!!! Hope you have gotten your new van and it is what you've been wanting and meets your families needs.
December 11, 2009 at 3:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
Well methusla...I too swore I wouldn't be back but here I am. I should have learned by this point in my life not to make promises I don't intend to keep....but sometimes in the heat of the moment....well, you know. If I disappointed anyone by returning I can only fall back on the positive and inspirational words attributed (arguably) to Marie Antoinette....Let them eat cake!
December 11, 2009 at 5:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
marko (anonymous) says...
i know a lot of people that have been thrown out of the bar forever, it seems forever is not that long really, as they often are welcome and come back within a week or two. welcome back. maybe all negative comments can be referred to another forum.
December 11, 2009 at 5:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
marko (anonymous) says...
ever notice how the gazette always thanks you for contributing when you post a comment. I get all warm and fuzzy knowing i am appreciated.
December 11, 2009 at 5:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
booker5m (anonymous) says...
Killing me Marko LOL
December 11, 2009 at 6:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Beo_Saoirse (anonymous) says...
Ahhhh Methusla. We never believed that you were really gone.
December 11, 2009 at 9:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tbluma (anonymous) says...
Meth and Bisquitboy
I, like you never said that I would leave or not come back but I did go and investigate the other site.
I for one find this site easier to navigate but then I'm not that good with computers.
So I guess this could be considered a positive post in favor of this site.
December 12, 2009 at 1:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
tbluma
I also find this site much easier to navigate...but perhaps like you that may be because I just barely know enough about computers to log onto any site.
December 12, 2009 at 2:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
I just noticed something.......there has not been a story thread moved over to the to the forum side since around Thanksgiving. They used to be moved over pretty much automatically when they exceeded 50 post. Now...it appears stories with much more participation than fifty post are just allowed to drop off the board when participation slows. Maybe that is the idea behind the whole stay on-topic thing. It appears they don't want any real participation on stories but topics initiated on forums rarely ever gain any traction.
But again...maybe that is the idea?
December 12, 2009 at 3:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
I occasionally need a good slap in the face. You know a good slap that stings and leaves a red hand print right there across my face that stuns me for a couple seconds while I hunch over slightly and rub my cheek to try to get the pain to go away. Yeah, that kinda slap. That's what keeps me coming back over here.
Reggie
December 12, 2009 at 4:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
seriouslyfolks, You a slap???? Just can't imagine that!!! That is one neat thing about this sight is the seeing of each persons personality come out. You are one of our "joys" but yet I have seen you become "serious" a few times. Again, I have enjoyed the "side" trips you have taken us on at times and your own "unique" personality.
December 12, 2009 at 6:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
gazette moderator
Why are topics not moved over to the forum thread as they used to be? Now they apparently just drop off the page once response slows enough for it to happen. Why the change?
December 14, 2009 at 5:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
Thanks sandman. I don't think the Gazette likes what I do. They want to keep it serious and on topic but in a positive way with proper spelling and grammar and sprinkled with a little praise for their friends and pet projects of their friends of course. I just can't do that.
Reggie
December 14, 2009 at 8:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Beo_Saoirse (anonymous) says...
Interesting commentary from The First Amendment Center
Drawing the ‘online’ line on free speech www.firstamendmentcenter.org/commenta...
January 11, 2010 at 7:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
Very good piece Beo_Saoirse. Perhaps it should be required reading before people are allowed to post on websites. Required reading with a quiz to follow.
January 12, 2010 at 2:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Excellent link, Beo. I'm glad I read it. The last line bears repeating here:
"How terribly ironic — and disappointing — it will be if we find that even as technology has made it possible for more people than ever before to express themselves freely, many don’t say anything worth hearing."
January 12, 2010 at 8:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )