OKCTalk...One big family!

[Patrick]

May re-open it. Not sure yet. If we do re-open it, TOS will be enforced, unlike recent days.

[writerranger]

Well.....enough rope was given to certain members to hang themselves with. Instead, it was the forums themselves that were hanged.

I've been surprised lately how such innocent topics (such as ideas on where I can get a good haircut) end up in the nosebleed section. Keith posts a thoughtful and positive piece about OKCtalk being a "family," and that is berated. Too often, it's hijackers with an agenda who disrupt these threads. It's not simply that they disagree - they do so with a level of contempt that becomes almost hatred for fellow members. This happens all too frequently.

Patrick, I would applaud any attempt to bring some order back to this forum. Keeping threads on topic, kicking off members who blatantly and repeatedly violate the TOS, banning IP addresses, etc.

I would hate to see a radical swing the other direction where debate is squashed, but maybe even that might be necessary for awhile to bring some order (call it an electronic martial law to regain control). Debate is a crucial part of the "discussion." However, too many believe the allowance for debate to be a license for personal attacks on other members. Almost everyone here has been guilty of it at one time or another, we all have bad days and can lash out. But, there's a difference between periodic tantrums and a constant, everyday drumbeat of negative answers, replies, mean-spirited one-liners and a general attitude that disrupts.

I just wanted to add my thoughts as you all move forward to make OKCTalk a place to discuss Oklahoma City with respect and dignity. I wish you all the best of luck.

---writerranger---

[Patrick]

My attempt to delete the Nosebleed Forum, is so threads won't get moved there. If a troll trashes them, we use our displinary policy. As easy as cake! We will discuss the issue more at our next moderator meeting though....and Todd may decide to bring back the Nosebleed Section in the meantime. Not sure what will happen yet.

[Patrick]

BTW, check your PM's writerranger.

[Midtowner]

I've been surprised lately how such innocent topics (such as ideas on where I can get a good haircut) end up in the nosebleed section. Keith posts a thoughtful and positive piece about OKCtalk being a "family," and that is berated.

Berated?

Hell.. I said I disagreed with the premises assumed in his statement. "Berated" is an extremely subjective/biased term. I even said he was entitled to his opinion.

It would also seem, FWIW, there are as many people who agree with me as agreed with Keith. A big problem is that people don't understand the concept of civil debate, the difference between fact and opinion, etc. Viewing a simple disagreement as to a semantical term as being "berated" is a fine example of that.

-- I even said he was entitled to his opinion.

[Patrick]

Can anyone tell me what the topic of that thread is now? I've lost track....it's changed so many times.

[mranderson]

Regardless of how others may think, and frankly I could care less how thoughtless they are, I look at OKC Talk as a family.

My idol, my mentor, my teacher, a person i am so proud of I want to sound the trumpet of his life for the world to hear is now departed... My dad. This group of people, sans two or three, have been kind, gentle, compassionate and caring during the most traumatic time of my 51 years. THAT IS FAMILY!!! THAT IS FRIENDSHIP!!! THAT IS CARE!!! And I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Let me share with you. Keith, out of friendship, and because we are like brothers, went out of his way to find the greatest vocal voice I have ever heard at a funeral. Patrick, another like a brother, thought about my family all day Friday while he was saving lives in a surgical suite, a calling my dad would say is FAR more important than being by a friends side physically. That thought could have very easily caused his hands to slip, his mind to wonder away from his job of saving lives.

Had we not met as a result of OKC Talk, my family would have been in a tough spot because due to my dad's health, my mom had been out of touch with the spiritual community. A vocalist would have been a difficult task. Thanks to Keith, that burden was lifted. Yes, I could have asked my Priest to help, however, had it not been for the love of our two moderators, I may not have met the woman that led me to the Catholic church, therefore, not being able to meet my Priest.

Folks, thank God for these people. Even if you never meet in person, these people, me included, are there to help you when you are in a low spot. No, we may not lend you money, however, we will offer support, and at times may even do so in person, or by using our resources to fill a void in your need.

You can believe as you wish, and believe me, I want to cuss every one of you who opposed my thoughts on this subject. However, I can not for two reasons. One, it is against TOS. Two, it is not proper etiquite.

You never knew Andy Anderson. That is evident. I know, but can not tell you how, that some of you have either heard of him or have relatives that knew him. Some may not believe what I have said about my dad, and one day as you enter the gates of Heaven, my dad will be right there to set you straight. I have spoken only the truth about him, and the teachings I have posted, my political and business savvy I have posted are a result of the lessons he taught me. Ones that would not hurt to learn.

When I read the objections on this and the related post, I was hurt. I was upset. Yes, partly because I grieve for the loss of a great man. A man that has led the lives of ten men. A richer, fuller life than either you or I could ever hope for.

The point is. Maybe you do not think of OKC Talk as a family, and that is fine. Most of us do. Me included. Someone said my request to ignore the posts and not comment was not repectful. How was the way I said it NOT respectful? (Do not answer. That is called a retorical question which I doubt most of you know the definition of) Please. Honor my dad. Honor my time of mourning and leave this alone. OKC Talk is MY family. and that to me is important. Your disagreement is not.

[Midtowner]

Mr. Anderson (this is a qualified one time usage considering the subject matter of the thread ):

I do respect what this community means to you, I really do. For you it is your extended family, your support group, and you value the real-life relationships a great deal here. I can really see how it's helped you out. Over the last few years, I've seen you really start to turn things around.

For what it's worth, at this point, let me offer my late condolences for your father. You may or may not think I'm being truthful, honest, whatever, but I understand and sympathize that this must be a very difficult period in your life.

For different people, the forum means different things. I think I have several people I'd call "friends" here as well.

Family might be pushing it

At any rate, whatever disagreement I have is purely semantical.

[Patrick]

Okay, I have to go study for a test. This thread has seen better days. Say goodbye.