Thread closing = weak

[riderx]

From the Random Act of Kindnesss or Feeling Generous? thread:Alright, can anyone think of a reason we should let this thread continue?

You are kidding, right? Ignoring the fact that you ask a question on a thread which you have locked so no one can answer, I can't see how this thread is any less useful or fun than a 43 page thread titled Feta Cheese. Or we could certainly debate the usefulness of certain individuals derailing 50% of the threads they participate in with pseudo sexual banter with other members. Because really, I'm sure most members just love the pictures that conjures up in their head. :rolleyes:

[paulson]

From the Random Act of Kindnesss or Feeling Generous? thread:

You are kidding, right? Ignoring the fact that you ask a question on a thread which you have locked so no one can answer, I can't see how this thread is any less useful or fun than a 43 page thread titled Feta Cheese.

Agreed. It seems like 1 in 3 youtube/vid posts are totally non-bike related. At least LTD's rambling was in some twisted way - about bikes....as seemingly crazy as it was...

[CRAIG2]

Rambling, non-sensical panhandlers annoy me. A lot more than feta cheese, or pseudo sexual innuendo.

[Brizn]

enh.. i support closing it out. it bordered on (mild) harassment, wrong forum, no engagement with others, etc. It was fun, tho:D

i agree about the Feta, the deraillments, and the innuendo tho-

[paulson]

Rambling, non-sensical panhandlers annoy me. A lot more than feta cheese, or pseudo sexual innuendo.

What I don't get, is why anyone has to spend time on a thread they're annoyed by. If I'm not entertained by Feta Cheese, or if I'm in some way "annoyed" by it, I don't view that thread, end of story. I don't need the "man" to lock it down and protect me from it.

[allencb]

Rambling, non-sensical panhandlers annoy me. A lot more than feta cheese, or pseudo sexual innuendo.

Skinny, "got no time to ride" whiners offend me. Hey! I'm finally offended by Craig. ;)

Chris

[punga]

Agreed. It seems like 1 in 3 youtube/vid posts are totally non-bike related. At least LTD's rambling was in some twisted way - about bikes....as seemingly crazy as it was...
Actually, that's the entire point of the Chit-Chat section, for mindless(in some cases) non-bike related BSing, it's what the description says. So I have no problem Jabber and SqG and Craig tickling each other over the internet if that's what they want to do ;)

I do agree that locking down the thread was a bit of overkill. The guy was obviously off his rocker or just a troll, but it was fun screwing with him.

punga!

[CRAIG2]

What I don't get, is why anyone has to spend time on a thread they're annoyed by. If I'm not entertained by Feta Cheese, or if I'm in some way "annoyed" by it, I don't view that thread, end of story. I don't need the "man" to lock it down and protect me from it.

If you don't find Feta Cheese entertaining, something is wrong... :D :p

[CRAIG2]

Skinny, "got no time to ride" whiners offend me. Hey! I'm finally offended by Craig. ;)

Chris

Congratulations! My life is now complete :D

[tomn]

At first I thought it must be spam -- the rambling non sequiturs, the double-spaced text with certain words or phrases bold or in different font sizes, the attachment in each post, the yahoo email address, etc. But then I googled the username and found a Yahoo classified ad also asking for a free bike. And I found another post on the bbc website about world cup soccer, and it was also filled with rambling non sequiturs!

So maybe this person is for real after all (but either has OCD or is a hopeless idiot, maybe both).

I agree it was a bit heavy-handed to close the thread, but I do think it had gotten to the point of spam or harassment (whether the posts were created by human or bot).

Here's the bbc article:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/A18435206

Scroll down a bit and you'll see the following post:

comment by livethedream68

posted Last Week

O BRASIL quer ser sede da Copa 2014?

Talent is not the problem with FOOTBALL

AFRICA is full of gold... call it BLACK gold! ...from A to Z!

From oil rich Angola to the copper mines of Zambia

We should first try to produce ENTERTAINING FOOTBALL!!!

Yes... you play to win FOOTBALL matches

Team strategy and game tactics have to be broken down to the player levels...

...but let’s not agonize over numbers,

who is keeping the scores anyway?...

...I’m not a Math Professor

“The beautiful game” as Pelé (most likely from CONGO) via BRAZIL,

the King himself, likes to call it, should not be played on the clipboard or the blackboard in the locker room, but on the playing field.

Tactics are made to make a team safe...

...like a bullet-proof vest on a person!

...this is not the "favelas" of Rio...

this is Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro

Temple to the Brazilian futebol god!

a "bullet-proof vest" ...puts a squeeze on the creative talents of the player on the field

Cautious defensive-minded teams win games, from team captain Cannavaro’s 2006 World Cup champion Italy, to the moderate Greek team that won Euro 2004.

Think of the players of yesteryears Johan Cruyff (1974), Zico (1982), they lost the biggest games of their lives, but put on a memorable show.

At Manchester United, if FOOTBALL tactics would reach perfection...
...if every game would be a 0-0 draw

...but very soon, nobody will be watching the game!

A team scoring more than 3 goals should earn an extra point!

In the early 1970’s, the French league had this system.

It wasn’t until the late 1980’s that France adopted the English Premiership system of 3 points for a win.

CAN THIS TREND BE REVERSED?

Let’s look with hope to Brazil’s national team, the Seleçao, in the 2014 World Cup,

See you in South America... no doubt!

...by then Ronaldo and Ronaldinho may be history... but Robinho (from Angola?) will be 30 years-old (the new Pelé)

Carnival in Brazil... here we come!

[Brizn]

At first ...But then ...go 'head gumshoe!

[tomn]

go 'head gumshoe!
Elementary, my dear Brizn!

[jabberwocky]

Ignoring the fact that you ask a question on a thread which you have locked so no one can answer, I can't see how this thread is any less useful or fun than a 43 page thread titled Feta Cheese.Feta Cheese is in a forum expressly for non-bike related Chit Chat (Really! It says so right under the forum name!). People who post in that thread are capable of at least attempting to interact with the other posters.

Also, I suggest you look up the definition of "rhetorical question (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhetorical_question)".

Agreed. It seems like 1 in 3 youtube/vid posts are totally non-bike related. Wow, people post non-bike related stuff in the forum that is expressly for non-bike related stuff? Thats just freaking wrong! :rolleyes:

What I don't get, is why anyone has to spend time on a thread they're annoyed by. If I'm not entertained by Feta Cheese, or if I'm in some way "annoyed" by it, I don't view that thread, end of story. I don't need the "man" to lock it down and protect me from it.Ok, so by that logic I should stop deleting spam, right? I mean, if you don't want "cheap herbal viagra" or "britney spears nude" you can just not click the thread, right? Everyone is ok with that?

I was under the impression that part of the reason we have mods on forums was to maintain a high signal to noise ratio. Perhaps I was mistaken. Now, this is certainly not a dictatorship. If people disagree with something I or another mod did, please drop me (or them) a PM laying out your argument in a rational manner. If it makes sense, I will be happy to unlock the thread, or at least discuss it with the other mods. Starting a whiny thread (in the wrong forum, which the thread starter definitely should know better about) where you complain about how things are "lame" like a ten year old is probably not going to help your case.

I locked the thread for several reasons:
a- The thread starter started the thread in the wrong forum.
b- There was no intelligible attempt made to engage in conversation with other forum members.
c- The thread bordered on both spam and trolling.
d- Every post by the thread starter was essentially the same. I tolerated it for a week or so, but it gets old after a while. How long should that be allowed to go on? A week? Two? A month? A year?

I made the decision that the thread had run its course, and its a decision I stand by.

[Squirrel Girl]

Free bikes, freeriding.
They are the same, are they not?
Jabberwocky rocks.

[Squirrel Girl]

I hadn't read any of this before today. I don't freeride, so I don't generally read this forum. I don't even remember why I peeked in today.

Anyway, I think Jab did a really good job explaining his rationale in this last posting.

Indeed. Chit Chat is for non-bike related drivel. Some folks around here like it and it's a contained place for it. I think Jab's comments about keeping spam out is correct.

I don't care one way or another about the contents of Freeriding threads, but I think he's spot on in saying send a message and discuss the merits of these things.

Somebody's always gonna complain no matter what ya do (or don't do). Go figure.

[mtbmore]

As one of the original moderators ,Martin and I were the first on this forum, we take great pains in interviewing and deciding who would make a good moderator. It is not an exact science actually it is not science at all but an art of pleasing most of the people most of the time. If you disagree with a moderators decision please follow Jabber's advice and PM the moderator with your rationale. It would not be the first time that our loyal group of unpaid, volunteer moderators had their position changed after the fact. I was also very close to closing the thread for all the resons that Jabber gave. The same poster is trying to do the same thing on the Bike Washington Forum and he is getting the same treatment. I wonder why.

Scud

[riderx]

Feta Cheese is in a forum expressly for non-bike related Chit Chat (Really! It says so right under the forum name!). You seemed to have missed the point. I'll reiterate: was the "Freeride" thread any less useful or fun than a 43 page thread titled Feta Cheese? Note: it's not a rhetorical question. Do you really think the original poster was asking for or expecting a free bike? Note #2: that is a rhetorical question, but feel free to answer anyway.

I was under the impression that part of the reason we have mods on forums was to maintain a high signal to noise ratio. You would think so, but then again you may want to review the forum rules since you are a mod. They are pretty concise:
By agreeing to these rules, you warrant that you will not post any messages that are obscene, vulgar, sexually-orientated, hateful, threatening, or otherwise violative of any laws.

Starting a whiny thread (in the wrong forum, which the thread starter definitely should know better about) where you complain about how things are "lame" like a ten year old is probably not going to help your case.
Where else would be a logical place to post an opinion about the thread that was locked than in the forum it was started? Whining? Hardly. I stated an opinion. Some people agreed, others didn't, no big deal. There is no case, I'm not championing getting the thead opened back up. You'll have to do better than slinging accusations of acting like a ten year old to hurt my feelings.

I stand by my original post. I've also said all I'm going to say on this thread, for me the issue is done.

[hophead]

Ok, so by that logic I should stop deleting spam, right? I mean, if you don't want "cheap herbal viagra" or "britney spears nude" you can just not click the thread, right? Everyone is ok with that?

Actually, the "Britney Spears nude" thread was very popular for the short time it was on the board. I noticed that there were at least half a dozen registered MOREons parked on that thread including one girl. Don't make me list names. :D
I know, I know, it's like a train wreck.....ya gotta look.

[punga]

People, people, people... All this infighting and bickering amongst ourselves, it's tearing us apart!

Let's try to remember who our real enemies are:

- the rain (we're all stuck inside posting to forums instead of riding)
- Britney Spears' nude photos (they were photoshop'ed)
- GT bikes (I hear they're crappy and, if there were more of them around, we'd have one to donate to livethedream)

In the immortal words of Mr. King:
Can't we all just get along?

:p

[jabberwocky]

Somebody's always gonna complain no matter what ya do (or don't do). Go figure.Yeah. To be honest though, I really did not foresee anyone actually caring about me closing that thread other than the original poster. Live and learn.

It would not be the first time that our loyal group of unpaid, volunteer moderators had their position changed after the fact. I was also very close to closing the thread for all the resons that Jabber gave. The same poster is trying to do the same thing on the Bike Washington Forum and he is getting the same treatment. I wonder why.Thanks Scud. Like I said, I have no problem reversing my decision... if someone makes a good argument as to why I should. The feedback I have received from other forum members has largely (95% or so) been in favor of closing it.

You seemed to have missed the point. I'll reiterate: was the "Freeride" thread any less useful or fun than a 43 page thread titled Feta Cheese? Note: it's not a rhetorical question. Do you really think the original poster was asking for or expecting a free bike? Note #2: that is a rhetorical question, but feel free to answer anyway.I listed the reasons I closed the thread. None of them apply to the "Feta Cheese" thread. Thats the difference between the two.

And I'll answer your question. No, I don't think the original poster was expecting a free bike. I personally think it is either a strange social experiment, or some new way of messing with search engine rankings (given they are posting similar things elsewhere). Either way, I don't see why we should allow them to use our forum to do so. I think the week we (the mods) allowed that thread to go on was more than enough (and far longer than it would have lasted on most forums, in all likelihood).

There is no case, I'm not championing getting the thead opened back up.Uh, then why start this thread? You don't care the I closed the thread, yet you feel it is necessary to start a thread expressly to complain that I closed it?

If something in the "Feta Cheese" thread (or any other thread, for that matter) bothers or upsets you, you need to let a moderator know. There is a "report post" button in the upper right of every post. Or drop me or one of the other mods a PM. You seem to be arguing that "yes, the thread was off topic etc., but so are other threads on this board so we should allow it". If there are genuine problems in other threads, we should address them.

I will say that I do keep an eye on most of the things that posted on this forum, and I don't see a problem elsewhere. When things go off topic, it usually happens after the original question has been answered. You may not have noticed, but mods have come down on sexual banter a few times recently (deleting posts and such). We (mods and members both) work to keep the forum an informative and fun place to be, and I personally think we largely succeed.

Where else would be a logical place to post an opinion about the thread that was locked than in the forum it was started?The Pit, or Chit Chat. This certainly doesn't qualify as a Freeride thread.

I stand by my original post. I've also said all I'm going to say on this thread, for me the issue is done.*shrug* Ok, fair enough.

I would like to note that if livethedream68 is serious about being a contributing member of the forum, he/she should PM me like I asked. My advice will be to post a new thread in "marketplace" clearly stating what they are looking for, and I will do my best to keep the thread on topic for them.

[philvw]

Personally, I think it was hilarious that LTD (assumingly) stumbled across our site, found "freeride" and took it to literally to be "free - ride" !! Hey, you can find anything on the internet, including places where they give you rides for free, right?

[Brizn]

Personally, I think it was hilarious that LTD (assumingly) stumbled across our site, found "freeride" and took it to literally to be "free - ride" !! Hey, you can find anything on the internet, including places where they give you rides for free, right?stop trolling phil.

[drewdane]

I think I might post this thread in "Feta Cheese".

[Squirrel Girl]

Personally, I think it was hilarious that LTD (assumingly) stumbled across our site, found "freeride" and took it to literally to be "free - ride" !! Hey, you can find anything on the internet, including places where they give you rides for free, right?I give my wholehearted support to Jab who is *trying* to be responsible and has written some very logical responses.

But, personally, I'd like to see someone go pick up an old GT at one of those free-ish sites that have been posted, then inform Mr. I-wanna-bike-give-one-to-me-I'll-walk-to-Fall-Church just exactly where in Falls Church he can walk and get it! In other words.... call his bluff :D

[hophead]

But, personally, I'd like to see someone go pick up an old GT at one of those free-ish sites that have been posted, then inform Mr. I-wanna-bike-give-one-to-me-I'll-walk-to-Fall-Church just exactly where in Falls Church he can walk and get it! In other words.... call his bluff :D
One problem with that. Mr. I-wanna-bike-give-one-to-me-I'll-walk-to-Falls-Church has never made mention as to what size bike he is looking for. I know beggars can't be choosers, but if for instance he's 6'4" a 16" bike just aint gonna cut it.

[punga]

I give my wholehearted support to Jab who is *trying* to be responsible and has written some very logical responses.

But, personally, I'd like to see someone go pick up an old GT at one of those free-ish sites that have been posted, then inform Mr. I-wanna-bike-give-one-to-me-I'll-walk-to-Fall-Church just exactly where in Falls Church he can walk and get it! In other words.... call his bluff :D

Actually, I did call his bluff:

I had my "friend" George Jefferson send him an email the other night to see what he would do:

George Jefferson <george.jeffson@yahoo.com> wrote:

I have a bike to offer you, it's a pretty nice Trek hardtail (has a Rock Shox Psylo XC suspension fork) that has served me well for a few years. I've moved to a full suspension ride now and don't have much use for it.

Before I give it you, I need to know that you're going to use it productively and not just turn around and sell it on Craig's list or someplace else. What kind of assurance can you give me that you won't abuse my act of generosity?

Once we can work that out, I'll be happy to meet you in Falls Church sometime to drop it off.

George


And Livethedream's response:

George,

We can meet first and talk.

You can decide for yourself...

if you think I'm sincere or not.

Don't bring the bike... if it doesn't feel right for you.

We'll just talk and go our separate ways. No hard feelings!

7 Corners Barnes & Noble / Starbucks, I can walk there,

it's a safe place, there's lots of people around, there are lots of lights.

To be honest with you "Rock Shox Psylo XC suspension fork"... doesn't mean much to me, excuse me for my ignorance.

I'm physically fit, so I could possibly learn to enjoy Mountain Biking if I get one,

...and learn to appreciate Rock Shox Psylo XC suspension forks...

Thank you for mentioning Rock Shox Psylo XC suspension forks, I learn something new everyday!

Finally... Did you hear about Wesley Autrey-- an inspiration.

Wish more of the world was this selfless...his heroic actions helped save a man underneath a New York subway car.

Wesley Autrey is a 50-yr-old construction worker, who did the unthinkable on a subway platform in New York on Jan 3, 2007.

He jumped on the tracks, lied on top of a man who had suffered a seizure and fallen on the tracks, as the southbound No.1 train entered the 137th St. subway station.

The train rode over the both of them, as they were both lying between the tracks.

...they both lived with no missing limbs or no missing anything.

I don’t know if I could top that...

You know what they say...

What goes around... comes around!

See you @ 7 Corners Barnes & Noble / Starbucks George!

I'll be there... if you are!

Talk amongst yourselves...

punga!

[Squirrel Girl]

Well, Punga, do be sure and let us know how things went with your "friend" George.....

[DaveG]

Actually, I did call his bluff:

I had my "friend" George Jefferson send him an email the other night to see what he would do:



And Livethedream's response:



Talk amongst yourselves...

punga!

Would I go to meet this person. Smacks of crazy to me.

Dave

[hophead]

Would I go to meet this person. Smacks of crazy to me.

Dave
Here's Johnny..........
http://www.archiviokubrick.it/download/wallpaper/heresjohnny1024.jpg

[punga]

I've given away my hand by posting up the emails at this point, so I don't think I'll be meeting him. I had considered replying with something like:


I don't think I can meet you in 7 Corners as I am wanted on a few minor felonies in VA and should probably avoid entering the state at this time. Can you meet me in Bethesda?

punga!

No beer and no TV makes Homer go something, something...

Crazy?

Don't mind if do!!

[martin]

Actually, that's the entire point of the Chit-Chat section, for mindless(in some cases) non-bike related BSing, it's what the description says. So I have no problem Jabber and SqG and Craig tickling each other over the internet if that's what they want to do ;)


Yes - that's the point of Chit Chat - the only thing we've explicitly asked not to post is (asides from the obvious spam, sexual and derogatory comments) any type of political discussion that may end in, well, you know...


I do agree that locking down the thread was a bit of overkill. The guy was obviously off his rocker or just a troll, but it was fun screwing with him.

punga!

One of our moderators saw it fit to close the thread; sometimes the decisions we make here are not popular, but generally they are in response to comments or requests from other members; several reported the posts and a few asked it be removed; Locking it I think was a compromise the moderator decided upon.

[blacknell]

C'mon, folks, don't poke the guy too hard. There's a difference between smacking the obnoxious around (I'm a big fan of it, myself) and screwing with someone who isn't all there.

[Brizn]

I had my "friend" George Jefferson send him an email..What- no luv for Weezy? :confused:

[drewdane]

Well, well, well - lookee here!

http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?p=2622065#poststop

[Brizn]

Well, well, well - lookee here!

http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?p=2622065#poststopR e p l i e d.