DBlack Vents on Posting Rules

[DBlack]

Couldn't have said it better myself. Your post is a must read for everyone.

And I want to make it clear; no one has been banned. If they leave, they do so at their own volition.

[Nyela]

Originally Posted by Sumyr

I too (a while ago) had a thread deleted (actually it was merged with another thread that was already started). I didn’t take offense to this as I should have done a search and saw that the topic I wanted to discuss was already in progress. I didn’t know what had happended at first so I asked and Corals advised me. I thanked her, apologized, and moved on and learned the rules of the site. Every since then, things have gone smoothly and I haven’t had any problems with any moderators as I RESPECTED THE RULES. That’s all you can do really as these rules were in place long before any of us arrived here and are what makes this site #1 (from recent findings).

lol...yep. I also have had to apologize to Corals for a posting violation. I caught myself the first time I did it, the second time I didn't realize it. So when Corals handled her business, I just laughed at my stupid mistake and told her I didn't intend violate the rules. I asked her to accept my apology. She was very gracious. No problems since.

Incidentally, my issues with all of this are our quick tempers and poor conflict resolution abilities. How can we declare we are at war? Daily we engage in discussions regarding solutions to the ills that plague our communities and yet we can't even disagree without cutting and running? When other races disagree with us, we argue our positions ad nauseum. Nothing would cause us to quit and run. When embroiled in a difference of opinion with our own, we spew negativism, harsh character assassinations and broad generalizations. Why?
In order to effect change; patience, long suffering and a willingness to STAND AGAINST and IN THE FACE OF the opposed is paramount. If we have a disagreement, why can't we learn the art of "choosing our battles" and move on without our worlds imploding?
For many of us, our own character and personality weaknesses are the "elephants in the room" that we must first address before we can assist others to a place of victory.

[ardamus]

Originally Posted by Sumyr

I know many here may not like or care for me or my views, but one thing you can say about me (if you’re honest) is at no time was I disrespectful to anyone during any conversation.

Respect people is the key that has made this work thus far. Let’s not lose sight of this.

And thats what I've been wondering on here. Because I know my views aren't always well-received by some of the others on here as well.

We get into these arguments and discussions about what black people should do, what black people need, and etc. but it ends up sometimes with a disrespectful way of debating an issue. We talk about coming together and we can't even respect each other on a message board.

[Sumyr]

If we have a disagreement, why can't we learn the art of "choosing our battles" and move on without our worlds imploding?
For many of us, our own character and personality weaknesses are the "elephants in the room" that we must first address before we can assist others to a place of victory.

Nyela, This is the truth if I ever heard it.

And thats what I've been wondering on here. Because I know my views aren't always well-received by some of the others on here as well.

We get into these arguments and discussions about what black people should do, what black people need, and etc. but it ends up sometimes with a disrespectful way of debating an issue. We talk about coming together and we can't even respect each other on a message board.

Ardamus, I was wondering the same thing - how are we ever going to come together when we can't get along in cyberspace??? I've had to bite my tongue on several occasions - most in recent weeks. But I've learned to just step back most times and not let my stubborness get in the way and at least try to see others views. Sometimes I'll concede even if I know I'm right just to hear them out. If I see it heading in a negative direction or a lot of redundancy by me or them I just digress all together. I think that is the main culprit - we don't want to listen to each other "AT ALL." If everyone is talking, and no one is listening, then what is the point of speaking in the first place.

[Samoon]

Originally Posted by DBlack

Today I found myself fed up with a situation, but instead of calling anyone out, I'm going to post an announcement to help you all understand why we have some unique posting rules.

If you search on Keywords in Google Black Discussion and African American Discussion, AFrochat, is No1 in the rankings. We are in that coveted position because of a multitude of qualitative reasons. One, we have alot of subjects that are more thant just simple COPY and PASTE. We have members here that are full of intelligence, and give thought (yes, thought) into what they place here.

I'm VERY proud of the content that is on our site, with all of our wide ranging opinions.

But we have some lazy posters that want us to be like other boards. If you want to just copy and paste a shydload of text that you didn't even write yourself, AfroChat is not the place for such text dumping. A monkey can be taught how to copy and paste. A progressive, black man or woman choose to speak, write and share with conviction and opinion they are comfortable with posting.

If you are just copying and pasting, Google and other search engines do NOT like such duplication of data. Your laziness harms the quality of the content here. This is why your opinion is SO very important when discussing an issue. We are a discussion forum. Say it with me: DISCUSSION!!!! We are not an RSS Feed, Text aggregator, trash can.

If you find my words harsh, then you are most likely who this post is about. But Don't be offended. Instead, recognize that you are part of a messageboard that challenges you to be, yes, UNIQUE in thought and in expression. Yes, you are also being challenged to be thoughtful in what you post. If you are not up for the challenge, vacate the site so others may quickly replace you.

But don't dare take open cheapshots at this community because we don't babysit or accept your cognitive laziness.

"Say it with me: DISCUSSION!!!! We are not an RSS Feed, Text aggregator, trash can."

Dying laughing over here Black! Yep, I see it all of the time from individuals that "perpetrate" specialties or profound "knowledge" in a given arena. Sheesh.

[ardamus]

Originally Posted by Sumyr

Ardamus, I was wondering the same thing - how are we ever going to come together when we can't get along in cyberspace??? I've had to bite my tongue on several occasions - most in recent weeks. But I've learned to just step back most times and not let my stubborness get in the way and at least try to see others views. Sometimes I'll concede even if I know I'm right just to hear them out. If I see it heading in a negative direction or a lot of redundancy by me or them I just digress all together. I think that is the main culprit - we don't want to listen to each other "AT ALL." If everyone is talking, and no one is listening, then what is the point of speaking in the first place.

I'll listen. I have no problem with listening to other people. But if you're arrogant, crude, or disrespectful in what you say, then people do not have my attention. In the past few weeks, we've had some posters come across that way. For what reason, I have no clue. But thats not a good way to build some foundation for a forum such as this.

[The Dragon]

I can't believe people are leaving because of this. We are way too sensitive...

[Celeste]

Fascinating to watch the cycle of membership here at AC.
Some lurk and peer into our "realm", shy and wary...some blast through with unbridled enthusiasm and find themselves embroiled in debate before they've even selected an avatar. Many seek social and intellectual sanctuary here, and are rarely disappointed.
And then there are the "gems" among us, those who have no hidden agenda, no ill-will whatsoever. The fine minds, the online philosophers, the grassroots revolutionaries who take the time to formulate and share something unique, something positive in the interest of progressive Black thought.
We must encourage these folks in particular...to stay the course regardless of any "bumps in the road".
The quality of the site rests on our ability to transcend ego and petty personal differences...to focus on analysis and balanced discourse...in the best interest of our People.

Dig it.

[DBlack]

Another eloquent cluster of thoughts. Well stated Celeste!

[natirnr]

never happen again yu have my word