I start a new thread because the GFIII thread doesn't seem to fit anymore. Also, I think that there is a need to discuss the style of discussions here which can't be handled via PM, as SC suggested.

Here is my point of view: I agree that this board is very civilised. Nevertheless, sometimes it looks, especially in the Trilogy Forum, as if everything has been said and done. So I think there should be a great tolerance for dissenting points of view, even if they seem to be kind of absurd.

Hollywood Finochio, your style annoyed me too. (I'm not one of the people you're calling "made members", and I don't know you from some old arguments.) I think almost every-one has experienced here the feeling of "Nobody-understands-my-point-of-view". Me too. When this happens, I try to underline my view, refine my arguments, etc. And in very few cases I try a 3rd time. But then I keep my view to myself as my little treasure.
So while I think that some of the members were annoyed by the repetitve form of some of your arguments, I think, what annoyed people most, were the aggressive tone and the self-pity. (If it's not too personal, I'd suggest you to write your post and send them one day later after re-reading. That's what I do when I get angry and feel like shouting back immediately.)

To the rest of the board: I think we should appreciate the dissenting voices, even if we don't like their sound and their volume. If I don't like a thread, I ignore it. I was amazed about the number of responses to a thread which deals with some minor problems of the notorious GF3.
Why should I convince everybody of my p.o.v? As long as HF sticks to the boards rules (like not tricking the c-word blocker), he should stay around.

Who can resist the reasoning of Danito...well said, D.

Self pity??

I think I was anything but that, I had to defend myself and I did.

I run two forums on other subjects so I'm not your average run-of-the-mill bloke. This is the only decent GF forum, and I live and breathe these movies, especially after I've just watched them again

We will recycle threads time and time again, it's only three films. But in my topics, I try and delve deeper into the personalities of the characters, I try my best to get talking points going. I didn't mean to be agressive, but it'd be nice, to just once, have someone quote me and say something positive, instead of treating me as a buffoon.

I did recieve a very nice PM of support from someone though and I've sinced calmed a little, But that's not to say I shan't be forced to defend myself again, consequences such as banning etc doesn't scare me or faze me in the slightest, all I want to do is talk about these films.

I moved this to the General Discussion forum because:

1. the ideas posted apply to ALL forums
2. the "Godfather" forum should be reserved for discussion of the movie itself, and not of board matters.

I'm almost afraid to say anything (negative that is). I don't know. In my opinion HF gave a thoughtful post. I can understand a tone one uses and don't disagree with that, but come on, he's not the only one with tone on that thread.


TIS

One of the beautiful aspects of the Trilogy is the variety of interpretrations that are presented. And presented they should be. At times I've felt that my dissenting view as been put down be members of the BB, but so what, that's their loss for not opening up to a differnt view. The Trilogy is a unique and intoxicating compilation of stories. Let's all bathe in its rich characaterizations and relish the opportunity to share our views on this classic and artistic portrayal of human struggle.

Good point MC! It can be done with respect and politeness.

One example, for me anyway, was on the Soprano thread. (I'd love Sunday nights. That thread would be hopping). Anyway, it was the series finale. I thought the ending sucked. I think I was the only one who really disliked it (I was so disappointed). Others gave their views and explained why they thought it was good, and some, if I'm not mistaken, even said it was genius.
I just didn't get it (and still don't see it). HOWEVER, I must admit everybody was cordial and nobody was "wrong"...just different opinions. Actually that's a fun kind of debate/conversation.

As a matter of fact, I don't reacall any kind of bickering on the Sopranos thread do you guys? I wonder why?


TIS

There were a few who didn't like the ending, TIS.

I'll PM you my feelings about the other thread.

That's what I mean. You seem to take some posts as a personal attack and then you "defend" yourself for virtually nothing but a well meant request.

It was a personal attack Danito. How else can I take it when two members say that they ignore my posts and accuse me of disagreeing for the sake of it all the time.

Not business, personal I'm afraid.

Will you stop this shit already?

I'm just talking to another member SC. If you think that is shit, well, nowt I can do about that.

I don't think this was the "tone" that the thread was looking for.
" How to disagree in this fourm"

It's one thing to post your ideas about the movie or any subject and to debate the merits of your view. It's totally something different to harp on a personal matter that shouldn't be discussed on the open boards.

I've asked this guy three times to stop discussing this here. He has chosen not to (stop).

This character began e mailing my private account asking all kinds of questions, and later complaining ed about his treatment here. This morning I was greeted by the news he had been supended. He also had choice words for SC, and asked me to PM Cardi for something or other. I just hit the delete button. I think the guy is a bit paranoid.

supended?

I must have missed that part.

(Shaking his head) I guess it was a matter of time.

(Music playing in the background.... Another one bites the dust!)


another thread shot to hell.

A whiney, immature, self-centered, narcissistic, defensive crybaby who doesn't even have the brains to back down fromthe moderators, even when they come in multiples to ask him to refrain from whatever rant he's on.

Oh, and yes...a bit paranoid, too.

God only knows what the big 'second coming' post will be like when suspension is over...probably writing it now.

Anybody think I'm ....'wrong'???????????????????

Apple

ps - MaryCas, great post.

Nope.

The world is full of people who have a pathological need for attention--even negative attention. We get our share here. They start dozens of threads or post answers whose purpose is so that they can get in others' faces. Then, when they get put down, they whine. They want the threads to be about them, not the subject matter.

They never learn that the most important determinate of how others behave toward you, is how you behave toward others.

Yes, which is why this is one of my favorite quotes:

How people treat you is their karma; how you react is yours. - Wayne Dyer

Do I need to be the first to remind our long-standing members the same thing about name-calling?

No National Geographic pics, Apple!

Suspended the membership!!
I stood in the forum like a fool. And those moderators, they smiled at me.

Perhaps reading "How To Win Friends and Influence People" would be in order. Then again, some are not here to win friends or influene people I suppose; and although there is a respectful way to disagree, some don't want to disagree respectfully, but rather enjoy the fight. I guess it's back to square one as far as that goes then. Let them rant until they get the ol' boot.

TIS

Time-out...LOL, I don't know what this whole topic is about, nor do I want to know, but that was funny. The whole Buona Sera line.lol....Time-in.

Danito, why did you go to the moderators? Why didn't you come to see J Geoff first?

I'll remember that cheers.

Next time, I hope I can swap the ludicrous suspension for the slight telling off from Geoff for the lesser crime of responding to a post in comparison to a post featuring 5 personal attacks.

But I can honestly say that I'm 'smartened up' for the break, and I'm prepared to forget I was hounded and bullied out of the place. My treatment was disgusting...and I just can't think of a godfather related line to 'make light' of it all at this juncture.

How about

'If there's people going around this city saying f**k The Hollywood Finochio...then what do we do with a piece of s**t like that?..'

You're back now.... my suggestion is that you drop it and just go on posting without the comments on what happened.

I'll never drop it mentally, you can be sure of that.

That's your call and I can't help you with that, but you will drop it on these public boards!