Hey TIS - the type of troublemakers you're talking about - all they want is for you and everyone else to reply. They want the attention. It doesnt matter what you say to them, they just want you to respond. That's their bread and water. And when you dont give it to them, they usually lose interest and dont come back. So ignoring IS the best and easiest option.
If you fight back and tell them "where to go" - that will only make them stay here and maintain their crap. That's why by lashing out, you basically show that they exist for you, and that gives them motivation to stick around.

They wont bother writing their crap if nobody responds to it.

Anyway, that's just my opinion. I'll be back in half an hour to write more about the whole topic.

The following post is not about Danito, Pinocchio, or any other member. Just my thoughts on "how to disagree (in this forum)" :

First of all, different opinions are a wonderful thing to have. They instigate debates and discussions, and kick some life all around. Sometimes we're right and sometimes we're wrong. And there's absolutely no shame to be wrong about something, we all make mistakes. Imagine a forum where everyone agrees about everything - what a BORING place would that be! if people reply to each and every one of your posts saying "Amen", then you better check their motives. Either that or you're surrounded by clones.

I've been wrong many times in my life, and I still make mistakes every now and then. When people voice their opinion about my words or actions and do so without mal intentions, then I listen. I thank them and then take the time to decide whether I agree or not. Same thing in the forum. As long as you argue a different point without making it personal, then by all means go for it. And if after some time, the argument reaches the point where it doesnt go any further, then it's best to call it a day, "agree to disagree", and move on to the next topic.

Let's say, for example, that my new novel ("Beer, Sunshine, and Sexy Penguins") just got published. Now I get all kinds of comments. If a certain fella tells me "Fame! Your novel sucks! You suck! I hope you die!"
In that case, I'd probably call the local zoo and ask them if one of the monkeys just escaped.
BUT, if someone tells me - "Fame, I just read "Beer, Sunshine and Sexy Penguins" and I have to say I think it's really bad, and quite boring, because A, B, and C...." - then believe me, from the bottom of my heart, I will thank the person for taking the time to express his/her opinion of the book, be it good or bad.
Criticism is a wondeful thing - but it must be done in a respectful manner.

And now about the Godfather threads - surely, there will always be new members asking questions you've heard before. Let's say, a new blood in town that goes by the name "CigarBoy" is asking "Was Michael a bad don? what do you guys think?"

So :

1) If you dont like the thread, you can simply ignore it.

2) If you want to answer the question - cool.

3) If you want to copy and paste what you already said in other threads - cool.

4) BUT if you're gonna let the person know that it's been asked before, then PLEASE dont say stuff like "Oh not again! we had this thread before!" that's a terrible reply, much worse than the actual thread, the kind of reply that will scare new members.

I think a good way to respond is:

"Cigarboy, that's a fine question which has been discussed before. Here's a link to a thread that will answer some of your questions.

Welcome to the forum, Cigarboy!"


Anyways, sorry for the long post. Just my 2 cents. I'll even be as generous to add the enormous sum of 98 cents as well, for just a couple of lousy bucks in return. Deal?

Nicely said, Fame. Amen. (Don't worry, I'm not your clone. )

I really want a copy of "Beer, Sunshine, and Sexy Penguins," though. Will the couple of lousy bucks cover it?

Standing Ovation!

Way to go Fame!

Thanx guys, for the lovely compliments!



Actually, Gina, there's something I have to tell you....



You get a free copy, of course. Only problem is I haven't written it...yet.
Oh well, at least I got a title

Fame,

You've really thought things out. Another point to bring up, or perhaps rephrase is, nearly all discussions (ok many dicussions) can be a matter of one's opinions. Please, don't call one person wrong and the other right when dealing with interpretations. You can totally agree or disagree but really, who's right? Nobody!

For the most part here on the BB, I would say 90 per cent or maybe even 98 percent of the people are respectful to each other. It's only a very small minority that need to be kept in check IMHO. That small percentage somethimes, it seems, can irk everyone. Don't let it. Ignore it.

Let me add, only as a side note, that I feel "on the verge" of letting loose, so I'll apologize in advance if I go off. I'll have my own words thrown in my face.

TIS

I agree 100%. And you know what? This is what I like about the old-timers in this forum. They are always polite to new members. They welcome every-one. Special thanks to olivant, SC, Don Cardi, Turnbull, dontomasso.
Grazie

I think it was TB who has always said (paraphrasing)that newcomers many times give different perspectives and/or ask questions not asked before or simply respark another theory in the GF or other threads. It's sort of like having "new" blood on the BB.

TIS

NO WAY! Clark Griswald is the MAN! LOL

Both were good movies, but the many awful sequels to the original Vacation have diminished Clark Griswold.