Not a big deal, but...

[viscousmemories]

I've changed my mind, and requested to have my self-ban at IIDB lifted. I was gone for 3 months.

The recent discussions here have convinced me of two things:

1. I had underestimated the willingness on the part of the staff to identify and remedy systemic problems, as demonstrated by the admins stated intention to no longer lock ICR threads that people are still participating in and by adding a non-admin moderator to the ICR.

and

2. If I have any comments or criticisms about the policies or administration of IIDB, I believe they should be aired at IIDB. Both to prevent the staff and users there from feeling like they're being unfairly attacked here, and because I'd rather try to effect positive change there (where possible) than just complain and poke fun from over here.

Despite what I see as some serious problems with the culture there, I also think there are a lot of good people with good intentions there, and a lot of opportunities for interesting and educational discussions. At this exact moment there aren't any particular discussions or debates I feel compelled to join in there, but I think the option should be open.

Yeah, I'm fickle. If that were my worst character trait I'd count myself lucky.

[Shake]

Cool! I look forward to seeing you back over there!

I also agree about airing comments there. It was getting tiring running back and forth between multiple boards to read comments on the same issues from various perspectives.

[ChuckF]

Welcome back... flip-flopper.

I recall a very fun tangle we had in ~E~ over the Pope betting pool. Now that you're back, I'll start a private countdown until the next one See you in ~E~

[viscousmemories]

I think that might've been the only ~E~ thread I've ever participated in.

[ChuckF]

* ChuckF runs off to do a search to prove that vm is LYING

Nah...not really.

[viscousmemories]

I've been accused of lying enough that I'm always very careful how I phrase things. That's why I said "might've".

[godfry n. glad]

Originally Posted by viscousmemories

I've changed my mind, and requested to have my self-ban at IIDB lifted.

If I have any comments or criticisms about the policies or administration of IIDB, I believe they should be aired at IIDB. Both to prevent the staff and users there from feeling like they're being unfairly attacked here, and because I'd rather try to effect positive change there (where possible) than just complain and poke fun from over here.

So... Hope springs eternal. You actually think you can change things? It must be nice to have quaint and comforting delusions.

Originally Posted by Shake

I also agree about airing comments there. It was getting tiring running back and forth between multiple boards to read comments on the same issues from various perspectives.

That's nice for you, but I don't have that option. If I showed up over there as some sock puppet, they'd have a group pant-shitting and then they'd ban me again. I like the airing of their dirty laundry over here. It gives me a chance to continue to reinforce all the negative perspectives I have about the shitty forum and its little tin god administrators.

As for the decent people there...just remember, according to the polls more than half of the US electorate cast their votes for a known moron. I can only surmise that there must be more people out there who enjoy being abused. Take this an apply it to those in attendance at IIDB and their relationships with those in "authority". They've seemingly decided that "authoritarian" is an acceptable replacement for "authoritative".

[viscousmemories]

Originally Posted by godfry n. glad

So... Hope springs eternal. You actually think you can change things? It must be nice to have quaint and comforting delusions.

Nah, it's actually more like I've come to accept that I can't and I don't need to. Doesn't mean I won't occasionally try and that I'm not open to being pleasantly surprised if I can, but I'm less emotionally invested.

I might've spoken too soon, though. I thought I had already been reactivated per my request but apparently I'm able to login, view the hidden forums and PM's while still being self-banned. I did not know that. I reckon the possibility exists that they won't let me back in.

[Fencesitter]

Originally Posted by viscousmemories

I've changed my mind, and requested to have my self-ban at IIDB lifted. I was gone for 3 months.

Yahoo!!

I had a whole post composed in my head to try to convince you to do this. I'm glad I didn't have to post it.

I think the issues that I see at II have improved since 2 years ago when you were frustrated at the difficulty of change there, although I wasn't there 2 years ago, but just from what I've seen and heard.

I know that you have a great opportunity and ability to make a worthwhile contribution there.*

I'll see you over there.


Fence

*ETA: I didn't mean that you necessarily had to go crusading there. I just meant that your presence will make a difference.

[viscousmemories]

Thanks Fence. If they do let me in I'm probably not going to be posting there a lot or anything, but I have to admit I was attracted in part by how much attention my recent comments here drew; good and bad. I really didn't think anyone gave much of a shit one way or the other about what I had to say about things. I'm sure there are still many who don't, but if some do I might as well say whatever I have to say there, where it might be heard and considered.

[pescifish]

Originally Posted by viscousmemories

2. If I have any comments or criticisms about the policies or administration of IIDB, I believe they should be aired at IIDB.

Amen to this.

It is nice to get FF back out of the jaws of IIDB controversy. For awhile there I was thinking of opening a thread as compliment to the "An end to free thought at IIDB": "I'd look forward to an end to IIDB at Freethought!"

I hope you don't live to regret your decision...
Erm... not that's not right... I hope you don't come to regret...

Oh wait, it's supposed to encourage coming...

Well, anywhoo, I hope it works out well for you and for both forums!
Thanks.

[Maverick]

Back

[Joshua Adams]

Originally Posted by pescifish

It is nice to get FF back out of the jaws of IIDB controversy. For awhile there I was thinking of opening a thread as compliment to the "An end to free thought at IIDB": "I'd look forward to an end to IIDB at Freethought!"

Now, a comment like this would imply that vm is doing all or even most of it... if I'm not mistaken it's always somebody else who brings up IIDB threads, so don't expect this incident to change much.



Well, now we can hang out and not-post!

[viscousmemories]

Originally Posted by pescifish

I hope you don't live to regret your decision...
Erm... not that's not right... I hope you don't come to regret...

Originally Posted by Maverick

Back

Thanks. I promise I'll be better, if not good.

Originally Posted by Joshua Adams

if I'm not mistaken it's always somebody else who brings up IIDB threads

Well... not always, but mostly.

[Joshua Adams]

Originally Posted by viscousmemories

Well... not always, but mostly.

Upon reflection, this right here is an IIDB thread...

[godfry n. glad]

Originally Posted by viscousmemories

Thanks. I promise I'll be better, if not good.

vm...It's no big deal to promise what you already are, i.e., better than IIDB.

[Ymir's blood]

Originally Posted by viscousmemories

Despite what I see as some serious problems with the culture there, I also think there are a lot of good people with good intentions there, and a lot of opportunities for interesting and educational discussions. At this exact moment there aren't any particular discussions or debates I feel compelled to join in there, but I think the option should be open.

There is a whole forum devoted to music, movies and literature. Feel free to join in.

[viscousmemories]

Originally Posted by Ymir's blood

There is a whole forum devoted to music, movies and literature. Feel free to join in.

I think I've poked my head in there once or twice... it's kinda drab talking about music, movies and literature without avatars and a proper stock of smilies though, isn't it? Besides, how do I know the moderators of that forum aren't biased against NiN or Tom Robbins, hm? What kind of checks and balances are in place to prevent that?

[Skep]

Originally Posted by viscousmemories

... it's kinda drab talking about music, movies and literature without avatars and a proper stock of smilies though, isn't it?

Yeah, one can certainly get spoiled by 2,102 smilies and 100x100 pixel avatars up to 50KB in filesize.

[Ymir's blood]

Originally Posted by viscousmemories

I think I've poked my head in there once or twice... it's kinda drab talking about music, movies and literature without avatars and a proper stock of smilies though, isn't it? Besides, how do I know the moderators of that forum aren't biased against NiN or Tom Robbins, hm? What kind of checks and balances are in place to prevent that?

We are totally unbiased against NiNnies.

I only know Tom Robbins from the 'Even Cowgirls...' movie, and I had to look him up on Wikipedia to know he wrote the book.

[viscousmemories]

Originally Posted by Ymir's blood

I only know Tom Robbins from the 'Even Cowgirls...' movie, and I had to look him up on Wikipedia to know he wrote the book.

That's just wrong. That movie was atrocious in its own right, even if it hadn't brutally violated the spirit of Robbins' literature. I suspect he's not dark enough for your sensibilities, though. I recommend The End of the Road, by John Barth.

[Didymus]

Oho.

[viscousmemories]

Not sure if I'm an unstoppable idealist or a glutton for punishment.

[Didymus]

Clearly, both. You know exactly what you're doing, and you also know exactly what's coming to you (and it isn't sugar jubes). That there is plenty of guts.