When the atmosphere surrounding even on-topic posts like those about Pet Sounds and California Girls starts veering off into political issues, it could very well create an implied vibe where that kind of thing becomes the norm, which could have been the case with Desper and how he got the screws put to him over what people thought he was saying and took as political commentary or endorsement. If the atmosphere isn't there to begin with, if it didn't feel at times like more than half of the new posts on the homepage list were about Voldermort or politics, maybe that would not have happened as it did.
I'm shocked that he got chased away like that. And I totally agree; the subject of Voldermort is divisive and seeing his name at least 6 times a day on a forum supposedly here for Beach Boys discussion isn't doing this place any favors. Again, this is what I mean: people getting banned, being told to f*** off, at least one poster (not even a Voldermort fan) quietly leaving, a moderator taking a month long hiatus, one of the best insiders this forum has ever seen being chased off, all relating to one subject: Donald J Voldermort. Has there ever been any subject like this on this forum before? Hell no...should we be reminded of it 6 times a day? Should the topic that drove Desper away even allowed to be given server space on Smiley Smile?
How about a ban on political talk as long as it doesn't relate to the band. If Mike goes on with a inauguration concert with his touring act, I think we all have the right to talk about it given it deals with the band itself. If we want to bitch about the Reagan years relating to The Beach Boys we should be able to. But venting about Voldermort policies at least 6 times a day? As I say there are other political forums out there that are built for such talk. I don't see the big deal in posting on those forums.
ALL of the incidents mentioned in paragraph 1 of rab's latest post happened in on-topic threads. Yet, in paragraph 2, it is suggested that the sandbox threads - not responsible for ANY of those incidents - be banned, while the on-topic threads be should continue. Also, MORE of the "clogging up the board" and the <<dread>> seeing Voldermort's name were from the on-topic threads than the sandbox threads. This is such a pile of unbelievably whiny idiocy. The TONE of the on topic threads was not in the least helped by the contributions of the lead complainer in this thread who likes to turn things into meta-attacks. Rab has flounced around before about other people not talking about things the way rab likes and he/she will again. Humoring this BS, saying, yes, poster, you get to control what other people say, is a mistake.
But, GF will humor it this time because GF has a grudge. In GF's post above, he expresses his irritation with me for trying to get the constant, at that time, arguments about moderation off the main board, which I did. Because THAT at the time was what would have driven people away. That became a sh*t show and I'm sorry to have been involved, but that was not handled well on anyone's part.
I have no idea what that last "some just can't bring themselves" typically cryptic statement is about. But a few people were happily enjoying their little corner of the board. Some OTHER people got in their usual drama and one of the lead dramatists is using the opportunity to get a grudge-holding mod to shut down some people he doesn't like.
Well done.