| 1/21/2008 7:05:47 PM | The Dichotomy of the Blocked Poster | |
ylekiot
Stateline, NV
age: 52 online now!
| I am going to preface this post by stating that this is in no way, shape, or form intended to be directed to any one individual. My intent is to share this opinion with the DH community as a whole in the spirit of friendship, love, and understanding. Since Dustin implemented the ”block user” function, I have witnessed a metamorphosis relevant to how folks respond, and reply, to varying differences of opinion. I realize that this topic is, by its very nature, somewhat controversial. While conceptually a good idea, the ability to block posters has become somewhat of a weapon despite its best intentions. Whereas people used to settle their differences in common threads, it has now become a laborious and tactful retaliatory process in which people are relegated to who can block whom first. The net result, in my opinion, is that the blocking process serves as an inadvertent catalyst which escalates, rather than diminishes, potential hard feelings. I have seen lines drawn in the sand among users and the inception of disparaging factions in our community as a by-product of this practice as people with opposing ideologies feel compelled to “take sides” after being blocked. I have seen people – good people – assume defensive postures and in my opinion say things publicly that were better left unsaid, or at least addressed in a more private manner. Thankfully, some of those people have stepped up to the plate and have made attempts at making amends. I’ve also witnessed potential “peacemakers” rebuffed and looked upon with scorn for their efforts to try to keep this place safe, fun, and secure for all. Frankly, affording some people a blocking function is synonymous with giving an arsonist a blowtorch. It is what it is - right, wrong, or indifferent. The point is that although there are at times legitimate and bona fide reasons for blocking others, we as a whole have gone way overboard in the utilization of this tool. Those who subscribe to the practices of freaks, stalkers, and perverts do in fact minimally need to be blocked, if not permanently banned from the site. For those with differing opinions, hurt feelings, or even just questions about a potentially volatile post, why not just utilize private e-mail as a primary resource and try to work things out more transparently? We all come from all walks of life, interests, and values, and it would be really cool to see more of a “live and let live” philosophy adopted. Sometimes not saying anything is more profound than any spoken words. I know this diatribe of mine is not exclusively about blocking, but hopefully it has touched on other areas and at least some of you comprehend my point. I hope this post is received in the spirit in which it is intended, for I hold no ill will towards any person or any thing. You’re all my friends and I hope after perusing this that that remains the same. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!
Peace Out!
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| 1/21/2008 7:08:22 PM | The Dichotomy of the Blocked Poster | |
sweetromie2
Sunderland, MA
age: 46
| Hi ylekiot 
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| 1/21/2008 7:10:24 PM | The Dichotomy of the Blocked Poster | |
stellablu
Saint Louis, MO
age: 50 online now!
| That being said... YEAH!!!!...
who's your superbowl choice?
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| 1/21/2008 7:12:12 PM | The Dichotomy of the Blocked Poster | |
ylekiot
Stateline, NV
age: 52 online now!
| Hi all...as much as I hate to say it....the Pats straight up
(unless you want the handicappers take on it)
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| 1/21/2008 7:13:05 PM | The Dichotomy of the Blocked Poster | |
smileingheart
Bellingham, WA
age: 41
| Hey wiley
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| 1/21/2008 7:17:39 PM | The Dichotomy of the Blocked Poster | |
lifetimeskier
Olympia, WA
age: 47
| I have put myself out there as a peacemaker at times and have found that I am rebuffed. I may be one of the ones of whom you speak.... As you have now noticed I am not posting much these days.... I am real close to just dumping the site altogether due to the fun having been taken away by the in fighting.... I also note some of my funnest buddies here have become quiet also...Question????? Does any one care to take this site back to what we all had so much fun with in the past?????
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| 1/21/2008 7:17:49 PM | The Dichotomy of the Blocked Poster | |
klassykitten
Toccoa, GA
age: 51
| Ain't he sexy when he talks like that...
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| 1/21/2008 7:18:10 PM | The Dichotomy of the Blocked Poster | |
chopperbabe
Overland Park, KS
age: 47
| I posted on Dustin's thread how I felt about having an author of a thread with the ability of being able to block anyone they choose. I see the reasoning behind it since Dustin cannot be at all places at one time. But now an author will only have the feed back they want rather then having objective point of views. People do use the blocking as a weapon to what ever advantage they seek. I personally think Dustin created a monster leaving the ablility to a few people who can't take cons with the pros. Some people's children 
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| 1/21/2008 7:18:29 PM | The Dichotomy of the Blocked Poster | |
drummrboy
Belmont, MA
age: 43
| ylekiot
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| 1/21/2008 7:19:34 PM | The Dichotomy of the Blocked Poster | |
lifetimeskier
Olympia, WA
age: 47
| Hey you all you had best be a big PATRIOTS  fan.
GO PATRIOTS 
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| 1/21/2008 7:19:55 PM | The Dichotomy of the Blocked Poster | |
ylekiot
Stateline, NV
age: 52 online now!
| I don't think it's so much taking the site back as it is learning to share it, and that we each have a right to be here and as inhabitants we all have a right to be respected.
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| 1/21/2008 7:22:31 PM | The Dichotomy of the Blocked Poster | |
ylekiot
Stateline, NV
age: 52 online now!
| Yes Chopper, in my opinion blocking has indeed become the proverbial double-edged sword and the net result is diametrically opposed to its stated intention.
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| 1/21/2008 7:24:18 PM | The Dichotomy of the Blocked Poster | |
stellablu
Saint Louis, MO
age: 50 online now!
| klassy...I love when he talks like this!
ssoooo sexy! 
Next best place on the tables to Crazy B*tch! 
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| 1/21/2008 7:24:58 PM | The Dichotomy of the Blocked Poster | |
geo13
Hanover, PA
age: 46
| lifetimeskier, I agree with you as a matter of fact i have started a thread "tonight is my last night on here" becauase of the cliques and the fact that people don't want opinions they want attention. I will miss the light hearted banter and funny posts.It is no longer fun to read a argument and the bashing of people for their thoughts and opinions when someone dissagreed with them.
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| 1/21/2008 7:36:15 PM | The Dichotomy of the Blocked Poster | |
stellablu
Saint Louis, MO
age: 50 online now!
| geo...then they win!
Hang with us that don't do that... 
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