Do you refuse to suck a binky, and hate the word PWN?

[QBWeaver]

ok. I'm feeling a bit out of touch. Who the heck is sucking binkies in the TMF group and why? And what the heck does pwn stand for?

 

[Homer28]

Next time there is a weekend grope session PLEASE let me know!!!!!! I have never been to one personally. I have been to a gathering that happened on a weekend where a bunch of TMF people and some others got together and had an amazing time. A lot of people left feeling better about them selves and there "fetishes" and perhaps most importantly made some good friends. We also learned that small dogs can survive being steamrolled by adults multiple times.
As an "outsider" looking into the tickling "fetish" there is a lot that things that are preculiar and different to me. For those things I acknowledge I probably wouldn't want to do them and move on. As far as "net speak" people talk in a lot of different ways both online and imperson. As a matter of fact I just had a co worker state that a raise that was going to be in effect 4 months ago would be "rectal active" as apposed to retro active.
All you can really do is smile and move on🙂 Hoefully for you moving on won't mean leaving the site though🙂

 

[BellaRisa]

And a lovely omnomhump it was. Just a different strokes for different folks issue, I think... For some folks, it's a more private, intimate thing. And if they're feeling more alienated by perceived changes, they're going to describe the things that they feel alienate them with more extremity (Re: "weekend gropes").

I hope we're not further alienating by pouncing on poor choices of words.

Oh come now Capn, when a person chooses to post in a slightly hostile manner and uses words like 'grope' and 'hate' to describe activities that many of us hold dear they're probably going to be called on it; perhaps they need to choose better words to avoid being 'pounced' on rather than waiting for a misguided Knight in Shining Stetson to come along

Happy Turkey

 

[slacker2114]

Living in the limelight
The universal dream
For those who wish to seem
Those who wish to be
Must put aside the alienation
Get on with the fascination
The real relation
The underlying theme

In other words, it doesn't matter what brought us here. We're here for the same thing and we should just enjoy it in our own way. We joined because we didn't want to be judged by those who didn't share our fetish. We should not start judging one another.

But what do I know?

 

[drew70]

ok. I'm feeling a bit out of touch. Who the heck is sucking binkies in the TMF group and why? And what the heck does pwn stand for?

At a few recent gatherings, a certain circle of young ladies for whatever reason seem to take delight in sporting pigtails and binkies. Here on the forum, they talk to each other in baby talk.

Jeff and Bella support and protect any trendy direction towards which these girls would steer the forum, and as you can see in this thread, Jeff will basically growl and snarl at anybody daring to cast aspersions on such trends.

"Pwn" is a typo of "own" that caught on and has been absorbed into today's bastardization of English popular among eighth graders and certain TMF members. It's one example of many disturbing trends emerging here.
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[slacker2114]

At a few recent gatherings, a certain circle of young ladies for whatever reason seem to take delight in sporting pigtails and binkies. Here on the forum, they talk to each other in baby talk.

Jeff and Bella support and protect any trendy direction towards which these girls would steer the forum, and as you can see in this thread, Jeff will basically growl and snarl at anybody daring to cast aspersions on such trends.

"Pwn" is a typo of "own" that caught on and has been absorbed into today's bastardization of English popular among eighth graders and certain TMF members. It's one example of many disturbing trends emerging here.

What's so disturbing about it? I mean, honestly what does it hurt? It's no different than in the 70's, you sported an afro and said "groovy" and all that. It's just new slang, which is changed every few years. Some can keep up, some just rattle their walkers and bitch.

And so what if they wear pigtails and suck pacifiers and all that? Who does it hurt? They're enjoying and celebrating their fetish in a way of their own choosing with people they love and trust. If you don't do things the same way they do, it doesn't make them, or you for that matter, wrong. It just makes you different. It's called individuality and the majority of us have it.

 

[Dave2112]

Living in the limelight
The universal dream
For those who wish to seem
Those who wish to be
Must put aside the alienation
Get on with the fascination
The real relation
The underlying theme

In other words, it doesn't matter what brought us here. We're here for the same thing and we should just enjoy it in our own way. We joined because we didn't want to be judged by those who didn't share our fetish. We should not start judging one another.

But what do I know?

Slacker...I fuckin' man-love you. I posted that song in it's entirety for just the same reason a couple months ago. Nice to see the reference wasn't lost.

 

[drew70]

What's so disturbing about it? I mean, honestly what does it hurt? It's no different than in the 70's, you sported an afro and said "groovy" and all that. It's just new slang, which is changed every few years. Some can keep up, some just rattle their walkers and bitch.

And so what if they wear pigtails and suck pacifiers and all that? Who does it hurt? They're enjoying and celebrating their fetish in a way of their own choosing with people they love and trust. If you don't do things the same way they do, it doesn't make them, or you for that matter, wrong. It just makes you different. It's called individuality and the majority of us have it.

Well, I can only tell you what I personally find disturbing. We're a community of adults, at least in theory. Tickling isn't overtly sexual for me, but I'm in the minority. For most it's sexual or at the very least, erotic. When some of the members emulate the appearance of childhood, well do I really have to spell it out for you? I've been to many gatherings, and have interacted with people of wildly differing predilections, but if I were at a gathering and that shit started up, I'd be out of there pronto.

As for the "slang," I've always been a proponent of individuality and distinction, but there is an art to it. And not all art is good art. To me, there is no art or originality whatsoever in deliberate misspellings, lazy abbreviations, and baby talk.

Bottom line, if we're to be a forum in which ideas are freely expressed, than Helena and others like her ought to be free to express their feelings with administrative intimidation, just as those who embrace these trends are free to do.
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[Skipadeedoodah]

Ya know, I really tried to view this thread and the OP as simply an expression of concern, discomfort, or even a little bit of fear about if/where one fits in around here, and I tried to be supportive and understanding about that, considering I feel similarly every day. Do I fit in around here? If so, where? Who feels close to me? Who wants to be my friend, and who is just being polite? I understand these concerns, but the more I think about it, the more I feel that the OP was, instead, a poorly disguised way to attack or insult a certain group on the TMF.

No one here is blind to the fact that there are people around here who feel that Jo, Amanda and whoever happens to be "lucky enough" to be their friends are the "chosen ones" "the in crowd" "the clique" or whatever, and because certain people feel outcasted or don't agree with the way this group of friends interact with one another, they, for whatever reason, feel it's necessary to attack them. And no matter what anyone says, that's what the OP and several response posts in this thread have done, attack a group of people for their habits and preferred methods of communication, and frankly that's horse shit.

Do I run around with a binky? Nope - and I don't quite see what's so attractive about it. Do I think that Jo, Amanda and Gin look a little silly. Yes, yes I do. ASK THEM IF THEY CARE!!! They don't do it to impress anyone. Not you, not me, not eachother. They do it because they enjoy it, it's a cute, silly little thing, and it's not hurting anybody.

As far as the lolspeak and netspeak and other ridiculous forms of communication we have around here...I understand how it can be difficult to communicate with someone who is speaking in a way you don't understand, and I understand how that can make experiences on the forum somewhat stressful, especially when people who post often are using that type of communication. It is for this very reason, I believe, that Jo and Amanda posted a thread specifically explaining some of the "lingo" that is being used lately. Of course these words and ways of typing are silly and ridiculous - but who says we have to all speak properly all the time? Bastardization of the English language, perhaps...but if you don't like it, don't use it. Luckily, there's no requirement saying that you cannot post on the TMF without using this specific type of communication. If you don't understand what someone said because they're using a certain type of lingo you don't get, HERE'S A CRAZY THOUGHT....ASK!!!! It's endlessly frustrating to me that people are still bitching about this, when every effort has been made to bridge the gap, and no one is made to feel stupid for not understanding.

Lastly, the "groping sessions." This comment, without a doubt, pissed me off more than any other in the OP. Helena, have you ANY CLUE what goes on at gatherings? Have you attended one? I ask this honestly, because I don't know if you have or haven't. I'm hoping you haven't, because then, at least, your ignorance would be less disgusting. I've been to only one gathering, and that was the most recent party at Bella's in Ohio. Sure, there was some humping and groping going on, without a doubt, but no more or less than I see when out with my girlfriends. It's a friendly and playful way for people to interact. If you don't like it, *gasp* don't do it!! No one laid a hand or finger on me at that party that I didn't welcome, and the same would apply to you if you were ever to venture beyond your computer screen to see for yourself what these gatherings are all about. When I left Bella's and boo-hoo'ed my sappy ass 1/2 way home, my favorite moments of the weekend that I was thinking about weren't the groping or the humping...they were the moments when I made emotional connections with people. The time when Viper explained to us the effect that coffee has on his digestive system...when ASU, Capnmad, Euphoricy and I were sitting in the living room and spotted a book called "Why Your Life Sucks - And How You Can Fix It" and the hilarity that ensued from that discovery...staying up chatting til 5 in the morning...and not being able to look at Rice Krispies since then (thanks Rhino LOL)...and so on and so forth.

In a nutshell, you don't know what your'e talking about Helena...so my suggestion to you and everyone else with ignorant comments is to either educate yourselves, or shut the hell up.

 

[BellaRisa]

What's so disturbing about it? I mean, honestly what does it hurt? It's no different than in the 70's, you sported an afro and said "groovy" and all that. It's just new slang, which is changed every few years. Some can keep up, some just rattle their walkers and bitch.

And so what if they wear pigtails and suck pacifiers and all that? Who does it hurt? They're enjoying and celebrating their fetish in a way of their own choosing with people they love and trust. If you don't do things the same way they do, it doesn't make them, or you for that matter, wrong. It just makes you different. It's called individuality and the majority of us have it.

Thank you. And lord knows it's not just certain young ladies on our forum that use this new language, our guys enjoy it as well and it has nothing to do with age. Furthermore, in every forum I belong to there are folks from 18 to 80 having fun with it; hell, in my Livejournal Blackfolks forum you have all these words mixed in with the current afrocentric slang and that's really a whole 'nother planet, and frankly I enjoy it-it wakes up the brain cells and stimulates creativity. In every forum you'll have the Gargamel-esque bad penny pains in the rear that use this type of discourse to come along and pick at those whom they dislike, but they're easily ignored when you know them for what they are. 40 yrs ago they were yelling over their Geritol at guys to cut their hair and girls to stop wearing mini-skirts, now they whine over their Advanced Metamucil about pwnage and lolcats...I say if your spirit is that crotchety take the stick out of your backside and use it to help you walk.

Oh, and Happy Thanksgiving

 

[slacker2114]

Well, I can only tell you what I personally find disturbing. We're a community of adults, at least in theory. Tickling isn't overtly sexual for me, but I'm in the minority. For most it's sexual or at the very least, erotic. When some of the members emulate the appearance of childhood, well do I really have to spell it out for you? I've been to many gatherings, and have interacted with people of wildly differing predilections, but if I were at a gathering and that shit started up, I'd be out of there pronto.

As for the "slang," I've always been a proponent of individuality and distinction, but there is an art to it. And not all art is good art. To me, there is no art or originality whatsoever in deliberate misspellings, lazy abbreviations, and baby talk.

Bottom line, if we're to be a forum in which ideas are freely expressed, than Helena and others like her ought to be free to express their feelings with administrative intimidation, just as those who embrace these trends are free to do.

And it's your right to leave just as it's their right to do what they feel is fun. No one makes you leave, you choose that on your own. Frankly, what's the big deal? It's not hurting anyone. But whatever. Debating this point is useless because it all comes down to individual tastes.

And say what you want, but slang has never been anything more than a bastardization of language: changed spelling, pronunciations and such. If you don't like it, don't use it. I sometimes use it just for the hell of it. It doesn't make me any less intelligent or change any aspect of myself.

And I really don't think Jeff was attacking Helena. While Jeff may not be the most subtle when it comes to posts, it's quite possible he got defensive right away because this could very easily be viewed as another "TMF attack" threads that I know you're all too familiar with. It's easy to see why he might get up in arms right away.

For fuck's sake, why can't we just let each other BE ourselves without fear of someone attacking them?

 

[TMF Jeff]

For fuck's sake, why can't we just let each other BE ourselves without fear of someone attacking them?

Exactly. This is the thing that gets me up in arms. A certain group of people is trying to make the forum intolerable for another group, because they don't like the way they talk and act. It makes me defensive, and frankly, it won't be tolerated here.

I don't have any hostility towards Helena, and I don't feel I was bullying her either. I think what she said didn't make any sense, and I'm not going to hesitate to say so. And since she openly said it was making the forum unusuable for her, I think it's directly my business to be interested and address it. I think, being honest, that there is just no validity to this. People chewing binkys, talking in lolcat, and groping each other, if there's any of that, is nobodys business but the people doing it.

 

[BellaRisa]

1. How do you even know someone has a binky while they're online?

2. Of all the things they could have in their mouths while on a fetish forum, isn't a binky pretty mundane?

 

[Bugman]

Off topic....

 

[slacker2114]

Off topic....

 

[drew70]

Exactly. This is the thing that gets me up in arms. A certain group of people is trying to make the forum intolerable for another group, because they don't like the way they talk and act. It makes me defensive, and frankly, it won't be tolerated here.

I understand that attacking people on the TMF violates forum policy. I'm a big believer in following the rules, so I consistently refrain from doing this. In THIS thread, I don't see anybody being attacked until Skip told Helena to "shut the hell up." I've reported similar GR violations that received no action whatsoever. So, I suspect it would be more accurate to say that such behavior will be <em>selectively</em> tolerated.

Neither Helena nor I attacked anybody. We expressed opinions about trends and behaviors. The expression of such opinions has been "tolerated" since day one at the TMF. If this has now changed, then may I suggest a reiteration of the posted rules for the benefit of those who don't happen to read this particular thread?

Moreover, if you're going to police anything that makes the forum "intolerable" for others, then perhaps it's a good thing that we all make mention of that which we find intolerable.
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[Skipadeedoodah]

I don't see anybody being attacked until Skip told Helena to "shut the hell up."

Correction: I suggested that everyone with ignorant comments either educate themselves OR shut the hell up. I didn't single anybody out, and I didn't threaten anyone.

 

[TMF Jeff]

I understand that attacking people on the TMF violates forum policy. I'm a big believer in following the rules, so I consistently refrain from doing this.

No you aren't, and no you don't, and if you drag your personal bullshit into this thread, you're going to be excluded from it.

 

[CrystalLight]

Wow, if this isn't a blatant call out if I've ever seen one.

Here, I'll bite. *OMNOMNOMNOMNOM*

First of all, this whole thread by no means reads as this:

With the place changing all the time, it's nice to know that I can ask questions about different things without a problem. I think communication is important when I'm trying to understand new things.

You've made blatant snide remarks and side bar slams and seriously, did you think that no one was going to take offense to that? Were you honestly convinced that a thread title like that was going to be "blown over"? You got called out on your shit and instantly began singing another tune.

I'm not saying it's wrong to be curious, not at all. However, the comments that you made that were clearly directed at a select few for the most part of the forum wasn't productive at all.

I get the feeling that I'm one of the hold outs on the forum that enjoys tickling without sucking on a baby binky, or using the phrase PWN.

Why do you feel that way, Helena? How does sucking on a nuk or using the phrase "pwn" make someone a totally different way?

Don't you think it's a little unfair to also be making a statement alluding to the fact that because you don't suck a nuk or use internet shorthand that you could quite possibly be viewing yourself as some higher up in comparison to those of us that do those things?

Do we snob you or turn our noses up at you? No. Just like you don't (or shouldn't) to us because you use (To be politically correct here) Font size 3, Verdana and Font Color Dark Orchird. You have your thing and express it how you desire. As do we. Where's the issue?

See all these questions I'm posing? That's properly conveying a general curiosity. Not making snide little remarks in attempts to come off as innocently asking questions. I'm also extremely interested in what your replies to the aforementioned questions will be as well.

I could just as easily say that *I* get the feeling I'm one of the hold outs on the forum that enjoys tickling without having to stalk someone from thread to thread, deliberately looking to stir shit up because I have nothing better to do with my time but justify my misery by attempting to inflict on someone else.

But.. that's just silly.

I'm definitely a heterosexual woman

I'm confused by this statement. I'm a heterosexual woman. Amanda's a heterosexual woman. Skip's a heterosexual woman... what are you trying to convey with this statement?

I just love tickling in general, and for the longest time, I've felt the freedom to enjoy this site in so many wonderful ways.

What's changed so much that has put some idea in your head that you have no freedom to enjoy the forum?

Because there are images floating around forum and in signature pictures of girls sucking on pacifiers?

Let's rectify that.

- Open you your PM box.

Look to the left of your screen. You'll see this:

See where it says: Edit Options ?

Click on that. You'll be greeted to a whole page of goodies.

Scroll until you get this on your screen:

I'm sure you can figure out the rest, right? But-- if you're Curious

You need to uncheck the boxes for Signatures.

Problem fucking solved.

Next?

Oh, right. The Internet shorthand.

Due to popular demand and general curiosity, Amanda and I took the time out to create a thread specifically detailed to explain each popular used term and emote and even provided a description and explanation for each one.

I went back through the thread and ironically enough, you didn't partake in that. I don't know if you read it or not-- but here, for your enjoyment:

http://www.ticklingforum.com/showthread.php?t=139907

Look at that. Two problems solved. What's the issue now, Helena? Are you sure it's not the fact that you aren't choosing to involve yourself in aspects of anything by your OWN accord and are sitting there with your thumb in your ass waiting for someone to come by and graciously lay it all out for you?

Sorry, sugar. That's not how it works in the real world. And this community?

This forum? As much as a majority of us wanna sit back, cross our arms and claim that this has nothing to do with real life or your impact personally or mentally, this is fucking society.

Let's be honest here. You've got an issue with a majority of us. You've made that clear. And you know what? That's cool. You know where you fucked up?

Making that clear on public board. Especially the way that you delivered the message across.

I used to really enjoy the tickling discussion, but since I'm not into the whole group scene, like going to "hump" and "omnomnom" everyone for a weekend grope, all loose and lite-like, I feel perhaps the site has changed enough to no longer meet my needs.

Weekend grope, huh? You think it's some hot ass party where we all strip naked and fuck each other? Or just pull each other's tits and snatches out, the boys whip their cocks out and we sit around touching each other while eating twinkies?

Of course that must absolutely NOT be what you mean. But, that's how it's coming across.

Meet your needs? How has it changed? Judging by your very risqué story that I'll even plug for you here:

http://www.ticklingforum.com/showthread.php?t=96370

It doesn't seem much has changed except the fact that people are speaking openly and frankly about the very same things that are written about in your story. If anything, that's a positive. Being able to share what so clearly is a fantasy of yours with others who've actually had the chance to live it out. I think that's pretty fucking cool.

I have no idea how other people feel about the shift in culture on the forum, or even if it matters to anyone but me. I expect that this will be an unpopular post, and that I am in the minority.

What happens when culture shifts when you walk away from the computer?

How do you adapt, Helena? Are you left looking out your window as shit goes on around you? Refusing to take any part of it due to your OWN personal apprehensions or tendencies?

And then, take solace in turning around and slamming into those that enjoy what they enjoy and even those that are tentatively taking steps to jump into the happenings of the world around them?

The world ain't gonna wait for you, baby. It's your call on what you want to do. Not ours.

I care about the forum, and the other people on it. I have made some nice friends here, and I've noticed many changes in culture here. Seeing how others act and behave has made me evaluate what I do and do not want for myself.

You care about the forum. So do a lot of us here. And frankly it's a damn shame that the only problem that you choose to focus on, isn't even an issue. You've been offered two solutions to your two problems. It is now on you (as it always was) about how you want to go about rectifying your issue.

I'm not going to hold your hand and I'm not going to pat you on the ass for having the courage to make such a disrespectful thread. If you wanted to seek out answers to questions, you could have done it in a completely different way that wasn't posed as a blatant attack. You should know better, Helena. You're a grown ass woman.

As a closer? I'm gonna keep sucking my nuk and I'm gonna keep speaking in code for as long as I want to. If that makes me some fucking hindrance to your experience? Then block me.

When I visit the forum, why should I not look at what others are doing?

That's your choice, Helena. No one's got a knife to your throat. (ZOMG BDSM. 😵)

 

[BellaRisa]

Correction: I suggested that everyone with ignorant comments either educate themselves OR shut the hell up. I didn't single anybody out, and I didn't threaten anyone.

Meanwhile Jeff was falsely accused of "growling and snarling". Now that's a bastardization. Or, more bluntly, a filthy lie

 

[unclebill]

Ya know, I really tried to view this thread and the OP as simply an expression of concern, discomfort, or even a little bit of fear about if/where one fits in around here, and I tried to be supportive and understanding about that, considering I feel similarly every day. Do I fit in around here? If so, where? Who feels close to me? Who wants to be my friend, and who is just being polite? I understand these concerns, but the more I think about it, the more I feel that the OP was, instead, a poorly disguised way to attack or insult a certain group on the TMF.

No one here is blind to the fact that there are people around here who feel that Jo, Amanda and whoever happens to be "lucky enough" to be their friends are the "chosen ones" "the in crowd" "the clique" or whatever, and because certain people feel outcasted or don't agree with the way this group of friends interact with one another, they, for whatever reason, feel it's necessary to attack them. And no matter what anyone says, that's what the OP and several response posts in this thread have done, attack a group of people for their habits and preferred methods of communication, and frankly that's horse shit.

Do I run around with a binky? Nope - and I don't quite see what's so attractive about it. Do I think that Jo, Amanda and Gin look a little silly. Yes, yes I do. ASK THEM IF THEY CARE!!! They don't do it to impress anyone. Not you, not me, not eachother. They do it because they enjoy it, it's a cute, silly little thing, and it's not hurting anybody.

As far as the lolspeak and netspeak and other ridiculous forms of communication we have around here...I understand how it can be difficult to communicate with someone who is speaking in a way you don't understand, and I understand how that can make experiences on the forum somewhat stressful, especially when people who post often are using that type of communication. It is for this very reason, I believe, that Jo and Amanda posted a thread specifically explaining some of the "lingo" that is being used lately. Of course these words and ways of typing are silly and ridiculous - but who says we have to all speak properly all the time? Bastardization of the English language, perhaps...but if you don't like it, don't use it. Luckily, there's no requirement saying that you cannot post on the TMF without using this specific type of communication. If you don't understand what someone said because they're using a certain type of lingo you don't get, HERE'S A CRAZY THOUGHT....ASK!!!! It's endlessly frustrating to me that people are still bitching about this, when every effort has been made to bridge the gap, and no one is made to feel stupid for not understanding.

Lastly, the "groping sessions." This comment, without a doubt, pissed me off more than any other in the OP. Helena, have you ANY CLUE what goes on at gatherings? Have you attended one? I ask this honestly, because I don't know if you have or haven't. I'm hoping you haven't, because then, at least, your ignorance would be less disgusting. I've been to only one gathering, and that was the most recent party at Bella's in Ohio. Sure, there was some humping and groping going on, without a doubt, but no more or less than I see when out with my girlfriends. It's a friendly and playful way for people to interact. If you don't like it, *gasp* don't do it!! No one laid a hand or finger on me at that party that I didn't welcome, and the same would apply to you if you were ever to venture beyond your computer screen to see for yourself what these gatherings are all about. When I left Bella's and boo-hoo'ed my sappy ass 1/2 way home, my favorite moments of the weekend that I was thinking about weren't the groping or the humping...they were the moments when I made emotional connections with people. The time when Viper explained to us the effect that coffee has on his digestive system...when ASU, Capnmad, Euphoricy and I were sitting in the living room and spotted a book called "Why Your Life Sucks - And How You Can Fix It" and the hilarity that ensued from that discovery...staying up chatting til 5 in the morning...and not being able to look at Rice Krispies since then (thanks Rhino LOL)...and so on and so forth.

In a nutshell, you don't know what your'e talking about Helena...so my suggestion to you and everyone else with ignorant comments is to either educate yourselves, or shut the hell up.

hmmm....so I suppose the only way to get educated is to attend one of these gatherings, eh???🙄 Helena never mentioned any names in her posts, she was only expressing her opinion. You have no right to flame her like this. Perhaps you should remove your Barney Fife deputy moderator badge. It seems to be cutting off the circulation.

 

[Tamia78]

WTF? Helena can't express personal feelings without getting jumped on? Since when did certain people become "forum police"? Perhaps those of you who feel that Helena is personally attacking people feel a bit guilty for "excluding" those not "in the know"? Lord knows we all have different people as friends on here. There are some people on the forum I just can't relate to. Sure, we're nice to each other, but for some reason, we're just not as close as we are with other people.

And STOP saying that crap about "if you wanna feel included, then post" bullshit. Because it's just crap.

I'm sorry for being so bitter and rude, but Miss Helena is a friend of mine, and it bothers me to see so many people (whom I know to normally be really nice folks) jump on the same damn bandwagon because a few people don't agree with the collective.

Happy Thanksgiving...............at least I hope so.

--T

 

[CrystalLight]

Brakes.

Helena is completely open to her opinion. However as it's been proven here and Here that if you're going to have a potentially 'hot button' opinion? You better be prepared for some flack for it.

 

[TMF Jeff]

Excuse me, but the idea that Helena was expressing a general opinion is a little naive.

There are about six people, at MOST, who fit the description she laid out as being a problem for her and preventing her from enjoying the forum.

She isn't saying "I feel these things in general about the TMF." She's saying "these six or so people, by living and acting the way they choose, are ruining the forum for me."

You can't possibly be surprised when people react to that kind of blanket condemnation of a very small group of people on the forum.

To say nothing of the fact that, to repeat myself, there is no earthly way that sucking on a binky or saying pwn could possibly be impacting her experience here in any meaningful way.

Which sort of begs the question, "what's the real thrust of this thread?"

And that leads people to conclude, and I don't see how to really argue the point, that this is really just an attack on people who act in a way that Helena doesn't like. It's not really ok, and that's what people are reacting to.

If this thread was titled "I feel like my experience here is changing," and without getting so personal about it, she just said she was feeling like things had moved on and she didn't connect as well anymore, she would have gotten nothing but sympathy and encouragement.

But she chose to make it personal, and this is what comes of that.

 

[Skipadeedoodah]

hmmm....so I suppose the only way to get educated is to attend one of these gatherings, eh???🙄 Helena never mentioned any names in her posts, she was only expressing her opinion. You have no right to flame her like this. Perhaps you should remove your Barney Fife deputy moderator badge. It seems to be cutting off the circulation.

Flame? Please point out to me where I flamed anybody. Helena posted her opinions, and I posted mine in response. And while I referenced the OP and certain words or phrases from it, other than asking Helena if she had attended a gathering, I didn't single her out at all. I repeatedly referred to everyone who had made ignorant comments in this thread.

I acknowledged the issues that the OP brought up, and addressed them. I think that her approach was disrespectful and, as I said, a poorly disguised attempt to insult people. So why should I sit on that observation?

I'm sorry if some people here feel excluded, but I feel NO guilt for ever having excluded anyone. And I do believe that if you want to be included you HAVE to put yourself out there, i.e. post, come to radio shows, or whatever. NO ONE is responsible for taking you by the hand and saying "come here and meet my friends." Helena, however, does post, and has said herself that she's made some great friends here, so I don't quite understand why that came up in this thread.

Everyone's entitled to their opinion, Helena, me, you, everybody, but if you're going to bring up a topic you know is going to be controversial, which Helena clearly did because she said "this is going to be an unpopular thread," be prepared for people challenge it, and to back it up.