FR ends up chasing the valuable away in order to have the blog pimping police and moral/intellectuals midgets patrol. Don’t forget the closed catholic threads that don’t accept anything but cheerleaders.
Don't worry about me, though. I might get kicked off, but I won't be chased off. I'm made of much sterner stuff.
If I am the one I'm thinking you are referring to in your scenario, that is. If I'm the bad guy, then derp on me.
:)
I'm actually having fun with this guy. He doesn't bother me in the least. I feel like Kevin Bacon in Footloose. I've never seen anything like it. I thought guys like this were just in movies to scare the kids. He's REAL!!!!
oooops that last post was intended for another thread. Sorry, I need to pay more attention. Let me recalibrate.
I think with a forum like this, it's completely natural for what you describe to take place. Not good, but natural. what happens is, cliques form. Certain groups attract similar personalities. They, in turn, encourage and feed off of each other. For example, this particular troll has for a very long time been encouraged in his behavior to the point that he thinks its acceptable. He receives no negative feedback and is supported by "management" to a certain extent.
After a certain amount of time, he feels he has to maintain his behavior to keep his "rep" strong. Other people. The good, positive contributors, become discouraged and frustrated when they see he allowed to continue harassing and belittling them without repuercussion. They then move on to more welcoming cyber commnuities.
In this way, the good is thinned and the herd becomes more populated by the type you describe. Eventually, it becomes a wasteland of flame wars and bickering. Nothing positive is accomplished.
It takes a strong pimp hand to administer justice fairly in an online community.
I am in no way casting aspersions on FR management or moderators. They do the best they can, I'm sure. It's just a natural evolution of personality types that is hard to manage. This behavior occurs in all closed group situations.
I am a self taught expert on group behavior. And this is science.
:) Also, let it be known that no comments of mine should be construed as being directed at, to, or about any particular member of FreeRepublic.com.
Anyway, that is the short version of what I think about your comment, wgmalabama.
Oh, I meant to mention this too. The comment I erroneously made previously was intended for a thread about Milo Yianaupolis in which I made the (not really) mistake of defending and supporting Milo. I was swarmed by religious people and one in particular made me his personal crusade to stamp out satan. It's really pretty funny, but it applies to what you said too, I think.
Step out of line, and certain segments will gang tackle you. This game is not for the weak of heart, which is another reason people leave. Not everybody's a happy warrior like me. :)
Okay, the end.