Replies

I have no doubt BOR shopped around for an “equal time” whipping boy on the right to balance his criticism of KOS and DU. If that's the case, deserved or not,

Neither address the central criticism that too many unacceptable comments are posted and don't get pulled either at all or in a timely fashion. Claiming that “most of the posts are okay”, “everyone does it” or “look at the other guys, they're worse” is admitting the original criticism was in fact correct. And I think people go that route because deep down they believe there might be some truth to it.

Addressing the issue means FReepers need to step away from their anger and emotions and look at it objectively. The first step is admitting the obvious.

1. While a huge majority of posters are thoughtful, there is a % that could come under the term “extreme right wing”. Anyone not admitting this is fooling themselves. Almost everyday I see posts that make me cringe and I think to myself “Do I want to be associated with that?”.

2. Your detractors will always use the most extreme examples to deligitimize you.

The next step is for FR to decide if they want that kind of activity on the site. If the decision is that FR is going to allow a greater latitude in expressing uncomfortable opinions then it is going to have to accept that it may be painted that way and instead of blindly lashing out at the criticism it should embrace it use it to it's advantage...as an example of FR’s commitment to freedom of speech, tolerance in allowing all viewpoints to be heard and not allowing a politically correct atmosphere to crush dissenting opinions and force participants into groupthink.

If on the other hand FR doesn't want those posts, then FReepers need to take a more active role in removing them. To many people are afraid to be the “tattletale” on this stuff. If you see something that makes you uncomfortable or may put FR in a bad light, hit the abuse button and let Jim and moderators decide because they are the ultimate arbiter on it anyway, not you or I.

But if you don't want those posts being exhibited at the poster boy for FR but don't take the necessary steps to eliminate it, don't be surprised when BOR uses it to club us over the head.

I guess that's why I'm confused about posts like this. People don't do anything when the offending posts are made but then raise holy hell when someone points them out. As I said, FR is what it is. If you don't like it then do something about it, if you don't care then accept it, but for God's sake, quite whining.