Hi all,
I've been lurking for quite a while now. Don't usually get too embroiled in debates or slagging (as you all call it in this forum).
In response to the original question, "why did the thread get shut down"....I would offer that it happened because people were being abusive, obtuse and down right rude. Now, the problem is that we all have different ideas of what "abusive, obtuse and rude" mean.
For example. Magikelly made four posts in this thread (44,48,50 and 51) which I find rude and over the top, but he honestly thinks are fine to post because he based his posts (I think) on his interpretation of Bernie's written word. That's his choice and perogative. I on the other hand, completely understand what Bernie was saying (i.e. "wannabe mods"), and I do not feel it was rude - my choice and perogative, and instead am offended by Magikelly, but that's life. Can't always be happy.
Now as for Bernie, he seems to be seen by many of you as a "stick that stirs the pot"....honestly, I've never met the man, and could really care less how you view him, but I do see how he can come off a bit rough around the edges. Sort a salt of the earth fellow....maybe unrefined rock salt, but salt none-the-less.
For either case, I'm not going to post a response in a thread that criticizes either of these men personally and THAT IS NOT THE INTENT OF MY POST, but rather I wanted to highlight that we all have different definititions of "proper conduct". This is a common theme that I have seen since I have been active on BCUK.
People state things, then later feel the need to apologize, but I often think they only do that to "pretend" (again my "perception" only - and may be incorrect}
What I would suggest in the future is this:
If you make a post for which you have to later apologise, show that you really mean it and edit out the text of your offending post. Simple to do and will help keep the peace. The way I see it is that if I, in real life, say something to hurt a person, I do honestly wish that I could reach back in time and erase that comment....well, this is possible by editting our posts here.
and as somebody, who I would imagine wishes he will be famous one day, once said:
"...I whole heartedly agree, if people don't like the subject stay out of the thread and if they've got nothing constructive to say, stay out of the thread and let others enjoy it. An excellent rule of thumb for people to use..." (TONY)
...and -so that I don't completely hijack this thread- that my friends is why the thread was locked.
Cheers,
D