USER NOTICE: Site Changes & Article Opportunity
As some of you may have noticed, I have changed the way comments are moderated. As promised, I am allowing comments to be posted immediately and then reviewed as soon as possible after receiving the posting via email. All I ask is to please use good judgment and be respectful of others when you post. Please do not abuse the site by posting slanderous, defamatory, racist, etc. comments or use the site for your own personal problems and attacks on another. DO NOT post names, unless it is in reference to the topic and the person is a public figure, such as board members, elected officials, etc and still use discretion and common sense, or anyone's personal business. Any repeat violations or out right blatant disregard of the rules will result in you being barred from participating in the discussions. A notice will appear on the sidebar as well.
I also want to give any of you the opportunity to write an article about a topic that interests you and have it posted on a page separate from this main page for viewing only. It can be a daily, weekly or monthly article and any length required. I will provide a notice on TCT each time a new article is posted and the link. You can use your real name or screen name as the author it is up to you. If you are interested, please contact me via email at blogmoderator@taylorcountytalk.com. Please be serious about doing it because it will take time to set your page up. Remember, you can also do this as a podcast or video cast to be post on the main TCT page. Thanks and I hope to hear from you.
I also want to give any of you the opportunity to write an article about a topic that interests you and have it posted on a page separate from this main page for viewing only. It can be a daily, weekly or monthly article and any length required. I will provide a notice on TCT each time a new article is posted and the link. You can use your real name or screen name as the author it is up to you. If you are interested, please contact me via email at blogmoderator@taylorcountytalk.com. Please be serious about doing it because it will take time to set your page up. Remember, you can also do this as a podcast or video cast to be post on the main TCT page. Thanks and I hope to hear from you.
BM, I read and I understand your message.
I find it a little on the "load of bull" side though.
Have you not read or moderated the comments that "Change" wrote on 11/25/2008 @ 9:13 pm?
You say don't be racist or mean or degrade anyone etc.
Well let me give you a few quotes;
"Sorry ass redneck town"
"Racist KKK neighbor"
"Last frontier for the white man"
They seem a little racist to me. They seem a little degrading to me.
He/She seems to be using the site for there benefit to me.
When you moderate comments from a person who is trying to start a race issue or just trying to "Race Bait" as "Change" is most obviously doing, then I will believe what you have written.
It seems that it is ok for some to use racist comments (Change as stated above) and not for others. I think they have been removed recently.
The one I was talking about "Change" is still posted.
I for one and as you can see am not the only one who is offended by his/her comments.
I say it a racist and prejudiced string of drivel and unsubstantiated bunch of BS as I have ever heard.
If I was to say the same type of things about a Black man or woman, or a Asian or South American man or woman, you would most assuredly remove my comments from this page.
I am asking for the same courtesy. This is offensive to me as well as others and
I am requesting that you remove the comments.
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Definitely entitled to your opinion, but "load of bull" it was not. I meant what I said, but what could considered a "load of bull" is that I actually feel I need to ask people to use good judgment.
I went back and reviewed that comment again, and I will consider removing the redneck and the KKK neighbor comment, even though I feel everyone challenged the comment quite well. As far as the "frontier" portion, when read in its entirety, will stay. Change said, "the locals hold onto their ideals like Perry Florida is the last frontier for the white man.", and he/she is not entirely false in that statement. If you don't think so, then your interaction with the citizens of Taylor County are either limited or the ones that really feel that way put on their public, false persona.
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If Taylor county is as you say maybe you and "change" are the ones who are not in the right places here in our little slice of heaven.
The load of bull still stands as long as you moderate one side of these issues.
I have been called a "cracker" a "honkey" and other names that blacks and other people of color refer to white folks as. Because I am white only. Never have I gave anyone the reason to do so.
For you and "change" to insinuate that anyone would be a racist or put on a "false persona" is Racist, in and of its self.
You sir or mam are calling anyone who is not of color a racist out of the public eye.
What the hell does that make you?
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What does that make me? Honest comes to mind and I will attempt to answer your comments since you just have the need to come at me and call me names and accuse me of racism. First of all no where did I say only white people are racist, as a matter of fact, in many posts on this topic, I have said that racism is alive in all races. You have this issue and take offense to that one part of that comment that I did not remove. Why it offends you I don't know because it was not specific to anyone. Now if you are one of those that feel that way, then I guess I can understand. I do want to say that if you can honestly say that there are lifelong, local residents that don't feel that way, then you are a very lucky person to have been sheltered from it and only been in the company of very open and free-minded people. I also don't think Change was referring to every single white person in the county.
No offense to you but the following thing you said makes absolutely no sense, "For you and "change" to insinuate that anyone would be a racist or put on a "false persona" is Racist, in and of its self." I say that because in your words, if anyone even insinuates someone is something, then that makes them that same thing. So if I see someone steal something and call them a thief, then I am a thief. If I see a known child molester and call him such, then so that makes me. I have heard people intentionally make racial comments and say they hate (and use the N word)'s, and I have said man I didn't know you were that racist, so that automatically made me a racist? About the "false persona" thing, so saying people put on a false persona in public is racist. Think about that really, saying someone puts on a false personal is racist. The majority of the human race puts on a false persona in public about one thing or another. Unless you live with someone or grew up with them or are truly best friends, you don't know who that person really is or what their opinions are or what kind of person they truly are. I have not heard a neighbor of a sex offender come out and say, yeah I knew they were a sex offender. What you do hear is, man I have known him for years and would have never guessed that. Look at the people that knew Ted Bundy, they couldn't believe it. If you really believe that people don't put on a false persona in public about their racial beliefs, then you are somewhat naive. There are people of every race that do that because racism has got such a negative stigma attached to it, that they know they have to keep how they really feel to themselves or within their inner circle to co-exist. This doesn't happen just here, believe me it is in all four corners. Matter of fact, just a day or so ago, I saw an advertisement for another one from those reality shows called Momma's Boys, I think, and one of the white mothers stated quite openly and frankly, that she absolutely did not want a black, Asian or Mexican touching her boy much less kissing his lips. They then asked her what about a Jewish person, and she said oh god no, I hate them people. While I can respect her being bold and brave enough to be honest about her racism, it continues to show that racism is very much alive and well, and probably always will be in some form from all races.
So as far as me leaving because you think Taylor County is not the right place for me or because I think there are racist here, well sorry I don't let the ignorance of some affect my life. You see, no matter where you go, there will always be ignorance. In the future, if you have a problem with any post that was not edited or removed, then give me the benefit of the doubt and just email me and point it out. I am not perfect, but I seem to be an easy target, so at least be nice first. Also, the load of bull is definitely your opinion, but like I have had to say to several before you, you have no idea what I moderate and don't allow and haven't allowed in the past. I don't have to justify myself to you, but I don't moderate just one side of an issue. It is never the issue, but the words used, and sometimes I interpret different than you or someone else may, so please remember that in the future when you feel the need to call me out.
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BM
I didn't have enough room on the last reply, this is a reply to the last paragraph in your reply.
I would email you but I cant seem to find the email address. (I know you posted it but I haven't found it again)
You are not an easy target, I enjoy your comments for the most part. However as you say, the words used on all sides of these and other issues are.
I try to be nice. I did not always play fair or even well with others. I am working on that though.
I also believe that you need to heed your own words. I also interpret things different than you or someone else. So before you throw out phrases and names maybe you can also give someone the benefit of the doubt.
I am also not perfect and I have been a loyal reader and contributer of this site since I was told about it and I have seen what you moderate and allow now and in the past.
I do not know all that you have removed, but I do know what you have allowed.
I know that you do not have to justify your self to me or anyone else. I also believe in most instances you have been pretty fair and to the point.
I disagree with you on this issue because of the opening statement in this thread.
My definition of calling someone out and yours are different. Mine would not be allowed on this or most sites. If I "feel the need", I can usually communicate it in a way that is understood.
Thanks again for the site.
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Hi Blogmoderator-you are already very generous in allowing commentors to freely express opinions; I fear allowing immediate posts without your review! I already pick and choose what to read as I cannot stomach the lack of education apparent in the Obama section; it's too depressing. Promise you will shut it down after the inaugaration?!!!!
I really hope you will get thoughtful essays from others. Some of your bloggers really want to exchange differing opinions rather than bully or degrade others. I've heard that some blogs become true 'social networks' with folks supporting and encouraging others.
If only more young people could go away for a while, live in cities or completely different geographic and cultural places and then come back and evaluate/appreciate what Perry offers (and lacks.) We might become a more tolerant, forward thinking community.
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Hi. Thanks and I understand your fears, but I was asked by several to give open comments a try so that bloggers could have immediate discussions and responses while they were monitoring the site. I decided there was no hurt in giving it a try. If it doesn't work out, all it takes is a couple of clicks and it is changed back. I am truly here to make this site enjoyable for all, even though I get treated by some at times like I am not or some come at me because I am not perfect. I have come to understand it is part of being the BM and it doesn't bother me anymore. So if you feel that this trial is not working, please send me an email or post here and let me know your concerns. That is all anyone has to do is just contact me nicely and discuss their concerns or point out something I have missed, instead of being belligerent right of the bat. I do the best I can and miss things from time to time, but to some it is not good enough. As far as the Obama section, it will be closed no later than the inauguration if not before and we will stick to local issues after that.
I do hope also that I get some thoughtful essays from others, and I know there are bloggers that want to exchange differing opinions rather than trying to get the last word or taking offense because others don't agree with them. It actually started out that way, but this whole election year from local to national took away from that. You are right in that some blogs do become social networks, and that was my original idea for this. I wanted to give people in Taylor County a place to voice their concerns and opinions about issues and problems in Taylor County. A place to report things that the paper misses or just doesn't know about. A place to maybe bring people together to make a difference. It started out that way, and I hope I can get it back to that. It is going to take help from other bloggers to move it back, not just me. Thanks and keep coming back.
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HI BM
I am a little behind in reading all the great ideas and suggestions that folks in this community have been posting.
It was with interest that I read Jubalee's comment about the Obama site being depressing; and that you intend to close it down after the inauguration, and concentrate on local issues.
I for one would hate to see the site closed, I think Obama supporters would be happy to have it going so they would be able to see what other people think of him. If the issue is depressing do they (finally)feel that they chose the wrong candidate? I for one find the web-sites and comments interesting. After the Prez is in power I think it will be more important to keep up with the news out of DC.
Local issues are a separate issue and should be treated as such.
Both areas can (and should) give open dialog to the issues of the day.
I would like to see more dialog about state issues especially what people think of Sansom and Jeb Bush wanting to run for the Senate, possibly Prez in a few years. Can we stand another Bush in DC, if we survive the next 4 years?
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BM, 1st things 1st, I have never called you "names" or as you say "came at you" nor have I accused you of "Racism". I stated that your comment, "If you don't think so, then your interaction with the citizens of Taylor County are either limited or the ones that really feel that way put on their public, false persona" was racist. My comment was, "You sir or ma'am are calling anyone who is not of color a racist out of the public eye". To assume that people you do not know will automatically put on a front is a racist comment. That is my opinion. I try to give everyone the benefit of the doubt before I label them as something they may not be.
The civics lesson on the human factor I know very well. I have spent a large portion of time out of Taylor County, around our Great Nation and this World of ours. I bet I can say that I have been to more countries than most have been to our own states. So a lesson on racism I need not.
I have stated that I, not anyone else, see people for their abilities, their care for others, their contribution to the community and to their families. Not as a skin color, or eye shape or anything else. If this makes me "naive" as you stated the I will proudly claim that title. My glass is always half full. It has never been half empty.
I believe in the Human Spirit and the persons ability to overcome anything they set their mind to.
People in this county and country sit around and holler Racism, I have been held back, Poor me, etc. because it is convenient. It is an easy excuse to not get out and make something of their selves.
I have seen men and women of all "backgrounds" make it in this country. Go to college, get the job, buy the house, have the "nuclear family". I have seen people of all "backgrounds" fail.
Why did it work for them and not others? I don't know but I can guarantee you that part of it was that they were not sitting around whining that there are "racist" behind every door in their community.
I know it (Racism)exists here and every where around this world. Ignorance is very cheap and easy. It comes in all shapes and colors. I guess to me an analogy would be, "If a tree falls in the forest and no one is there to hear it, does it make a noise"? Until I see it, or as the question asks, hear it, then it does not make a noise.
If I or you or Joe down the block has never show a act of "racism", does that mean we put on a "fake persona"? I don't think so.
I have never stated that you need to leave here or anywhere. You stated that what "Change said" is not entirely false and If you don't think so, then your interaction with the citizens of Taylor County are either limited or the ones that really feel that way put on their public, false persona".
I stated that "If Taylor county is as you say maybe you and "change" are the ones who are not in the right places here in our little slice heaven. Meaning that a change in where you hang out or with whom you do it with can change your perceptions on things.
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