So what do you do?

[Missy1961]

Guess I'll weigh in here. I've been back and forth over the whole thing all week. I've seen people getting banned left and right. Some for seemingly no reason at all and some going out in a blaze of glory. I don't know what goes on behind the scenes and I would like to think there is rhyme and reason to their actions but truthfully, it is totally complexes me. I am optimistic though that the reasoning will be told.

I've seen some great people get tossed here and that breaks my heart. The DIS has always been a place I, and many others, could turn to for support and a chuckle when needed. I've seen fights, great debates and I've learned a few things about posters I'm not sure I wanted to know. This past week its been so different. People tip-toeing around not knowing what to say, what to post, whether to post or not. For me, I've pretty much been hiding within a thread. I've been afraid to venture out but I needed my friends during this trying time.

Have I been reading other people views, yes I have. I'm not going to lie. I only feel its right to get (or try to get) both sides of a story. What I see is a lot of hurt, anger and confusion. There's talk that these banned posters will be allowed back, but in reality do you think they want to come back? I would love for them to return but looking from their point of view why would they? Why would anybody return to a place that hurt them so bad and basically ripped them away from all their friends. Even if they did return does anyone think things would just go back to normal? Does anyone think they are just going to forget what happened and jump right back in like nothing happened? There is no such thing as a magic wand to return things back to a previous state, even here on a Disney board.
I think its going to take a long long time for anything to seem normal around here and if, and thats a big if, any of the banned posters return I hope they will all be welcomed with open arms, open hearts and open minds.

Wow, did you read my mind? I was going to add that thought to my post, but I didn't have the words--but there they are.

 

[Wonderlandmom]

As a long time poster, this saddens me.

I actually had to go to the other board this past week to understand what was going on here. That is why I go read there on occasion, to fill in the missing pieces of the puzzle. There were lots of missing pieces this week.

I don't think this place will ever be the same.

 

[Laura]

Oh man...there is absolutely no comparison between the mild stuff that goes on here and the vitriol on the other board.

I have no opinion on the bannings because I have very little emotional attachment to any internet chat board. I am sorry for the people who do and have lost friends.

True, there are many words we can't use here.

And I have to agree with you on the last part, somewhat. I've been here a very long time, but I haven't met any DISers in WDW or at DISmeets anywhere else. I guess partly because I'm shy or partly because I don't post a lot of personal info here. Any DISers I know in real life I would know without the DIS. If I got banned, it would be an inconvenience for me. I don't think anyone would be crying over it.

But I'm aware that isn't the case for others, and many here have made wonderful, real life friendships through these boards. I hope those banned can find a way to keep in touch with their DIS friends.

 

[auntpolly]

I seem to resurface here at the weirdest times - last time I was away and returned there was something really weird going on too. I'm starting to feel like a jinx.

As I read these posts this morning I just for some reason wanted to put in my last 2 cents. I have really enjoyed these boards, if for no other reason that I have saved a ton of money following the advice of you people. But mostly I loved the self deprecating threads, the ones that we kind of make fun of ourselves for our zeal to "hunt down and prosecute to the fullest extent of the law: people who pool hop and reuse refillable mugs.

I enjoyed talking to my Catholic girlfriends and people who share my political views (well, not just the ones that shared mine, of course, but maybe especially them).

But this is all just too much for me. After almost 8,000 posts I am embarrassed to have been posting here. I don't really know what the problem is and honestly, I don't even care what it is, but I assure you to a casual observer it looks like a really sad circus.

When I tell my RL friends about the banning, their jaws just drop open and don't even believe me until I show them proof. It is petty and irrational - period. I picture those doing it in some bunker somewhere with tinfoil on their heads ranting about the government reading their thoughts or something.

I'm not trying to go out in a "blaze of glory" but I guess after all these posts I've made I wanted my say too. It's not the end of the world for me. I don't post on any other site so maybe I'll just get some work done around here.

 

[okeydokey]

I don't even know where the "there" is. I guess I'm just not in the know about what is going on or where the other place is, and I'm afraid I will never know.

 

[punkin]

True, there are many words we can't use here.

No, it's not the salty language. It's the venom and purposeful pillorying of people. If you have only seen some of the recent posts regarding this particular issue, you have missed the "soul" of that board. Read some old posts (before the controversy) and I guarantee you, you will not have such a rosy view of those that post there.

That's why I believe that most of the posters who are now there will eventually work their way back here. I believe that most people are fundamentally good and positive. They will not be able to stomach the negativity on that board for long.

 

[lunabkat]

Yea, I found Aunt Polly, was worried about you "old girl" Should have known you could take care of yourself. Pull up an igloo and lets commiserate together, at least we still have a few people to remember with. I feel like i am in the land of the lost...

 

[Laura]

No, it's not the salty language. It's the venom and purposeful pillorying of people. If you have only seen some of the recent posts regarding this particular issue, you have missed the "soul" of that board. Read some old posts (before the controversy) and I guarantee you, you will not have such a rosy view of those that post there.

That's why I believe that most of the posters who are now there will eventually work their way back here. I believe that most people are fundamentally good and positive. They will not be able to stomach the negativity on that board for long.

Um, I've been reading it for years, thanks. The poster I quoted said people were made fun of and teased for their poor grammar. That happens here, too. What you see on the other board is what people can't say here. While the DIS is right to police what people say here on a family board, we as posters do have the right to say what we wish elsewhere.

 

[auntpolly]

Yea, I found Aunt Polly, was worried about you "old girl" Should have known you could take care of yourself. Pull up an igloo and lets commiserate together, at least we still have a few people to remember with. I feel like i am in the land of the lost...

Hi sweetie!

Sorry,I think I'm out, but I really enjoyed talking to you! I got my tags and sig taken away for my little weather report, LOL, so I guess I know when I'm not wanted!

See ya on the flip side!!!!

 

[punkin]

What you see on the other board is what people can't say here. While the DIS is right to police what people say here on a family board, we as posters do have the right to say what we wish elsewhere.

I for one am glad that that kind of nonsense doesn't get posted here. I have no problem if you and whoever else want to post nastiness anywhere else. That's your prerogative. However, on this board, there are still rules that must be followed. Good luck to all of you trying to sort this out. I am going to try not to get involved in these types of discussions again since my feelings are not as strong as some on the subject.

 

[Fitswimmer]

I seem to resurface here at the weirdest times - last time I was away and returned there was something really weird going on too. I'm starting to feel like a jinx.

As I read these posts this morning I just for some reason wanted to put in my last 2 cents. I have really enjoyed these boards, if for no other reason that I have saved a ton of money following the advice of you people. But mostly I loved the self deprecating threads, the ones that we kind of make fun of ourselves for our zeal to "hunt down and prosecute to the fullest extent of the law: people who pool hop and reuse refillable mugs.

I enjoyed talking to my Catholic girlfriends and people who share my political views (well, not just the ones that shared mine, of course, but maybe especially them).

But this is all just too much for me. After almost 8,000 posts I am embarrassed to have been posting here. I don't really know what the problem is and honestly, I don't even care what it is, but I assure you to a casual observer it looks like a really sad circus.

When I tell my RL friends about the banning, their jaws just drop open and don't even believe me until I show them proof. It is petty and irrational - period. I picture those doing it in some bunker somewhere with tinfoil on their heads ranting about the government reading their thoughts or something.

I'm not trying to go out in a "blaze of glory" but I guess after all these posts I've made I wanted my say too. It's not the end of the world for me. I don't post on any other site so maybe I'll just get some work done around here.

 

[Laura]

I for one am glad that that kind of nonsense doesn't get posted here. I have no problem if you and whoever else want to post nastiness anywhere else. That's your prerogative. However, on this board, there are still rules that must be followed. Good luck to all of you trying to sort this out. I am going to try not to get involved in these types of discussions again since my feelings are not as strong as some on the subject.

I'm glad it doesn't get posted here, too. This should be a place where people aren't attacked for everything they post. I have no problem with the rules of the DIS. If I did, I wouldn't be here. What I don't like is when people who do follow the rules get banned. It's just a message board to me too, but people's feelings can get hurt.

 

[Fitswimmer]

I'm glad it doesn't get posted here, too. This should be a place where people aren't attacked for everything they post. I have no problem with the rules of the DIS. If I did, I wouldn't be here. What I don't like is when people who do follow the rules get banned. It's just a message board to me too, but people's feelings can get hurt.

that's how I feel too-I know plenty of people who were never nasty, didn't break any written rules and were banned anyway. Shoot, a couple of folks were banned while they weren't even in town!!

Love your siggy, btw.

 

[punkin]

I'm glad it doesn't get posted here, too. This should be a place where people aren't attacked for everything they post. I have no problem with the rules of the DIS. If I did, I wouldn't be here. What I don't like is when people who do follow the rules get banned. It's just a message board to me too, but people's feelings can get hurt.

I don't know why specific people got banned. I do not know the whole story and whoever does is not talking. I do know that hurting peoples' feelings is the primary purpose of that board so I have trouble feeling particularly sorry for those who post there regularly. I am sorry for the people here who are quite understandably shocked by the upheaval.

 

[Laura]

Love your siggy, btw.

Thanks! I saw the "outraged" bumper sticker not too long ago; I like it better than my Bush countdown. He's a lame duck, anyway--he might as well be gone.

 

[Buckalew11]

Um, I've been reading it for years, thanks. The poster I quoted said people were made fun of and teased for their poor grammar. That happens here, too. What you see on the other board is what people can't say here. While the DIS is right to police what people say here on a family board, we as posters do have the right to say what we wish elsewhere.

Yes, and on the other board, if someomne is only making fun of your grammar you are very fortunate.

IMO the board used to be worse. I have thought it has calmed down there in the past couple of years. Now if I am wrong, I think maybe I have become immune to it all.
There is still a lot of the same stuff there but I think it used to be much more nasty to people here. Maybe that is because this place is more lax and one can get some of those feelings out on the DIS these days (because let me tell you, before you could not). Or maybe it is because both places have grown and there are so many members at each place that the meaness is diluted. Heck if I know.

I guess it surprises me if all of a suddeen people are really being punished for posting both places because it is not as bad there as it used to be. Don't get me wrong though...I actually liked some of the old timers there. Maybe I just think no one who can come together first on a Disney board can be all bad,

Anyway, a high number of the originally banned people (too many to know now) were so lowkey in my book. THAT is what seemed so wrong. So, if there are 2 sides as Alex said, I'd love to hear about those people's other side.

 

[Laura]

IMO the board used to be worse. I have thought it has calmed down there in the past couple of years.

I think so too.

 

[DMickey28]

I am just so confused. I have read all the threads but am scared to post anything, anywhere.

I have been here for over 7 years. I honestly don't remember how I found it. I have been on here almost everyday in those 7 years, unless I was on vacation!!! I didn't really post much until the last few years. I never really felt as though I belonged. I wonder if anyone even knows me.

However I have always loved coming here and reading. Even though many people probably don't know me, I feel like I know so many other people here. I am hurting for the people that truly lost their friends.

I do hope that this gets sorted out and some people want to return. Otherwise, I'll still be around but it won't be the same.

 

[Fitswimmer]

I don't know why specific people got banned. I do not know the whole story and whoever does is not talking. I do know that hurting peoples' feelings is the primary purpose of that board so I have trouble feeling particularly sorry for those who post there regularly. I am sorry for the people here who are quite understandably shocked by the upheaval.

As someone who was made fun of on that board...I can honestly say that I still have no problem with it. If I say something stupid, then I fully deserve to be called out for it. I don't think that the "primary purpose" of that board is to castigate other people, but it is another service they offer. There is a discussion board that it very similar to this one separate from the "bashing" board, so people who do not wish to read or see nastiness don't have to.

 

[lunabkat]

Hi sweetie!

Sorry,I think I'm out, but I really enjoyed talking to you! I got my tags and sig taken away for my little weather report, LOL, so I guess I know when I'm not wanted!

See ya on the flip side!!!!

Ohhh noo, Aunt Polly say it ain't so, we just met!...sigh...see, i started posting on a thread of aunti's feeling snarky because of something said,and they turned out to be nice people, esp. aunti...new friends, old friends, I could cry. May our ice floes bump into each other someday Poll...