Southern California - How do you envision the So Cal Community?

Hi guys, I’m posting this poll/thread as I’ve received numerous PMs and nice words in the Mod thread from many of you. I’m honestly not trying to be drama queen and I truthfully do not wish to exit the community at all – I’m just tired of the crap on the internet forum (which is a means to the community but does not represent any of you as breathing human beings!). My extreme reaction yesterday was brought about not just because one member was taunting me (and has harassed me privately as well) but because of many frustrations I’ve had.

What was most troubling to me, however, was the fact that my original post in the Santa Barbara century thread had been erased excepting two sentences. I am positive that this was not something I did “by accident” and it worries me that a post of mine may in fact have been tampered with (perhaps the Mods who are looking into this will discover some bizarre system quirk where parts of a post can go missing. But it seems suspicious that all of the links and information for the ride in that post disappeared at the same time the harassing member reappeared online). I fear that with my outspoken, opinionated and irreverent personality, I’ve made more than one enemy on here.

With that being said, all of us are adults, and speaking for myself, in the six months that I’ve been on here, I’ve met so many of you and have not once had a problem on a ride. Quite the opposite, I’ve had wonderful, positive experiences, connections and I genuinely consider many of you friends (while also optimistic that those of you whom I haven’t yet met can and will become friends and fellow riders). But online, it has increasingly become apparent to me that a minority exists who do not like the shape of this regional forum, and in particular, are not happy with me or are jealous of how friendships are being cultivated among the riders here. That shocks and saddens me as I’m an individual who desperately wants everyone to come to every ride and to get along! I do not think I’m better than anyone else or the “glue that holds this community together.” I’m one rider who is single, loud, outgoing and passionate about cycling – a kind of goofy cheerleader if you will, but nothing more. I personally organize rides for the mere fact that I want other athletes to join me, inspire me, make me laugh, share my experiences – and I hope to give that back in return. If that makes me “all about me” and selfish, well, so be it – isn’t that what we all want? Or why else are people on here? I was floored recently when this region was accused of being “cliquey,” when in fact, all we really do is meet each other face-to-face, ride our bikes together on inspiring rides, eat food, drink beer and in the process have become friends! How anyone can be threatened by this is beyond me, especially considering no one has ever been excluded. Anyone on this forum, not just in So Cal but all regions, are welcome and this has been stated over and over again!

So, here is what I’m considering and propose to those of you who like the way the So Cal forum has been headed (organized rides, camaraderie, ride reports, posted pictures, CAM, social events, etc.): how about a separate forum or group (e.g. Yahoo Group), one on which the So Cal community can post rides/pics/stories, etc. but without the opportunity for harassing members to come on and disrupt the flow and morale of the group? Also, if this forum/group is formed, we as members would moderate based on guidelines we develop. Those who have been unhappy about the shape of this So Cal forum on Bike Forums can decide to join if they wish but with the understanding that as humans, we all come with different humors, temperaments and tolerances. Besides the obvious – vulgar, lewd behavior and language, discrimination of any race/sex or abusive treatment of other members – the tolerance of unique personalities would be quite high. In essence, this new forum would be conducted in a “majority rules” environment where disrespect/censorship/belittling of members would not be tolerated in any form. It would be cycling and friend/peer based with room for all personalities, all levels of riders, but especially focused on rides/routes/clubs/motivation/support.

Another member on here offered to share a forum he has recently created just for this purpose. I will not identify him as he can do that if he chooses, but I must say I’m tempted to do so and to support his efforts in setting it up. So, the poll above is to assess interest in a separate forum or whether the majority here would like to stay here on Bike Forums but would also like for the minority and rare individuals who are not happy to either join and contribute positively or to back off and leave this community and it’s members alone. If you guys vote that you really want to stay here, I’m sure once I’ve had a breather that I will come back (and certainly, I’ll be riding with all of you!), so this isn’t a “do it or I go” proposition. I’m truly putting this out for open, mature discussion among a community of riders/peers – people I respect and value the opinion of. I also ask out of respect that any member who posts in this thread do so with genuine intent (let’s keep the joking and/or harsh comments out of this thread, please). By the way, the poll is private. Neither I nor others will know how individual members’ voted or their feelings on this topic unless individuals wish to share their feelings – your vote in the poll is just that.

Oh, and one last thing. If there is a group of you who have yet to ride with the majority of us who have ridden together and who feel excluded, here is a chance for you to provide valuable feedback. I’ve been considering organizing several shorter distance rides followed by brunch/lunch at which any rider who has yet to join, could come out and meet some of us characters who’ve been riding together. I’m confident that any member who does ride once or twice with the group(s) that has formed here, he/she will no longer feel as if this is some clique. I’m not the spokesperson for this forum – but in representing myself at the rides I organize - I hug everyone. I take pictures of everyone. I invite everyone to rides. I don’t discriminate and haven’t noticed anyone else on here to do so. I personally think the way this community is forming is positive and I only wish it to continue.

ME..
I totally agree with you..
I am starting to wonder if we are better off out of here...
Here is something I posted last night and the response I got today..


Originally Posted by herbmI agree...what the heck is going on here.....
Do we need to take our business elsewhere?
Remember as George Hamilton said in Love at First Bite
Without us, BikeForums will be as exciting as Bucharest... on a Monday night.

We need this resolved...NOW.....MERIDER1 cannot be allowed to leave this way...she is part of the soul of the SoCal group

Originally Posted by Stacey
Don't flatter yourself.

BF was a happnin' place long before SoCal forum was a twinkle in Joe's eye. It will be a happnin' place long after the door has hit all of you in the arse.

Y'all just ain't that important.

ME..
I totally agree with you..
I am starting to wonder if we are better off out of here...
Here is something I posted last night and the response I got today..


Originally Posted by herbmI agree...what the heck is going on here.....
Do we need to take our business elsewhere?
Remember as George Hamilton said in Love at First Bite
Without us, BikeForums will be as exciting as Bucharest... on a Monday night.

We need this resolved...NOW.....MERIDER1 cannot be allowed to leave this way...she is part of the soul of the SoCal group

Originally Posted by Stacey
Don't flatter yourself.

BF was a happnin' place long before SoCal forum was a twinkle in Joe's eye. It will be a happnin' place long after the door has hit all of you in the arse.

Y'all just ain't that important.

Relax. That was nothing.

I envision the SoCal community having more women.

I read the Road Cycling forum, as well as this one, and I cannot figure out why the So Cal forum gets such an apparently heavy handed moderation, while the Road Cycling is such a free-for-all.

Community standards should be somewhat left up to the community, not necessarily the lowest common denominator.

If posts are edited by the moderators, at least they could tell us the reason the post was edited {profanity, vulgarity, basic human sexuality, whatever** and which mod edited it.

If someone starts up another forum I'll probably check it out.

Relax. That was nothing.


I am relaxed....I just thought that was uncalled for...

BTW...I liked the kit!!!

I’m one rider who is single, loud, outgoing and passionate about cycling – a kind of goofy cheerleader if you will, but nothing more.

that's exactly how I see you M.E.!:) I'm still cherishing our SoCal BF Bloat Ride, you kept encouraging me to do it, I'm glad i did. That was an awesome day on our bikes for sure...I'll be remembering that day for a long time.

I would be saddened if you left the forum completely.

Take care for now,

SAL

a while ago a member set up a specific 'NYC bike forums' on mac.com. you could just post stuff like "hey, who's riding tomorrow and what time you want to meet?". we organized a bunch of rides and it was easier to manage than having an open thread on BF.

it never replaced BF totally, it just gave us an option to break away and talk to the 10-15 people that joined for the sole purpose of riding together.

since we had success with it, i'm sure you guys would as well. probably worth a shot.

Oh yeah I voted for (C) if anyone was curious. I see i'm not alone on that one:o

Merider, I have been a lurker mostly but I do really enjoy reading about the BF rides and looking at all the pictures. As cyclists, we all know what it's like when the majority of the people we meet have no clue about, nor the understanding of the passion we have for the sport. So it is refreshing to see a group of local people who share that passion and make the effort to promote it.

If the Forum comes across as "clique-y" it's probably because so many of you have already established strong relationships. As a newbie looking in, I have NO IDEA what you guys are talking about half the time. Where do we step it? (Why doesn't Ovoleg exist??? I don't get it.) That said, I never felt excluded from any open invitations you have given. (Personally, I can't join in because I'm stuck in the South Bay most of the time and I just train at different hours/distances than you guys... but hey, if anyone wants to go for a 4:00am ride, I'm game!):D

I like the fact that the Forum here is public. I also like seeing this regional forum kick serious @$$ over the rest of the clubs at BJ. Unfortunately, bad troll people are everywhere and you can't really escape it unless it goes private... and then of course, it does get in danger of getting "cligue-y."

I'm sorry you had to go through this, and I hope you stick around.

I dunno what all is going on since im not as deeply involved as some of you, but if ANYONE is harrassing someone on this forum, then they need to be banned for life, their IP logged and posted here, and their address posted so we can all ride to their house and..... Oh you get the idea! :)

I read the Road Cycling forum, as well as this one, and I cannot figure out why the So Cal forum gets such an apparently heavy handed moderation, while the Road Cycling is such a free-for-all.

Community standards should be somewhat left up to the community, not necessarily the lowest common denominator.

If posts are edited by the moderators, at least they could tell us the reason the post was edited {profanity, vulgarity, basic human sexuality, whatever** and which mod edited it.

If someone starts up another forum I'll probably check it out.

You want the short and simple answer? Here it is:

There are at any given time of the day 3-6 mods active on the forum, out of several thousand members making who knows how many posts. We can only read so much and rely on user reports of inappropriate content to alert us to what we simply can't get to. We get maybe 1 or 2 reports out of the Road Forum a day. There are days where we get that much from SoCal in a couple hours.

Personally, I hope it does not come down to the SoCal community splitting off from BikeForums.net. But it is a free country and no one forces you to use these boards as your only point of contact and community. What I will say is that as long as you keep your replies respectful, hearing your thoughts on this issue is welcome.

[edit]

To answer voltman below: yes.

You want the short and simple answer? Here it is:

There are at any given time of the day 3-6 mods active on the forum, out of several thousand members making who knows how many posts. We can only read so much and rely on user reports of inappropriate content to alert us to what we simply can't get to. We get maybe 1 or 2 reports out of the Road Forum a day. There are days where we get that much from SoCal in a couple hours.

Personally, I hope it does not come down to the SoCal community splitting off from BikeForums.net. But it is a free country and no one forces you to use these boards as your only point of contact and community. What I will say is that as long as you keep your replies respectful, hearing your thoughts on this issue is welcome.

Just curious, but are the multiple SoCal complaints from multiple people?

Very well written M.E. and I'm in support of you. I will follow wherever there is a forum where local rides are put together and where I can meet and make new friends, whether it's here at BF or elsewhere and you are very good in doing that Mary.
I also like the rest of Bike Forums here where I get technical, OCP, and training advice....therefore will continue to use BF. :)

First of all I have NEVER met any of you guys from the forum but I feel as if I have. I have been welcomed, encouraged and even PM'd to attend the rides. Prior to that I was just a lurker. I would read the stories, look at the pictures and have been amazed at the togetherness here. I can't wait to meet you all and I hope M.E. stays around. There is something for everyone here. Tons of information and tons of knowledge. M.E. you're the best. Keep the rides coming, keeps the suggestions coming and keep being YOU. I'm all for the forum without the idiots and the drama. If you don't want to ride and you don't want to be an Adult then don't PARTICIPATE. It's quite simple.

You want the short and simple answer? Here it is:

There are at any given time of the day 3-6 mods active on the forum, out of several thousand members making who knows how many posts. We can only read so much and rely on user reports of inappropriate content to alert us to what we simply can't get to. We get maybe 1 or 2 reports out of the Road Forum a day. There are days where we get that much from SoCal in a couple hours.

When a mod edits a post or closes a thread, shouldn't we be told why?

Do you get a lot of complaints from different posters about the Socal forums, or lots of complaints from just a few?

This reminds me so much of a regional separation that happened several years ago over at the VintageBMX.com Forum.

There was a large active SoCal membership ("The Darkside") that eventually started their own successful site, "Old-School BMX" (OS-BMX.com)

Just curious, but are the multiple SoCal complaints from multiple people?Hmmm... I'd like to lodge a complaint about the people making complaints...

If the Forum comes across as "clique-y" it's probably because so many of you have already established strong relationships. As a newbie looking in, I have NO IDEA what you guys are talking about half the time. Where do we step in?

Happytime, you bring up an excellent point. This is why I think that the larger this community becomes, and the more rides that are organized (by many different riders), the more people will get to know one another. I remember when I first joined that I would post and sometimes those posts would go unanswered. I'm agressive, so I just kept posting. It took riding with people and continued effort (not for very long) before I really felt comfortable in the group. Of course, that can be said of any group/club/gathering. It's the nature of the beast when people know one another. But I have witnessed nothing but an inclusive attitude when it comes to the rides. I hope people can look beyond the internet aspect of this community and just show up to ride!

I really look forward to meeting you, and I'm just riding-obsessed enough that I might come join you for a 4am ride! (good training for a double). :)

I'm going to add my 2 cents here - I know some of the BF So Cal people but many I don't know at all and probably will never meet. I think it's good you all have found each other and do rides together and encourage each other to do better but... getting back to the forum - this is a open forum. All other groups are invited to read and participate in the discussions. We need to be concious of this and not get all weird about it. We need not take every little thing said so personally. I recall another thread where someone accused others of possibly having a vendetta and was out to get them... turns out the moderator did some reasonable tweaking and all was forgiven, sort of.

Where my rambling is going - this IS just a forum. People can say and do what they want but remember stick and stones... your riding buddies know who you are and what you are like - don't get all bothered by people you will never meet.

The So Cal riding group can move if it wants. There is no doubt a clique of folks that hang together on a regular basis and if you want all your chats and discussions to be "private" then OK go move (or just use PMs). This forum is so incredibly big, the move of a few individuals will hardly effect it. But then what's the point of being active on a forum? Your buddies already know what you are doing. Isn't the point of this or any forum to let others know what activities or events you have been involved in? It's a broader and wider audience; more people to read about and applaud your deeds.

Anyway - I guess I missed all the hoopla - probably a good thing. Lord knows I've been the target of some nastiness on forums so I know how it feels to be attacked but thankfully I am an adult and know the nastiness has no effect or meaning in my life. Sticks and stones... whatever.

Personally, I hope it does not come down to the SoCal community splitting off from BikeForums.net. But it is a free country and no one forces you to use these boards as your only point of contact and community. What I will say is that as long as you keep your replies respectful, hearing your thoughts on this issue is welcome.


Cuda,
My intentions in this thread are not to criticize the Mods in any way. I'm directing this to the members as I believe it is within a minority of members here that the proverbial "clash" lies. These issues are neither unusual nor unexpected in a large public group such as this forum where tight-knit communities can form. My desire is not to leave, but after yesterday, I felt the suggestion should be made, reviewed by all members of Bike Forums (any of the 1,000+ BF members can vote and the poll will close in 30 days), and ultimately, what the members decide, I'll follow. I realize that if I don't like it, I can have the door hit my arse on the way out (as Stacey so eloquently suggested) and I may end up with a 10 person group on a separate forum. But a 10 person group of relaxed, fun, dedicated riders/peers/friends is more valuable to me than a forum of 1,000+ on which I have distracters merely because of who I am (i.e. my personality).

I am hopeful that this thread and discussion will be beneficial and respectful.

Thanks,
Mary

Personally, I hope it does not come down to the SoCal community splitting off from BikeForums.net.

[edit]

.

Cuda - I can't imagine everyone who post on the So Cal forum will move - it will still be an active forum no matter who leaves... although I can imagine it will be a bit more manageable for you.

Ya know, it's pretty easy to add someone to your ignore list if you are constantly getting offended by another user's posts. It's usually easier to do this than it is to change the poster.

BTW - This isn't directed at anyone in particular.

I'm going to add my 2 cents here - I know some of the BF So Cal people but many I don't know at all and probably will never meet. I think it's good you all have found each other and do rides together and encourage each other to do better but... getting back to the forum - this is a open forum. All other groups are invited to read and participate in the discussions. We need to be concious of this and not get all weird about it. We need not take every little thing said so personally. I recall another thread where someone accused others of possibly having a vendetta and was out to get them... turns out the moderator did some reasonable tweaking and all was forgiven, sort of.
....

That was me saying that to Merider1...she and I know that its seriousness was tongue-in-cheek, with a bit of truth laced in. As far as I know, she didn't take it the wrong way, and she and I can still 'go behind the bleachers' in a metaphorical sense. :eek: :D

I think there's an element of biting-the-hand-that-feeds by using this forum to launch another. With all public forums comes good and bad. Perhaps there are more bad eggs on here lately, but that's part of the evolution - It WILL happen on ANY venue. If doesn't happen, then that means there is heavy moderation... and then people start complaining about cesnsorship. It's doubtful that the So Cal group would have grown as large as it is without this forum and it seems wrong to me to use this venue to faction elsewhere.

Compared to some, I'm only moderately active here, but I don't notice all the problems that some (few?) are having. On the contrary, overall it's far more under control and respectful than some other sub forums. I rarely read the Road Forums, because I can't last long before I want to jump out of a window. If there are issues with posts being edited whether it's intentional/accidental, that seems like an issue for the moderators.

Ya know, it's pretty easy to add someone to your ignore list if you are constantly getting offended by another user's posts. It's usually easier to do this than it is to change the poster.

BTW - This isn't directed at anyone in particular.

I know you were talking to me directly HUH???:D ;)

Anyhoo, yes there is the ignore button that I know I forget about most of the time. Honestly I haven't had to use it at all in the two years that I have been here. :)

I think peeps just need to RELAX some I really mean this in the best of ways. :) Before I became a mod I never reported a bad post/thread well cause I'm pretty easy going gal (its takes alot to offend me) like start singing (Snowy's got a big ol butt ol yeah) :lol: You get the picture!

The mods do the best they can, I'm here pretty much all day and well there are tons of threads to sort though.
There are SOO many people with soooo many different views that well honestly someone is going to get offended. We can deal can't we??

Merider1 this is to you. I know there was a person whom well was stalking you. I'm sorry. That person has been banned with the the new IP address. Once we know someone has come back under a new IP address we DO take immediate action. I'm sorry that this happened to you.

Anyhoo, you have to do what makes you happy that is all that matters in the long run!! :)

Snowy

Please keep it here... Surfing through 3 different forums is already hard enough.

However it does seem that the So Cal forum does suffer from extra moderation though it could be simply because we have quite a bit of activity compared to most of the other sections.

Having afew specific SoCal moderators could be a solution. I know there's afew of us who regularly peruse through the SoCal section who could moderate without being anal. Also, only posts/threads that break the forum rules should be locked/moved/deleted really but never without explanation (otherwise how the heck do we know what to not do next time?)

For a good example of a regional forum within a larger forum, you should check out the SCIC section over on www.NASIOC.com. While it is a car forum, the SCIC is part OT, part meets, part technical, part rants/ravings/ventings, and part everything else while still being only lightly moderated. Only when there's spam, harassment, and otherwise general stupidity do the moderators really need to jump in and do a bit of work. Other than that, it takes care of itself. Simply report any isht that's happening and there's usually someone to take care of it quickly.

I think there's an element of biting-the-hand-that-feeds by using this forum to launch another. With all public forums comes good and bad. Perhaps there are more bad eggs on here lately, but that's part of the evolution - It WILL happen on ANY venue. If doesn't happen, then that means there is heavy moderation... and then people start complaining about cesnsorship. It's doubtful that the So Cal group would have grown as large as it is without this forum and it seems wrong to me to use this venue to faction elsewhere.

Compared to some, I'm only moderately active here, but I don't notice all the problems that some (few?) are having. On the contrary, overall it's far more under control and respectful than some other sub forums. I rarely read the Road Forums, because I can't last long before I want to jump out of a window. If there are issues with posts being edited whether it's intentional/accidental, that seems like an issue for the moderators.

James - great response.

I am not as active on the So Cal Forums as I am on others (50+, mountain biking) but I haven't find any problems at all. The only thread I stay away from is FOO - alot of silliness in there but I knwo that and so stay out...

Ahh... there you are. It doesn't matter where you go. I'll find you....

http://www.zaftig.net/images/redrum.gif

:D

I would prefer that SoCal BF remain here if at all possible. I could and would follow the gang to a new venue if it came to that, but frankly if this forum had been off by itself I probably would have never found it in the first place, nor would have many newer members who are now regular contributors and ride participants. Being associated with Bike Forums makes this a more open and accessible place.

Cuda,
My intentions in this thread are not to criticize the Mods in any way. I'm directing this to the members as I believe it is within a minority of members here that the proverbial "clash" lies. These issues are neither unusual nor unexpected in a large public group such as this forum where tight-knit communities can form. My desire is not to leave, but after yesterday, I felt the suggestion should be made, reviewed by all members of Bike Forums (any of the 1,000+ BF members can vote and the poll will close in 30 days), and ultimately, what the members decide, I'll follow. I realize that if I don't like it, I can have the door hit my arse on the way out (as Stacey so eloquently suggested) and I may end up with a 10 person group on a separate forum. But a 10 person group of relaxed, fun, dedicated riders/peers/friends is more valuable to me than a forum of 1,000+ on which I have distracters merely because of who I am (i.e. my personality).

I am hopeful that this thread and discussion will be beneficial and respectful.

Thanks,
Mary

I know you aren't directing this to the mods Merider1. And you bring up many very valid and good points. Of which I hope everyone is reading and taking into consideration. This forum requires individuals to be over the age of 13 to join and contribute. Which means that things aren't always going to be G or PG rated. But we also need to make sure that we keep within the community guidelines and always respect each other. There is some gray area, and sometimes a thin line between far enough and too far. We all try to do our best to permote a safe, happy and healthy community here. Regardless of what happens, next time I'm out in LA I hope to have a ride and a :beer: with many of you.

Personally, I don't understand the "report this post" mentality that some people seem to be so gung-ho about. If there is a particular poster that you don't care for the style of, ignore is a wonderful option, as someone else mentioned. I just can't imagine spending my day searching for, getting offended by and then reporting posts...I seriously don't get it. Oh wait...I take that back. Some people gain satisfaction from being offended and *****ing about it...I guess I do get it. It's pretty sad though.

As for branching off to a new forum...I'm torn. I agree with those who have said that being here at BF has allowed so many more people to find us and join in our community, and we run the risk of cutting ourselves off to new members if we move. On the other hand, I'm not happy with the way that things have been going here lately. I don't know what the solution is though.

I think there's an element of biting-the-hand-that-feeds by using this forum to launch another.

It's doubtful that the So Cal group would have grown as large as it is without this forum and it seems wrong to me to use this venue to faction elsewhere.



I agree with you James but this happens all the time for different reasons, and not just on the internet. It would be wrong if it were purely for economic benifit. I've seem my employees build a nice client base over the years and one day decide to team up and leave with 'our' clients.
The SoCal forum will stay strong no matter what happens at the end. Like many of us, we already visit other cycling forums anyway......this one happens to be the best..:)

I hope everyone stays here. Otherwise, with whom will I have post-ride burgers in my car alone driving back from rides?

I hope everyone stays here. Otherwise, with whom will I have post-ride burgers in my car alone driving back from rides?

Did I hear burgers...I'm in the car Voltman. I may not ride but I'm down for the burgers :D

I may not ride but I'm down for the burgers :D
Voltman, you've found your soul mate.

Did I hear burgers...I'm in the car Voltman. I may not ride but I'm down for the burgers :D

http://www.junkfoodblog.com/uploaded_images/carls-jr-portobello-burger.jpg

Personally, I don't understand the "report this post" mentality that some people seem to be so gung-ho about. If there is a particular poster that you don't care for the style of, ignore is a wonderful option, as someone else mentioned. I just can't imagine spending my day searching for, getting offended by and then reporting posts...I seriously don't get it. Oh wait...I take that back. Some people gain satisfaction from being offended and *****ing about it...I guess I do get it. It's pretty sad though.


Agree 100% with this. What a sad little existence one must have to go crying to the mods every time they see something they don't like. It's a public forum, and a pretty tame one for that matter. I've just recently become aware of BF, and enjoy having another cycle-related resource, particularly one with such an active regional group. I hope it doesn't start to splinter, but it sure seems active enough to withstand some defections if it comes to that.

Voted (b), BTW.

Jim

... Those who have been unhappy about the shape of this So Cal forum on Bike Forums can decide to join if they wish but with the understanding that as humans, we all come with different humors, temperaments and tolerances. Besides the obvious – vulgar, lewd behavior and language, discrimination of any race/sex or abusive treatment of other members – the tolerance of unique personalities would be quite high. In essence, this new forum would be conducted in a “majority rules” environment where disrespect/censorship/belittling of members would not be tolerated in any form. It would be cycling and friend/peer based with room for all personalities, all levels of riders, but especially focused on rides/routes/clubs/motivation/support.

hmm... How is that any different than this forum? There is a way to report abuse to moderators... no?

Does all this mean my BF SoCal jersey is about to become a collectible?

I don't know who reports problems with posts, personally I never have. If a post gets out of hand I move on. I expect the mods to take control and change or shut down anything that is offensive. Like Brandy said, I don't have the time to be concerned... I never even saw the thread that is apparently causing all the debate. I had a hard ride yesterday and was fast asleep before the Simpsons... (bummer missed it again!)

Probably best - if something it getting out of hand - announce to whoever - please stop or it will be reported. That way nothing is behind anyones back etc. Regardless, as a community we need to be cordial and polite and mindful that many people, of different backgrounds are reading the posts. What's maybe not offensive to some maybe to others. Probably best to stay away from name calling, foul language, sexual innuedoes and just talk about biking and having fun.

Personally, I don't understand the "report this post" mentality that some people seem to be so gung-ho about. If there is a particular poster that you don't care for the style of, ignore is a wonderful option, as someone else mentioned.

I agree with you there Brandy. Good thing our TV remotes don't come with "report this program" buttons.

I haven't been on here much lately, but have seen similar activity on other forums. This is the way on the internet. Some person gets bored and starts to mess with you. O.K. respond to them or ignore them. Once they get their hooks in they won't let go so you need to be the bigger person. I guarantee if you ignore them they will go away.

I am by no means trying to downplay the level of insult that anyone has experienced here, just know that this person is thriving off of all this direct and indirect attention they are getting/creating.

I look forward to riding with everyone who is active here and wants to become active, I'm still working on the little "c"

Also to the MODS... on another forums I frequent the mods will make an annoucement generally something like

"This thread is moving away from the original topic. Please stay on topic or the thread will be closed..." This generally brings things back into order. If not and the thread is closed then at least everyone knows why.

MODS is it possible to do something like like?

hmm... How is that any different than this forum? There is a way to report abuse to moderators... no?Just a matter of setting up different ground rules and establishing guidelines. Personally, I wouldn't worry about moderating a few curse words here and there. And you can set it up so that membership would be restricted to invite only, etc.

Not suggesting that be done. I like it here and I sure wouldn't want to have to try to moderate something this big.

But I understand m.e.'s frustration - when a ride post goes missing with no explanation, something's wrong. And the fact that members in So Cal are having their posts reported more often than the primary forum means there are some thin-skinned folks. If they find these posts offensive, shouldn't THEY be the ones to look elsewhere if the majority are okay with it.

As with "naughty" words on television, the vocal minority is causing an over-reaction.

I agree with you there Brandy. Good thing our TV remotes don't come with "report this program" buttons.More than 90% of complaints to the FCC come from one group of individuals...

EDIT: Sorry, make that 99% of complaints

Currently, the PTC accounts for over 99% of complaints filed with the FCC.

I'd comment but sure I'd be reported!:D

Just a matter of setting up different ground rules and establishing guidelines. Personally, I wouldn't worry about moderating a few curse words here and there. And you can set it up so that membership would be restricted to invite only, etc.

Seems to me that that would only be alienating yourselves from a much larger community, who may or may not contribute something useful to your interests. I mean if that's the case, why not just meet for coffee?
Some people visit messageboards, just to pass the time and have no real intention on meeting anyone.
With more diverse members posting funny, silly, and yes, sometimes offensive stuff, it all becomes more interesting. Just my 2 centavos.

Clicque-y?

I'm afraid that I must have missed some important subtext running through the threads here. Sure, I've not been able to make it out to a ride with you guys, but I fully intend to if I can whip myself into decent shape and find some time in my already-stretched-thin existence. But I don't feel shunned or shut out for it. Isn't it obvious that as more people ride together they're going to develop inside stories, jokes, and conversations?

What I like about the SoCal forum is that the most active of you seem to really go out of your way to make everyone feel like they can be a part of the fun of riding around the area. Personally, I love the pics and I love checking out the routes you all like because it helps me find places that I might want to try to go, even if I can't plan to do it with the group. And I know that the day I finally make it to a ride, I'll be made to feel like an old friend.

Then again, I'm totally comfortable around new people and nearly impossible to offend, so maybe that's why the problems are lost on me. Or maybe I've just not read the problem threads? Anyway, I would really miss this forum and I'd certainly follow it around for the reasons above. Assuming I'm not the offensive one.... :)

I've reported posts that contain personal attacks agains other posters, but that's it. But then, I'm nearly impossible to offend so maybe I'm not the best judge as to what's offensive and what isn't.

What does bother me is that so much of the moderating seems to be an attempt to keep things here "G" rated as opposed to PG or even PG-13. The vast majority of us are adults and should be allowed to have adult (non-X Rated) conversations without fear of having an entire post or thread wiped out because of it.

I also have issues with the amount of downtime, but that's a topic for another place and time.