[Talk Host]

Sadly, there are at least two, maybe as many as 5 members on this board who are actively engaging in keeping things stirred up. They have made it clear that they don't like the administrators, or our guidelines. They are very close to being banned. We are hoping, instead that they just go away. How sad is that? This is suppose to be a place where people can discuss issues, identify and help solve problems, exchange greetings, make friends and improve our community. Instead, to a small group, it has become a place to deliberately offend others. As Tony has so eloquently written, the administrators won't allow it. Not only do we have a great deal of time and money invested in this forum, we have nearly 7,000 members who use it for what it is intended.

[ijusluvit]

Hey Tony,

Here's a thought. May I respectfully suggest our "home page" is not that attractive. What hits you primarily when you open TOTV is the two primary ads. I think the ads should be reserved for the left and right sidebar and the primary visual should be the TOTV logo with photo graphics, instead of lines and boxes. And a couple of bullets with the "golden rules" of posting. Nothing too wordy, but much more prominent than the stickys you have to open to see. We are all relatively new to communicating in cyberspace and its easy to forget we need to act like we're face to face. The word "civility" and perhaps a few others need to strike the eye/brain the moment we click on TOTV.

If you think this is a worthwhile idea, why not ask for design input? Maybe give us a template and run a contest for a new TOTV homepage?

This is at the end a a long thread. I hope you see it.

[Whalen]

Originally Posted by dfn8tly

Thanks, Tony;

I think sometimes people post negative or hurtful messages inadvertently. We are generally a verbal society and often forget that in a written environment our vocal inflections cannot be heard. Unfortunately, the words stand on their own without the help of a smile, wink or chuckle to guide the reader.

I know I can be guilty of being so eager to express myself that the tone of my message is occasionally misinterpreted. Re-reading our posts from another perspective before we push that "post" button can save a lot of embarrassment and hurt.

A happy and thoughtful New Year to everyone.

Well Said.
I learned at an early age to never put anything in writing that you wouldn't say in person.
So much can get lost in translation.

Happy , Heathly and Friendly New Year to All!

[CAL]

Thank You!, Thank You!, Thank You!
Such attacks made me quit TOTV once before and forcing me to come back with a new user ID. Glad to see some action is being taken. Perhaps I will start more posting again.

[Matthew]

Originally Posted by CAL

Thank You!, Thank You!, Thank You!
Such attacks made me quit TOTV once before and forcing me to come back with a new user ID. Glad to see some action is being taken. Perhaps I will start more posting again.

Cal's words could be mine.

Thanks again.

[golfnut]

People who don't follow the rules should be given one warning and if they break the rules again they should be banned, period....GN

[abracadabra]

Thank you, Tony. I stopped being a daily "visitor" to TOTV and stopped posting because of exactly what you mentioned. I've been a member since 2006 and got many of my friends and neighbors to join. I stopped promoting TOTV when the "voice" changed. I certainly will give TOTV another chance in hopes that you, the administrators, can revive the wonderful service you have provided us. I would miss this website.

[TVdaughter]

Thank you for posting this, Tony! I think a lot of people appreciate your fairness and help on TOTV.

-TVdaughter

[ewstanley]

Thanks!
I haven't posted in over a year (I think).
I thought that perhaps I was the only one who didn't appreciate the controversy and negativity.

[tkret]

If this isn't our own local version of the "Silent Majority" running for cover because of a few, a small few, provocateurs, I don't know what would be a better example. It appears that some former members are returning and feel comfortable enough that they can participate without fear of mockery or unpleasantries. Welcome back.

[Frank7]

Just joined today and it is nice to see that the administrator is alive and aware of of the people out there who are just crule and live to bash.
Good work.

[Boomer]

This thread has been interesting.

And I think we are getting our groove back.

Like the way we were about a year ago.

Only bigger.

Lots bigger.

Way bigger.

And I am glad.

Here's to bigger......and better.

Boomer

[Cassie325]

Originally Posted by tkret

If this isn't our own local version of the "Silent Majority" running for cover because of a few, a small few, provocateurs, I don't know what would be a better example. It appears that some former members are returning and feel comfortable enough that they can participate without fear of mockery or unpleasantries. Welcome back.

Well said T!!! As always....well said!

[ouma1938]

[. . . ] Vigorous discussions and exchanges of ideas are always good -- nastiness is not. It can be very intimidating and has no place in a forum that has become home to so many intelligent, caring, and funny people. I am grateful that Tony and the administrators take notice of verbal bullies and call them on their behaviour. It makes "Our TOTV" a pleasure to have as part of my life. And my growing group of friends a joy.

[Cassie325]

Originally Posted by Matthew

The Enough! thread is not about a healthy exchange of ideas. Its about name calling and bashing.

I think it is both....intertwined with each other...name calling and bashing is just not needed....I know I have been on both sides of this fence and felt horrible on both sides as well...and VERY sorry!

It is nice to see that the name calling and bashing has ceased. It is also nice to see so many new names on here, as well as some names that we haven't seen in a while.

We all have differences in opinion....it is healthy to share them....not so healthy to degrade someone for having a differing opinion.

This world would be very boring if we were all the SAME!!!

So let's continue sharing our opinions....we can only learn from each other!