Hi All Forumers,
I post this reply not with the aim to complicate the matter at hand. With the diverging views on this subject, any reply posted herein will be metaphorically analogous to stirring the hornet's nest - I fear getting myself stung in the process. Yet I feel obligated to speak up, since the issue in focus concerns the Grudge Match (of which I have had started here, in continuation from the Delphi days), and as well being the guilty forumer with the most number of posts. There is definitely a need to clarify several issues here, albeit the touchy nature of discussion here.
With regards to the nature of postings, the sensitivity cannot be emphasised more. Given that this is public forum, we should be accountable on an individual basis as a forum member, and as a collective body representing the interests of the local BMW enthusiasts at large. Afterall, the forum is offered to all forumers free of charge, with the admin solely shouldering the operating costs and the efforts of maintenance. Gratitude needed to be expressed here.
Having said that, the nature of the postings becomes very subjective at times, especially when we get too involved personally. This is especially when the views on such etiquettes vary from sub-groups to sub-groups within the forum. Intepretations differ. For instance, while some might find threads like Race Queens offensive, or tasteless to some for that matter, it is not exactly a taboo subject in many other forums.
Another example - the overwhelming response on a female newbie. Take for instance, the intro thread on fabsmiche and snoppy elicited the same kind of response as that from meimei. Group them together, and you could form the impression that the interests on female newbies are generally "warmer" - as compared to the welcome notes to other newbies such as CricketWee or Kevinm. In fact, the perception of such "overwhelming" attention on our new lady forumers, specifically iconised as "buaya/sexually discriminating" behaviour, is a natural trait for all forums alike, as far as I could see. You could recall "legends" such as Winnercafe or Guru to see my point. It does not pertain to a particular group of forumers here. Sure, we are BMW enthusiasts. But we are fun people as well. We are mostly male drivers, as well as a friendly bunch of jokers (to some). Hard to curb that "hormonally-driven" enthusiasm, in my view. Might as well let it flow. As long as there is no intimidation of sorts.
I recall this thread on urine, and the one with the rice queen exposing her nipple. I am trying hard to be objective here, but strangely I do not see the same "few folks" who instigated this moral alert exhibiting the same kind of response on those threads. I am not trying to shift the blame onto those who started these threads (quite frankly, I did enjoy reading them), but from the bottom of my heart I do not see the consistency in judgement being applied here. The outcry is elicited only when "a number of us" posted these stuff. Unless the word "cock" used in that thread is not considered offensive, or that the exposed nipple is not a snapshot typical of pornography, I beg to scream a tad shade of inconsistency in applying forum etiquette here. I will beg your pardon on this, but please tell me that I am not making a fair comparison. Ironically, this does not quite sound like coercion, but more like coalition.
What struck me on reflection is a cyber-cultural shift as many newcomers (like me) join the forum. I'd remember that the Delphi days were a hell lot more conservative in the postings. I could only hypothesize that the forum culture shifted somewhat with an increased forum population and a much-more-diverse mix. There are more and more OT-ing here and there. More and more diverse topics here and there. In this context, it would take some time to align the various newcomers into the vision and modus operandi of the forum. With this influx, there are only 2 resolutions - be more liberal, or take a restraining approach. For the latter, if there is a common code of forum ethics to be applied here, I would suggest that the admin enforces it. It will streamline the quality of postings here - what would then be pleasing and desirable to the "few folks" who has an institution of forum ethics and etiquettes. Spell the boundary out, and apply the it consistently across the board. No favours. Else, leave the autonomy to each and every forumers. We shall trust all to be mature and understanding.
Most important of all, let us all be sympathetic and sensitive when postings sensitive topics. Everyone learns this the hard way. Kenna slammed and got smarter in the process.
Ryan, you need not apologise at all. The forum has evolved itself to be one of the best around locally.
Ryan/Sam, my apology for vocalising my thoughts - might stir some controversies here. But understandably, it is within your job as a moderator to draw a boundary with regards to the nature of the posts within the forum, before it escalates into a malfeasance. At the same time, take a step back and see if the macro picture is really a patch of taint or stain. It could well be a blushing kaleidoscope of diversity.
Cheers & Regards
