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Post by Chicago Jake on Apr 27, 2013 23:35:12 GMT -6
Well, we seem to have been steadily losing board members over the years, and that's cool. Times ch-ch-change, people ch-ch-change, lives ch-ch-change. But recently, some of those that I thought were total die-hards have disappeared off the face of the earth! Does anyone have any theories? Or better yet, actual facts? Was it something I said?
I think I may have to actually disappear myself, Dagny Taggart style, just to get to the bottom of things, but I hope it doesn't come to that. What do the rest of you think?
Or, we could take the opposite tact, and actually pursue a membership recruitment drive. This board was originally seeded by me sending emails to frequent participants of Denny's recently demised World Events board. Should we try something like that again?
I'm not against just admitting that this board has become redundant and extinct. It's the circle of life, after all. But, if there is a chance of reviving it and making it fun again, that would obviously be preferable.
Any ideas?
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Post by Tex on Apr 28, 2013 7:56:43 GMT -6
Well, we seem to have been steadily losing board members over the years, and that's cool. Times ch-ch-ch-ch-change, people ch-ch-ch-ch-change, lives ch-ch-ch-ch-change. But recently, some of those that I thought were total die-hards have disappeared off the face of the earth! Does anyone have any theories? Or better yet, actual facts? Was it something I said? I think I may have to actually disappear myself, Dagny Taggart style, just to get to the bottom of things, but I hope it doesn't come to that. What do the rest of you think? Or, we could take the opposite tact, and actually pursue a membership recruitment drive. This board was originally seeded by me sending emails to frequent participants of Denny's recently demised World Events board. Should we try something like that again? I'm not against just admitting that this board has become redundant and extinct. It's the circle of life, after all. But, if there is a chance of reviving it and making it fun again, that would obviously be preferable. Any ideas? The board filled an obvious niche in the beginning with Denny shutting down part of his board. That was the big impetus for folks to join the board. Facebook and other social media perform some of the same functions that the board did at one time. I like the board because I can say things here that I would not say on Facebook. I can't speak to why some members left the board. It could be election fatigue, other interests, or just time to move on. Maybe ask them. New members have to have a reason. OTOH, if the board doesn't cost anything to run, it is a good way to keep up with a few of my friends. |
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Post by Chicago Jake on Apr 28, 2013 9:30:28 GMT -6
No, it doesn't cost anything. If I were to drop dead it would just stay here forever, running itself. I'm certainly not going to delete it or anything. I just keep picturing Will Smith wandering around Manhattan without a living soul in sight!
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Post by Exildo Wonsetler Briggs III on Apr 28, 2013 15:37:34 GMT -6
I ditto what Tex said. For sure some things I'll say here that I would never post on Facebook. But, I think most folks are just using other media and forums like this are slowly going the way of the old Bulletin Boards. Even Denny's board is no where near as active as it used to be.
The times they are a'ch-ch-changing.
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Post by Chicago Jake on Apr 28, 2013 17:09:04 GMT -6
The recent post about offensive drink names made me think that the Hedo crowd still needs some place other than Denny's where they can discuss non-Hedo related crap without worrying about getting shut down. I'm wondering how to seduce some of the new members over there to the dark side.
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Post by Merlot Joe on Apr 28, 2013 17:45:10 GMT -6
Yes sir times do ch-ch-change. I would like to see the board continue, but I would also like to know why some people so left. I sent Gordon a personal message just to see if he was doing fine but never heard back. I know there are only a few of us left but let keep going since I like to know what my friends are doing around the country.
I don't Facebook it is not my cup of tea.
I am here to stay until the bitter end.
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Post by Exildo Wonsetler Briggs III on Apr 28, 2013 20:44:46 GMT -6
Yes sir times do ch-ch-ch-ch-change. I would like to see the board continue, but I would also like to know why some people so left. I sent Gordon a personal message just to see if he was doing fine but never heard back. I know there are only a few of us left but let keep going since I like to know what my friends are doing around the country. I don't Facebook it is not my cup of tea. I am here to stay until the bitter end. Joe there are a lot of us Hedo folks on Facebook. I resisted it for a long time, but Rhonda was keeping in touch with our many family members several times a day so I relented. You can keep your posts private so only your friends see them (supposedly). You could register, make friends and "just listen." You don't have to post anything to know what's going on. |
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Post by Exildo Wonsetler Briggs III on Apr 28, 2013 21:05:06 GMT -6
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Post by Chicago Jake on Apr 28, 2013 22:45:59 GMT -6
Bob, thanks for that trip down memory lane! I am so glad that Rhonda is back at full power and it all worked out. But it was a frightening blast from the past! |
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Post by Chicago Jake on Apr 28, 2013 22:51:28 GMT -6
Yes sir times do ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-change. I would like to see the board continue, but I would also like to know why some people so left. I sent Gordon a personal message just to see if he was doing fine but never heard back. I know there are only a few of us left but let keep going since I like to know what my friends are doing around the country. I don't Facebook it is not my cup of tea. I am here to stay until the bitter end. Joe there are a lot of us Hedo folks on Facebook. I resisted it for a long time, but Rhonda was keeping in touch with our many family members several times a day so I relented. You can keep your posts private so only your friends see them (supposedly). You could register, make friends and "just listen." You don't have to post anything to know what's going on. I'm on Facebook, too, but it really isn't a replacement for private message boards. The trouble with Facebook is that it is EVERYWHERE! I can't post anything there without assuming that anyone and everyone will someday see it, if they want to. Potential employers, potential clients, government agencies.... it's an open book! A little dildo backwater cul de sac of the internet like this message board (or hundreds of other little places around the net) let you really let your hair down and say what you feel among folks who feel like family. That is why I like the idea of the little joint like this one. Not necessarily this one of course, as there are plenty of other places, but any board where you can feel like you are at home and in private, rather than out on public display for one and all to see. |
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Post by New Mama on Apr 29, 2013 8:21:19 GMT -6
As you know I like to discuss current events and I detest FB posts about politics. It’s never a discussion it’s always a lecture. FB is a social place for silliness and general announcements to your friends. I’m not a huge FB participate but I do look at it almost everyday. The ButtCrackers have a private group page and I’m more active on that, but it’s all fun no controversy. Here I was able to really discuss things with people I have something in common with and most often people I have personally met. I learned lots here and got to know people that I have not spent much face to face time with. I too wonder why Beeb and Gordon left. Beeb’s last post was on gun control. Maybe he’s pissed off about our lack of applause. Maybe Gordon decided it’s no longer fun without Beeb’s wit. Gary sort of dropped off slowly and likely stopped altogether from lack of activity. Who knows? All of the initial including Hazel left long ago. It was not fun enough for them. They didn’t like the political heated exchanges that occurred. Their was the blow out with Chris too. Some people are not into debate and some can’t stand to be contradicted. Some are just too think skinned when insulted for which Beeb was a Master. I actually admired that about him. Gordon was about our last far lefty hold out. Without posters from the left and right the political discussion all but ends. Frankly, I think it’s about over. New recruits won’t make it. They don’t have the benefit of years of our personalities. They simply won’t ‘get it’. BTW, if any of you are friends with Beeb on FB ask him to friend me. I miss him. |
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Post by nolaflacav on Apr 29, 2013 9:20:00 GMT -6
Just some random thoughts in no particular order.
I am fascinated by social media and new technology. I am amazed at how fast things are evolving. I spend a great deal of time each day on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc. for business reasons. And I found I was being tied more and more to my Ipad and Iphone 24/7. I made a conscious effort to scale back on various channels earlier this year. I did not want to be plugged in 24/7. And I have been successful in my efforts. I have to admit I thought long and hard about pulling the plug here but for various reasons I did not. This is one of my breaks from the real world.
I joined this group in 2007 after sitting on the side lines and just watching for 2 years. And I just double checked to confirm a thought I had. Although I do not post a lot I am the last "new" member that has joined and stayed. Carl was a short lived attempt. But he quickly found out that this board will eat their young. So there has been no new blood in almost 6 years.
I migrated here from Denny P. I knew/know not a soul in person that was here in the beginning. I have had the good fortune to meet Tex as a result of this board. I have zero desire to shift to Facebook for all the same reasons that everyone else points out. I am comfortable here. And I would miss this safe haven.
However I have a feeling that we are like that star shining way off in the distance Does it still exist or is it long gone and we are just seeing the light still traveling towards us?
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Post by Merlot Joe on Apr 29, 2013 10:52:39 GMT -6
Jake I agree and that's why I stay off. Denice does a little on Facebook, but she is not that happy with it. I don't want every person out there looking at my life. I know you can do the friend thing and let into your Facebook world who you want and keep out who you don't, but I still don't trust it.
Anita is right. There has been lots of lets say ugly shots at people, some serious some just in fun. I always took Beep for all bark and no bite. Denice and I have had dinner with him In NYC 3 times and he is way different in person than the guy behind the key board. I know I've taken a few low shots at people, it was mostly in fun or just part of the debate we where having. If I offended anyone my apologies.
Anyone who used to be here is missed. If you guys that left us are lurking around out there the best to you.
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Post by Irish Stu on Apr 30, 2013 9:01:12 GMT -6
I agree with Dr Bob and Tex, this message board is a place where I can speak more freely than on Facebook across a broad range of subjects. I've also made friendships on here that have carried over into 'real life' for which I am very grateful. I'll never forget the good wishes and support I received from my friends here a few years ago when life dealt me some nasty blows.
I am in regular contact with Gordon and Beeb. They have their reasons for disappearing but it is their business to tell you if they wish, not mine. Suffice to say I have done my best to persuade them to come back.
Joe, I don't think Gordon is checking the board so most likely he didn't see your message. PM me your preferred email address and I will pass it on to him.
Anita, I love all the debate on here. You Americans take your politics so much more seriously than we Brits tend to these days so it is fun to watch and sometimes jump in. Although on the British political scale I am very much to the right, the Conservatives here in the UK moved themselves so far to the centre to become electable that in comparison to the American right I do seem to now be the token lefty!
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Post by innit Geezer on May 2, 2013 14:36:04 GMT -6
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Post by Tex on May 2, 2013 15:35:28 GMT -6
Good to see you around Gary. I hope things are all good for you.
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Post by Irish Stu on May 2, 2013 15:56:00 GMT -6
Bloody hell Gaz!! Where have you been?
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Post by innit Geezer on May 2, 2013 16:52:40 GMT -6
I'll fill you guys in tomorrow when I have a moment and a computer (posting by cell phone now).
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Post by Merlot Joe on May 2, 2013 18:54:38 GMT -6
Good to Hear from you Gary.
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Post by irisheyes on May 2, 2013 20:31:19 GMT -6
Ahh, the circle jerk has grown smaller. I think I foreshadowed this a while ago, where you chase off anyone who has a different view than yours and you end up a lonely few patting each other on the back for being so wonderful and pretty much sucking each others' dicks. Shame, I did enjoy lurking. And miss Edie's jokes. But with the explosion of internet 'news', and of course Fox "news" since this esteemed(?) board was founded, people can just listen to Glen Beck, or tune in to Bill O'Reilly, to hear cockamamie ideas inflated to 'importance', with little to no rebuttal. Why have a discussion when a rant is so much more time efficient? When he that yells the loudest is the right-ist, old-timey message boards lack. They lack the immediacy, the emotion, the violence of screaming down a dissenter. Soooo, anybody heard any good jokes lately?
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Post by Irish Stu on May 3, 2013 2:53:40 GMT -6
anybody heard any good jokes lately? The only joke here is you... and you're not a very good one. |
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Post by innit Geezer on May 3, 2013 7:45:58 GMT -6
Well it's like this:
I have many reasons for not coming around here so often or posting but the main reason stems from an incident I had several months ago.
I received a business call while away for an extended weekend and when I explained to the caller that I'll get her the information that she was requesting when get be back to New York she replied "Yea right Gary, have a good time at Hedonism".
I froze on the spot! I paused ever so briefly then continued with the conversation as though I didn't hear what she just said. It was an eye opening and dreaded event.
This person has apparently taken the time to search me out and then I wondered how private anything is that we do on the web.
I have lots of stories and pictures that I'd like to share but damn, I'm afraid now!
Other mundane reasons are simply not wanting or being being able to add to the heavy political debates that go on here. I enjoy some of them but I'd rather laugh at the creative remarks and whimsical word play that this board thrived on back when. Also I have less computer time and posting by cell phone is too difficult, the keypad doesn't cooperate.
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Post by New Mama on May 3, 2013 8:22:23 GMT -6
Ahh, the circle jerk has grown smaller. I think I foreshadowed this a while ago, where you chase off anyone who has a different view than yours and you end up a lonely few patting each other on the back for being so wonderful and pretty much sucking each others' dicks. Shame, I did enjoy lurking. And miss Edie's jokes. But with the explosion of internet 'news', and of course Fox "news" since this esteemed(?) board was founded, people can just listen to Glen Beck, or tune in to Bill O'Reilly, to hear cockamamie ideas inflated to 'importance', with little to no rebuttal. Why have a discussion when a rant is so much more time efficient? When he that yells the loudest is the right-ist, old-timey message boards lack. They lack the immediacy, the emotion, the violence of screaming down a dissenter. Soooo, anybody heard any good jokes lately? More IE rubbish. I suppose that she doesn't even watch Fox News to see that they always give the left air time to respond or the fact that Fox News has been #1 in the ratings for 11 YEARS. edited to add....BTW, Just to prove how uninformed you are; Beck now badmouths Fox after he was fired by them in 2011. |
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Post by Tex on May 7, 2013 8:11:46 GMT -6
Well it's like this: I have many reasons for not coming around here so often or posting but the main reason stems from an incident I had several months ago. I received a business call while away for an extended weekend and when I explained to the caller that I'll get her the information that she was requesting when get be back to New York she replied "Yea right Gary, have a good time at Hedonism". I froze on the spot! I paused ever so briefly then continued with the conversation as though I didn't hear what she just said. It was an eye opening and dreaded event. This person has apparently taken the time to search me out and then I wondered how private anything is that we do on the web. I have lots of stories and pictures that I'd like to share but damn, I'm afraid now! Other mundane reasons are simply not wanting or being being able to add to the heavy political debates that go on here. I enjoy some of them but I'd rather laugh at the creative remarks and whimsical word play that this board thrived on back when. Also I have less computer time and posting by cell phone is too difficult, the keypad doesn't cooperate. Gary, I have been thinking about your post and would suggest that: 1) Privacy is a luxury of the last century. If someone wants to go to the trouble and spend a few bucks, they can find out a lot of information about you. 2) Whatever information is out there is out there and it's not going away. 3) Even in the Bible Belt, people hire contractors based on price, service, and quality - not based on where they vacation. 4) Your competitors have shit out there about them too - don't sweat it. JMHO |
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Post by Irish Stu on May 7, 2013 8:43:58 GMT -6
Gaz, you don't say if it was this board they found you on, Dennyp... or some other place.
However, for someone to find you here they would have to know your screen name, or your email. Providing you aren't using anything they would know I'd say you are pretty unfindable... UNLESS they we actually looking for you on here and therefore found clues in your posts.
I'd say you are as anonymous here as you can be providing you are careful what information about yourself you make public.
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Post by innit Geezer on May 7, 2013 12:30:56 GMT -6
Sush!!!! Don't call me by my first name! And what's all this about dick sucking? Did I miss something?
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Post by innit Geezer on May 8, 2013 13:14:58 GMT -6
Gordon should be back from Russia by now, unless he's squeezing in some late season curling.
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Post by Tex on May 8, 2013 13:30:13 GMT -6
Gordon has been back from Russia for a while. I don't know why he left the board, but he loves curling and did get a great gig doing statistics for world class curling venues. This sounds like a once in a lifetime opportunity for him and I am happy for him. It sounds like he has been very busy with that but I'm sure he could squeeze in a minute to stop by here if he wanted. I haven't asked him why he left and figured if he wanted to say, he would.
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Post by Irish Stu on May 8, 2013 17:17:32 GMT -6
I'm working on him. I really miss his presence here. And Beeb's. And it's good to have my old mate Gaz back amongst us.
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Post by innit Geezer on May 8, 2013 17:34:45 GMT -6
He probably was/is busy catching up with life at home. Spring clean-up on nice U.P. property is work and he does it all.
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