Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Kia Ora,

I have noticed that poor Brandon seem to be a smite magnet, it's as if some trigger-happy members can't wait to smite him , often taking what he said out of context...

Positive reps more often than not "encourage", however smites don't necessarily discourage what one might perceive as unwholesome behaviour, at times they can do the opposite and enforce it...

If you continually tell a person they are no good/bad, eventually the person begins to believe it and acts accordingly....

So any takers for a smite free week ? If enough come onboard, perhaps it could be extended to a month....And who knows maybe, just maybe smiting others will become a thing of the past...

I should add Brandon's a tough guy, can stand his own ground and more than capable of giving as good as he gets...But at times we all(even tough nuts like Brandon) need to be given some slack...

Metta Anatta :)

I'm going to smite you just because you made this topic. :D

That's a really sweet thought, Anatta. I don't know that it's necessarily going to change anyone's feelings on smiting, but I do kind of agree that it's to the point where it almost seems like picking on him, he gets smited so often. He doesn't seem like a bad guy to me, either.

I'll definitely agree to this, even though I'm not one of the ones who has smited him.

"Treat a man as he is and he will remain as he is. Treat a man as he can and should be, and he will become as he can and should be."

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

I do agree with this.

I've gotten into an argument with Brandon before but religion is a hot topic and people can get heated easily. He isn't a bad kid and I agree that people take what he says the wrong way because he has a history of saying the wrong things I've seen. But, that's the past.

I feel bad for him. Getting all these smites is kinda excluding him from this community and could make him feel unwanted. Like I said, he's not a bad kid and he does bring up good points. If it was up to me, I'd get rid of the reputation system.

Anyways, yes! I haven't smited anyone yet but smite-free it is. :)

I'm not planning on using the rep system this time around anyway. And I don't think I've ever smited anyone and I haven't been smited yet myself. Although if someone feels the need to smite me, go for it...

I've never issued a smite to begin with, so this won't be an issue for me.  Something about the practice seems impolite and causes more hurt feelings than it's worth. 

FWIW (http://faculty.chicagobooth.edu/ayelet.fishbach/research/FEF%20Compass%202010.pdf)

I'm a non-smiter anyway. I'd rather just respond to the post or pm the person. Smiting makes the person feel bad long after the disagreement is over and has led to terrible feuds here. And there's not much room to explain why the post was problematic. Though this isn't needed when smiting someone for clear rudeness. And of course there are times when a smite is well deserved.

No. I cannot recall having ever smited anyone, but I reserve the right to do so, if I see a post that is truly uncalled for and offensive (and isn't in the politics or religion subforums).

I don't smite. Why hurt someone?

OK as a Mod I'm bound to hurt people but I do not do it lightly, and when I do it is with sadness.

Have never smited anyone and don't intend to. People are entitled to their opinion...even if I think it's wrong or bat-poop crazy. :laugh:

Generally I steer clear of highly emotive/divisive topics anyway - notably politics, religion, guns, medical insurance and whether clowns are scary (they are).

On the rare occasion I see a post that is highly offensive, disturbing or insulting I'll report it and let the mods sort it out out. (Sorry!)

ThankYou.

I personally have never used the rep +/- system.  I will simply say what I feel needs said and/or report the really egregious ones to mods.  I know that transfolk can be very sensitive, fragile or even broken and I could never live with myself if someone took my smite so seriously that they ended up harming themselves.

Every week is smite-free at Jill's place.  ;)

Can we have a hug button though?  I'd dish those out all the time.

Quote from: Jill F on March 09, 2014, 03:03:09 PM

Can we have a hug button though?  I'd dish those out all the time.

I wish we did.  :)

Quote from: G:W:Y:N:N:E on March 09, 2014, 08:21:58 AM
FWIW (http://faculty.chicagobooth.edu/ayelet.fishbach/research/FEF%20Compass%202010.pdf)

Kia Ora G,

Interesting theory, but the proof is in the pudding and negative feedback( similar to the type inflicted upon Brandon) has been show on more than one occasion to either fuel ones negative behaviour or make the person feel like crap...

Beneficial aspects of smiting = perhaps a feeling of smug satisfaction for the smiter(which is short lived)... Negative aspects = seeds for grudge bearing material..."Tit for tat" mentality festers and grows...

Metta Anatta :)

Quote from: FA on March 09, 2014, 03:08:13 PM
I wish we did.  :)

Kia Ora FA,

::) Why not ?   :icon_hug: :icon_hug: :icon_hug:

Metta Anatta :)

Quote from: Anatta on March 09, 2014, 03:14:06 PM
Negative aspects = seeds for grudge bearing material..."Tit for tat" mentality festers and grows...

Metta Anatta :)

It certainly does. This has actually caused some serious feuds on here, all started by a smite. I think part of the issue is that long after the incident the person still sees that smite by their name. Makes it harder to forget the incident and move on.

Quote from: FA on March 09, 2014, 03:23:27 PM
It certainly does. This has actually caused some serious feuds on here, all started by a smite. I think part of the issue is that long after the incident the person still sees that smite by their name. Makes it harder to forget the incident and move on.

I see your point but I think a lot of the negativity over a smite is the "smite-ee" having a massive case of severe overreaction. Is it really THAT big of a deal?

In my opinion, it isn't.

If people give me a thumbs up, then that's cool.

If people smite me...meh....so what?

Life goes on...The Dude abides. (and the Squirrel goes merrily along)

Quote from: Laura Squirrel on March 09, 2014, 03:35:14 PM
I see your point but I think a lot of the negativity over a smite is the "smite-ee" having a massive case of severe overreaction. Is it really THAT big of a deal?

In my opinion, it isn't.

If people give me a thumbs up, then that's cool.

If people smite me...meh....so what?

Life goes on...The Dude abides. (and the Squirrel goes merrily along)

A negative smite(numerous smites especially) can lull a potential smiter into reading more than what is there in a post simply to look for something offensive and that can lead to more smites and more hard feelings when on its own, a post may not really be smite worthy. That is what I think is happening with Brandon and its a shame, people need to take into account how he was raised and what influences him on a daily basis irl.

I don't see why we can't keep the thumbs-up and dispense with the smite. But I gather that the site works on a package system, so we can't pick and choose features.

Quote from: Laura Squirrel on March 09, 2014, 03:35:14 PM

Quote from: FA on March 09, 2014, 03:23:27 PM
It certainly does. This has actually caused some serious feuds on here, all started by a smite. I think part of the issue is that long after the incident the person still sees that smite by their name. Makes it harder to forget the incident and move on.

I see your point but I think a lot of the negativity over a smite is the "smite-ee" having a massive case of severe overreaction. Is it really THAT big of a deal?

In my opinion, it isn't.

If people give me a thumbs up, then that's cool.

If people smite me...meh....so what?

Life goes on...The Dude abides. (and the Squirrel goes merrily along)

Yeah, I had smites on here years ago before the system was taken off completely and put back on. I didn't mind them. I think I pmed the person to apologize a few times. But we've had several members really upset over a smite. And guess who hears about it?  :laugh:

Quote from: Anatta on March 09, 2014, 03:14:06 PM
Beneficial aspects of smiting = perhaps a feeling of smug satisfaction for the smiter(which is short lived)... Negative aspects = seeds for grudge bearing material..."Tit for tat" mentality festers and grows...

Don't get me wrong, Anatta. I have never and hope never to smite anyone.

The damaging impact of negative corrective feedback is well-established in the research literature. It has been quite rightly removed from most western education systems. And long after it should have been, IMHO.

However, decisions should always be formed by considering a balance of views. This one struck me as one of the more elegant defenses of a more balanced position. I brought it forward for discussion's sake.

Quote from: JaimeD on March 09, 2014, 03:41:20 PM
A negative smite(numerous smites especially) can lull a potential smiter into reading more than what is there in a post simply to look for something offensive and that can lead to more smites and more hard feelings when on its own, a post may not really be smite worthy. That is what I think is happening with Brandon and its a shame, people need to take into account how he was raised and what influences him on a daily basis irl.

You make a valid point but I don't really think it is fair when someone with an admittedly narrow worldview makes broad stroke types of statements and then whines when someone smites them for it. I think the only way this whole issue can be resolved is if the whole 'reputation' system were discontinued altogether.

"Smite me oh mighty smiter".

Kia Ora,

Please remember how this thread came about, so no emotional temper tantrums and that's an order ;) ;D


I'm off to do a wasp job....No peace for the wicked.....

Metta Anatta :)

Personally I see no benefits with the reputation system either. The best thing would be to have it removed since the amount of applauses and smites doesn't represent the amount of good/helpful or bad/non-contributing posts on this forum anyway.
The chances that you'll get a +/-1 depends heavily on the person you reply to. Some people hand out reputation all the time while others never/seldom does it.

Quote from: 930310 on March 09, 2014, 03:58:35 PM
Personally I see no benefits with the reputation system either. The best thing would be to have it removed since the amount of applauses and smites doesn't represent the amount of good/helpful or bad/non-contributing posts on this forum anyway.
The chances that you'll get a +/-1 depends heavily on the person you reply to. Some people hand out reputation all the time while others never/seldom does it.

I do it if someone says something that is on-point, amusing, entertaining or (on the other side of the coin), just plain wrong.

Some of the smites directed at Brandon were rooted in racism and/or ethnocentricity.

We should walk a mile in the other person's shoes before we pass judgement.

And the no smite clock has to be reset now...

  I have never and will never give a smite ,everyone here has a right to their own opinion on a subject period.If a person does not agree with post, just move on, life is to short to spend  on a topic that is subject to many forms of interpretation. There are no winners in an argument.

Quote from: FA on March 09, 2014, 03:23:27 PM
It certainly does. This has actually caused some serious feuds on here, all started by a smite. I think part of the issue is that long after the incident the person still sees that smite by their name. Makes it harder to forget the incident and move on.

So why do we have them at all?  I honestly don't know what benefit the reputation system is perceived to have. 

I have never used smites, I think they're so dumb, even if you don't like that person..

Quote from: Arch on March 09, 2014, 03:46:36 PM
I don't see why we can't keep the thumbs-up and dispense with the smite. But I gather that the site works on a package system, so we can't pick and choose features.

Actually, it's relatively easy with SMF to remove the option to smite someone and just leave the option to applaud. :) Just requires removing information from a specific field.

What do you think of the current amount of applauds/smites?
I've seen some forums and there some users have +5000 or so. The amount of applauds/smites on this forum seems to be a bit low. I have read some very good comments on Susans and most often they are unapplauded. I can't upvote everyone myself either because that would look very weird on my stats/I'd maybe get banned.

I would say if you like someone's post, and it resonates with you, and it's worthy of an applaud, then do so. :) It might make the person feel just that little bit better about themselves. Don't worry so much about how often you do it. After all, there are a lot of wonderful people here, who regularly contribute a whole heap of fantastic input. No reason you can't show your appreciation for whatever you find which personally stands out to you, hon. :) I highly doubt you would get banned for showing more than one person how much their posts meant to you.

Applauding someone for putting down someone else, or taking a side-swipe at another member... well, that's something different. But as a general rule of thumb, if you genuinely enjoyed someone's post and feel it's worthy of an applaud, then applaud away. :)

There are folks who use the reputation system more than others. I use it myself when I'm in the mood, or when something speaks to me. I don't think a post has to be something truly spectacular and crafted in a manner the finest wordsmiths would go into paroxysms of joy over. Sometimes it can just be a way of saying "I like what you wrote and agree with you", without having to make a post saying such.

I have yet to smite someone, and the points made here and a post Jill F made, are definitely something I will be thinking about before I ever do.  These are fantastic points that I am all for.

Quote from: Sephirah on March 10, 2014, 12:27:15 PM
....

There are folks who use the reputation system more than others. I use it myself when I'm in the mood, or when something speaks to me. I don't think a post has to be something truly spectacular and crafted in a manner the finest wordsmiths would go into paroxysms of joy over. Sometimes it can just be a way of saying "I like what you wrote and agree with you", without having to make a post saying such.

That's just what I thought too. Thanks for clearing things up.

Quote from: Jamie D on March 09, 2014, 04:22:45 PM
Some of the smites directed at Brandon were rooted in racism and/or ethnocentricity.

We should walk a mile in the other person's shoes before we pass judgement.

I just want to say this and I will try my best to just ignore this topic and how it relates to this person, in particular. I am not a racist. I utterly despise racism with every fiber of my being. I think, if anything, Brandon is guilty of playing the race card because HE is the one that always brings race into the mix.

Okay...I said what I had to say on this subject...I'm done with this.

Quote from: Jamie D on March 09, 2014, 04:22:45 PM
Some of the smites directed at Brandon were rooted in racism and/or ethnocentricity.

We should walk a mile in the other person's shoes before we pass judgement.

Kia Ora Jamie,

Even though 'race' did not enter my mind when starting this thread, all the same you do make a good point...

Being discriminated against(trans-people in general) does not stop trans-people from discriminating against others, especially for those who have grown up in an environment where racism is/was a common practice...

However, it's quite possible some of the smites were racially motivated but I don't think the vast majority were ...

Being on the receiving end of prejudice and discrimination(the shoe being on the other foot so to speak) does not necessarily eliminate the receiver's deeply held/ingrained and *somewhat misguided* racist beliefs...

However, this thread is not about race issues...It's about smiting and its fall out effects...But good point anyway...

Metta Anatta :)

I was smited for a general well deserved insult towards socialists who include the Nazis, the Khmer Rouge, North Korea, and the Soviets. So I don't put a lot of weight or rationality to most smites, but the applauses I've clearly deserved!  ;)

Quote from: Anatta on March 10, 2014, 09:52:26 PM
Kia Ora Jamie,

Even though 'race' did not enter my mind when starting this thread, all the same you do make a good point...

Being discriminated against(trans-people in general) does not stop trans-people from discriminating against others, especially for those who have grown up in an environment where racism is/was a common practice...

However, it's quite possible some of the smites were racially motivated but I don't think the vast majority were ...

Being on the receiving end of prejudice and discrimination(the shoe being on the other foot so to speak) does not necessarily eliminate the receiver's deeply held/ingrained and *somewhat misguided* racist beliefs...

However, this thread is not about race issues...It's about smiting and its fall out effects...But good point anyway...

Metta Anatta :)

Well, the fall out effects include further marginalizing members who already have several strikes against them, in terms of prejudice.  Smites are, for the most part, hateful.  Hate is the antithesis of "support."

Your point is well taken.

Quote from: Jamie D on March 10, 2014, 11:27:23 PM
Well, the fall out effects include further marginalizing members who already have several strikes against them, in terms of prejudice.  Smites are, for the most part, hateful.  Hate is the antithesis of "support."

Your point is well taken.

Like you, I like Brandon, so if it's some other reason he's up to nearly 20 smites or so at this point, I'm curious to know what it is. I think you're onto something though.

Racial minority, devout, from a broken home, is ostracized by family and at school, and is profoundly dysphoric.

25 smites and several others that have been taken off the record.  He's a genuinely nice young man, if you take the time to get to know him.

I only smited once because of what someone said was truly offensive and they refused to apologise for it. So I'm down as a non-smiter.
I try to see the good in everyone. For most people, it exists. In those where it has trouble coming out, they tend to be fragile and need some nurturing, rather than criticism.

Reposting the idea to be able to erase someone's smite by donating a +rep point of your own!

I would for sure use that!

Quote from: Jennygirl on March 11, 2014, 12:39:42 AM
Reposting the idea to be able to erase someone's smite by donating a +rep point of your own!

I would for sure use that!

I agree, that would be a nice idea/gesture.

Oversmiting could be taken care of by general users instead of mods having to step in. It would be a great success!

The fact that smites stay visible underneath the avatar in people's public posts is what irks me most. It's a bit like defaming someone for all to see- even people who aren't registered users of the site!

It also just sucks how there's absolutely no way for one to "redeem" themselves besides moderator intervention. If it was possible to erase the smite by good doing (aka receiving positive or donated rep) it would actually encourage the person to fix whatever problem (if there even was one). As it stands now, it's a permanent stain.

Quote from: Jennygirl on March 11, 2014, 03:19:05 AM
Oversmiting could be taken care of by general users instead of mods having to step in. It would be a great success!

The fact that smites stay visible underneath the avatar in people's public posts is what irks me most. It's a bit like defaming someone for all to see- even people who aren't registered users of the site!

It also just sucks how there's absolutely no way for one to "redeem" themselves besides moderator intervention. If it was possible to erase the smite by good doing (aka receiving positive or donated rep) it would actually encourage the person to fix whatever problem (if there even was one). As it stands now, it's a permanent stain.

When I see someone with a smite I don't really pay attention to the number of applauds they've received. If for example you Jenny had +67/-2 or so I would'nt pay that much attention to the vast number of applauds since the smites are so much worse than the applauds. It feels like one smite equals 40 or so applauds. I don't know why I reason like this, maybe as you say it's a needle in the eye seeing the negative points.

I've never smited anyone anyways. (On this account or my old one that I had to delete!)

I do see all the smiting Brandon gets though, and I do think that while some of them might have been deserved, a lot of them weren't really. People do really seem to sometimes just look for a reason to smite him.

I also dislike the fact that you are forever stuck with that negative under your name...

I think a better system would be only 1 rating that starts at 0, goes down if you get smited, but goes back up if you get positive rep.

Quote from: randomdude5 on March 11, 2014, 04:03:08 AM
I think a better system would be only 1 rating that starts at 0, goes down if you get smited, but goes back up if you get positive rep.

Yes! It makes so much sense on so many levels

Quote from: Jennygirl on March 11, 2014, 04:07:03 AM
Yes! It makes so much sense on so many levels

That actually used to be the system used back when I joined. And is very possible to do.

Quote from: Sephirah on March 11, 2014, 04:10:29 AM
That actually used to be the system used back when I joined. And is very possible to do.

Well first of all that is great to hear :)

Secondly, I am sure there was a reason it was changed to the current way. Any idea why?

Quote from: Sephirah on March 11, 2014, 04:10:29 AM
That actually used to be the system used back when I joined. And is very possible to do.

It sounds like that actually would be the best solution to our current problem with "unfair" smites and a skewed rating system.

I've heard a lot of criticism of the reputation system in this thread and others.  I obviously am not a fan of it.  But so far I have never heard anyone articulate a benefit to having it.  So what is the benefit to having it at all?  If there is none, then why do we have it?

Quote from: ThePhoenix on March 11, 2014, 08:49:13 AM
I've heard a lot of criticism of the reputation system in this thread and others.  I obviously am not a fan of it.  But so far I have never heard anyone articulate a benefit to having it.  So what is the benefit to having it at all?  If there is none, then why do we have it?

One benefit is the ability to applaud good posts. I like that and use it a decent amount. I'm not sure 'reputation' is the best name, however.

Quote from: ThePhoenix on March 11, 2014, 08:49:13 AM
I've heard a lot of criticism of the reputation system in this thread and others.  I obviously am not a fan of it.  But so far I have never heard anyone articulate a benefit to having it.  So what is the benefit to having it at all?  If there is none, then why do we have it?

One benefit that could be implied is that the reputation points will show if a user is helpful or not. I can't think of any other ones right now.

I don't like smites because they tend to hurt people.  In the past, I received one and it made me feel bad.  Looking back it's sort of a whatever situation, bt at the time it hurt.  It didn't help that it came at the worst time when I was severely depressed.  What upsets me more is critical pms.  I've received messages that are handed out with the sole purpose of criticizing or insulting me.  I'll never report or block someone because that's not who I am and we all need support, but that's annoying when it happens.  At the very least, it's a very small portion of the pms I get, so it's fine. 

As for the reputation system, I used to get political about it and share my views on the way the site is run, but in the end my feelings are irrelevant.  Susan likes it and it's her forum.  She can do as she sees fit and run her site in the way she wants.  I respect that.

In any case, I do wish people were less smite happy and avoided making snarky/insulting comments to each other.  It's a support forum and we should be as friendly as possible.  It's okay to get passionate about something or disagree, but there is no need to tear down the other person.  We should all strive to get along as best we can.

Quote from: 930310 on March 11, 2014, 03:32:50 AM
When I see someone with a smite I don't really pay attention to the number of applauds they've received. If for example you Jenny had +67/-2 or so I would'nt pay that much attention to the vast number of applauds since the smites are so much worse than the applauds. It feels like one smite equals 40 or so applauds. I don't know why I reason like this, maybe as you say it's a needle in the eye seeing the negative points.

Wow, I need 39 more applauds with no more smites to get that good!

The new member 'Amber1964' was someone I found very sincere and helpful, but although she was a newbie to this forum, she certainly wasn't a newbie to transition. She had fully transitioned and was active in the community, but she was blunt in her honesty. I didn't find her views objectionable at all, but she was drummed out of here in no time once the first few smites came. Anyway, seemed like a case of oversensitivity to me.

I like that we can review what brought about one's smite. Many are based on biases we all carry around with us. I think on balance it's an okay system.

Just an FYI, the following is my routine for each smite I receive here at Susan's...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=edc9wyBCGCQ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=edc9wyBCGCQ)

Quote from: Nikko on March 11, 2014, 09:21:15 AM
Wow, I need 39 more applauds with no more smites to get that good!

The new member 'Amber1964' was someone I found very sincere and helpful, but although she was a newbie to this forum, she certainly wasn't a newbie to transition. She had fully transitioned and was active in the community, but she was blunt in her honesty. I didn't find her views objectionable at all, but she was drummed out of here in no time once the first few smites came. Anyway, seemed like a case of oversensitivity to me.

I like that we can review what brought about one's smite. Many are based on biases we all carry around with us. I think on balance it's an okay system.

Just an FYI, the following is my routine for each smite I receive here at Susan's...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=edc9wyBCGCQ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=edc9wyBCGCQ)

Jim Carrey at his best!

I've only handed out a single smite in my time here, and yes, I feel it was a very richly deserved one. Even so, I gave it with the hope that the person would see that negative point every time they posted something and think about what they had said and what they were about to. Once I felt they had sufficient time to reflect on that post, I asked FA to remove the smite. I didn't feel they deserved to have their record stained forever.

Quote from: Pikachu on March 11, 2014, 11:42:11 AM
I've only handed out a single smite in my time here, and yes, I feel it was a very richly deserved one. Even so, I gave it with the hope that the person would see that negative point every time they posted something and think about what they had said and what they were about to. Once I felt they had sufficient time to reflect on that post, I asked FA to remove the smite. I didn't feel they deserved to have their record stained forever.

That's just how I hope everyone on this forum reasons/will reason regarding reputation.

I like giving praise, but I doubt I will ever smite someone...Honestly do we even need the system? I say we go with ANARCHY!

Just playing, but seriously do we need a up and down votes on a support forum?

Quote from: Aina on March 11, 2014, 01:00:59 PM
I like giving praise, but I doubt I will ever smite someone...Honestly do we even need the system? I say we go with ANARCHY!

Just playing, but seriously do we need a up and down votes on a support forum?

It's kind of paradoxical on this type of forum. But if that's what Susan wants on this forum then we have to accept what she wants.

Quote from: 930310 on March 11, 2014, 01:16:17 PM
It's kind of paradoxical on this type of forum. But if that's what Susan wants on this forum then we have to accept what she wants.

True but you can always question it!  >:-)

I just hope that if she decides to change it, we keep the applause function. There are a few of my rep points that remind me of specific conversations that meant a lot to me, and I like knowing they're there, and I can look over them and reminisce with the click of a button. So I do think I'd prefer a system where users aren't able to take away applauses instead of add smites, as someone suggested.

Quote from: Nikko on March 11, 2014, 09:21:15 AM
Just an FYI, the following is my routine for each smite I receive here at Susan's...

Didn't anyone tell you not to play in the street?

Quote from: Pikachu on March 11, 2014, 02:42:45 PM
I just hope that if she decides to change it, we keep the applause function. There are a few of my rep points that remind me of specific conversations that meant a lot to me, and I like knowing they're there, and I can look over them and reminisce with the click of a button. So I do think I'd prefer a system where users aren't able to take away applauses instead of add smites, as someone suggested.

I hope that she replies in this thread and says what she thinks about it.

Quote from: 930310 on March 11, 2014, 03:01:40 PM
I hope that she replies in this thread and says what she thinks about it.

That would be cool, but I don't think she will. I've never seen Susan reply to any threads unless they were about some problem or question about the site. I guess this might count, though.

Quote from: Pikachu on March 11, 2014, 02:42:45 PM
I just hope that if she decides to change it, we keep the applause function. There are a few of my rep points that remind me of specific conversations that meant a lot to me, and I like knowing they're there, and I can look over them and reminisce with the click of a button. So I do think I'd prefer a system where users aren't able to take away applauses instead of add smites, as someone suggested.

Ditto on that - it is nice to be able to rep+ people who are helpful.

It's been discussed before and it was decided to keep it. I don't think that's going to change.

Quote from: FA on March 11, 2014, 03:49:44 PM
It's been discussed before and it was decided to keep it. I don't think that's going to change.

Things change and maybe it's time for something new here too?

Quote from: Jamie D on March 11, 2014, 03:00:39 PM
Didn't anyone tell you not to play in the street?

Gosh, way back when, the street was one of our favorite playgrounds!  Times do change. :)

Well, I think totally getting rid of the rep system could diminish community morale in some form.  Think about it this way, giving someone a plus is a friendly way of saying I agree or appreciate what you said.  Sometimes it's a nice way to boast another members feelings and it's done without much effort. It always makes me smile when someone reps me, even though I know my number is more do to my insane post count, lol. And I know when I do it, I generally am trying to give them a digital hug, thank you, congrats or hang in there.  Depends.  Either way I think it can have a positive impact on members.

The smites suck, but they are a small presence on the site.  I think the positives are more on the side of the rep system.  Still, I wish people would be nicer to each other and find a way to get along despite disagreements.   

Quote from: Pikachu on March 11, 2014, 03:29:25 PM
That would be cool, but I don't think she will. I've never seen Susan reply to any threads unless they were about some problem or question about the site. I guess this might count, though.

Most of Susan's posts are in the Staff forums.

Quote from: Nikko on March 11, 2014, 04:13:44 PM
Gosh, way back when, the street was one of our favorite playgrounds!  Times do change. :)

.
There was once a little boy who was born with a terrible birth defect.  He had no legs.  He had no arms.  He had no torso.  In fact, he had no body from the neck down.  :(

But his parents loved him dear and treated him just like the rest of the family.  They sat him at the table for dinner every night.  Had a little tiny inner tube so he could float in the pool.  and during the day, they would set him on the window sill so he could watch the other kids play out in the yards.

One evening, dinner was late, so the boy sat on the window sill and saw the first star of the evening come out.  He made a wish.  A wish to be a normal boy.

Lo and behold, when he woke up in the morning, he was whole!  He had a body, arms, and legs!!  He was so excited that he ran outside to play with his friends, and right into the street, where he was run over by a car and killed.  :(

There is a moral to this sad story though.  Sometimes it is best to quit while you are ahead.   >:-)

Quote from: Jamie D on March 11, 2014, 05:46:23 PM
.
There was once a little boy who was born with a terrible birth defect.  He had no legs.  He had no arms.  He had no torso.  In fact, he had no body from the neck down.  :(

But his parents loved him dear and treated him just like the rest of the family.  They sat him at the table for dinner every night.  Had a little tiny inner tube so he could float in the pool.  and during the day, they would set him on the window sill so he could watch the other kids play out in the yards.

One evening, dinner was late, so the boy sat on the window sill and saw the first star of the evening come out.  He made a wish.  A wish to be a normal boy.

Lo and behold, when he woke up in the morning, he was whole!  He had a body, arms, and legs!!  He was so excited that he ran outside to play with his friends, and right into the street, where he was run over by a car and killed.  :(

There is a moral to this sad story though.  Sometimes it is best to quit while you are ahead.   >:-)

You mean "a head"?

Double entendre  ;)

(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fstore.sluggy.com%2Fimages%2FD%2Fzhoas-preview.gif&hash=2dfcbc872072675ad20f57001ba1b8377588bf70)

Dunk it in caramel and it's a deal.

Quote from: Jamie D on March 11, 2014, 05:46:23 PM

Quote from: Nikko on March 11, 2014, 04:13:44 PM
Gosh, way back when, the street was one of our favorite playgrounds!  Times do change. :)

.
There was once a little boy who was born with a terrible birth defect.  He had no legs.  He had no arms.  He had no torso.  In fact, he had no body from the neck down.  :(

But his parents loved him dear and treated him just like the rest of the family.  They sat him at the table for dinner every night.  Had a little tiny inner tube so he could float in the pool.  and during the day, they would set him on the window sill so he could watch the other kids play out in the yards.

One evening, dinner was late, so the boy sat on the window sill and saw the first star of the evening come out.  He made a wish.  A wish to be a normal boy.

Lo and behold, when he woke up in the morning, he was whole!  He had a body, arms, and legs!!  He was so excited that he ran outside to play with his friends, and right into the street, where he was run over by a car and killed.  :(

There is a moral to this sad story though.  Sometimes it is best to quit while you are ahead.   >:-)

I will never forgive you for this! Never!  :laugh:

Quote from: Jamie D on March 11, 2014, 05:46:23 PM
.
There was once a little boy who was born with a terrible birth defect.  He had no legs.  He had no arms.  He had no torso.  In fact, he had no body from the neck down.  :(

But his parents loved him dear and treated him just like the rest of the family.  They sat him at the table for dinner every night.  Had a little tiny inner tube so he could float in the pool.  and during the day, they would set him on the window sill so he could watch the other kids play out in the yards.

One evening, dinner was late, so the boy sat on the window sill and saw the first star of the evening come out.  He made a wish.  A wish to be a normal boy.

Lo and behold, when he woke up in the morning, he was whole!  He had a body, arms, and legs!!  He was so excited that he ran outside to play with his friends, and right into the street, where he was run over by a car and killed.  :(

There is a moral to this sad story though.  Sometimes it is best to quit while you are ahead.   >:-)

....not sure to laugh or be horrified.....

Quote from: FA on March 11, 2014, 06:53:52 PM
I will never forgive you for this! Never!  :laugh:

Just please honor Anatta's wish and save your smite for next week  ;)  :P

Quote from: Jamie D on March 11, 2014, 09:58:25 PM
Just please honor Anatta's wish and save your smite for next week  ;)  :P

Kia Ora Jamie,

You're just trying to trick FA...You know full well that like "tomorrow" next week never comes  :) :D ;)

Metta Anatta :)

... ssssshhhhh  :D

Quote from: Jamie D on March 11, 2014, 11:09:31 PM
... ssssshhhh

it

(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mamaandbabylove.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2013%2F02%2Fpotty-mouth-734.jpg&hash=37429a1de02d5b5fdb031625719d4e9fa4fb7341)

Quote from: Laura Squirrel on March 11, 2014, 11:12:29 PM
it

timwood
=
->-bleeped-<-timwood
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.csu.edu.au%2F__data%2Fassets%2Fimage%2F0017%2F127304%2Facacia.jpg&hash=4d3cd67672dea6baafbc4425ebfe52756347aa12)

Quote from: FA on March 11, 2014, 06:53:52 PM
.
There was once a little boy who was born with a terrible birth defect.  He had no legs.  He had no arms.  He had no torso.  In fact, he had no body from the neck down.  :(

But his parents loved him dear and treated him just like the rest of the family.  They sat him at the table for dinner every night.  Had a little tiny inner tube so he could float in the pool.  and during the day, they would set him on the window sill so he could watch the other kids play out in the yards.

One evening, dinner was late, so the boy sat on the window sill and saw the first star of the evening come out.  He made a wish.  A wish to be a normal boy.

Lo and behold, when he woke up in the morning, he was whole!  He had a body, arms, and legs!!  He was so excited that he ran outside to play with his friends, and right into the street, where he was run over by a car and killed.  :(

There is a moral to this sad story though.  Sometimes it is best to quit while you are ahead.   >:-)


I will never forgive you for this! Never!  :laugh:

Remember ya'll... you should never say never and always quit while you're ahead.  :)

Kia Ora Folks,

::) It's been around six days.... Have you been tempted/itchy trigger finger to "smite" somebody ? Or perhaps you have already given in and anger/frustration has got the better of you....

Metta Anatta :)

Nope... not at all............  ;D

Nope.  In fact the few times it could have gone that way having a dialogue moved things in a much more positive direction.

Well, the forum as a whole didn't make it a week without smites, but maybe there were less than there otherwise would have been because of your thread, Anatta.

Either way, I appreciate you trying to keep us all civil. :)

Quote from: Anatta on March 15, 2014, 07:46:30 PM
Kia Ora Folks,

::) It's been around six days.... Have you been tempted/itchy trigger finger to "smite" somebody ? Or perhaps you have already given in and anger/frustration has got the better of you....

Metta Anatta :)

As one of the people who answered no, I am patiently waiting for someone to step out of line enough for me to feel the need to smite them! Seriously though, I am not sure exactly what it wold take, perhaps someone advocating merging onto a highway at 1/4 the speed limit.

Its been since December 10th for me.  I quit a while back.  Just isn't worth it.

I've never smited or been smited either. I don't see the point in hurting another persons feelings by doing so.