Solo Expedition...
1 year ago
Monday, August 08, 2011
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Who Moderates the Moderators?
My question is directed towards the Topeka Capital-Journal, and more specifically, to their online Editor, Curt Kaywood. He's basically boasting about his work on the CJonline website and his efforts to build a community forum. http://cjonline.com/interact/blog/kurt_caywood/2009-03-31/wanted_a_few_good_moderators
Who moderates the Moderators? I think it's a pretty legitimate question because apparently some of their online censors have their own agendas, or like to play favorites regarding the removal of "offensive" posts and banning of certain users.
My complaint is very legitimate and still has not received any answers more substantial than, "Be happy we let you back on".
Yet the posts that I responded to, which were every bit as offensive as my responses to them, are still online.
So to CJonline:
You may think that it's no big deal, yeah whatever, quit complaining and be happy. But you ain't the only ones with a job to do. A LOT of times your reporters have left out crucial information in their stories (such as asking the OTHER side of the story). Or forgot to include websites. It really bothers me when your reporters write a story and only ask ONE side, and don't even bother to ask any OTHER sides. That's not only sloppy writing, it's also counter to what a newspaper is supposed to be. Opinions aren't necessarily news, but reporting them as such is dishonest. And several Capital-Journal reporters have a major problem thinking their opinion is news enough.
In any case, the fact that I alone was banned, while the people who attacked me first and very personally were left alone, is beyond an insult. And the fact that they were allowed to continue posting trash after I was banned, is a direct attack against me.
It's reminiscent of a teacher watching the playground bullies pick on the school nerd. And when the nerd finally hits one of the bullies back, the teacher sends the nerd home to keep the peace. And I don't appreciate it!
In any case, you want a community forum? Then stop letting people make anonymous, libelous personal attacks against other people on the site. A little trash talking is one thing, but serious false allegations are something certain users thrive on. And by you allowing those cyber-bullies to run the game, you kill any chances of making this a legitimate community forum.
Sincerely,
-----------------
Thomas Lessman
Web: www.ThomasLessman.com
Blog: www.talessman.blogspot.com
Who moderates the Moderators? I think it's a pretty legitimate question because apparently some of their online censors have their own agendas, or like to play favorites regarding the removal of "offensive" posts and banning of certain users.
My complaint is very legitimate and still has not received any answers more substantial than, "Be happy we let you back on".
Yet the posts that I responded to, which were every bit as offensive as my responses to them, are still online.
So to CJonline:
You may think that it's no big deal, yeah whatever, quit complaining and be happy. But you ain't the only ones with a job to do. A LOT of times your reporters have left out crucial information in their stories (such as asking the OTHER side of the story). Or forgot to include websites. It really bothers me when your reporters write a story and only ask ONE side, and don't even bother to ask any OTHER sides. That's not only sloppy writing, it's also counter to what a newspaper is supposed to be. Opinions aren't necessarily news, but reporting them as such is dishonest. And several Capital-Journal reporters have a major problem thinking their opinion is news enough.
In any case, the fact that I alone was banned, while the people who attacked me first and very personally were left alone, is beyond an insult. And the fact that they were allowed to continue posting trash after I was banned, is a direct attack against me.
It's reminiscent of a teacher watching the playground bullies pick on the school nerd. And when the nerd finally hits one of the bullies back, the teacher sends the nerd home to keep the peace. And I don't appreciate it!
In any case, you want a community forum? Then stop letting people make anonymous, libelous personal attacks against other people on the site. A little trash talking is one thing, but serious false allegations are something certain users thrive on. And by you allowing those cyber-bullies to run the game, you kill any chances of making this a legitimate community forum.
Sincerely,
-----------------
Thomas Lessman
Web: www.ThomasLessman.com
Blog: www.talessman.blogspot.com
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Alive & Kicking
I realize I haven't updated this blog for a little too long, and I apologize but there are legitimate reasons for it. Like I was in the hospital last week for a severe sinus infection (even though I've never had sinus problems before that!).
But I've still been active, Alive & Kicking (by Simple Minds, possibly my favorite 80's song!). Primarily I've been working full time with some messed up hours. Also coordinating for our first concert of Truckhenge Music Fest III (2009).
I've actually slacked off on the history maps since mid January. Not to worry, I'll be back on them here eventually, but you've got to take breaks from that every once in a while or you get too burned out!
And of course I'm still active on CJonline, fighting with the usual round of asshats (TopekaVoter/Jason Chaika, ThimTHebow, LearnedHand, etc.) I actually got banned from CJo for a week after some retaliatory comments I made against CJo staff for censuring my posts but leaving up posts that were attacking me. After a good conversation with Mark Nusbaum, Publisher of the Capital-Journal, I was given back access to my CJo account. I actually like Mr. Nusbaum, and I've been a major fan of the Journal ever since he took over the position. Too bad for the CJo censor Nazi who apparently has a problem with the controversy surrounding my opinions. I think he wants to ban me again, but I've always been one to stand up for what I believe in - even if I have to fight the teacher to prove the point!
Anyway, I just wanted to let y'all know that, like the Simple Minds song from the 80's, I'm still... Alive & Kicking!
Thomas Lessman
Web: www.ThomasLessman.com
But I've still been active, Alive & Kicking (by Simple Minds, possibly my favorite 80's song!). Primarily I've been working full time with some messed up hours. Also coordinating for our first concert of Truckhenge Music Fest III (2009).
I've actually slacked off on the history maps since mid January. Not to worry, I'll be back on them here eventually, but you've got to take breaks from that every once in a while or you get too burned out!
And of course I'm still active on CJonline, fighting with the usual round of asshats (TopekaVoter/Jason Chaika, ThimTHebow, LearnedHand, etc.) I actually got banned from CJo for a week after some retaliatory comments I made against CJo staff for censuring my posts but leaving up posts that were attacking me. After a good conversation with Mark Nusbaum, Publisher of the Capital-Journal, I was given back access to my CJo account. I actually like Mr. Nusbaum, and I've been a major fan of the Journal ever since he took over the position. Too bad for the CJo censor Nazi who apparently has a problem with the controversy surrounding my opinions. I think he wants to ban me again, but I've always been one to stand up for what I believe in - even if I have to fight the teacher to prove the point!
Anyway, I just wanted to let y'all know that, like the Simple Minds song from the 80's, I'm still... Alive & Kicking!
Thomas Lessman
Web: www.ThomasLessman.com
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Fairness Doctrine?
If we really want to discuss "fair", try walking in a Libertarian's shoes. Or a Reformer's or Constitutionalist's shoes.
It's amazing that the vast majority of people who take the World's Smallest Political Quiz (http://www.theadvocates.org/quiz.html) fit within the Libertarian side of the spectrum. Yet they hardly know about the Libertarian Party. They are delighted to find a party actually pushes for limited government, and they agree that the government is involved in our lives in ways it has no business being involved. Yet come election time, they STILL vote for Republicans or Democrats.
A LOT of that would change, if their wasn't a BIpartisan effort of Republicans & Democrats doing their best to exclude every other political party from the process.
America has almost irreparably transformed itself from a nation of rugged individualists, to a nation of urban worker-drones. Instead of individuals who live for Freedom, most drones would rather be free from living.
And we are our own worst enemy because WE are the ones electing the same people back into office.
Thomas Lessman
Libertarian Party of Kansas: www.LPKS.org
Constitution Party: http://ks.constitutionparty.com/
Reform Party of Kansas: www.vote-ks.org
It's amazing that the vast majority of people who take the World's Smallest Political Quiz (http://www.theadvocates.org/quiz.html) fit within the Libertarian side of the spectrum. Yet they hardly know about the Libertarian Party. They are delighted to find a party actually pushes for limited government, and they agree that the government is involved in our lives in ways it has no business being involved. Yet come election time, they STILL vote for Republicans or Democrats.
A LOT of that would change, if their wasn't a BIpartisan effort of Republicans & Democrats doing their best to exclude every other political party from the process.
America has almost irreparably transformed itself from a nation of rugged individualists, to a nation of urban worker-drones. Instead of individuals who live for Freedom, most drones would rather be free from living.
And we are our own worst enemy because WE are the ones electing the same people back into office.
Thomas Lessman
Libertarian Party of Kansas: www.LPKS.org
Constitution Party: http://ks.constitutionparty.com/
Reform Party of Kansas: www.vote-ks.org
Friday, November 07, 2008
Sonny Scroggins receives award
From the Topeka Capital-Journal, Friday Nov. 7, 2008.
Source URL: http://www.cjonline.com/stories/110708/loc_353115113.shtml
I respect Sonny Scroggins. And even when I don't agree with him, I still respect his views.
The reason is because Sonny doesn't talk out of both sides of his mouth. In Sonny's words, if it ain't right for a white man to do or say it, then it also ain't right for a black man to do or say it.
I can respect a man who stands up for his beliefs. Even more so when they aren't hypocritical about them. And after a knowing Sonny for a few years, I consider him a good friend.
Thomas Lessman
Web: www.ThomasLessman.com
Blog: www.talessman.blogspot.com
Source URL: http://www.cjonline.com/stories/110708/loc_353115113.shtml
I respect Sonny Scroggins. And even when I don't agree with him, I still respect his views.
The reason is because Sonny doesn't talk out of both sides of his mouth. In Sonny's words, if it ain't right for a white man to do or say it, then it also ain't right for a black man to do or say it.
I can respect a man who stands up for his beliefs. Even more so when they aren't hypocritical about them. And after a knowing Sonny for a few years, I consider him a good friend.
Thomas Lessman
Web: www.ThomasLessman.com
Blog: www.talessman.blogspot.com
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