Taking some time off

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Don't blame ya. I said some time ago,this place has taken a change for the worse. I've spoken to alotta active members who are no longer active here,and all say the same.There are a select few members here that "push" their so called knowledge onto everyone,thats all I'm sayin.
 
Reflection and introspection is always a good thing. Also less time on the internet.

Enjoy your siesta.
 
I don't understand why when someone takes "time off" that they gotta post it with 3 pages of responses as to why they should stay on?! I mean, if you gotta take "time off", well, just do it. Everyone else will figure it out..
 
Originally Posted By: JHZR2
So it's time to take a little time and take a break.


You deserve it after 22,000+ posts in 10 years. Yap, lots of noobs here are very obnoxious.
 
Originally Posted By: SaturnIonVue
...your opinion means a lot more around here than most. I don't recall your being rude, or abrasive to anyone...why deprive the rest of us the value of your posts?


Agree! You are a real asset to this board.

Tom NJ
 
J,
No offense and nothing personal, but you are one snarkiest of the many snarky snarkertons here at BITOG.
I hate to see you go. And although our exchanges usually left me shaking my head and thinking to myself “this guy is a mod?”, I have always enjoyed them and have enjoyed reading your posts in general, knowing that if I didn't feel up to it, someone else would be along shortly to smack you down with reason, commonsense and knowledge (unless you quickly banned/suspended them of course).
smile.gif



Don
 
Originally Posted By: friendly_jacek
Originally Posted By: JHZR2
So it's time to take a little time and take a break.


You deserve it after 22,000+ posts in 10 years. Yap, lots of noobs here are very obnoxious.


Break? It's retirement time after that amount of service!

You mean you don't want to chat about shifting vs. automatic or paying cash vs. leasing anymore?? That's CRAZY talk!

Anyway.. I'm just a nobody, but have been around a long time too. Of course the board is different now due to the huge member count. Nature of the beast.

It's still the best automotive and otherwise board around IMO.

You just have to ignore or skim over the khrap.

Joel
 
Hi Joel,

Originally Posted By: JTK
Of course the board is different now due to the huge member count. Nature of the beast.

It's still the best automotive and otherwise board around IMO.

You just have to ignore or skim over the khrap.

Joel


Well said.

I see 100 members online at any given time -- excellent numbers.

There's much to be said for merely skimming over what you find uninteresting.

forgive me for repeating myself,

icon_salut.gif
 
Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
The problem is that JMH is not just another BITOG member but also a moderator. Numerous times in the past he was being accused of getting other members banned because of disagreement on this issue or another....Whenever a moderator is also an active poster, it's always difficult to appear objective and separate personal feelings from just "doing a mod's job."


That ^^^ sums it up pretty much for me. The guy is a Mod and thus he is held to a higher standard of conduct. Rightfully so to I might add and especially here at BITOG where there are very strict rules and the slightest transgression gets you in trouble( not complaining - just an observation ). I have been a Mod many times before and you have to keep yourself above the ruckuss; you don't join it. Frankly when I became a Mod on a site I almost completely stopped posting on all but the most generic of topics. You really have to. You can't be opinionated and argue yourself as a Mod and then discipline others for doing it.

This guy is too willing to chime in on controversial subjects with his opinion and say what he wants with no fear of the consequences the rest of us would face for saying the same things. It leads to problems and a lack of trust. While I have nothing personal against him at all( I don't know him other than through here )he has at times come across to me as someone who feels they are always right and above the rules because he is a Mod. In other words he would post things that really stretched the rules without fear of having anyone come down on him the way a regular member would have to watch for. It is easier to push the boundries, or even over step them, when you are the one enforcing the rules.

If I or another regular member were to post the things he has at times we would get a vacation given to us; it wouldn't be something we decided to do. Especially during the whole bash GM/Chrysler over the bailout and bash Toyota over the acceleration stuff. It also seemed at times if he felt like continuing a confrontational thread because the majority sided with his view it would be kept open. However, if a thread got going that he disagreed with it always became locked or vanished very fast.

Never intended this to be so long but I think a lot of the grief he is complaining about he brought on himself. Stay neutral and enforce the rules fairly and evenly for all, not to mention follow them yourself, and you won't catch grief. I respect anyone who spends their time moding a forum( especially one this large ). It is a thankless job and it is not always easy. I have resigned my Mod status everywhere after getting sick because it was too much work. Just don't make it harder on yourself by your own actions. IT is hard enough as is.
 
I think some people did not like him cause of his advanced education and some may have been intimidated by his views/knowledge.

If he has a demanding career , wife and kids he should not spend so much time as a Mod when he has more important things to do.
 
I flagged one JH's post as inappropriate. Got a PM from him ripping me apart for doing so. His post was deleted at the end. Do not know who deleted.

He seemed to follow the 1984 principle: All animals are created equal, but some are more equal than others.
 
Originally Posted By: Ursae_Majoris
He seemed to follow the 1984 principle: All animals are created equal, but some are more equal than others.


That's Animal Farm, not 1984
wink.gif
 
Wow, as I mentioned to the mod team, I am back now and again to check PMs and all. Didn't think this thread would get three pages of replies. I put it in not for attention (as some claimed), but because others have posted similarly at times that I've seen, and also sometimes when folks have not and stop posting, the threads about people pop up.

So much talk, let's get a few things straight:
1) I have had no fights or disagreements with BITOG management or ownership.

2) As I mentioned in my post to open this thread, "relax and attend to other aspects of my life. I'm spending too much time on the boards, and I have a lot going on.", I meant it. I have a lot of household projects to do (first two are a powder room refurbishment and then crown moulding in four rooms), and am finishing my PhD while working full time (>50-60 hours per week). Something had to give. I watch zero TV and no sports, so internet is my way to relax at the end of the day or at lunchtime, but I need to devote more time to other things.

3) I have never moderated or closed my own threads that Ive been engaged in. Other than changing foul language bypassing the censor, Ive not messed in threads that I have a discussion in - its just not fair to play that way. Neither have I ever banned someone (Ive only ever banned people for spamming or excessive foul language) for disagreeing or saying anything in a thread Ive been involved in. If someone else does lock it (likely because of a complaint from another user, who dislikes something - we do get 10-20 emails a day from users notifying), it is what it is. Perhaps the person locking the threads should put in a closing post. Thought this was usually the case.

4) Last I checked, I am allowed to have an opinion on things. Ive been on the mod team here twice, first around 2005 until there were too many, and then over the last few years. When I first learned about working the board from Tony (over AOL IM to date things), one of the things he told me was that too many folks become a moderator and then cease posting. He asked me to not do that, and to instead remain part of the discussions. My opinions, be they that leasing is glorified renting where you pay interest on top of the rental; that not having $2000 in the bank is an issue, especially if buying new cars or smartphones; that buying Chinese stuff steals American jobs; or whatever else is my opinion and Im entitled to it. Maybe I shouldn't comment on every thread, but I do enjoy discussing, and should be able to provide my opinions in topics I am interested in. Sorry if it is offensive to some.

5) If there is an issue with a post I make, hit the notify button. It is one of the checks and balances that exist on this site, any user can hit notify on things they dislike. To me, there is a difference between discussing a topic, and making it go RSP. For example, I work in energy-related R&D. Many like to make discussions on energy "P", but it does not have to be. This is the case for lots of topics. Just because I dont like illegals working here and the sale of Chinese goods because they steal American jobs (the reason why I disliked Ursae's claim that saying that was "blatantly political", and shot him a PM to discuss), does not mean that Im talking politics. Some topic areas may have a political bent which must be avoided at all costs. But some things can be discussed in a non-political way, if one takes care. It generally takes two to turn a discussion political, unless something is blatantly political (like an "I hate Obama" or "GWB is a moron for X"). It does not have to go that way.

Anyway, that's my story, and Im sticking to it. Tons to do, and 24 hours in a day just isnt enough. I dont have time to be arguing personal financial responsibility or Chinese made goods or how wonderful the Beastie Boys were right now, and since my time management skills arent the best, I need to loose some distractions for a little while.

Ill still be on from time to time and check in to check PMs. Feel free to PM anytime. And to those who said kind things - thanks, its nice to know you have friends all over the country
smile.gif
 
Sounds good to me. Just take it easy man.
smile.gif



I wouldn't worry about the "annoyed"(for a nicer word) people. With 40k people on this site, you're not going to please everyone. So sometimes it pays to be thick skinned a bit, as opinions come flying out fast and furious....But you'll always have friends on here somewhere, and that is what counts.


(* reaches for the flame suit*) I know it might be an unpopular idea, but this site might be due for a few more mods anyway. The traffic here can get crazy sometimes, and it can be hard to catch it all, even with the notify button. I've been a mod myself (a long while ago), and there are times were people need a simple gentle prod, or a small vacation...

I can see this from his side because it is not an easy job, nor a popular one. I had to ban a friend because he simply could not stop engaging in "wars" with others. And I was a pretty laid back for a mod too...but sometimes-what can you do?
 
Welcome back, JJHZR2.

Originally Posted By: NHHEMI
...It is a thankless job and it is not always easy.


I could not agree more. And having 5 years experience myself at a tiny forum i find this thread very interesting. (really not trying to brag just merely explaining)

Myself and others had some thoughts on this subject of moderating:

https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2619640&page=1

(and i do sincerely hope that me drawing attention to that thread does NOT create an argument.
Hide.gif
)

regards,

skate
 
Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Wow, as I mentioned to the mod team, I am back now and again to check PMs and all. Didn't think this thread would get three pages of replies. I put it in not for attention (as some claimed), but because others have posted similarly at times that I've seen, and also sometimes when folks have not and stop posting, the threads about people pop up.

So much talk, let's get a few things straight:
1) I have had no fights or disagreements with BITOG management or ownership.

2) As I mentioned in my post to open this thread, "relax and attend to other aspects of my life. I'm spending too much time on the boards, and I have a lot going on.", I meant it. I have a lot of household projects to do (first two are a powder room refurbishment and then crown moulding in four rooms), and am finishing my PhD while working full time (>50-60 hours per week). Something had to give. I watch zero TV and no sports, so internet is my way to relax at the end of the day or at lunchtime, but I need to devote more time to other things.

3) I have never moderated or closed my own threads that Ive been engaged in. Other than changing foul language bypassing the censor, Ive not messed in threads that I have a discussion in - its just not fair to play that way. Neither have I ever banned someone (Ive only ever banned people for spamming or excessive foul language) for disagreeing or saying anything in a thread Ive been involved in. If someone else does lock it (likely because of a complaint from another user, who dislikes something - we do get 10-20 emails a day from users notifying), it is what it is. Perhaps the person locking the threads should put in a closing post. Thought this was usually the case.

4) Last I checked, I am allowed to have an opinion on things. Ive been on the mod team here twice, first around 2005 until there were too many, and then over the last few years. When I first learned about working the board from Tony (over AOL IM to date things), one of the things he told me was that too many folks become a moderator and then cease posting. He asked me to not do that, and to instead remain part of the discussions. My opinions, be they that leasing is glorified renting where you pay interest on top of the rental; that not having $2000 in the bank is an issue, especially if buying new cars or smartphones; that buying Chinese stuff steals American jobs; or whatever else is my opinion and Im entitled to it. Maybe I shouldn't comment on every thread, but I do enjoy discussing, and should be able to provide my opinions in topics I am interested in. Sorry if it is offensive to some.

5) If there is an issue with a post I make, hit the notify button. It is one of the checks and balances that exist on this site, any user can hit notify on things they dislike. To me, there is a difference between discussing a topic, and making it go RSP. For example, I work in energy-related R&D. Many like to make discussions on energy "P", but it does not have to be. This is the case for lots of topics. Just because I dont like illegals working here and the sale of Chinese goods because they steal American jobs (the reason why I disliked Ursae's claim that saying that was "blatantly political", and shot him a PM to discuss), does not mean that Im talking politics. Some topic areas may have a political bent which must be avoided at all costs. But some things can be discussed in a non-political way, if one takes care. It generally takes two to turn a discussion political, unless something is blatantly political (like an "I hate Obama" or "GWB is a moron for X"). It does not have to go that way.

Anyway, that's my story, and Im sticking to it. Tons to do, and 24 hours in a day just isnt enough. I dont have time to be arguing personal financial responsibility or Chinese made goods or how wonderful the Beastie Boys were right now, and since my time management skills arent the best, I need to loose some distractions for a little while.

Ill still be on from time to time and check in to check PMs. Feel free to PM anytime. And to those who said kind things - thanks, its nice to know you have friends all over the country
smile.gif




May I add something?

Welcome BACK!
 
Welcome back. I was hoping you wouldn't be away long and never come back. I can think of a member or two that has done that
 
Quote:
I think some people did not like him cause of his advanced education and some may have been intimidated by his views/knowledge.

I've never been 'offended' by anything posted, but also never intimidated by either his posts, position or background.

I do know that harassment PM's initiated by a moderator is highly inappropriate. I consider it gutless to send PM's to say something negative/derogatory in a PM after one has said they are finished posting with a topic on the boards. I still have them as a record. Perhaps others make habit of sending derogatory pm's to other members, I don't know. I've considered it a way to make a positive comment/communication between members. In any case, a moderator should not be involved in sending personal attacks via PM.

Wasn't going to comment here, but since the whole story isn't being told I feel this is now the appropriate time.
 
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