Dear fellow Retrobikers, an apology.

[clockworkgazz]

yep your right I don't know any of the facts but here is how I see it-

if someone called me a fanny for instance (neglecting the fact for the moment that I actually am a fanny- ask the macretro boys) in a thread that was meant to hurt my feelings I would walk away or call them a bawbag back depending on my mood alcohol consumption etc.. This would not really be big or clever but most folk would think Aye Aye look at those pair of "fannies" and move on. If you then go off thinking you've been bullied I would respectfully suggest that your been over-sensitive. I like most folk had a period at school where I was bullied but it was the fear of getting the **** kicked out of me that made me fear't if I could have nullified the big Neanderthal by pressing a off switch then I don't think I would have given it a second thought. Sort of labouring my quite boring point sorry but I need my bed, needless to say I have made some good friends thru this wonderful site but if I did fall out with someone it would not really matter in the great big scheme of things.

 

[KeepItSteel]

I think you make a very good point.

 

[clockworkgazz]

I do empathize with you mate and I'm saddened that folk obviously did fall out with each other (irrespective of who started what) and hope that differences can be patched up and the world of cosy karma loveliness is restored ASAP.

 

[clockworkgazz]

bugger double post

now this fellow here did not have to go far to seek out his sorrows

 

[drystonepaul]

Having watched more or less everything that happened last night start as a difference of opinion in one thread, escalate into a very public and unsubtle slanging match spread across several, I'm not surprised that this is still being discussed.

For me it was a bit like watching a car crash in slow motion, only it was perhaps slightly more predictable. The damage has been done but I think that everyone involved, or who directly or indirectly witnessed it, should be able to learn from it and move on.

When I first joined RB nearly two years ago there was definitely a prevailing sense of friendliness, politeness and a gentlemanly etiquette shared between the vast majority of members. I still see RB as a very friendly place and one I'm very happy to be a part of, but I have had some concerns more recently. Maybe I could be accused of being over sensitive but I'd like to think that I'm being completely objective when I make these observations.

And so for example; this has been pointed out already, but I remember when members would sensor their own posts by replacing swear-words with asterisks or simply not swearing at all. At first I found this quite amusing and it had a naive charm to it. I played along too. Later I realised that in the context of a forum openly viewed by anyone, that this was an important consideration. This simple self censorship showed a level of respect that forum members all seemed to share and it was a good example of a shared respect for one another.

However increasingly nowadays many posts seem to include all sorts of language which may be acceptable after a few pints in the pub with your mates, but are perhaps less acceptable in the context of an open forum.

Along with this it seems to me that at times there have been more examples where politeness and etiquette are lacking somewhat. Some threads seem to regularly descend into pointless banter/mocking with a vague stab at being humorous. At best this can be irritating; at worst it comes across as disrespectful and aggressive. When this escalates into being openly or covertly abusive, then it is of course unacceptable.

Fundamentally this is about respecting each others opinions and more importantly, respecting one another.

I know this place is about the ultimately rather trivial matter of old bikes, so I wonder why I'm spending time typing this over long post at 3am rather than scanning the for sale section for some shiny stuff.

Respect is an important concept for me though.

 

[Awkward Kid]

I like having 10p's worth,so heres mine.

What retrobike does (and very well) is bring together a common passion for the love of cycling. Its that attachment and defensive nature that got me into trouble and i became... defensive and, well rude to no other than John (Sorry mate) and was dealt a well deserved ban. We all have opinions and some clearly dont mix but what you've to remember is that we all have a common interest, yes theres groups of members who click, but we all have that original reason for being here. like i said i dont know the history of the thread but if its bullying theres ways of dealing with it. Pinch of salt and that and go check out yer bikes and remember why youre here. And being silly late i can but echo Drystonepaul's comments.

 

[legrandefromage]

Right.

I've just read back through a few threads and Keep it Steel has singled me out on many occasions which I find totally unfair. I'm accused of bullying, bullying whom?? I may not have the eloquence of some of the members and blunder in sometimes but to go about singling me out the way you have done simply went too far:

''last time I looked you were busy belittling someone, again''

What? Whom?

''Just because you have thousands of posts on a website, doesnt make you an authoritayyyyy and doesnt justify the sarcasm.''

again, post counts are irrelevant

''Ive openly accused another member of abusing me, and generally acting like a bully....''

again, I have no idea as to what you are on about.

you're a character aren't you eh?

''For me its been more about making you feel a tiny bit as uncomfortable as you've made others feel on this forum.
I'll be looking forward to the moderators response to your attitude, and it could be very interesting to see how you cope without your RB privileges.
You love this place right?''

And you wandered why I told you to go and **** yourself? That post was an open threat FFS! It was just plain creepy.

And another cracker:

''Is this thread going to be pulled now also?

seeing as it was intended as an insult to me and possibly Dr S?

I see freedom of speech really doesnt stand for much on here any more''

That thread was nothing to do with you whatsoever unless you had something to show off about. I just found a couple of phrases to be a good giggle.

You picture me as somebody who deliberately goes around pouncing on members like some sort of on-line monster - thats not me, I've met many of the members on here and they know me face to face and have no problem so far.

You should ask yourself, who is the bully?

Now, I've just finished work and I am tired. Theres a cold beer with my name on it. You should take the time to re read what you've written and see if any of it actually makes any sense. My 'Crew' is the Alconbury Midnight Growlers, which you are welcome to join but its very 'clique' as theres only me in it and we often fight over the fig rolls...

 

[john]

Righty ho. Some good debate here. Especially about the crisps.

Rather than let two or three threads run along similar lines I've conisildated things here > http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=117641 . Please feel free to add some constructive points here.

If you want to continue the crisps debate then here you go > http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=117642