A quick word from Admiral RM

[rhythmmethod]

Hey Guys,

We are a community. Like all communities/clubs/families not everyone has the same worldview, past experiences or even esthetics. Those are exactly the reasons that we can all grow/learn and benefit from viewpoints that are very different than our own. I really enjoy the opinions and strategies of investors that are quite different than my own. I find it educational to see how participants are changing their investment strategy as they get older. chang has created a great vehicle for us to discuss our investments and viewpoints. Please, let’s not make him regret setting this site up. The fact that it has, and continues to grow, is testament to the fact that there are not many, if any, alternatives. He, and I, want folks to feel like they can express their viewpoints (regarding investments) freely without walking on eggshells. It does require some discipline on our part as well. If you’ve said the same thing repeatedly, you can trust most folks have heard it. It can probably go without another repetition. If a poster gets on your nerves ad nauseam, BLOCK THEM. If something slips through the cracks and you feel a snipe would make you feel better, just say no, like Nancy Reagan You can consider it an exercise in self-control. Or, as my musician friends would say, “just switch to indica”.

Chang has other activities, as do I, other than monitor a site. So, there may be a few things that slip past us. I’m starting my teaching semester soon and have prep for a theatre project, so time is somewhat limited. Having said that if anyone wants to reach out to me with a concern via PM I’ll do my best to give it some attention.

I consider you all colleagues and friends. Even those on ignore ;-)

Peace, RM

[Norbert]

I appreciate your PM and also this post. I like to think that I understand your point.

My issue is that not seeing (a.k.a. blocking) someone doesn't make the problem go away. As I unsuccessfully tried to explain in another post, ignoring President Biden's actions doesn't mean they don't happen. So, I pay attention to his words and actions, although they depress me.

I think that the posting behavior I've seen here will drive away serious people who have something meaningful to say. The forum is diminished. I feel somewhat embarrassed being part of it. Given that EVERY thread I've launched has been taken off topic by this individual, I no longer feel motivated to launch a new thread or even give careful thought to my posts.

Sorry, but I think it's a moderator's job to deal with individuals who cause disruption through endless posturing, who repeat the same ideas hundreds of times, who are continuously off topic, and who fail to read other members' posts carefully. Good moderation goes beyond watching for profanity or personal criticism.

But, I fully understand that Chang and you have other things to deal with. You don't want to be in a position to make judgment calls ... though I also know that Chang would have little patience with some of the actors posting at AC. But, this particular individual happens to be a personal acquaintance, so that changes the situation. Fine. That's the reality. The other reality is that the individual was banned for a month at AC, so now he needs this forum to do his shtick.

Bullshit is a bit like pornography:  I can't really define it, but I know it when I see it.  But, no worries!  It's just a discussion forum. I'll post less or maybe not at all.  It's not a big deal.  It won't change my affection for Chang or yourself.

N.

[javajoe]

Good post rhythmmethod. I've been a part of enough online communities over the last 20+ years to know that good moderation (the definition of which can vary by culture) is key to a successful and thriving online forum. That being said, two posters pretty much single-handedly drove me and many others away from M* Discuss, because of their incessant self-promotion, low EQ, and general lack of new/thoughtful value-add posts which is key for overall engagement. It's just fatiguing and although the Block/Ignore feature is there, it doesn't prevent threads from getting derailed OT and perhaps more importantly tends to drive the most value-add posters away.

It's a tough situation... In running a business with many different types of people, the sad thing I've learned about people with low EQ is that their low EQ prevents them from hearing and receiving constructive feedback that would otherwise help them grow and better connect with others. So it becomes a self-perpetuating cycle.

Just my 2c,
-JavaJoe

[rhythmmethod]

Norbert  ,javajoe , Thanks for your feedback. Let's see how things play out in the near and intermediate future. Sometimes a good flush can remove some of the...well you know. I have a selfish reason for this site to be successful. I consider myself a junior partner in the investment knowledge base and enjoy the actionable thoughts of others. Here's looking to useful info delivered with respect and consideration.

[rhythmmethod]

Just adding this, for no other reason than I need to. I lost a friend and former student today to COVID. He had 4 kids. We all are pretty fortunate folks here. Let's try to keep our real and perceived differences in perspective. My recent news makes investment forum disputes seem pretty inconsequential. Please be safe, be kind and take care.

[steadyeddy]

Aug 18, 2021 21:08:11 GMT rhythmmethod said:

Just adding this, for no other reason than I need to. I lost a friend and former student today to COVID. He had 4 kids. We all are pretty fortunate folks here. Let's try to keep our real and perceived differences in perspective. My recent news makes investment forum disputes seem pretty inconsequential. Please be safe, be kind and take care.

RM, sorry to hear about your loss. And, thanks for all you and Chang do to keep this forum civil.