JoeUser – it’s up to you.

Should I stay or should I go now?

from JoeUser Forums
Will you look at this conceited, pig headed moron, appealing to the masses of this blogging community, giving them the power of choice? Yeah – that’s me I guess… the decision is simply too hard for me to make on my lonesome, and whilst it all comes back to me, and how I feel about the situation, I would like to consult my blogging friends – if I have any left that is!

For reasons many of you will never know, some of you will assume, and others may implicate, Muggaz has been permanently blacklisted from everyone’s blog at the behest of the fine ‘moderators’ of this upstanding blogging community. This grieves me somewhat, as it can be construed that I am being anti-social by not commenting on other blogs, yet I assure you this is not the case.

My dilemma is simple – Should I go on posting my fine social commentary from the confines of Muggaz Adventures, or should I start fresh some place where everyone is on level footing, rather than people – i.e. me, feel like second class citizens, and generally disassociated from the community. It is the goals of the administrators to have Muggaz fade away from JoeUser like a star in the night, and without your help, that is exactly what will happen.

Am I bigger than the community? Can Muggaz adventures survive without Muggaz contributing to the community? Blogging is an extremely social activity, so the survival of Muggaz Adventures depends largely on my audience – of course, I can start some place new, build relationships with a bunch of new people who will probably think the same of me as many of you do – but I don’t really want to go through that again – bonds and friendships have been formed, and I resent having to turn my back on those weird internet relationships… besides, there are only so many internet stalkers a guy like me can handle ok?

So, depending on how this article is received, the answer will be apparent, if you bid good riddance to the Mug, tell me so, or your silence will be testimony, yet, if you feel your day is enlightened from the insight of Muggaz, and you enjoy my e-company, as I do yours, and you promise to still read my articles even though I can’t comment on yours, please let me know… Of course, I am arrogant enough to suggest the administrators are making an error in judgement, alas, I am at the mercy of their whim, so I must yield. I am not advocating members of the community make the same assumptions, I am simply stating my intentions concisely – I value this community no matter what, alas, If I am not valued – I will take my leave and continue to write wherever I choose to bestow my antics upon.

Are Stars still as bright if no-one looks at them? Yeah – sure they are, but you have the power to choose which stars you look at – perhaps I am an attention seeking goofball using a blogging community as a median to make up for my attention starved childhood – who knows? I am genuinely sincere when I say I value the friendships I have formed here, and the people I care about know who they are - I am loathe to disregard those relationships… maybe loyalty in situations like this can be interpreted as a negative character trait, but my loyalty lies with JoeUsers, unless they tell me otherwise.

Is this the last BAM!!!?

I hope not!
6,938 views 49 replies
Reply #1 from JoeUser Forums Top
As I am against censorship of any kind and like to read an interesting (and well-worded) article or comment, I give You my support in voicing Your opinions.

On the other hand, I don't really know why You were blacklisted so I cannot say i disagree with the moderators. And I don't have time to find out. Maybe You could explain?
Reply #2 from JoeUser Forums Top
Wow, how did you piss em off? They're all a bunch of fascists and you're no different. Nah, but stick around Muggaz, it's fun havin' you round. We need Aussies to dominate this blogging world. But only on the condition that you reciprocate the link I provide to you.
Elemental: Reforged
Reply #3 from JoeUser Forums Top

Mug - I for one would hate to see you go... I guess I've been out of touch with things lately, cause I didn't know you got blacklisted... please do fill us in on why this has happened...


I know it's not gonna be the same if you're not able to comment on other blogs, but maybe in time things will change back to the way they were.  If Dan K. could get a reprieve, then you can too...


One thing is for sure, I certainly never wanted you blacklisted from my blog.  You're welcome to comment on my blog anytime.   

Reply #4 from JoeUser Forums Top
Muggaz:

Is this the last BAM!!!?


You know very well that you won't be going anywhere. This is a burgeoning community, and when it's ready to hit the mainstream, you're (and everyone here) going to have access to a massive audience. I can't see the legendary Muggaz missing an opportunity like that.

I simply think it's a cool- off period, is all, (i'm neither here nor there on the reasons behind it, and had/have no wish to become involved before or now. It all appeared to get a bit out of hand to me... )

You know you have a captive audience here, so ride the low spot, mate. Maybe even eat a little humble-pie? An offer to avoid confrontation (within certain parameters) may go a long way to restoring your former glory....

I can see the passion in your writing, Mark, and I do like what I see. ...honestly. You have a style you've made your own.... but....

I don't want this to sound like a put down in any way either, ..but I see the same hot-headed, wont-back-down from a showdown, person I was years ago ~in you. Sometimes you just got to know when to stop flogging the proverbial, even if you think you're right. It only serves to inflame further, whilst getting the debate/discussion/argument nowhere, fast.

So, in a long-winded,-personal vote, Muggaz, ride the low,..........and,.........STAY!

Please don't misconstrue this as a lecture either please mate, entirely not intended that way. And who am I to lecture you anyway eh? Pots & kettles, black and such.... y'know?

(...the much quieter these days "Shoppo Thug")
Reply #5 from JoeUser Forums Top
I think the word is out. You just have to write something apolitical or if you do write something political, be careful not to disagree with them (piss them off ? - yes that too) or be convincing enough of your disagreements with them or else they'll treat you like what Norton does for the viruses - quarantine ..delete.whatever. The thing is this is a repub;lican site and they're not aat all democratic
Reply #6 from JoeUser Forums Top
Oh honey I didn't know anything about this. I imagine it was a political thing? (it always is on this site). I'll still come read your blogs and comment when I can. I'd hate to see you leave.

I don't know why you were blacklisted but I'm sure it'll be lifted soon enough,I think the admins are really very reasonable. You are of course welcome on my silly blog anytime.

Dyl xx
Reply #7 from JoeUser Forums Top
I can't believe that you've been blacklisted from commenting on ALL blogs. That's pure shite considering there are a lot of people who support and encourage your comments and opinion. While it may not necessarily reflect my own at times, to be banned from commenting on every single blog is awful. Although, like others I really don't know the particulars of the situations, but I could guess. If you've been banned, there certainly should be a lot of other people banned as well. Who are they? Or, if they weren't: why not? It's too bad that things have gone this far... I hope that this ban is lifted soon, and that anyone who desires to continue to interact with you should not have these decisions made for them.
In support of a fine Joeuser,
Nic.
FC, yo.
Reply #8 from JoeUser Forums Top
You know how I feel about it all and about you,Muggaz. I very much want you to stay, but I want you to stay while being able to be an actual part of the community. So, I understand if you decide to go. Please don't let silence be a part of your decision, though. The blogs move quickly now and are quickly buried.
If you decide to stay, you will have an audience.
If you decide to go, I hope you delete all from here. And you let us jnow where you are writing at.

I hope you stay. Since you are able to write articles,perhaps several articles a day can be your comments to the articles you would like to comment on?

JoeUser would not be the same without you.
Reply #9 from JoeUser Forums Top
don't want this to sound like a put down in any way either, ..but I see the same hot-headed, wont-back-down from a showdown, person I was years ago ~in you. Sometimes you just got to know when to stop flogging the proverbial, even if you think you're right. It only serves to inflame further, whilst getting the debate/discussion/argument nowhere, fast.


That made me smile Wreckless... I admit I am a hot headed dude, but it is something I am working on - but based on these events - which I wont disclose here, I felt extremely un-welcome. Let's just say the moderators should never have been involved in this dispute, I know I can be inept with dialogue at times, but I don't need to involve moderators in private emails - which had nothing to do with politics at all!, let's just say it was a pre-emptive ban for something I might have said.

Perhaps I am the Iraq of JU - possibly weapons of mass destruction, but really nothing at all... maybe a weapon of mass seduction

You guys dont understand the grin you have brought to my face... thats exactly why I wrote this article... I am glad I wasn't underestimating the strength of this community. Luckily the admins don't necessarily represent the views of the community... wait - is that a bad or a good thing?



BAM!!!
Reply #10 from JoeUser Forums Top
hope you stick around, muggaz, I don't like that you can't post on my blog -- i feel like if there's going to be a blacklist option, I should be able to operate it at my discretion for my personal space...but hey, i'm just a nobody...

good luck
Reply #11 from JoeUser Forums Top
Ok, I haven't been around JU properly for a little while, so I had no idea this was going on, I just thought the great Mugz had decided not to grace my blog with his presence! Anywho....I'm with everyone else I don't want you to go, I enjoy your blogs greatly, whether you comment on mine or not. Joeuser would not be the same without you. I class you as a good friend, and maybe it is for selfish reasons I don't want you to go. There are many people here who enjoy your work, and you are considered highly in many of their opinions. This is just a little hurdle, which you will get over, stick it out, and we will all support you through it
Reply #12 from JoeUser Forums Top

Muggaz, you just have to have the drama, don't you?  Why, oh why do you have to continue?

Since Muggaz brought this up, I will tell you why he is confined to his own blog (which was going to be temporary, but he just has to keep digging himself further and further in). 

He and another blogger have been having an online dispute for some time now.  Neither would let it die, and both decided to bring me into it by emailing me.  The one side didn't email me personally, she just cc'ed me on their email.  Muggaz, however, emailed me personally telling me how to handle things.  He then said two things that were taken as threats and are against JU policy:

1) "I just want you to know, if this turns messy, my gloves really will come off, and the personal attacks will fly towards her" and
2)"..... i will comment as I see fit on other blogs"

It has nothing to do with his perceived "bias". It has 100% to do with what *he* threatened to do.

In the same email he said: "just freaken ban me before it gets messy"- so, I confined him until things calmed down. 

He has stayed confined because he wouldn't let it drop, instead he emailed me such great things as: ""just stop f***ing around and learn how to moderate" after he was confined because of his threats.  Obviously, the years of moderating WinCustomize (which is a 3 million+ unique visitor a month site) has not taught me anything.

This whole thing happened after I received numerous email from other bloggers about what he had said to them, or what he posted on SPM's JU blog, even though he says that what he says on there is a "joke".

I could write more on this subject, but I am simply tired of it.

Reply #13 from JoeUser Forums Top
Ok Angie - this is what I just emailed to you, and since you decided to leave out a few vital pieces of information, I decided to post it.

I threatened to defend myself, not attack - I told you, you had my assurance i wouldn't be posting anything on the forums, I always said I would defend myself from her, not attack... she wrote how many blogs about me directly? was it 2 or 3, depends if you include the poem..."just stop fucking around and learn how to moderate" - that was absurd, and in the heat of the moment, it has taken me some time, and I understand if you can't forgive me for that, but it was away out of line, and I am sorry from the bottom of my heart.Say there is no bias towards her all you want, we will have to agree to disagree... obviously you can't get over whatever I said to you in the past, and I will never gain your respect again, I did say I couldn't talk to her, several weeks ago, but I emailed her the other day in an attempt to make sure crap stays of the forums, I dont understand why you cant see that? sure, my email to Sabrina was nasty, but it wasn't on the forums, and when I emailed you, I was genuinely inspired from the hateful emotions she brings out inside of me... and I am sorry you bore the brunt of a pissed off Muggaz... thats no excuse, but I cannot emphasise enough that when I emailed her, your best interest's, and those of the community were at heart... you can take my word for it or not... I do swear on my dads grave though, and thats the strongest oath i can present. I dont understand why she had to drag you into this spate of emails... are you the moderator of her personal problems?I am sooo pissed of right now, at myself more than anything, because if i hadn't have emailed you, what would have happend? Sabrina and Dharma would have had a merry laugh together at my emails, which the posted exceprts of on the forums, before you slapped them on the wrist, both Sabrina and myself would probably be banned... but I did what i considered to be the right thing at the time, and I am the one treated like a little child and confined to my room? I can eat humble pie you know, but not this time Angie. I respect you too much, as odd as that sounds, I am not a Yes man though, as you may have figured out.I am sorry this has carried on, I have done some stupid things, said some stupid things, but Angie, I am not the bad guy, and I refuse to be painted as such.

Don't attack, and I won't need to defend.

BAM!!!
Reply #14 from JoeUser Forums Top
This part (Karma's post) I was unaware of... probably due to my abstinence from all that stupid stuff.

In light of now knowing this, .... you need to pull yer head in a bit Muggaz. Or there won't even be a public opinion open to you.

That is in violation of the t.o.s. mate..... what you did. We've all got to live by rules somewhere. No one has exemption to that.

A question to you Muggaz: ....Looking back on it, ...do you see the pointlessness of the whole shebang?

It was all pretty silly, really..... move on from it. Put it behind you, and let time take its course in this. Otherwise you won't have a choice.

...and I respectfully withdraw from further participation at this point. I'm not here to fight a cause, Just letting you know I like it when you blog..... not the fighting.
Reply #15 from JoeUser Forums Top

move on from it. Put it behind you, and let time take its course in this

Wise words, WE.

Reply #16 from JoeUser Forums Top
Since you asked, I'll take this opportunity to say something I've refrained from. I think y'all dropping like flies, leaving JU, or poking at the admins till you get confined to your own blogs is a bad move. The "other side" goes as far as they can then back off when an admin squints their way. The "other side" knows that one can get away with practically anything around here (for at least a certain period of time) as long as they don't attack the admins. The "other side" while far less intelligent are none-the-less playing that one thing smarter.

With y'all going the way you are it just gives them the chance to crow and claim they have won. You're being out strategized by imbeciles because you put the principal of the thing over the victory. A righteous loser is still a loser. Bad guys win because they'll do whatever is necessary while good guys follow some code of ethics. It's better to give up a few battles and win the war.

What I'll say to you is what I'd say to all Maxwellians...

Stay -- if only to stick it in the eye of "the others." Stay -- if only to be a thorn in their side. Stay -- because the more of "us" that leave the more the scales are weighted toward "them."

Stay.
Reply #17 from JoeUser Forums Top
Don't attack, and I won't need to defend.


Mugg'z, like it or lump it, the admins have the power. We're playing in their ballpark. I would do things differently if I were in charge, too -- but I'm not. We have to deal with it and work within the parameters they set up.

Just say "Yes, ma'am," and live to fight another day.

Really, it is in your best interest and the best interest of the cause to leave the admins alone. Even if you think they are wrong, let them be wrong.

Maybe you can't accomplish 100% of what you'd like here, but it's better to be allowed to play and accomplish 75% of what you want then to be thrown out of the game and accomplish 0.
Reply #18 from JoeUser Forums Top

Gene, there is no winner here.  And, there is nobody who ended up "right or wrong".  Muggaz is confined because of what he threatened to do.  It has nothing to do with some juvenile fight that is going on between him and another member. There is no "good" or "bad" guy in this.  They were both wrong.

Reply #19 from JoeUser Forums Top

Just say "Yes, ma'am," and live to fight another day.

There shouldn't be the mentality that people are fighting for something on here.  There isn't a right or wrong view.  There is a right and wrong way of conducting yourself, though. 

If you see this place as a place to "fight" for something at, then you are at the wrong place.

Reply #20 from JoeUser Forums Top
A) Metaphors. B) I find it works best to speak to someone in their own terms.


They were both wrong.


If I responded to that you and I would get into a fight and I would end up blacklisted or confined.
Reply #21 from JoeUser Forums Top

If I responded to that you and I would get into a fight and I would end up blacklisted or confined.

Why do you think that?  Why can't people discuss things instead of "fighting" with each other.  I have seen many debates on here on very heated issues that remain debates.  Where it crosses the line is when people start turning it to personal attacks and insults.  Can't people just be adults and realize that they will disagree?  Why does it have to turn into a war?

You don't get confined or banned for disagreeing with an admin. That has never happened. 

Reply #22 from JoeUser Forums Top
Wow..I knew things were getting bad but I didn't know they escalated this far. I don't know what to tell you to do but I will miss your entertaining blogs. Everyone had a reason to come here and mine is to be entertained. There are some great writers on this site and I enjoy your entertaining blogs (all types). The drama ones, not just yours by the way, get old fast. Hang in there and keep on writing. I will still read you.
KellyW
Reply #23 from JoeUser Forums Top
On an emotional level I just don't feel that way. There are many things I just don't feel free to say.

And I've typed and erased about 10 different sentences... so, I'll have to leave it at that. I just don't feel like there's anything more I can say.
Reply #24 from JoeUser Forums Top

Gene, if everyone who disagreed with an admin got confined, there wouldn't be a political section.  Hell, even people who have called Brad a fascist are still here. There is a huge difference between disagreeing and breaking JU rules.  There are also people on here that we have let slide (like pretending to be somebody that you are not) but everything has a breaking point if you push it too far.

Reply #25 from JoeUser Forums Top
Muggaz, I don't believe that you are a bad person who deserves to be banned from the site. I do believe that you don't know when to shut up about something, to let things slide, and to move on. And it sounds to me that someone is trying to demonstrate to you that you have passed that point.

If you can show that you've learned where the point is, and not go past it, you won't have any more trouble.

But if you're not willing to change your behavior to suit the site, then perhaps you should go looking for a site that meets your own needs better. You're an engaging writer and a generally interesting person; you won't have any trouble finding a new audience.

I'll agree with Gene insofar as he said, basically, "don't argue with the admins." You may disagree with them, but the admins on here have earned their stripes many times over, and they're doing what they think is best for the site. If you want to convince them to change their minds about something, it'll take a lot more than "Sorry, but why can't you see I was only doing what I thought was right?"