Old Skool CG Reunion Thread

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by dekeguy

When I first joined GC I was impressed by the level of intelligent conversation and the ability of so many members to passionately debate issues from widely differing points of view and still remain cordial. The best part was the level of courtesy and the willingness of most to be amused by flamers rather than be furiously vindictive. There was a tolerance then that we lost which lowered the tone of the whole operation.
At some point we went from an attitude of 'OK, let's agree to disagree and move on to something we can both enjoy' to 'if you say anything I don't like I will attack you in every way possible and run you out of GC.' Any sense of tolerance was not only lost but actually mocked.
I was dismayed when Just-a-Mom, a true lady in my opinion, left due to consistant and deeply hurtful personal attacks on her by a group of people who acted like a nest of vipers.
I was sad to see Tom Earp banned. He was truly a character, but he was an active supporter and had paid his dues by his level of involvement over so many years. He was much older than most and I think he viewed us in some small degree as the kids he never had. Sure he had problems and could be almost incomprehensible but I don't think many people extended him any understanding, patience, or Greek courtesy. Wasn't there some Fellow who said something about 'let the one among you who is without sin cast the first stone'?
There were so many more who left that the quality of conversation and the friendly openminded attitude of GC was seriously and deeply damaged.
As to the business of not using one's name, I find that disappointing as well. If one asks a question which we know as 'unwise' we really don't need to crucify that poor person. A private 'word to the wise' should be offered instead of a bucket of vinegar in the face.
The attitude of 'take no prisoners' seems awfully out of place among GCers who profess to be all about brotherhood and sisterhood.
Also, if one says something it occurs to me that one should be ready to stand up and stand by what one has said.
I'd like to see us get back to the 'golden age' of GC instead of allowing the dominance of a bunch of small minded nasty children who take delight in pulling the wings off of butterflies.

Peter

Everyone's the bigger, smarter, cooler, maturererer person as far as they are concerned. Until they call others small minded nasty children....

These types of threads are a combination of popularity contest mixed with cry baby antics. I came to GC as an alumnus. I think I was maybe 3 years out of college.

I view GC as just a message board with usernames who can be entertaining. Those who see it as some great connector or unifier will take it more seriously. However, the real connections are with people who don't need GC (facebook, etc.) to stay connected with you. It's great that some of us have formed bonds with the people behind the usernames. That's the only stuff that matters. The other message board antics are just laughter material. Zippitydooodahhhh.