| Author | Message | ||
     Court |
I've grown weary my friends and, as a service to myself and anyone who cares, I am posting this here in hopes that someday, some of us may return to meaningful discussions, regardless of the diversity of our ethnicity, nationality, opinions, preferences and politics. I see diversity not as a threat to me, but as an opportunity to gain, from someone I respect, an insight in to how others think. Listening does not obligate me to convert, just listen. I assure you that Erik Buell and I have had some verbal slapdown matches over the years. He and I are the consumate "right brain" / "left brain" folks. When he has disagreed with me, he has shown me the common courtesy and respect of being an effective listener. I didn;t need to convince him of my view, just be concise enough to allow him to understand. Anyway...the following is posted not to incite a discussion but for the benefit of those who are interested. You'll know who you are. Court I'll try to help a bit. I've been riding Buells for the better part of the last 20 years and have seen the tides come and go several times. Badweb evolved from a long history on Buell discussion sites, including the short lived "Official Factory Site" on www.buell.com. Badweb grew out of a small number of us who used to do group e-mails and sought an easier way, as the numbers grew, to enable anybody to participate who was willing to abide by the rules. Many of us work REAL jobs. Blake was in Japan doing an Earth Antenna for some secret space program when he started this, if I recall. I am a construction work and had taken a two-year sabbatical to work at the Buell factory in East Troy. As Badweb grew, in terms of numbers and geographic participation, we found the continuum of our membership growing wider and wider. As our numbers swelled, so too did the range of persona and behaviors that various folks found acceptable with various folks sitting beside them as they surfed the "net". My PERSONAL criteria are that I'd PREFER to participate REGULARLY in discussions that I need not fear my young kids (they are no longer young) reading. In fact, when I am asked to write for a magazine, business or motorcycle, my PERSONAL criteria is "if I wouldn't leave it on my coffee table at home or lobby table at work, no thank you". I'm no prude; that's just my criteria...loosely defined. (Yes, I've stretched it). As time passed some of the folks who'd become respected Badwebbers sought the freedom of looser tongues. Don't, for one minute, impute that these were not nice, good, smart and respectable guys who I call friends. They just wanted a different atmosphere...the very reason that Four Seasons did not drive Holiday Inn out of business. I used to periodically visit a couple other Buell sites and I'd take anyone to task that doubted Choptops smarts or Mike Palladino's passion for motorcycling. Back to center.... Badweb has set standards. Folks, who accept those standards, are welcome. I'm not sure we are right; that metric is fuzzy. We *TRY* to be tolerant and consistent. Several "old timers" have been temporarily squelched, calmed (their tone, not their beliefs) and welcomed back. I assure you both Greg (Dyna) and Sean (Rocket) are guys I disagree with on some things. I also really like both of them. Greg, in particular, has a much rougher "intersonna" than he shows in person. On some days I see him as a whiner, most days as a proud Grandfather, passionate motorcyclist and nice guy. I don't need to agree to like him. Ditto Rocket...who is as rough and unruly no matter where you find him but for the life of me, I know not why, has a certain appeal like hot candy. Both have shown their true meddle, when wrong, by sincerely apologizing. I'm no stranger to eating words myself. Any, I submit, appearance of discretionary application, is the result of those of us who serve in this role being saddled with work. I drive 2 hours to work in the morning, turned in 83 hours on a timesheet last week, and drive 2 hours home at night. Of the 10 busiest roads in the USA, I drive 6 of them through NYC twice daily...working till 11:00PM can be a blessing. I'll leave you with one final thought that is mine alone. I'm perfectly accepting of you saying, "Buell sucks". I can handle you calling me an ••••••••". BUT...call one of the ladies here a "bitch", "slut" or ••••••" and your ••• is mine. Ditto similar remarks to males and racial remarks. In summary...nothing in the foregoing should lead you to believe I am a "church boy". I'm just a guy who has seen LOTS of internet sites come and go, have made some of my best friends here and am willing to abide by simple, understandable standards to protect that PRIVILEGE. This is not written tongue in cheek. I have just used my lunch to give you a serious answer to a serious question. I hope I've persuaded you and I hope you'll make the choice to continue participating. Court Canfield - 2004 | ||
| Lake_bueller |
Well done, Court! I've always thought that the best thing about Badweb was that it was civilized. During the past few weeks, that feeling was quickly departing. I still read "the other sites" daily. I even post a comment or two (usually only on ATC). But it's Badweb where I come to be with my friends on a daily basis. That being said....I don't agree with the "censorship" of the language. Maybe there can be a probationary period for any that violates the rules of conduct. Now back to our regularly scheduled program. | ||
| Bomber |
I can find, no matter how hard I try, anythinig in Court's post with which I disagree . . . . "Censorship" cannot apply here . . . . this is not a publically-held forum, but, rather, as it has been refered to in the past, Blake's electronic living room. The home owner has asked for certain conduct norms, and I'm happy to comply, as I enjoy being a guest here greatly ALthough I have been known to use salty language frlom time to time (!), I have also noted that most of the posts and threads that descend into some black hole of abuse, xynophobia, preferences (motorsickle and otherwise) start with language that may not be suitable for younger or more sensitive viewers . . . . . if, by policing the language, we can elevate the level of discourse, i't a trade off I think is reasonable | ||
| Darthane |
It takes far less effort to destroy than to create. We're 'healing', so to speak. BadWeb is returning to its good, old self again. I agree with Bomber - the censoring doesn't bother me (except it still needs some bugs worked out - I can't figure out why it seems to think "dash space dollar sign five" is a bad word). I think I just might pursue moderation rights on the XBoard with Blake, though. Less because I think it needs a mommy (though unfortunately it's been proven it does, at times) and more because I'd like to organize it properly, similar to what EZ did with the Thumper Forum. Anyhow - excellent prose, Court. | ||
| Buellbob |
We need to start respecting each others opinions and this starts with using our language properly and being a little more literate. Its just to easy to slip into the "other" language. Bob | ||
| Blake |
This was a great post. Popped up in a google for "World Peace Initiative." So I thought I'd resurrect it.  | ||
| Loki |
timeless | ||
| No_rice |
how hard is it to use a little tacit when stating your opinions to others. i mean, it is possiable to tell someone what you think about almost anything, without it having to offend them. i pride myself on being able to do that MOST of the time. just might take alittle more thought for some people, but the end result is worth it. all i can say for now is that i think the post was nicely stated.. id like to comment more, but i need some sleep before work in 3 hours | ||
| Road_thing |
It was very true when Court wrote it, and it's still true today. rt | ||
| Diablobrian |
Court, once again You da man! Timely and true. | ||
| Buellgirlie |
wise words stand the test of time. thanks for reposting. D | ||
| Firebolteric_ma |
interesting topic...very well spoken there court.  | ||
| Ulendo |
very, very nicely put. as a newcomer here, I'll add another tidbit - the attitude demonstrated here has been one of the factors influencing my purchase of a Buell. Decent manners, genuinely helpful posts, and the honest intent to help ALL riders. I particularly like the lack of brand bashing here - at least 3 websites for other brands put me off the bikes completely simply because I didnt want to be associated with the crowd they seem to attract. I'd be more than happy to hook up with any of the folks I've met here..and look forwards to doing so. to ALL contributing members, and to the forum mods - please, please keep badweb as is - family oriented, friendly, fun. chris kelowna | ||
| Brineusaf |
I second that Chris... the "vibe" here is an awesome one, and the members are more than helpful! All the gears are well kept in this site    | ||
| Sflabuell |
Isn't it interesting how, left unchecked, history will repeat itself.  | ||
| Blake |
Bump. | ||
| Nuttwerxz |
Court: I sent you an e-mail earlier today about prepping for painting the fancy plastic on the TT; I just stumbled on your 5/04 "respect" piece; I'm glad Court is Still In Session. Bill. | ||
| Wile_ecoyote |
Food for thought, indeed. I for one am grateful for this site and plan on staying here. Already have made a few friends in a short amount of time. As a "newby" I felt the vibe first time I logged on. With much gratitude I say Thankyou to all here. Court, I couldnt have said it any better, Ive spent hours reading your past threads and have been enrichened greatly. Thankyou. | ||
| Court |
Thank you. | ||
| Cityxslicker |
I think with excitement and respect many things can be done and over come. Great place, I check it daily, for tech support, humor, ride mates, news, the hidden eats spot and the people that seem to only meet here and in a Buell world. Thanks Court! Bce v mupe clydhsaetb prosto kovo-to pyusheits. (Russian Proverb) Everything in the world (peace) happens from someone's decision to act. | ||
| Court |
Thank you.
(Message edited by court on April 16, 2007) |
