I've read through the whole last few days' thread and agree with Mieskie's banning, but there was something that's been on my mind the past month or so. Michael's a jerk but he's also a contrarian, one who plays Devil's Advocate as a way to debate. And I have a little of that too.

In early December, Victor posted a political parody song which I thought was sort of irresponsible and I protested mildly: Caroma "Natter V. Natter [closed]" Dec 7, 2002 12:55:20 pm EST

Things escalated as Victor and I and later Gar started trading back facts and figures. I started getting a little tetchy with Gar especially: Caroma "Natter V. Natter [closed]" Dec 8, 2002 1:01:20 am EST

I went too far when I teased him in a way that he could easily swallow but didn't fit in with the Board culture: Caroma "Natter V. Natter [closed]" Dec 8, 2002 7:54:21 am EST

...and so I banned myself from Natter for good: Caroma "Natter V. Natter [closed]" Dec 9, 2002 4:52:15 pm EST

Fine. I couldn't keep up anyway, and the only thing I miss are the wonderful Emmett stories. Hope the little guy's doing well.

But...I did get a whiff of playing favorites there. I also sensed a sort of groupthink that bothered me, sort of a sense of moral superiority on the Board--if you don't agree with all the headlines in 'Mother Jones', well, just keep your opinions to yourself, you oppresser you, we don't want to hear it.

It was weird, since I'd contributed to religious and other threads on controversial topics before without managing to get into such trouble. Again, it was my fault entirely; I went too far and got too personal in my frustration, and got my Board personality mixed up with my Usenet and Straight Dope one. And I know there's a huge variety of experiences and opinions on the Board. But sometimes I wonder if some of them are sorta afraid to contribute; the politics, esp. in Natter, can be very very strong one way. Maybe a separate politics thread, or Current Events one? I might be the only one driven from Natter by the politics, but I'll bet I'm not the only one made uncomfortable.

I intend to continue posting in the show threads, if you'll still have me, and I've made a lot of online buddies here. I even got chastised by Joss himself! Caroma "Firefly 1: Josssssss Innnnn Spaaaaaaaaaaace! [closed]" Dec 13, 2002 1:12:48 am EST

Again, I took myself out of Natter, and it was my fault I screwed up there. But I just wanted to bring my experience to your attention. FWIW.

got my Board personality mixed up with my Usenet and Straight Dope one.

I think this is the point. Trying to establish board personality that is accepted by the community.

FWIW Caroma I have enjoyed your contributions in the show threads. I skip much of Natter so I missed the political stuff.

We've just had an exhausting and draining fight. I don't want to try to change anything else right now. I just want to rest for awhile.

t natter Offering pillow and head pats for Betsy t /natter

Caroma--I remember it well. You are clearly in the minority politically on this board, but I am always glad to hear a different opinion--and kudos to you for sticking up for yourself in a place where the numbers are against you. (I occaisionally post on a board where I am in a minority myself, so I know how it feels.). I don't agree with you politically, but I certainly respect your views--I don't agree with specific Buffiistas on many things, from religion to culture--and thank god for that! When things go from dealing with ideas and opinions to personality is where it gets problematic. It felt like that's what happened with this discussion and that was uncomfortable for me, at least.

the only thing I miss are the wonderful Emmett stories. Hope the little guy's doing well.

Yup. His front two teeth are coming in. He wants to see TTT again. He's bummed that Christmas break is over (he spent most of it bouncing balls, building castles with his blocks or swordfighting me with his plastic LoTR Sting sword and whacking my knuckles).

FWIW, I enjoy your posts (so smart and lively) but wasn't comfortable with that particular exchange in Natter. But I didn't think you needed to absent yourself. Sometimes folks get testy and snappish even in bucolic Buffistaland. Fortunately, people tend to voluntarily back away rather than escalate such frictions. That's our culture. But I'm always glad to see your posts.

I think this poster didn't mean to post this in Natter, the post is duplicated in the show thread. Maybe someone can delete it...

ZoieFinch "Natter 6: We're wearing the cheese RIGHT NOW!!" Jan 2, 2003 8:42:40 pm EST

Caroma, watch & post wouldn't be the same without you.

I'd leave it Laura... to my read there's nothing spoilery for anyone who's seen the latter half of Angel season 3 (most UnAmericans are past that point now, right?), and ZoieFinch has been pointed to the NAFDA thread for further discussion of the topic.

Laura, was it spoilery, or just misplaced. If it's spoilery, I can white-font, but I'd rather not delete. You could just ask Zoie to do it.