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richfed
Sachem
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 13 2002
Status: offline
Administrator |
 Posted - September 19 2009 : 2:29:23 PM
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In another thread, it was posted, "Wow! I hate to see the board become so depressing and negative."
Now that depresses me! Really, I've not truly been happy for 6 years, but that's another bunch of issues.
But, I've been thinking of that one sentence since it was posted yesterday, and I am very sorry it has come to that. I must bear the brunt of the criticism for allowing that perception to find life here yet again. Mind you, I am fully aware it was one voice that represented many. Anyone could have said it, and the intentions were good. I really don't know what to do that would even come close to appeasing a large majority. It is something I wrestle with constantly as personalities have come to blows here through the years. All that time and I still can't figure out how to fix it.
I do know that it would take drastic measures.
The web site was a major outlet for creative energy and fun for me - and for Elaine - through the early years. It can also be a financial, emotional, and time-consuming drain. It is mostly that now. Every argument that I am expected to resolve; every person that decides they are better off elsewhere; it all takes its toll, bit by bit. The rewards are fewer and fewer.
My apologies again.
I have tried to make it so that politics can be avoided - my "What's a Mother to Do?" thread aside - but it's never enough.
I will think more on this, but like I said, some drastic measures will probably be in order. I'll see what I can do that seems fair and productive.
But, I don't really know that I'll be successful.
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Monadnock Guide
Council of Elders
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
March 14 2005
Status: offline
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Posted - September 19 2009 : 3:14:27 PM
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| Rich, - as you know, there's NO way in the world to keep everyone happy, totally impossible. Make one group happy, - and bingo, another group is p*ssed off, ... just life, no big deal. I'd say you've done an truly excellent job with this board, ... thanks. |
you can keep "The Change" |
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SgtMunro
Soldier of the King
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
September 23 2002
Status: offline
Donating Member |
Posted - September 19 2009 : 4:00:24 PM
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Ditto to MG's statements, Sachem. Add to that, there will always be some folks who will always voluntarily, and unnecessarily, expose themselves to something that offends them, and then complain about it.
...even after they claim that they will stay away from it 
YMH&OS,
The Sarge |
Serjeant-Major Duncan Munro
Capt. Thos. Graham's Coy.
42nd Royal Highland Regiment of Foote
(The Black Sheep of the Black Watch)
"Nemo Me Impune Lacessit"
-Or-
"Recruit locally, fight globally." |
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Kan-Tuck-EE
Pioneer
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
December 31 2008
Status: offline
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Posted - September 19 2009 : 10:13:24 PM
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| I agree and people need to get a tougher skin but some folks love confrontation...it gives them a buzz or high if you will. Rich..don't pay any attention to the whiners...you are doing a great job with the site. If I see something I don't like I just keep my little mouse finger movin and go on to something else. Voila! Problem gone. |
Kan-Tuck-EE |
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Wilderness Woman
Watcher of the Wood
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
November 27 2002
Status: offline
Donating Member |
Posted - September 21 2009 : 1:32:51 PM
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The board is not "depressing and negative." After... hmmmmm.... about 7 years of living in this community, I still look forward to checking in several times each day to see who is here and what is going on. If it was so depressing, I would not do that any more.
This is a community of all different kinds of people, with different personalities and opinions, who are all trying valiantly to get along. Sometimes we have more success than other times. Sometimes there are folks who land here for a while who just really don't belong, and they eventually move on. There have been many, many new friendships forged here. Right here in Mohicanland!
Speaking for myself, my life changed enormously, partly due to one particular friendship I made right here! There were other factors that were involved, not the least of which was the death of my husband, but one person here made it possible for me to enter a wonderful hobby that has changed my life. For that, alone, I will always be grateful to this board, no matter what happens next. |
"It is more deeply stirring to my blood than any imaginings could possibly have been." |
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Fitzhugh Williams
Mohicanland Statesman
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
July 17 2005
Status: offline
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Posted - September 21 2009 : 1:53:01 PM
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| So you're going to start doing "French" after all? |
"Les deux pieds contre la muraille et la tete sous le robinet" |
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Wilderness Woman
Watcher of the Wood
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
November 27 2002
Status: offline
Donating Member |
Posted - September 21 2009 : 2:00:50 PM
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[WW gives an exasperate sigh.]
Miss-yer Lay-Fran-Say. What more can I possibly say to make it known to you that I shall never... again, I say... never!... cross over that bridge! I shall never be drawn into the enemy camp! I shall never raise the hemline of my petticoats! I shall never begin speaking in that barbaric tongue. I shall never.... never.....
Eat Muskrat!!!!!
[WW snaps her fan shut, turns on her heel, and flounces away.]
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"It is more deeply stirring to my blood than any imaginings could possibly have been." |
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richfed
Sachem
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 13 2002
Status: offline
Administrator |
Posted - September 26 2009 : 09:47:13 AM
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I have taken two steps, so far:
1 - I moved my thread What's a Mother To Do? My Notes and Feelings on the Political Climate in the US to the "In the News Forum" -- thus, it is visible only to users who have chosen to see political posts in their view. I will no longer make political comments in the "Weekly Update" forum!!! 
2 - I hope this does not offend anyone. I have made this choice after long thought and no consultation with anyone. I have removed all moderator abilities. I chose moderators based on many factors, not the least of which were longevity and trustworthiness. Initially, visitation rate also factored in. I wanted people who actually visited the forum frequently. Many of the moderators no longer visit at all. No one did anything wrong to warrant being removed as a moderator. I just decided that it was not really necessary at this point in time. I feel that the process was perhaps doing more harm than good. Some folks who were NOT moderators associated "moderator" with some sort of authoritative powers, when in fact, they were asked simply to help me out with double posting, incorrectly placed posts, and the like. In some instances, moderators did assist in clearing up disputes, etc. I do not recall a single abuse by a moderator during all this time. It is just the perception others might have. This would not even factor in if the board was so busy that I couldn't handle it, but, fact of the matter is, it isn't. I thank you all for your service and time!!
I am contemplating one or two other changes, but have not yet made up my mind. No idea whether or not any of this will help in any way, but I am trying.
Bottom line here, as in any community, is - and I've said this before - the people make it what it is.
"What is a friend? I will tell you...it is someone with whom you dare to be yourself."
~ Frank Crane |
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susquesus
Mad Hermit of the North Woods
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
September 03 2003
Status: offline
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 Posted - September 26 2009 : 4:12:53 PM
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Sounds like a plan Rich. Hope this helps everybody out. |
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Wilderness Woman
Watcher of the Wood
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
November 27 2002
Status: offline
Donating Member |
Posted - September 27 2009 : 10:42:41 AM
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Rich, I think that eliminating all moderators is a very good move.
I hope that all Mohicanland Community members will understand and will continue to try to be on their very best behavior.
Remember The Golden Rule! |
"It is more deeply stirring to my blood than any imaginings could possibly have been." |
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SgtMunro
Soldier of the King
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
September 23 2002
Status: offline
Donating Member |
Posted - September 27 2009 : 2:06:22 PM
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Works for me Sachem; your board, your rules.
YMH&OS,
The Sarge |
Serjeant-Major Duncan Munro
Capt. Thos. Graham's Coy.
42nd Royal Highland Regiment of Foote
(The Black Sheep of the Black Watch)
"Nemo Me Impune Lacessit"
-Or-
"Recruit locally, fight globally." |
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Kay
Colonial Settler
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
January 06 2009
Status: offline
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 Posted - September 28 2009 : 10:37:12 AM
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I'll just offer up some prayers that things work out because this board has added to my life too. I love all of you guys now- even if we do have some different opinions- because there are so many other things we have in common, especially-LOTM!!! The reason I joined this community of Mohicanland is because I instinctively felt we were "kindred spirits" and you were all so funny, and quirky, and felt the same way I did. As I've said before, I read it all right there in the letters people wrote for your book Rich. If I keep this in mind (maybe if we all did), the rest doesn't matter. I think we should start a new thread that is LOTM related- I'll try to think of an interesting topic related to that to post. I know you heard my LOTM story not that long ago and you can read the book for other ones but maybe we should start a thread on all our LOTM stories. I know there are a lot I've never heard! Tell how you first got interested or pick one of your favorite memories from a gathering. We could all learn something new about each other again and new conversations/topics are bound to follow!
Kay |
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Leah
Pathfinder
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
January 28 2009
Status: offline
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Posted - September 28 2009 : 5:56:47 PM
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Well, I'm a newbie compared to most of you all but I feel as if I already know you well, as I've lurked for over 2 years before joining. LOTM was THE reason I decided to learn more history and it has been motivating to me to see how you all know so much about the battles and participate in re-enacting.
I would always get a laugh reading the different posts and the sparring that went on. I belong to another forum also and they handle their differing opinions with less patience. Maybe that is because most of you have already met one another or have known each other for a longer time.
Anyway, if I hadn't googled "Alice, Uncas, braid" I would never have found you guys!
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richfed
Sachem
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 13 2002
Status: offline
Administrator |
Posted - October 03 2009 : 08:56:52 AM
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Well, I am happy this seems to be understood and nobody feels like their toes were stepped on. It's like this ... now, EVERYBODY is a Moderator!!  |
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Gadget Girl
Gatherer of Gathering Gadgets
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 17 2002
Status: offline
Donating Member |
Posted - October 03 2009 : 1:15:34 PM
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You know it seemed like a good idea in the beginning, but my sense in recent years is that other boards/forums with moderators are the ones that have the most problems - usually due to issues with the moderators! So it suits me fine too!
I don't block any forums from view, but there are some posts I just don't read knowing what the tone or diatribe will be - my choice!
Still love MohicanLand and likely always will! Rich, you and the people that visit here make that happen! |
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richfed
Sachem
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 13 2002
Status: offline
Administrator |
Posted - October 12 2009 : 09:37:55 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by richfed
I have taken two steps, so far:
1 - I moved my thread What's a Mother To Do? My Notes and Feelings on the Political Climate in the US to the "In the News Forum" -- thus, it is visible only to users who have chosen to see political posts in their view. I will no longer make political comments in the "Weekly Update" forum!!!
2 - I hope this does not offend anyone. I have made this choice after long thought and no consultation with anyone. I have removed all moderator abilities. I chose moderators based on many factors, not the least of which were longevity and trustworthiness. Initially, visitation rate also factored in. I wanted people who actually visited the forum frequently. Many of the moderators no longer visit at all. No one did anything wrong to warrant being removed as a moderator. I just decided that it was not really necessary at this point in time. I feel that the process was perhaps doing more harm than good. Some folks who were NOT moderators associated "moderator" with some sort of authoritative powers, when in fact, they were asked simply to help me out with double posting, incorrectly placed posts, and the like. In some instances, moderators did assist in clearing up disputes, etc. I do not recall a single abuse by a moderator during all this time. It is just the perception others might have. This would not even factor in if the board was so busy that I couldn't handle it, but, fact of the matter is, it isn't. I thank you all for your service and time!!
I am contemplating one or two other changes, but have not yet made up my mind. No idea whether or not any of this will help in any way, but I am trying.
Bottom line here, as in any community, is - and I've said this before - the people make it what it is.
"What is a friend? I will tell you...it is someone with whom you dare to be yourself."
~ Frank Crane
Two more improvements to go along with the two above. Maybe I should call them "changes".
3 - A little gadget in the upper-right corner to encourage folks to register. You know, new blood!!!! OH! Not seeing it? It will only show if you are not logged-in already. You also must have the flash browser add-on installed.
4 - In the works, so don't look for it yet. A blog add-on to these forums. It will take some work, and probably some tinkering after it is installed, but it will allow for any registered user to have their own political, social, or whatever, diary-like thread that they can fully control and no one can mess with [except me!!!!  ]. I hope to have it available only in a new sub-forum we'll call Bumppo's Blogs, or something.
We'll see how this stuff works out. |
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richfed
Sachem
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 13 2002
Status: offline
Administrator |
Posted - October 12 2009 : 3:00:36 PM
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OK -- the web blog is "done" ... sorta. It will need to be used before I can iron out the kinks. I have "play"-tested it and the main stuff seems to work. It will need some use and feedback before it can be called finalized.
You can try it here: Bumppo's Blogging Barn
Right now, the biggest problem I can see is trying to prevent blog posts from appearing in Active Topics. Plus, I'm not certain if others can reply within your blog. That is not want I want, so, if it works out that way, it'll need more fixin'. |
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Monadnock Guide
Council of Elders
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
March 14 2005
Status: offline
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Posted - October 12 2009 : 4:49:37 PM
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This is what I got when I tried Bumppo's Barn, ...
.
Search for:
Microsoft VBScript runtime error '800a0005'
Invalid procedure call or argument: 'Left'
/messageboard/myowngoogle.asp, line 122 |
you can keep "The Change" |
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richfed
Sachem
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 13 2002
Status: offline
Administrator |
Posted - October 12 2009 : 5:51:57 PM
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| Are you sure about that? It may have occured while I was coding. Try again, MG, because I've tried and tried and cannot reproduce that error. |
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Monadnock Guide
Council of Elders
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
March 14 2005
Status: offline
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Posted - October 12 2009 : 6:01:22 PM
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Both times I put in a search for flint lock
.
Search for:
Microsoft VBScript runtime error '800a0005'
Invalid procedure call or argument: 'Left'
/messageboard/myowngoogle.asp, line 122 |
you can keep "The Change" |
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richfed
Sachem
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 13 2002
Status: offline
Administrator |
Posted - October 13 2009 : 06:52:17 AM
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| Oh, I see now. I had misunderstood what you were saying. This has nothing to do with that blog thing I installed. It will happen on any page. Something is screwy with the Google search box, and I am not sure what it is. I wonder how long it has been acting this way? The Google search needs a special "key" which I have in the code. Perhaps it has expired - just guessing. I will look into it further. Worse comes to worse, I'll just remove the feature. |
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di-mc
Pioneer
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
September 03 2008
Status: offline
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Posted - October 14 2009 : 11:49:16 PM
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Rich,
I'm not a daily or even weekly visitor, but when I do stop by, I always enjoy it! You've done an amazing job! I have no idea what the fuss is/was about so I don't have input. However, I appreciate this site so much! And, I thank you Rich!! |
Diane
"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not." Thomas Jefferson |
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richfed
Sachem
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 13 2002
Status: offline
Administrator |
Posted - October 17 2009 : 1:05:49 PM
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Thank you, muchly, di-mac!!!
Regarding the Google Search Error that MG reported:
That particular board modification - installed several years ago - required a special key issued by Google. Apparently, ours has expired and they have moved on to a completely new system. Thus, I will be removing the now broken feature shortly.
More later --- |
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richfed
Sachem
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 13 2002
Status: offline
Administrator |
Posted - November 01 2009 : 09:14:49 AM
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The Google Search feature of this board is now re-instated and updated to Google's latest code. Should be working better than ever now. Thank you MG for the heads up!!
quote:
Right now, the biggest problem I can see is trying to prevent blog posts from appearing in Active Topics. Plus, I'm not certain if others can reply within your blog. That is not want I want, so, if it works out that way, it'll need more fixin'.
RE: The Blog feature ... You can use it, if you like, to post diary like stuff on ANY subject. That feature of this board groups posts together by poster rather than in sequence as the rest of the board does. Thus, all your blogs will be in one place. PLUS, you can lock each thread you begin if you'd like to prevent replies and keep it purely your own. |
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Light of the Moon
Mohicanland Statesman
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
December 18 2004
Status: offline
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Posted - November 12 2009 : 1:39:25 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by richfed
It's like this ... now, EVERYBODY is a Moderator!!
Mu-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!!!
Oh, the power and the rush that comes with it!
Just kidding, Sachem! |
I live in my own little world - but that's okay, they know me here! |
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Fixing what ails ye ... !
