Which gossip-mongering moron ratted me out? I would imagine that you don't know the half of it.
As a Moderator, you're an authority. We have to abide by your decisions. I have no idea how many complaints are pinged to you each day, but isn't it your responsibility, having taken the position, to at least consider each one?
I've been in leadership positions, and learned that no request is too small to follow through. The problem may be bigger than what the person expresses it to be. I would rather a small problem be noted, and turn out to be minor, than a major problem overlooked.
IMHO, it was good to hear you say we're all Christians! Sadly, forum often denies this, and claims "yours is not my God; yours is not my Jesus." Thank you for acknowledging that.
I guess the joke is on me. I came here to learn about other people's beliefs. I've been asked why, especially when I say I'm not here to win converts. Instead, I discovered a hostility I didn't come across in my own life. People lived side-by-side, respected what the others believed, and didn't comment much: never religion or politics" was an old saying...
I have learned a lot! And although I may not always reply, I do read my pings. I even have my phone set to 9pm, to pray for our nation, our troops, our government, and our Christian bretheren in the Holy Land. And in my prayers each day, I remember ALL FReepers, including those with whom I disagree.
When I was in charge, it wasn't to keep myself happy; it was to make certain things ran smoothly, and that everyone under me was ok. If someone threw a monkey wrench in things, it was up to me and my team to straighten it out. Annoying? Sometimes. Stressful? Hey, life is stressful! More than once, I had to physically (as opposed to those in cyberspace, no offense intended) stop fights!
I guess I just took things too seriously here. I didn't realize that this was meant to be "entertaining" I really wanted to discuss and learn. Why? Because I'm scared stiff about the times, and believe that Christians need to find a common ground, because there may come a time in the not-too-distant future when we realize that we need each other. We can still have our differences, yet live side-by-side as brothers and support one another, instead of showing hate. That's why I wanted to know what my fellow Christians believe.
I've likened our forums at times to an episode of Jerry Springer. You know, he admitted that the production staff picks the people FOR their potential to fight?
I'd hate to think the same of us, here at FR. After this it's going to be difficult not to. The saddest part is that someone went away hurting.
I'm not planning to leave, unless you kick me out, so you needn't invoke Berke Breathed! : ) Just please understand: despite the "hard shell" ideal, in religion, you may be dealing with the only reason a person has in their heart for living. It's painful when that is derided, even hated; what may seem small in the light of your work volume, may be huge to the person on the other end of the server.
Thanks for your work: I had a sneaking suspicion you were a Moderator, given your 3 contributions about internet behaviour, with at least one directed specifically at Catholics; the way you post a comment early on, calling out the troops, then tend to refrain from too many further comments. : ) I guess it really is like TV: they depend on ratings; FR on donations.
One more lesson for me to learn here.
God bless you, and all our FReepers, other Moderators included.
Sadder but wiser,
Grateful
Which gossip-mongering moron ratted me out? I would imagine that you don't know the half of it.