Regarding Terri Schiavo Stories, the BN Sidebar, vanities, and newcomers

[Lead Moderator]

Hello everyone. I hope you are all having a good evening.

At various times today there have been upwards of 8 different stories at the same time posted to breaking news, and it does not seem like we go more than a half hour before yet another goes in.

We are all thrilled that progress is being made.

But it really is not helping matters to overwhelm everything in the forum with every new detail. So please, let's try to keep the new posts to the breaking news sidebar to a reasonable level.

Along the same lines, just like any story that is emotionally charged, we are getting a significant number of vanities on the topic. The rule of thumb on vanities is that they should be substantive, original, and relatively infrequent. Many of the vanities we have seen today probably could have, and should have, been made in reply to an existing thread rather than starting a new one.

And finally, this story has brought many new Freepers on board. To them, I extend a hearty welcome (hoo rah!). However, (speaking to the new folks now), some of you have been a little over-emotional, and are crossing the line when it comes to disagreements and engaging in personal attacks and flaming rather than debating. Please keep it clean, and realize that due to the nature of the beast, newbies are not given as much leeway as more established posters.

Now back to our regularly scheduled Freeping, already in progress.

[Cold Heat]

Applause.................and cudos.

[annyokie]

Thank you! I am pleased about the Terri developments but didn't need so many pings to the same articles.

[Billthedrill]

BTT. I think what this newbie is saying is something like "please be civil and practice a discreet politesse or park yer sorry butts on some other forum." In a nice way, of course.

[org.whodat]

Applause.................and cudos.

And might I add it's about time.

[NautiNurse]

You are so right. The Baseball World Series playoffs and finals are much more appropriate fodder for ongoing Free Republic title updates compared to our judicial and legislative processes.

I would tell you how I really feel, but I imagine the baseball games are more important.

[Pee_Oui]

Please note "post" #31, this was my contribution...

DL (fla freeper)

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1004919/posts?page=9

[CounterCounterCulture]

We also should quit bickering and posting on all the state pages regarding this matter. State pages should be for that state's matters (announcements/activism), even though I support the majority sentiment on the Florida Schiavo case. Maybe one or two crossover announcements, okay, but not hourly updates.

[annyokie]

Oh, stop it. I love your updates on Terri, but there are many things more going on in the world, as well.

[WinOne4TheGipper]

Yes, sir. I'll keep that in mind. And, for my part, I refuse to start any more threads about Mike Tyson.

[Prof Engineer]

bump

[Catspaw]

I wish the Terri threads over the past few days could've been consolidated into one thread. With so many posts, it would've been easy to find in the sidebar.

[WinOne4TheGipper]

Great tagline. He probably owns all of the detox centers, too.

[annyokie]

Thanks. I hope you are better. I'm not trying to offend anyone.

[Unknown Freeper]

Thank you bump. I thought I was the only one getting annoyed by what was happening on the Breaking News sidebar.

The Terri threads would have been a lot more informative and less traumatic for Freepers had they been consolidated into one.

And please, people...search before you post.

[NautiNurse]

Several FReepers have simply requested title updates to the Schiavo judicial and legislative process threads in an effort to minimize multiple threads.

Whereas World Series scores are updated for each inning, several Schiavo stories have been stripped from the sidebar following respectful requests for updates or revisions to the title as things have changed. You want me to stop--sobeit--and that will include my financial support of this forum.

[Dog Gone]

just like any story that is emotionally charged

Excellent use of understatement to make a point.

The level of passion on these theads is way too high for my comfort level.

[annyokie]

WS threads are sent to the sidebar, ASAP.

I agree that many of the Terri threads could have been consolidated. No one was dissing Terri. But, a dozen updates in an hour is too much. Same with baseball.

No arguement here.

[Drango]

You want me to stop--sobeit--and that will include my financial support of this forum.

Come on...as an Opus I'll give it a D+. Throw a real rant and tell us how you really feel.

[Lead Moderator]

I just reviewed every single abuse report filed today stretching back to 12 noon EDT. There was exactly one request for a title change to a Terri thread, and it was done.

If you are requesting title updates to threads by pinging us on the thread, please realize that we get notification of abuse reports in our own accounts, but do not get notification of pings to us unless we change logins to the moderator accounts. That is not done often.

Regards.