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Date Posted: 11:34:17 12/08/10 Wed
Author: Stewart
Subject: Time to change things here
To all who visit or lurk here. After much thought it has occurred to me that indeed this board has become a place totally out of sync. Unfortunately there really has been no moderator to keep posters on topic or for that matter moderate topics that don't need to be here. I've allowed carte blanche to somewhat run amok.This is not about response to my recent ignorance article by the way. More a conclusion based on the WHY? questions posed during that thread. If for example you have nothing to say on a particular topic regarding a thread then don't post it to that thread. The simple rules of most boards are that off topic is relegated to another place so anyone trying to stay on topic doesn't have to read through a whole bunch of back and forth unrelated to the subject at hand. Some still believe this is a public forum because it has for the most part had easy access throughout it's life to date. IT IS NOT A PUBLIC BOARD as some would incorrectly claim. That anyone would feel they could post "women's only" topics here is a stretch. Obviously anything posted here can be read by anyone so no matter how benign or otherwise a topic is it is always public once posted. Regardless of caveats in the title. That said when I post here I do so because it's my board. I try to think about what I say and for the most part make my comments ,if serious, as sincere as possible. Whether you choose to disagree isn't a problem. However this board often becomes a rudderless ship which for the most part isn't an issue unless it becomes hijacked by those with agendas or topics completely at odds with the original intent of this board. Now I accept a lot of responsibility in this because at different times I've allowed topics here that I felt needed to go elsewhere purely because I didn't have the time to participate. I'm glad when those of you who have become friends here share your triumphs or tribulations . In fact I think this board has proved very useful in that regard for many of you and at times myself. It is time for change however and short of dismantling this board altogether let me say it now NEEDS a moderator. That person then needs to ride herd, as it were, to reign in those who sometimes consider this board their own private IDAHO. I'm looking for a moderator with a modicum of taste and obviously the time who can take the board back to a place of more relevant discourse and one that requires some steps to enter. Otherwise it will have to close. As I said in a previous post it's relevance is now obscure at best. As my current retirement from acting would mean its initial purpose has run its course the board needs to be refocused. Applications for the moderating position can be posted on this thread along with any ideas regarding the direction the board should now take. Love on ya Stewart
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Re: Time to change things here -- Valerie, 12:08:11 12/08/10 Wed
First let me say that I am sorry if I have been one to steer things off-topic. I try not to do that because it does get rather obnoxious. I wanted to be part of the "Ignorance" discussion, but by the time I got to it, I felt that I would be saying the same thing that you and many others had already said and I didn't want to be redundant.
Now, I am a highly organized person, almost to a fault. My professional background has always been one of "assistant", a.k.a. organizing other peoples' business. I'm a almost full-time stay-at-home mom to a cute and silly little 8-month-old. While I'm not sure I would be qualified to be the sole moderator, I would like to help, if at all possible. I have no problem keeping things "on task", for lack of a better term; I'm a part-time daycase teacher to eight, yes, eight two-year-olds. I would be more than willing to help, if someone else were to take the reins.
Also, which kinds of things would you like to see on the board and which kinds of things would you like to see taken somewhere else? I don't think you should be shy about saying what you want here because it is YOUR board. I know that you cherish your fans and we thank you for that, but this board is here for you - whether it's a sounding board for something weighing on your mind, a place to update us on what's going on, a place to discuss characters you've played, etc. I agree that anything off-topic needs to be clearly labeled and held in special threads.
I hope I am not out of place with all of this. I want to see "aces in their places" on this one.
All the best,
Val
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Re: Time to change things here -- Valerie, 12:22:25 12/08/10 Wed
P.S. I forgot to add that perhaps another forum format would work better for what you seem to be envisioning. I'm no good when it comes to website stuff, but you (or someone else willing to redesign everything) may want to consider shifting it to some system like Proboards.com where things already have designated main topics (i.e. "Christy", "Four Vines", "Off-Topic", etc.). That way it will be significantly more controlled and easier to browse through/contribute to.
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Re: Time to change things here -- Brittany, 17:31:28 12/08/10 Wed
In regards to a "refocus" . . .
I started posting here a few months under two years ago. I was looking through "Christy" sites, and stumbled upon this page, and was shocked and delighted with the idea that I could directly thank someone who had been part of something that helped me through a difficult time in my life. So, I wrote a "thank you" on here, which I know may have been missed, but I felt better writing it all the same. Actually, through the board, I was able to find a way later to give/make a more tangible "thank you" that I am happier with. Not content, mind you, because there are some gifts that are impossible to fully thank a person for.
Apart from that, I'm afraid that's all the draw the forum had for me as far as you go, sir. I did not want to be labeled or thought of as a "fangirl", and it seemed strange talking about you when you may or may not be looking. Who am I to presume to do so when I know so little about you? (For everyone who does talk, I don't mean to condemn, but I'm just talking about myself and my own feelings about my actions) I even went so far as to ignore you when you posted something because I was too shy to reply or I thought what I would say in reply was too silly. I think I have become braver in the past several months, but even now I can't quite believe I'm writing this.
So why am I here then? Well, when I posted my initial "thank you", I had no intention of staying. However, I received some lovely replies from some of the ladies here that were encouraging when encouragement was something I was in need of. I can't remember who, but someone said "your feelings are safe here". That's what got me. I wanted to be with these kind, encouraging people. So I stayed. I haven't been constantly here (I took a few breaks for personal reasons), but I never really "left". The ladies were indeed kind and I healed even more under their care. I have made some wonderful friends that I believe will stay my friends for a long time to come.
As far as the content of the board, I don't feel it has changed very much since I first came here. It seems like a random board with a backbone of people brought together and familiar with "Christy" that branches out to all kinds of subjects of interest to those people. I'm not sure what it was like when it was first created. I actually like the way the board is right now for the most part. There are some things that I am uncomfortable with, but that aspect has ebbed and flowed my whole time here. If I may be so bold (I've already gone past my comfort zone, might as well go all the way!), you have seemed less negative in your replies lately, which I believe sets a tone for the whole board. It has been encouraging and making me happy, although my meds make me loopy and others may disagree with my assessment ;)
Basically what I'm getting at is that I like this board I've come to know. True, there may be some threads that should be closed for questionable taste. Why does it need to change so drastically, though? It has evolved to a place where I'm guessing most users like it since they shaped it to be this way. As you mentioned, you are retired from acting now, so there is the whole question of "relevancy". I'm not really sure how big that area is, and the idea of being boxed in as to what I can talk about or can't talk about is concerning. That being said, I have just been a guest here and it isn't my board.
So, since you asked for suggestions, as a person who generally likes the way things are now, I suggest to start where we are. What stays and what goes? What is this definition of "relevancy"?
I have been part of several other forums, and I have sadly seen some of them die. The main reason seems to be lack of interest. If there are a bunch of restrictions put into place, I fear this board my die as well.
Whatever happens, I would just like to say it has been a privilege and pleasure being here these past two years :)
PS No thank you as far as the mod position. I fear I am far too sensitive and my judgments might be compromised by this.
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Re: Time to change things here -- Stewart, 17:37:51 12/08/10 Wed
It's not about agreement as I said I don't ever dislike good debate.Rather what Valerie stated here is pretty much what needs to happen and that is threads should stay on topic. Many posts here don't really stay on topic thats all. As far as your posting Three Kings if you decide feminine hygiene products and their advertising/ packaging are a good topic, be it however humorous. It is really a women's only topic that belongs on a women's only board. You could argue quite correctly that most of those who post here are female. However I take exception that you would think it an appropriate thread especially and ironically, after disparaging the "public nature' of said products design etc in the marketplace. Now don't get me wrong you are definitely not the only person who has posted something like this, just the most recent, and I'm sure if pressed I'd have an opinion on your topic. The problem being, it wouldn't be appropriate of me to voice it here. I hope you understand the headmaster has stepped in. .love on ya Stewart
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Re: Time to change things here -- Jodi, 18:16:22 12/08/10 Wed
I don't post here often anymore, so you all may not consider me a regular, but I've visited this board for many, many years. The change I've noticed on the board since way back then, is that some people who post on this message board now refer to it as a "blog" and treat it as such. By that I mean they use it as sort of a personal journal for themselves with lengthy posts, but maybe not really any topic in mind. I'm not saying that blogging is a bad thing, but it would seem that the "purpose" of this board would be for us to read and respond to Stewart's blog (like the recent thread which I enjoyed reading immensely)?? But that's just my thoughts.
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Re: Time to change things here -- Valerie, 20:11:56 12/08/10 Wed
I agree with Jodi on this. The original intent of the board, such as I knew it even just a couple of years ago has changed. I personally don't think there's anything wrong with wishing so-and-so a happy birthday or posting holiday greetings to each other. No one is attacking the friendship and camaraderie of the members of this board. In fact, I will say that two of my closest friendships were formed many years ago on another forum that is now defunct. So I can appreciate the bond many of you have with each other.
However, Stewart, the owner of this board, the "headmaster" (in his words) was saying that various topics/threads get hijacked by random posts more often than not. I don't think any of us should have to just turn a blind eye to it or deal with it and move on or try to carry on with the original conversation around the side one. Those who are posting things like that should respect the topic at hand and save any extraneous comments for another thread.
I'm not trying to be mean-spirited or nit-picky. My point of view is that of someone who could be considered an outsider, someone who does not often post, but who reads many of the topics and I'm saying that I agree with Stewart's and Jodi's opinion on this matter.
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Re: Time to change things here -- Valerie, 20:15:01 12/08/10 Wed
P.S. I'm also not trying to perpetuate any kind of argument. I'm sorry if my recent post comes off as such.
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Re: Time to change things here -- En Pointe, 20:46:48 12/08/10 Wed
I guess that I'm not seeing where topics get hijacked by random posts. Is it when someone returns to the board and another person greets them? Is it when there is a disagreement on a topic? What is considered 'random?' What is considered 'extraneous?' As an anthropologist, word choice is important to me, especially when vague concepts such as these are loosely thrown about without any contextualization. During face-to-face conversations, part of human communication is to stray away from the original topic and to use the subjects brought up as a jumping board for extension of such communication. I don't mean to be nitpicking here, but if part of the aim of posting or communicating on this board is to remain
within the confines of the thread and to spare others from having to skip over parts in which they are not interested, then it feels a bit childish, like having to color within the lines. It defies the principles of humans actually communicate, especially when not face-to-face. If I want my train of thought censored or mediated by someone else, then I can travel overseas to any number of countries where I've conducted fieldwork in
order to get arrested and thrown in jail. And I say this not in any form of anger or mean spiritedness... Just a fact of my experiences abroad.
Joanna
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Agreement -- Brittany, 09:33:10 12/09/10 Thu
I just want to say that I'm agreeing 100% with what Joanna is saying on everything in this thread. She took what was in my head and wrote it out more eloquently than I could :)
I would just like to add, though, that if we were all at a movie premiere party or something, would we all just be talking about the movie and actors? I don't think so! Every conversation leads to something else. Even in meetings, the topic can get off subject, but that gets reigned in so work can be accomplished. But is this a meeting? Is that the kind of atmosphere we want to have?
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A question to Stewart -- kell, 20:47:48 12/08/10 Wed
Stewart,
I read your original post on this topic and, to be honest, didn't read any of the responses because I kept going back to one thing. This is your board. So, I pose this question:
"What would you like to see it become?"
Because, really, that's all that matters.
kell :)
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Re: Time to change things here -- Monica, 22:54:59 12/08/10 Wed
I find myself ill qualified to be a moderator; but I am willing to help. I do not post here very often but I would be very sad if you let the message board die. I enjoy reading your posts from time to time and seeing what goes through your head at times. Like to hear about your new adventures and the new roads you take in life ... With love Monica
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Re: Time to change things here -- 
Neeney (), 03:29:09 12/09/10 Thu
I'd like to apply for job as moderator. I've actually done so before but didn't know if the message was received or not.
I do help run a fan board, and while we tend to be quite lenient with what we allow to be posted there, I can step in and "moderate" where needed. That hasn't gotten me friends, but sadly, online we do need moderation in some form. I know that will not be well received, but I've been around boards long enough to see what works and what doesn't. And, sadly, the ones that I've seen with moderators who care, behind the scenes, gently steering the ship, are still in existence. The board that I currently help run came out of a situation where everything was allowed and that basically caused it to self destruct. Plus, it made many of the people on the board have bitter feelings toward one another. The current board is a fun place, I think, and the show it's about hasn't even been on the air since the eighties. But it took a lot of work to get it to what it is today. And I, for one, am rather proud of that.
I haven't been to this board for a while for a number of reasons, but one of the main ones being that when I post it doesn't seem like its received at all or the thread is hijacked and run away with.
I've enjoyed "meeting" Stewart here and getting to know about his acting career and what he shares of his life. I know he comes across as "harsh" sometimes, but I usually agree with most of what he says. (Although I couldn't put together my thoughts and arguments as eloquently). He doesn't have to let us come here and he doesn't have to post here himself. But he does because he cares about the board, his fans, and life.
The fact remains that it IS Stewart's place. He lets us post here and I for one am glad he does. So here is my application for moderator, such as it is. I've never been great at "selling myself". I'm just a plain, simple person who learns and can do a job well.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us Stewart. I appreciate them, even if I don't always respond.
I do think, that to do as I think you want done on this board, that it will require a change of venue. It does not seem to me that voy is capable of it, although I don't know much about how voy works so I may be wrong.
Neeney |
Last edited by author: Thu December 09, 2010 05:18:11
Edited 2 times.
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Re: Time to change things here -- Valerie, 08:51:30 12/09/10 Thu
For the sake of capping off any further argument on my end, I will just say this and be done with it: Stewart stated in his original post that he saw the need for a moderator. What happens to this board from here on out is HIS decision and whatever that decision is, we must accept it gracefully. This board *does* represent him in some way. I think that fact has been long-forgotten (and by myself, too!).
Most everyone has voiced their opinions and concerns about a moderator or the general future of this board. At this point, we're all just going around and around, saying the exact same thing on either side of this argument.
I'm not going to say anything else on this subject until Stewart himself gives us a clear idea of what he would like to see happen here.
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Re: Time to change things here -- LauraG, 17:24:16 12/09/10 Thu
Well, well, well. you ought to know that I couldn't help but have to put in my two cents worth.
I agree with Stewart that topics often get diverted and I for one get frustrated and cease paying attention, while wishing we could get into the topic in more detail.
As much as I have enjoyed my time on this board, there are times when I have felt as though my right to an opinion different from the majority of the members has not been respected. If a moderator would ensure that we could speak openly and honestly within a given set of guidelines I feel we would be more likely to have more authentic discussions.
I also do not feel it is that difficult to begin a new thread when one wants to begin a new topic or has something a bit off topic to mention.
There have been times when it would have been very easy for me to leave the board, but because of connections that have been made, it felt better to “hang in “ and be supportive to those needing it (including myself). Stewart, while I draw the line at drooling, I do believe in you and would like to be able to support you in your quest to continue in your chosen vocation.
I’d also like to check in with others from time to time, but if that is not a direction this board wants to take, I do feel that I can comfortably continue to do that on Facebook.
I would look forward to some direction. I’m a big girl, if in the end it doesn’t serve my needs, I can find other methods of engagement, but if having a moderator provides some direction and guidelines for respectful discourse, then I prefer that to the current situation.
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Re: Time to change things here -- Neeney, 18:32:09 12/09/10 Thu
You want drooling huh? That could be very, very INTERESTING....to say the least. lol
Neeney |
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Re: Time to change things here -- Janet, 14:50:24 12/10/10 Fri
Greeting, Salutations and a big Howdy...
WOW, I just took a few weeks off for the holiday retail insanity, I come to visit on my first day off in 3 weeks and
wow...
Stewart, did you day I can drool...I haven't done that since I got married, I'll ask my husband if that's ok. I do have some more questions for you sometime...butI;ll ask them later...
Great to hear from you and of course all the others...see ya'll again soon!!
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Re: Time to change things here -- JennOK, 20:41:11 12/10/10 Fri
Hello everyone. I agree with Janet in that I've only been gone from the board a few days and what a thread to read through tonight! There is a lot to read and reread in this subject line, and I am certainly not as eloquent a writer as many that have posted, but wanted to add a few thoughts. I have read and posted here since last summer, and would agree that at times posts have gotten - was the word- "snarky", which I somewhat attribute to being women and reading into things what may not actually have been intended. I also agree that in coming to this board I was hoping to get to know Stewart better as a person, not just as the fictionalized character we all obviously are drawn to from Christy. It has been interesting to read his posts recently and nice to know that he does check in occasionally. I also have enjoyed getting to "know" several of the other people who post here and believe them to be genuinely good people without agendas. Stewart, it would be interesting to know exactly how you would like to see the format change and possibly your intentions of being "seen" and "known" by us. I would hate to see the board cease to exist and would still like to know more about you and your insights, about your job at 4Vines and how it is changing. We are interested in you the person and I think all of us are very excited when we have seen a post from you. It was fun to read your "drooling" comment, and I would admit that is certainly one of the reasons I originally came to this board, but not the only reason I stay. Please keep us posted on the progress of this "metamorphosis".
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