Three World Wars

[mbh66]

This is an open, heartfelt note prompted by numerous private messages to myself and the moderators concerning the unconstructive behavior of certain individuals in the forum. The intended audience of the note is diverse – take from it the points relevant to you and ignore the rest.

Let him who has ears, hear.

As a group of moderators we are fully aware of the current state of the forum. We have consciously chosen a reaction which may appear to you to be inaction. There is a specific reason for this: we are conducting an experiment on human nature. Sadly, our hypothesis is proving correct.

Saying that the quality of the board is only as good as the moderators is a distressing abdication of responsibility, akin to saying that society’s degradation is the responsibility of the government, or the church.

Every active poster here is a moderator, albeit not formally appointed. Every single post made is a form of moderation, either positive or negative. Each post aligns the poster with one of the two conflicting forces at work in the Universe. Every post triggers consequences. Deal with them.

This is not a threat, it’s an explanation:
Shutting this board down will save an average of 6 hours per day between the current 3 moderators. Six hours we will never see again.
Shutting it down will save the significant bandwidth costs I am paying so that you can enjoy the privilege of having the last say.

Every logical conclusion is that the board should simply cease to be, but I’ve consciously chosen to allow the insanity to continue. Complaining about the manner in which it operates is a reflection of how you lead your life: expecting someone else to address a problem instead of identifying ways in which you can make a difference. Your fate in life can be compared to the future of those in New Orleans who resigned the outcome of their plight to government rescuers.

I am sorely disappointed with the current state of the board, but I fully support the moderators, even if I may disagree with certain actions or decisions. Accordingly we will not significantly change our approach to moderation, apart from a forum and privileges reorg, which is currently underway.

If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.

Changing gears.

I’ve noticed that when someone takes the time to explain their personal situation, SOME forum members respond by appropriately adjusting their future posts.

Here is my personal situation, elucidated for the primary reason of convincing at least some to play ball in this forum.

By the way, my name is Michael (note spelling). The name Mike is usually reserved for use by those who I know personally. Referring to me as Uncle is not only demeaning, but factually incorrect. I am uncle to only two individuals on this planet, neither of whom are old enough to use a keyboard.

My current passion and life purpose is a project far greater than what I’ve chosen to show you on ThreeWorldWars and Freedom Technology. While I won’t say much more, I can give you an indication of how important it is by explaining what I’ve given up in order to achieve it.

I gave up a lucrative corporate lifestyle, which included seeing the world in 5-star luxury at someone else’s expense, in favor of following my dream. I gave up a 6-figure (GBP) basic salary, plus commissions on the sale of multi-million dollar computer systems, in favor of making a difference in people’s lives. I gave up flashy sports cars, executive homes and a truly jet-set lifestyle in favor of focusing on what I believe to be my life purpose. I gave up the security of a guaranteed income in favor of showing others how to do the same. My current meager income doesn’t cover even the most basic living expenses, and I’m risking hard-earned capital to realize a dream – a dream which has nothing to do with money. It has everything to do with YOU.

I risked making some of the components of that dream visible in this forum, in the interests of constructive criticism. Many responded. Some belittled and ignored the efforts. Fortunately I expected the negativity, so my ego wasn’t bruised.

What DOES hurt, though, is watching human nature at play on this board. And having to take time out from my dream to monitor it.