ve2nsm - The Facts

[N4DIA]

After spending the better part of this morning shifting though all the events and facts leading to ve2nsm's Ban, I felt it was time for an Administrator to set the record straight. It seems there is a lot of misinformation posted and some down right untruths.

Several days prior to ve2nsm's demise, he had posted an Avatar that depicted a function of the Icon Board. (I guess he felt it would be cool to be an outlaw and appear to have multiple warnings.) No, the Avatar was not offensive but it did mimick a function of the message boards so he was asked to remove it or replace it. He refused. 3 days later, it was removed and he reposted it. (He also uploaded 5 other warning Avatars.)

For the members who think that AVATARS in our database are available for all to use are mistaken. 90% of them were uploaded by members. Currently there are over 1800 Avatars. it takes about an hour to an hour and a half to download the database and weed out the unacceptable AVATARS. This is one reason some AVATARS get by us as this database is checked about twice a month. We like to think of our membership as being polite, honest and have some understanding of what is Copyrighted, Porn or unacceptable. It appears there is always a few in the minority who do not.

The original email from QRZ (it was not a PM but an email from QRZ and easily identified as such) was reposted in an edited form as were subsequent postings.

The FACTS are - VE2NSM was asked to remove the AVATAR, which he did not. 3 days later we removed and warned him not to replace it. He reposted the AVATAR, which he had to reupload as the original had been removed. He also uploaded several more. (I am not sure the reason behind that was other than to prove he could)

He then posted Private Email from QRZ that was edited and he started his attack on the staff of QRZ.

FACT, he, along with all members of QRZ are guests here. If your neighbor brought an item into your home that you had repeatedly asked him not to, I believe anyone of you would react in some defensive manner. We took the low road and asked him to stop. He refused and took it several steps farther posting private emails and making a Constitutional case out of it.

If you have a problem with the operation of QRZ or a question of some action QRZ has taken, bring it to QRZ and not the general membership. The problem is between you and QRZ. Taking it to the "media" first is a sure way on getting on the wrong side of anyone.

Questions or Concerns?

support@qrz.com

It will get to the appropriate staff member.

I have deleted several threads concerning this subject as they are redundant and full of misinformation

Mike

[VE7NOT]

Quote[/b] (N4DIA @ July 10 2006,11:38)]If you have a problem with the operation of QRZ or a question of some action QRZ has taken, bring it to QRZ and not the general membership. The problem is between you and QRZ. Taking it to the "media" first is a sure way on getting on the wrong side of anyone.

Questions or Concerns?

support@qrz.com

It will get to the appropriate staff member.
You got mail http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

Edit:

BTW I consider anything in MY mailbox public.

Edit: You have 2 mails. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[N9XR]

Quote[/b] ]Just an FYI...

I have received a lot of emails asking me why 0H and NH were banned. I do not know why, nor do I even know what they posted or where they posted that lead to this. In fact, I didn't know they were banned until folks started sending me emails asking why. Please don't email me for information.

As for the "need to know" folks, you don't. When a kid gets expelled from school, it is because he or she violated rules. I don't announce to my classes that the kid was expelled for doing crack on campus - or whatever. The kids know the rules.

I am certain those boys said something over the top either to each other or to others. I do not know when, or if, they will be back. Having said this, and whether or not you agree with it, I am requesting that the emails to me cease - at least where this banning is concerned.

Thanks,
Barb (n6boa)
One of the QRZ.com moderators.

Take the questions to the public, make them in private. This is an exercise in frustration to those of us trying to make an educated decision where there are so many mexed missed mixed messages.

Speaking for myself, the protests are an attempt to show a better way for the forum to be run. Fact is that many on here are not happy with the direction that QRZ is going right now. There are several paths to choose.

1. Ban people when you are not happy with them. Force them to get lost. This would work well seamlessly on a poster who has one post that is really repulsive, and then ban them. But with some other, they have been allowed to cultivate friendships and alliances throughout the forum. Banning these people will result in these backlashes.

2. Treat forum members with decency and honesty. Most of us have "bad days" and mods as well as members have them. It is difficult for some of these posters see preferential treatment of some posting offensive threads and responses, and others get the "well, they asked for it" treatment.

This system of punishment is so 3rd grade. The public apologies that are expected are so bogus that anyone who feels the need to make a public apology for letting things get out of hand feel that their genuine pleas for forgiveness will be seen in a similar light. Most of the people posting on here are not 3rd graders.

Another thing. I am unsure if I was doing something wrong, but I had pulled several avatars that were not call specific from the list on the QRZ avatar uploaded page. Several times, these avatars were deleted from my profile. They were like a Homer Simpson on the radio and silly stuff like that. Am I gaining yellow square points when these get deleted? Enquiring minds want to know.

When we buy a toaster from the department store, we deal with the people we see in the store for the purchase and with the store warranties. I do not see the clerk shrug their shoulders and say, “It was others in the organization higher in the chain of command that decided we carry this item we sold to you. Don’t look at me.” And indeed, we do see the advertisements flashing on the side of YOUR webpage, and we do make decisions and plans when we click on those links. We are consumers. Maybe your advertisers appreciate what they see here and how it is being handled. Maybe they like the rift that is being cultivated by little unknown beings that inadvertently ban posters at a whim. But, yes, we can “change the channel” so to speak, and watch another show with different advertisers. You just make this site the way you want to. It is yours.

The bottom line is, QRZ is welcome to ban some and drive the rest off. I cannot stop that from happening. When honesty is difficult to master, ham flight will begin. Then get in a new bunch of people. Hopefully they will be easier to manage.


Cool to have Dave here though. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[ad4mg]

Why were the two posts concerning the little yellow boxes and avatars removed? Were they offensive? Are they now "forbidden" topics?

I always thought this was a discussion board. And things have changed around here. Bannings and little yellow boxes are not applied equally. I personally see lots of name calling and juvenile behavior get overlooked.

Instead of complaining any more, I'll just find somewhere else to spend my amateur related internet browsing time. I've used the advertiser's links on this site to purchase a good deal of equipment in the past. I supported a site that I thought promoted healthy discussion of amateur radio and other topics. Obviously I was mistaken.

Perhaps its time for Fred to consider moderating some of his moderators (Glen & Terry excluded ... both have been more than fair to me.)

[k6bbc]

Frankly, I don’t buy it. There have been several members banned recently for what seems to be inconsequential reasons. When questioned, the standard answer seems to be “you don’t know the whole story.”

From my perspective there seems to be one of two things happening. Either there are renegade moderators reporting upstream to a management who is two busy to really monitor what is going on or there is an upper management policy to stifle speech.

As I’ve said before, the claim this site is “private” is somewhat dubious in much the same way claiming Walmart is private. Sure, it’s privately help, but it becomes de facto public space when products are sold and advertised, etc.

But that is not the point. Clearly there is something very unhealthy going on behind the scenes. I was recently “warned” about the use of a Yiddish word (Yenta) and told to watch myself. It is obvious some moderators have an axe to grind and somehow feel empowered. I have never seen the kind of outrage I am witnessing now on this site before and I would hope management would take notice.

K6BBC

[N2ACX]

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif These and similar threads should be combined. There seems to be a few already about members, treatment, and the direction of QRZ.

I posted similar thoughts that are being expressed in a couple of threads that have gone over the falls already.
I have to wonder what is concidered "offensive" by the QRZ moderators. It would be nice to know and see the offensive posts,avatars etc that have resulted in the temporary or permanant banning of any individual posting on this site.

I also,as some others are in here, am a "moderator" or "host" as it is sometimes referred to on a chat site. We also have a few simple rules similar to QRZ's, but then again some of the rules are common sense and won't usually be tolerated in any chat room or blogging site such as posting racist, sexually explicit, disrespecting another chatter or name calling etc.

If I, as a host, I 'kick' or ban someone the reason is given to the entire room at that time. Everyone knows the reason(s).

In my opinion, the level of discourse in QRZ at this time is very high and it appears to be spreading like a bad rash. I would recommend to QRZ and their moderators to take some serious reflection on what their doing by not posting the complete reasons for these actions. Some may very well deserve to be 'booted' but some may not, especially permanantly.

I would further recommend to QRZ that they create another forum section that addresses the names, call signs any temporary or permanant bannings and the complete reasons why. I think we deserve that.

Why? because we, the individual hams are the ones that make sites such as QRZ work. We are the ones that click on the advertizments and purchase equipment from them, as I and many have done. Many of us enjoy swapping ideas and views with the others regardless if we agree or not. Many of us have gotten used to seeing many of the calls and get to know somewhat the people behind them. As such, it has become more of a community of friends, aquaintances, and....I know others at times but it's like life in general. Responses in moderation and respect is not much to ask from posters and I would think most do abide by that premise.

In conclusion to this long winded blog I would hope this moderator/member/poster conflict would come to an end, unless QRZ is looking to change the direction of the site.

That's my 2¢ worth N2ACX

[VE7NOT]

Anyone notice that this thread is posted in 'ragchew' http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

[ab8ma]

Quote[/b] (ad4mg @ July 10 2006,19:49)]Why were the two posts concerning the little yellow boxes and avatars removed? #Were they offensive? #Are they now "forbidden" topics?

I always thought this was a discussion board. #And things have changed around here. #Bannings and little yellow boxes are not applied equally. #I personally see lots of name calling and juvenile behavior get overlooked.

Instead of complaining any more, I'll just find somewhere else to spend my amateur related internet browsing time. #I've used the advertiser's links on this site to purchase a good deal of equipment in the past. #I supported a site that I thought promoted healthy discussion of amateur radio and other topics. #Obviously I was mistaken.

Perhaps its time for Fred to consider moderating some of his moderators (Glen & Terry excluded ... both have been more than fair to me.)
If there were one day I could have done without QRZ, this (10-July-2006) would have been it. People getting banned. Threads getting censored. Threads getting deleted. Posted and altered copies of private emails.

[wd0ct]

Hmm, seems a major revolt is brewing. Maybe we need a union. Anyone up for organizing?

[WD8OQX]

Quote[/b] ] N4DIA - For the members who think that AVATARS in our database are available for all to use are mistaken. 90% of them were uploaded by members. Currently there are over 1800 Avatars. it takes about an hour to an hour and a half to download the database and weed out the unacceptable AVATARS. This is one reason some AVATARS get by us as this database is checked about twice a month. We like to think of our membership as being polite, honest and have some understanding of what is Copyrighted, Porn or unacceptable. It appears there is always a few in the minority who do not.






Is there any way for a member to edit or delete that which they upload? - I have some that I would delete if I could.

[k6pme]

Quote[/b] (ab8ma @ July 10 2006,13:04)]If there were one day I could have done without QRZ, this (10-July-2006) would have been it. People getting banned. Threads getting censored. Threads getting deleted. #Posted and altered copies of private emails.
It was worse yesterday. I've been sitting here contemplating this whole thing and I guess what everyone wants is 27 pages of "rules" that will cover every given situation. What a shame to have to come to that when it's obviously clear what the expected standards are. Doesn't the Federal and State governments make enough rules for us already?

As far as QRZ staff keeping as much in private as possible, I applaud you! Anyone with any amount of management or personnel experience knows THEE golden rule. Unless immediated life or property are in danger then all disciplinary action is done in PRIVATE.

Edited for typo's.

[VE7NOT]

Quote[/b] (VE7NOT @ July 10 2006,11:52)]It will get to the appropriate staff member.
You got mail http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

Edit:

BTW I consider anything in MY mailbox public.

Edit: You have 2 mails. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif[/QUOTE]
I have 2 responses. I made it quite clear they are 'open'. The mail sits in MY e-mail box.

I will make that clear before I post the two messages.

[VE7NOT]

Ok if this gets me banned I know for a fact it will cause a bigger stir then nsm's removal. I in no way have modified these e-mails.

I sent this:


--On Monday, July 10, 2006 11:45 AM -0700 Simeon Todoruk <ve7not@hotmail.com> wrote:

Regardless of your post (which I don't believe all of anyway but makes no
difference here)

You removed him from the qrz callsign database. Banning him is one
thing. Removing his name from the database is another. People use the
database worldwide for information.

Sim
VE7NOT

I thought it was a resonable statement.

This is what I got:

ve2nsm demanded yesterday that ALL his call sign data, address and bio be removed from QRZ

As for N4DIA's post, all the facts, email copies and database entries back it up.

ve2nsm even admitted to uploading several AVATARS and then logging in with a fake call sign to regain access to QRZ in an email today. On a security standpoint, that is called hacking.

Believe what you want, QRZ has the facts to back up everything that QRZ has posted.

Now you have mail.

Editor

The first part we know from the other post.. he 'asked to be removed'.

The second part I won't mention cause we haven't SEEN that yet.

The third part actually contradicts the first part.

The last part I can only guess at.


Then I sent this:

--On Monday, July 10, 2006 11:58 AM -0700 Simeon Todoruk <ve7not@hotmail.com> wrote:

In line with you comment to keep this subject off the board I have
another question:

"Several days prior to ve2nsm's demise, he had posted an Avatar that
depicted a function of the Icon Board. (I guess he felt it would be cool
to be an outlaw and appear to have multiple warnings.) No, the Avatar
was not offensive but it did mimick a function of the message boards so
he was asked to remove it or replace it."

And of what threat is that?

Sim

VE7NOT

(I decided to post it as others should see this response)


It wasn't an I stated so but it did try to emulate a function of our software and really had no place on the board.

The facts do not change, he was asked to remove it, did not, we did, he reposted it and uploaded along with several other AVATARs like the one we asked him to remove. He also tried to open a fraudulent account which he admits to.

What do you have issues with? The right of QRZ to try to operate in a functional manner for all members or let members spoof functions of the site?




I stand back. No more questions.
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[N2ACX]

I cannot buy the "keeping it entirely private" philosophy in QRZ, with the exception of private e-mails or replies to the staff.

Obiviously, repremands and other chastizments in public in a business enviroment is, and has been frowned upon and is unprofessional. These forums are not a business, we do not work for or recieve pay from QRZ. Posts are voluntary, and once posted becomes public domain for the most part.

As far as any public posts, avatars, etc that are displayed in this forum for all to see, I see nothing wrong in posting the reasons for bans etc. The fact is, many of us may not have seen them or the staff has removed them after being posted in this public read forum.

73 N2ACX

[n7rjd]

Quote[/b] (k6pme @ July 10 2006,07:19)]Unless immediated life or property are in danger then all disciplinary action is done in PRIVATE.

Edited for typo's.
Missed one. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[VE7NOT]

Quote[/b] (KE7DLG @ July 10 2006,13:42)]Quote[/b] (k6pme @ July 10 2006,07:19)]Unless immediated life or property are in danger then all disciplinary action is done in PRIVATE.

Edited for typo's.
Missed one. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
How many typos in mine http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

j/k

[k6pme]

Quote[/b] (KE7DLG @ July 10 2006,13:42)]Quote[/b] (k6pme @ July 10 2006,07:19)]Unless immediated life or property are in danger then all disciplinary action is done in PRIVATE.

Edited for typo's.
Missed one. #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Ya got me! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[w3sy]

I think it might be time for another Group Hug.

Quote[/b] ]Posting of copyright material is not allowed on QRZ.Com, or any other web site for that matter. Please help us avoid copyright issues with the owners of those images.
Terry, K7FE
One of QRZ.Com Moderators

[N2ACX]

W3SYQuote[/b] ]I think it might be time for another Group Hug.

I second that motion........

N2ACX

[VE7NOT]

Quote[/b] (N2ACX @ July 10 2006,13:56)]W3SYQuote[/b] ]I think it might be time for another Group Hug.

I second that motion........

N2ACX
I third. I started another positive subject. Let's wander over there. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[n7rjd]

Quote[/b] (VE7NOT @ July 10 2006,07:39)]In line with you comment to keep this subject off the board I have
another question:
Sim,

Step back for a moment and think on this one. How is posting this email barrage in line with keeping this subject off the board?

Trust me, I too like ve2nsm but he did get a bit overreactive when the yellow square hit. He started playing the "dare" game taunting the mods and admin staff to do something. Even if you don't want to believe the staff's side on this one and regardless of whether the avatar was offensive or of any harm the point is there is a right and wrong way to handle any situation and this one could have been handled better from his side too.

I agree that with the sheer number of yellow squares, bannings and locked and deleted threads recently there is the appearance of something going on. I don't believe ve2nsm being banned was part of that other than the "gang mentality" may have come into play with his overreaction to his avatar being pulled.

The one thing that I keep coming back to is that the "rules of the road" haven't changed but there seems to be a renewed sense of urgency in adhering to these rules. A lot has been slack for a long time and it is always hard to tighten the belt after it has gone slack. I would submit that this is nothing more than a tightening of the rules and a lot of the bannings are coming from those who openly push the limits.

As for callsign data being removed. I would have to believe the staff member who is saying that he requested this. Everytime I have seen this happen it has been at the request of the individual and has usually been almost immediately after their banning before they have taken the time to catch their breath.

Basically ve2nsm and others in the past have gotten upset with their bannings and have reacted before taking time to think things through.

Your advertising that you will do exactly what the admin is saying was wrong and then doing it is asking for troubles of your own.

Now, before you think I am taking sides on this one I am actually quite the rebel and have my own questions regarding some of the recent goings ons. The problem is when somebody takes off half cocked and starts this type of "I'm going to prove it is ok to do what you say isn't" campaign it only takes validity away from the point that is being made by others.

[n7rjd]

Quote[/b] (k6pme @ July 10 2006,07:45)]Quote[/b] (KE7DLG @ July 10 2006,13:42)]Quote[/b] (k6pme @ July 10 2006,07:19)]Unless immediated life or property are in danger then all disciplinary action is done in PRIVATE.

Edited for typo's.
Missed one. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Ya got me! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Sorry, had to call you on that one after spending a minute or two trying to see if I could work "mediated" into the sentence. Then I saw your "Edited for typo's". I'm only human and can only resist so much in a day. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[k6pme]

ACZ, There have been many public admonishments and warnings given in plain view of everyone. I have seen it quite often over the past few years. While I'm not privy the inner working here I'm going to assume that the next step is e-mail. In NSM's case it seem's that it was directly by e-mail as a matter of routine. Or so it started out. I have also noticed that when there is a ban and there is enough 'public outcry' someone will usually come forth with the reason. DIA has obviously done this. As far as all things being open we'll just have to disagree.

While I don't really agree with the threads being removed I can understand why they were. There are other times, not related to this instance, where I seen posts deleted because they needed to be. Some things just shouldn't remain to be seen. But then another time all the posts WERE left in place and no one had any question what so ever why he was banned.

It's all subjective at best on what the proper course of action should be for any given situation. But whats the alternative? 27 pages of 'rules'?

[k6pme]

Quote[/b] (KE7DLG @ July 10 2006,14:07)]"mediated"
Perhaps that should be topic of the day! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[n7rjd]

Quote[/b] (k6pme @ July 10 2006,08:08)]27 pages of 'rules'?
Actually 29 pages. You forgot the two that say "This Page Intentionally Left Blank." http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[k9kxq]

Quote[/b] (wd0ct @ July 10 2006,15:10)]Hmm, seems a major revolt is brewing. Maybe we need a union. Anyone up for organizing?
Seems more like a coupe de graw! and marvelous idea, a union, I'll through my name in the hat for President,wdØct for vice and for secretary Orv (uey) since he is sooooooo conservative, oh and SY for our UINION STEWARD...

kxq

[VE7NOT]

Quote[/b] (KE7DLG @ July 10 2006,14:04)]Quote[/b] (VE7NOT @ July 10 2006,07:39)]In line with you comment to keep this subject off the board I have
another question:
Sim,

Step back for a moment and think on this one. How is posting this email barrage in line with keeping this subject off the board?

Trust me, I too like ve2nsm but he did get a bit overreactive when the yellow square hit. He started playing the "dare" game taunting the mods and admin staff to do something. Even if you don't want to believe the staff's side on this one and regardless of whether the avatar was offensive or of any harm the point is there is a right and wrong way to handle any situation and this one could have been handled better from his side too.

I agree that with the sheer number of yellow squares, bannings and locked and deleted threads recently there is the appearance of something going on. I don't believe ve2nsm being banned was part of that other than the "gang mentality" may have come into play with his overreaction to his avatar being pulled.

The one thing that I keep coming back to is that the "rules of the road" haven't changed but there seems to be a renewed sense of urgency in adhering to these rules. A lot has been slack for a long time and it is always hard to tighten the belt after it has gone slack. I would submit that this is nothing more than a tightening of the rules and a lot of the bannings are coming from those who openly push the limits.

As for callsign data being removed. I would have to believe the staff member who is saying that he requested this. Everytime I have seen this happen it has been at the request of the individual and has usually been almost immediately after their banning before they have taken the time to catch their breath.

Basically ve2nsm and others in the past have gotten upset with their bannings and have reacted before taking time to think things through.

Your advertising that you will do exactly what the admin is saying was wrong and then doing it is asking for troubles of your own.

Now, before you think I am taking sides on this one I am actually quite the rebel and have my own questions regarding some of the recent goings ons. The problem is when somebody takes off half cocked and starts this type of "I'm going to prove it is ok to do what you say isn't" campaign it only takes validity away from the point that is being made by others.
I agree.

I have dropped it like I said and emailed to then but I will keep a closer eye on things http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[W0LPQ]

KXQ you cannot have "Da Pope" as union steward. Conflict of interest..!

Bill, W0LPQ

[n7rjd]

Quote[/b] (VE7NOT @ July 10 2006,07:42)]Quote[/b] (KE7DLG @ July 10 2006,13:42)]Quote[/b] (k6pme @ July 10 2006,07:19)]Unless immediated life or property are in danger then all disciplinary action is done in PRIVATE.

Edited for typo's.
Missed one. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
How many typos in mine http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

j/k
Sorry, ran out of fingers, will have to hire help to count. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[k6pme]

Quote[/b] (KE7DLG @ July 10 2006,14:13)]Quote[/b] (k6pme @ July 10 2006,08:08)]27 pages of 'rules'?
Actually 29 pages. You forgot the two that say "This Page Intentionally Left Blank." #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
You Sir, have been reading too many government manuals! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[ai4ep]

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif kxq can not be president ( he is a democrat ) and Oct can not be V P, for unknown reasons.

I nominate kg4kww for President
& w)lpq as V P
ai4fp as treasurer ( he CAN count to 4, that is how many fingers on one hand he has )
ke7dlg as secretary ( he can spel purty guud )

Me ? I got a shotgun, rifle and a 4 wheel drive ( Hank williams Jr song ) and I shall be in charge of security .

Onions ? I dont like onions, they taste too hot and fall out of HAMburgers.

mo latr...you folks DO have all of this under strict control, dont cha ?

[n7rjd]

Ok Robert,

I'll be secretary but I'm not sitting on anybody's lap to take dictation. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[ai4ep]

Hey...my yellar box is gone.

[ai4ep]

but my light bulb still dont work

[VE7NOT]

What exactly does the light bulb mean?

[k6pme]

Hey cool, disappearing boxes.

Now about this union thing. Who is going to write the by-laws? What is criteria for membership and how they/we join? Who is going to design the AVATAR that we can all use? Or do we just put it in our signature? questions, questions.... http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[ai4ep]

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif thief --- thief...some dang nabbed fool swiped my little yellaer box and broke my light bulb.

( left shot gun in the 4 wheel drive ) http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[k6pme]

Sim, it's my understand that it's lite when you are logged in and not when you are not. Unless your Robert.

I could be wrong.

[N9XR]

Quote[/b] (ai4ep @ July 10 2006,09:09)]http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif thief --- thief...some dang nabbed fool swiped my little yellaer box and broke my light bulb.

( left shot gun in the 4 wheel drive ) # # # http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
And they banned Dave, WX7B, too.


Bummer.

[k6pme]

Yup. And deleted his post. But he still in the data base so it must be a time out.

[k9kxq]

Quote[/b] (W0LPQ @ July 10 2006,16:16)]KXQ you cannot have "Da Pope" as union steward. #Conflict of interest..!

Bill, W0LPQ
you know I never really thought about a conflict, thanks Bill..

Now who would you nominate?

kxq

[K9STH]

It has been decided to place the yellow squares with the dodo bird.

Glen, K9STH

[K8PJS]

I still like this forum better than AOL. I had my account deleted today for some sort of post that they didn't like. Not that I get gross
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[K8EEI]

Quote[/b] (K9STH @ July 10 2006,22:50)]It has been decided to place the yellow squares with the dodo bird.

Glen, K9STH
I believe the majority will be pleased with that executive decision . http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[k9kxq]

Quote[/b] (VE7NOT @ July 10 2006,17:08)]What exactly does the light bulb mean?
Whether your bright or not, or the brighter it gets the closer you get... http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

kxq

[KE5FRF]

I am more than a little disturbed by the deletion of the yellow square threads...And there was a "seeming" warning from the author of this thread that anyone who posted in the yellow box threads were "under scrutiny" so to speak.
Well, I was one of those people that posted a comment, and yes, I was somewhat sarcastic in my replies. I think I metaphorically asked if QRZ had been taken over by the Third Reich. This is a JOKE, humor, haha, something to laugh about, take the edge off of a disturbing situation.

I think I have been a positive participant here on QRZ. I have gotten hot under the collar at times, but I think I moderate my own words fairly well 99.9% of the time. I come here to QRZ because it has been FUN, and a great resource. I like a lot of the folks here, and I have felt welcomed by the vast majority. I even tried to get a "NET" going to help promote QRZ because I enjoy this website so much. No, I am not a subscriber, but I have been going through an expensive divorce, and am flat BROKE. I have had every intention of becoming a subscriber in the near future. I will NOT be doing that now, for certain.

I don't condone the "taunting" behavior of the VE Canadian, (my apologies, his full call slips my mind)...but it shouldn't have come to that in the first place. He was just trying to "lighten things up" around here with a little bit of humor. It's kind of like the student drawing a mocking image of a teacher, no harm done. But the difference is, we aren't children, we are adults and we come here to be entertained and informed, and yes, sometimes to debate.

I need to get away from the internet, and spend more time on the air where the environment is fun. QRZ.com is no longer fun for me.

I will not post anything to this message board until I see a change and QRZ.com is a fun place once again to hang out. I will not do NCS on the air on Friday evenings anymore, no matter how many or few people might like to check in. If I hear someone else do it on the air, I'll say hello, and check in, but I won't waste my time anymore promoting it.

I guess I will be banned for posting this. So be it, I can live with that. I don't hate anyone here, and I certainly don't hate QRZ.com or Fred or any of the moderators.
I like COCA COLA, and when they changed their formula, I switched to PEPSI that is what is happening here, the formula has changed, and I don't like the taste. I went back to COKE when they got the drift, and I wouldn't mind coming back to QRZ, but you guys need to get back to your old formula.

I'll probably read some threads from time to time, but I don't care to have anymore input.

73, and God Bless everyone here. A great bunch of folks.

[gw4rcm]

Quote[/b] (K9STH @ July 10 2006,23:50)]It has been decided to place the yellow squares with the dodo bird.

Glen, K9STH
Does that mean our Canadian friend can repost his avatar?

WTF #is going on here ?

Whats with the American persistence of ranking

First we have to pass the scrutiny of #our fellow members, then the Super members, (you know who you are) , then pass the eagle eye of the moderators, then the super moderators., subscribers? (jeez what are they)
Administrators and now DIA who is #a SuperAdministrator
How far up the food chain does this website go?. whats next.

QRZ staff, #wearing shades, in a coms room, spying on the members of QRZ.com, vetting who can be heard in the hallowed forum of rag chew and general?

Asking a Question about multi vibrators will have you banninated for having a sexual conotation.

Never ask about Ere***** a tower, Banned.


http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif
RCM

[ai4ep]

GLEN how do I get my little light bulb to work ?

I remember some option some where where it can work or not, but I dont remember how to GET TO the place where you can choose...do you know ?

-----------------
THANKS for taking away my " lil yellar box ". It didnt want to sit on top of the monitor any way.

-------------------------
Now, fix my light bulb & un-ban all who got banned in month of July 2006 and let us try to git along.......{ fergit that " trying " idea, I know we can do it !! }
------------------------

Here is my opinion of the gang here on qrz ( open mouth insert foot time ).


we got ourselves a nifty little group, a bit rowdy but we dont mean no one else no harm.
we dont go hunting each other down, we git caught up in the heat of the moment, cause we be ordinary humans. Some of us cant spell real good, but the rest of us can figger it out what you mean. We have a wide range of folks, from old farts, to folks who just got their license in the past week. Some want the morse code eliminated from the tests, but even they do not want it to disappear from the airwaves. We want to enjoy our "hobby / service / past time " of ham / amateur radio as we can and when we can.

I am willing to help any one of you at a moments notice, yet politely disagree with you on another amateur topic..but still help you with THAT situation.

No one comes here to pick a fight. We as a qrz.com operator hold our individual standards above that kind of actions.

-------------------
does that about cover it , or should I retire and let some one else write a speech ?
---------------

oh, one more thing --- n4dia...you & the other folks with high authority at qrz need to post a message every now & then with us " common folk " and socialize with us regular folks. It wont kill ya to make a post every now & then.

now...this shoe leather dont taste too bad with a dash of salt and ketchup.

AI4EP (Robert) http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[al2i]

I feel that the powers behind QRZ may not value the frequent posters. Actually, that may be an understatement.

I'm not banishing myself because I enjoy QRZ too much, but with my friends dissappearing right and left, I am going into a lower post-rate mode until they return.

One GREAT positive out of all of this is that the left and right wingers realize how much they appreciate each other. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[gw4rcm]

Quote[/b] (ai4ep @ July 11 2006,00:47)]GLEN #how do I get my little light bulb to work ?
Now Robert, you need to pay your subscriber bill and your little lamp will light
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif

RCM

[al2i]

Now that the Yellow box is no longer a feature of the board, I guess we could use it as a dorky avatar without violating the "Rules of the Road". http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif

[ai4ep]

rcm ---how much $ does it take ?

[W8LBO]

Hey, EP, I think when you log in you have to make sure that you don't check the box that keeps you off of the active users list. So log out, and then go into the log in page(don't just log in via the boxes on the top of every page), and put in your callsign and password, and make sure you leave the "don't add me to the active users list" button unchecked. I think that should turn the bulb on. If not, sorry about that.

[al2i]

Quote[/b] (ai4ep @ July 10 2006,16:56)]rcm ---how much $ does it take ?
ai4ep -- Your count is not going up at all. You've been "administrated" by someone who shares my sense of humor. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[W8LBO]

I think RCM was jesting about having to pay.

[ai4ep]

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif I really aint worried about no stinking light bulb...I want every one who got BANNED in the month of JULY 2006 to come back...no yellow box in corner..just let them back in so they can have FUN too.

-----

[al2i]

OK, now your count is going up again EP. Thank goodness!

[ai4ep]

ok...now to the important stuff...like ava tars and letting all the folks back in that got banned in the month of JULY 2006....

which side make first idea ?

[ai4ep]

w8lbo ---thank you http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[gw4rcm]

Hey Robert why is you lightbulb dimmer than ours?

inquiring minds want to know

RCM

[W8LBO]

how about we start a new forum to QRZ. we could call it the "W8LBO corner" all the people who were banned would go there and could only post in that forum. All posts would be censored one by one by moderators, and if anyone posted anything other then about how awesome I am, the moderators would stop the posts from showing up. Then people like you guys could pay me by the post, and I would personally edit out "LBO" in all the posts, and edit in your call sign instead. Man, I'm a genius.

[AA7BQ]

Folks,

I suppose that many can appreciate how difficult it is to moderate
the QRZ forums, and that without moderation the whole thing would
quickly go down the toilet. # Our moderators aren't perfect, but they also
aren't megalomaniacs either. #All of them would rather not make any
comments if only it weren't necessary at times.

I completely understand the point that some of the member banning
that takes place seems arbitrary and without any due process. That
said however, as an outsider a regular member does not have access
to the breadth of information and behavior patterns that our moderators
use in making their decisions. #Very simply, the public only sees a part
of the picture, and many times that part does not in itself seem to be
all that significant. #Taken in the background context of a case history
and other aggrivating, non-public factors, the case for action is often
much more compelling. #In other cases, some users are just plain rude
or indignant towards us and we frankly just get tired of dealing with
them. #

While some would argue that QRZ owes the public an explanation for
each and every member action, such a requirement is neither workable
nor productive. #Such an onus would in effect create a public hearing
or trial, of sorts, in which QRZ would have to defend its decision in the
court of public opinion. # It would not be a fair trial either, since the
majority opinion would likely not be heard as the ratio of readers to
posters is typically quite low.

Being a moderator is a job that nobody can imagine unless they've
actually done it themselves. #Sure, anybody can be a "good buddy"
moderator in which no member is ever warned or banned, but we have
standards of conduct that we've chosen to uphold. #Unfortunately, the
application of those standards sometimes becomes more subjective
than we'd like but still, its a job that has to be done.

All of the QRZ moderators are reasonable and willing to listen to
appeals on our decisions. #The problem is that once we call out a
transgression, the accused will often deny any #wrongdoing and take
complete offense at our having pointed it out. #Add to that the typical
complaint that we aren't applying our standards evenly (i.e. the
assertion that others have made more egregious violations). #Almost
instantly, the exchange becomes adversarial and the accused becomes
defensive.

All of this is unnecessary. #A little bit of acceptance of responsibility
mixed with some contrition and a cool headed, reasoned response
will almost always keep someone from getting banned. #When they
tell us to @#$!-OFF, however, and start leveling threats towards us,
we do the only reasonable thing: #we ban them from the site.

Everyone should be able to appreciate that by banning those hot
heads it gives us more time to work on and maintain the site for
the majority of others who aren't the least bit interested in the foul
behavior of a the few.

With that I'm going to close this thread so that we can all take a deep
breath and have a cold one. #There are a lot of other far more
interesting topics on this site.

-fred #AA7BQ