*
The flames on the Construction Board have gone too far. I removed the Calibrated Balls of String thread because it was spiteful and not at all related to construction. You might argue that it wasn’t alone in that, and I’d have to agree. It’s probably unfair for me to single out that thread. Sorry. I don’t have time to sweep all of the threads on this board.
You are adults and several of you ought to be embarrassed by your behavior here. I’d suggest a few moments of sober reflection about your prior posts, and then I’d suggest going back and deleting the more juvenile of them. But that’s up to you, it’s your reputations that are in the public eye.
Next, read the site rules. Abusive, hateful and obscene language are not permitted. I’ve been lax in enforcing these rules. Be on notice that that’s over. Consider this post your first warning. You get one more, which will be by e-mail. Violations of any of the site rules after that e-mail warning will result in you being asked to leave this board.
I welcome your comments and complaints, either here, or by e-mail ([email protected]) or by phone (800) 926 8776 x 420.
Andy Engel
Replies
*
Andy - I totally missed that thread, sounds like I didn't need to read it! Thanks for stepping in, it has been getting, well, deep.
*Andy....Thank you...And yes...May the Force be with you!near the freshly cleaned stream,aj
*You have a tough, generally thankless job.May the force be with you.
*Andy,Question...Where are the site rules?And why not post the site rules top dead center on the main page for all to refer to easily...both new posters and old timers?near the stream,ajOk...just found the rules under Content Policy...maybe the folder needs to flash at us when the flames are high!
*Here for your enjoyment, The Site Rules (Loud applause follows)This is a free and open forum. Comments to BREAKTIME will be posted within seconds, unedited or supervised by us. (We do reserve the right to remove postings containing obscene or otherwise offensive language, or personal attacks.) Taunton New Media assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or contents of any material posted. Rules: The following rules govern the use of the Taunton Web Site, including participation in its bulletin boards. Please read these rules carefully. Your use of the Site will constitute your agreement to comply with these rules. If you cannot agree with these rules, please do not use the Site. These rules may be modified by Taunton from time to time; changes will be announced here. This Site is intended to provide a forum for a healthy and open exchange of information, opinions and comments. Since the Site is designed to provide an enjoyable and informative experience for all participants, you agree to abide by certain rules regarding your participation and your comments. Comments By Users Are Not Endorsed by Taunton. Taunton does not necessarily endorse, support, sanction, verify, or agree with the comments, opinions, or statements posted on bulletin boards or otherwise contained in the Site. Any information or material placed online, including advice and opinions, are the views of those who post the statements, and does not necessarily represent the views of Taunton. USE OF THE SITE BY YOU: All users are required to provide accurate name and electronic mail address information. PROHIBITED MATERIALS AND ACTIVITIES: You agree not to use any obscene, indecent, or offensive language or to place on the Site any material that is libelous, abusive, or hateful, constitutes junk mail or unauthorized advertising, invades anyone's privacy, or encourages conduct that would constitute a criminal offense, give rise to civil liability, or otherwise violate any local, state, national or international law or regulation. You agree to use the Site only for lawful purposes. You are responsible for ensuring that any material you post on a discussion board-- including but not limited to text, photographs, and sound -- does not violate the copyright or any other personal or proprietary rights of any third party or is posted with the permission of the owner(s) of such rights. Material on the Site is for your personal use only. The Site contains copyrighted and other proprietary information. You may not in any way make commercial or other unauthorized use, by publication, re-transmission, distribution, or otherwise, of material obtained through the Site, except as permitted by the Copyright Act or other law. You agree not to disrupt or interfere with the Site, nor to alter or tamper with any information or materials on or associated with the Site. USE OF MATERIAL POSTED BY YOU: Postings to the Site are not private. You grant Taunton the unrestricted right to use, reproduce, modify, translate, and distribute any material you post to the Site in any medium (now in existence or hereafter developed), and for any purpose, including commercial uses, and to authorize others to do so. INDEMNIFICATION: You agree to indemnify the Site producer and its employees, agents, and representatives, and to hold them harmless, from any and all claims and liabilities (including attorneys fees) which may arise from your submissions, from your unauthorized use of material obtained through the Site, or from your breach of these rules, or from any such acts through your account. You further agree that the Site provider is not responsible, and shall have no liability to you, with respect to any material posted by others. EDITING AND DELETIONS: The Site provider reserves the right, but undertakes no duty, to review, edit, move, or delete any material provided for display or placed on the Site or its bulletin boards, in its sole discretion. DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: THE SITE PROVIDED "AS IS", AND THE SITE PROVIDER HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS AND IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY WARRANTIES OF ACCURACY, RELIABILITY, MERCHANTABILITY, OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. YOU USE THE SITE AND THE INFORMATION AND MATERIAL ON THE SITE AT YOUR OWN RISK. THE SITE PROVIDER SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES ALLEGEDLY SUSTAINED ARISING OUT OF USE OF THE SITE, INCLUDING FOR VIRUSES ALLEGED TO HAVE BEEN OBTAINED FROM THE SITE AND INCLUDING ANY CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL OR SIMILAR DAMAGES, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR THE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE EXCLUSIONS OR LIMITATIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS WHICH VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.
*I agree with you, Andy. Venting should be reserved for crawl spaces and attics.Jeff
*Touche, Jeff!
*Uh oh; Jeff's inviting a flame war on attic venting in this Thread!?! (Some of us could probably work up some steam on crawl venting, as well) *Thank you, Andy, for an otherwise thankless job!Bob-------------* = "Grin, duck and run!"
*Way to go, Andy. It was starting to get too deep to bother wading through. Ron
*Aha!!!Andy, this remark puts you squarely in the venting corner. Far from being impartial you have just taken sides on one of the most contested issues on this board and one that has led to the most virulent flame wars. Your true colors are exposed.
*I agree Andy. For my part, I don't think I've been one of the worse offenders, but I haven't been the best, either. So, I humbly apologize for any/all of my posts which helped bring this about. I will be watching myself more carefully in the future.
*You've got me wrong, Mike. I'm in both venting camps. Until the inspector's tailights are all that's left of him, I say vent 1/150, more is better. I'll even leave the roof off and build on piers if he wants maximum venting. Then, close everything up and keep the water out. Satisfying both the codes and the laws of physics,Andy
*Mr. Pita, there is no need to apologize. I never saw you as an offender (but maybe I didn't read all of your posts? <>). The point is, what's done is done. It's how we act today that matters.Andy
*Ouch Andy! It looks like some in here are going to lose their voice...blue
*Andy, when i first showed up for the DIY and BS threads that you declined to moderate, i thought libertarianism was a good thing and the site would settle out on its own in an evolutionary manner. Perhaps given enough time it would, but by then there might be no one left here except tired flamers. I still see your move to moderate as triage, but at least the patient will live. Danke vielmals, merci beaucoup, and gracias!PS: What's the official position on limericks? ;-)
*Andy! Andy! GWC sent me a risque e mail X mas card last year (or was that Patrick?). And Adrian Wilson said something totally untrue about radial arm saws! Does that count? Ban them Andy! I think George even voted Republican (and Adrian would have if he could)!
*Hey!
View Image © 1999-2000"He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich W. Nietzsche
*Ok Andy,
View Image © 1999-2000"He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich W. Nietzsche
*Ok Andy,
View Image © 1999-2000"He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich W. Nietzsche
*Psst, Joe, delete #1 and that third paragraph, quick!
*Andy,
View Image © 1999-2000"He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich W. Nietzsche
*Andy,
View Image © 1999-2000"He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich W. Nietzsche
*Hey Andy,Good call.Thanks,Ed. Williams
*Andy,
View Image © 1999-2000"He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich W. Nietzsche
*Nobody likes a tattletale.
*hitting the ignore button.
*Andy, Sorry about you having to impose the new rules. It seems as though this board is going the way of the this old house board, many moons ago. So good bye to all and let the flames have it . Adios
*Joe, I've got to tell you that I clicked through on all of your links, and found no abusive, hateful or obscene language. Rather, I found a reasonable description of your past threads. Is that what you thought I'd find?Best,Andy
*Andy, I believe he is referring to the "Jozo" usage. But like you stated, you found a "reasonable description", right? Just kidding, Joe. But the way you have in the past been among the worst offenders, now acting as tattletale, makes me laugh at you. It's amazing how quickly (presumably) grown men can begin acting like preschoolers.
*Andy,View Imagejust don't get any on you ;)
*Hey Jessie, did your shingles rot yet? Or the sheathing dry up and blow away? Or whatever catastrophe was predicted? How's the snow load up there? Joe H
*Andy, someone who posts solely to annoy is something else worth deleting. At the monemt it is "Curious Reader", the intent of her posts seems to be only to cause argument, certainly not building anything except rancor. Fine Hate Building magazine? Joe H
*Splintergroupie, I enjoy most limericks, puns and other verbal cleverness. I haven't seen any abusive limericks, and any that got a little off color did so in the right spot, that is, The Tavern. It's the vitriol that I tire of. Judging by the comments here and in my e-mail, a majority of you agree. Andy
*Thank you Andy and others who took a stand. Now onward and upward.David
*joe... your right wing slant annoys me too... maybe you oughta suck it in and give it a break....i don't think blodgett or anyone else intended this to turn into a lot of whiners and complainers...""andy... andy..""."""joe said................""""and then splinter groupie said""take a deep breath and ignore it...or .. set a better example yourself...
*Andy: Thanks. For many reasons the flaming is annoying and wrong. But from a selfish point of view I only have limited time to spend in this forum. Wasting it sorting thru flames to get to the valuable information was driving me spare.Scott
*Andy: cheers to a kinder, gentler Breaktime.
*... A thousand points of light construction?
*What can I say...as a phrase, it has it's uses.
*Adrian, I don't think I'd have used the phrase "a kinder, gentler Breaktime", but neither do I think it's all that lame. I'm hoping for a Breaktime where abuse no longer interferes with the discussion of ideas. The analogy that springs to mind is that of a classroom. Imagine that there is one child who disrupts the class for the others. Does that child's right to an education justify jeopardizing the education of the whole class? When does the good of the group outweigh that of the individual? There comes a time when the group's interests must come first. If anything, I feel that I owe an apology to the majority of you who have waited so patiently for me to assert the rules.Andy
*Mr Engel,
View Image © 1999-2000"He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich W. Nietzsche
*Mr. Fusco, I don't think you, or anyone else, should head down that road. There is a difference between someone answering one of your posts by mocking the name that you called them and you beginning to insult and abuse other posters. It's a fine point, but one that I think is valid based on what has passed here. Am I being arbitrary? Even biased? You might see it that way. Even so, that's my call. If you aren't willing to tolerate that, I invite you to seek another discussion board that you find to be more to your liking.Best regards,Andy Engel
*Dear Mr. Engel,
Best Regards, View Image © 1999-2000"He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich W. Nietzsche
*Joe,Andy has done a good job with this website for all of us. Stopping in at Breaktime sort of reminds me of the days when I would stop by the local pub after work and meet the "regulars", to talk about whatever. He's helped create that type of congenial atmosphere here.Why would any of us want that to change?He gets up in the morning, puts his pants on and goes to work like the rest of us. He doesn't show up at my job site while I'm cutting a roof and throw rocks at me, so let's not throw any at him. There are many of us here who have participated in "flame throwing" and I'll stand up and say that I have participated on more than one occassion myself. I wish I hadn't.I'm going out on a limb a little, but I think I can speak for AJ, blue, Mike and Mike and Mike, Mr. Pita, Dallas Ed, myself, and alot of others, that have been involved with flaming in one way or another, and say that we wish it would all end. Ultimately, it serves very little, if any, purpose. Many of us have done everything short of getting down on our hands and knees and begging, in an effort to get you to mellow out a little with your posts. You don't have to be the perfect gentleman in here, nor do any of us, but let's give peace a chance.Sincerely,Ken
*Dear Mr. Drake,
View Image © 1999-2000"He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich W. Nietzsche
*Pat, I find it amusing that you would leave this board because Aj created a thread entitled recalibrating a ball of string thread and there was a little scuffle in the hip roof thread. If you call that "too much flaming" I've got to question the thickness of your string.I think its just a tad bit whiny. I understand that you don't want to read thread after thread of Aj/Jozo/Stooges/ debates and Gabe Martel swearing, but the last time I calculated I noticed 789 threads that DIDN'T involve any of the aforementioned people.I found Jim's original request to be a bit whiny too, but possibly warranted. After all, he might have been trying to douse a little smoldering fire before it flamed hot. But I also wonder why he just didn't wander into a construction thread and post a construction topic instead of taking the flamers to task. I find the whiny requests to be just as wasteful as bickering, especially since no one can force anyone else to read them. So, I hate to see anyone leave, but if you feel the need to leave because one thread was ruined and another started as a retaliation, then I guess I'll just have to say good by.It's your loss. I've never visisted the "This old house " board, but I'm quite sure that it's lame compared to this one.Pat, why don't you simply stay and ignore the posters that irritate you. It sounds like Andy intends to rein in the objectionable stuff. I think it's worth your while, and ours too, if you give him a chance. blueblue
*Hey Andy,I still think you're making the right choice. It's not an easy job. I found that out the first time I had to fire someone. I didn't want to have to do it, and it still is the toughest thing I have to do, but I have to think of the good of everyone else. After I fired my first bad apple employee, I was surprised by the warm reception I received from the rest of the crew. They thought I gave him every chance in the world to do right, and they themselves said it was the right thing to do.Your reference to the classroom rang clear to me. But we are not keeping anyone from a public education here (the three "r"'s), but it is obivious those who want to contribute, and those who want to bully. Fusco is the only wart in this place as far as I'm concerened. That is totally my opinion. Is it just me? Or does all the BS seem to be "Fusco" involved?I am the last person in the world to tell you your job. I envy you. What a great job. I've got a feeling that you will do the right thing if needed. Not so much as to "protect" anyone, just to keep the integrity of this fine board in place. A place to be proud of.Kindest Regards,Ed. Williams
*Joe, Although you probably don't want to hear anything from me, Ken or any of my fellow stooges, I feel compelled to try one more time. First, I welcome your input. YOu have a unique sideways approach to many things that is beneficial to all that are interested. Often, those that take a different approach are refferred to as "inventors" or maybe even geniuses. I think you might be one. Many in here welcome the exchange of different ideas. We embrace the exchange of ideas as a way to improve ourselves. We also choose which ideas that we will use. There is nothing wrong with having a unique technique that everyone else dislikes.But most here also want a calmer method of exchanging the ideas. Personally, I can take a whole lot of abuse, because I know it can't hurt me, but if the abuse is not accompanied with relevent replies, than the entire post becomes meaningless. And the entire thread begins to unravel. In the hip thread, I asked many questions trying to get to the root of the misunderstanding, and received many abusive responses without any substantial information relevent to the hip discussion. I most assuredly should have bailed out, but instead decided to have a little fun in there with you. I felt that we ended that discussion on friendly enough terms, about the same as the dodecagon thread which I originally engaged you in conversation a year or so ago. Since then, I never felt that there was any animosity between us, and was actually astounded when I realized that you were sincerely angry at me. I hate to sound trivial, but I'm sorry for whatever it was that set you off against me. Aside from your constant posts that claim that I don't know anything about roofs, frame lousy houses and tell me that I'm a bore, I really don't have much to dislike about you or your posts. And I really don't mind that you think I'm a lousy framer. I know I'm not the best, but I'm far from the worst. And I'm still looking for ways to improve. Anyways, Joe, I'll agree to not call you Jozo if that name bothers you. It is a childish act by me and I do know better. I'm sorry.YOur pal,bluePs I'm going to miss my curly act...bummer.
*Dear Mr. Blue,
View Image © 1999-2000"He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich W. Nietzsche
*(reply to #49)Hey Blue,Sorry bud, but you're wasting your time. Joe is Andy's problem now, not ours.Ed.
*Andy, I don't believe you could do any better. I believe in benign neglect and for the most part we posters should and usually do a good job of self governing. We are all guests here. Keep up the good work. Skip
*Yer confused there Jimbo... that was the "Man of the New Aluminum".Furthermore, Adrian did vote Republican... he used your friend's camp as an address, and Registered.
*Ed, you "envy" Andy?Have you seen Waterbury, Connecticut?Andy'll fill you in.
*Okay. I have to post this. I just got home (9:30 PST) and checked my e mail. A guy I consider a friend wrote this morning asking if my post was in part serious. So I figure if HE thinks that, then some other folks who really don't know me very well might be wondering too. I was only trying to add a little levity to the situation to lighten things up a little. The only serious part was the X mas card, and I really can't remember who sent it. (But Adrian DOES say some really mean things about radial arm saws) But really, I hope nobody does break the rules bad enough to get banned.
*Since this is now a kindler, gentler forum, does that mean I don't get my bronze statue in front of the stooge hall? If so, curse you Andy! Even if you are doing a good job! ;)
*I am sorry to have to retract the bronze statue in your honor. I've got a one-eyed-one-horned-flyin'-purple-people-eater that plays the song when you press its belly button. It's in the office because we couldn't stand it at home any longer. I could erect a sticky-note plaque on it in your honor if you'd like.Andy
*You think YOU'RE crushed, Mr. Pita: my pitch for Stoogette status is totally in the dumper...
*Well, I just hope you've learned a lesson here, mister. Calling someone a Republican can be very, very hurtful, even if you are only kidding. I'm recovering nicely, thank you.
*ROFL! I guess that'll have to do, but I think you need Ken's permission...
*Mr. Pita,I regret to inform you that the bronze statue, in your honor, in front of the S____E Headquarters, has been removed. FWIW, it has been hailed as a "modern day Michaelangelo", by local artists in the area. So impressed were they, that a formal protest attracted thousands,as it was drug away to the archives.If you wish to protest its removal, please show up in West Palm Beach, Florida, and meet with our lawyers, your lawyers, and Breaktime lawyers, and all of the previous Attorney Generals that we can afford, and we'll put it to a vote. A decision will be forthcoming by Christmas, or sooner or later, whichever comes first.M_E,PresidentThe ST___E Club
*I challange the validity of the invitation Moe, err I mean Ken. Geez, I hope I'm not banished for the freudian slip.Curly....oops, do I get thrown out for calling myself a name?Whooo whooo whoooo, yuck yuck yuck
*i If you wish to protest its removal, please show up in West Palm Beach, Florida, and meet with our lawyers, your lawyers, and Breaktime lawyers, and all of the previous Attorney Generals that we can afford, and we'll put it to a vote. A decision will be forthcoming by Christmas, or sooner or later, whichever comes first. Just don't use a butterfly ballot.
*blue eyed devil,whooo, whooo, whooo,???yuck, yuck, yuck,???The same type of fowl language you seem to engage in at every ST----E CLUB MEETING?Get a life blue. Your the Vice President. If something bad happens to me, you're in charge for the remainder of my term.The removal of Mr. Pita's bronze statue was thoroughly discussed at our last meeting. A vote was taken and removal won. That simple.If it weren't for the fact that you were not present at the time of the vote, things may have turned out differently. But no blue, once again, you were off with the petty cash fund for pizza and beer. I hope you're happy with your actions. When and if you decide to change your ways, we can discuss this further.
*Andy,Thanks for keeping it clean. I am reminded of the old "CB" radio days when some yo-yo,(Bozo?) liked the sound of his own voice and would ruin it for everyone else.That was the bad now the good;I think that "BLUE" should get some special recognition for his incredible thread, framing that house. Is there a Thread of the year award? I suggest a magazine write up on the winner! Counting at the stream. Steve.
*I'm flattered Steve. Thanks for the accolades. I haven't ruled out another.blue
*
The flames on the Construction Board have gone too far. I removed the Calibrated Balls of String thread because it was spiteful and not at all related to construction. You might argue that it wasn't alone in that, and I'd have to agree. It's probably unfair for me to single out that thread. Sorry. I don't have time to sweep all of the threads on this board.
You are adults and several of you ought to be embarrassed by your behavior here. I'd suggest a few moments of sober reflection about your prior posts, and then I'd suggest going back and deleting the more juvenile of them. But that's up to you, it's your reputations that are in the public eye.
Next, read the site rules. Abusive, hateful and obscene language are not permitted. I've been lax in enforcing these rules. Be on notice that that's over. Consider this post your first warning. You get one more, which will be by e-mail. Violations of any of the site rules after that e-mail warning will result in you being asked to leave this board.
I welcome your comments and complaints, either here, or by e-mail ([email protected]) or by phone (800) 926 8776 x 420.
Andy Engel