I have been reading the posts over the last few weeks, as I am sure most of you have done as well. I think it is time for us to decide how and what we want this forum to be. I have asked the moderators to intervene and was told that in their opinion there was not really a problem.

I respectfully have to disagree. If we let this petty bickering, foul language, and indecent posting of pictures take take over this foum, it will simply fall apart, because pandering to the lowest common denominator lowers, rather than raises the standards by which people should act towards each other. I truly believe that crude langauge and pictures are NOT acceptable in this type of a format.

Here is my reasoning:

1. Except for the people that have met each other on Hook Ups or Cross Ups, etc. we do not really know each other. Telling a personal friend to "F**k O**" or "Kiss My A**" can be accepted, because they can see the facial expressions or body language that goes along with it. They know it is not really meant and/or done in fun. But when that is done in writing, to basically a complete stranger, those words are taken literally, and escalate into post after post of increasingly abusive and threatening language. I was raised in a family and in a time where if you made a threat, you better be ready to act on it. I am beginning to be a bit concerned that it will not take much more of a push, and you may see that happen. I am sure I will be told that I am being silly in my line of thought, but pick up any newspaper and read an article on the front page. People hurt each other for far less reasons...

2. I do not agree that ignorance is bliss. Just ignoring those that behave in an inappropriate way sometimes makes them more bold, because they know that no one is going to say anything to stop them. In my opinion, that is exactly what has happened here. There was also a post saying to just skip over the posts you find offensive. OK, but how are we to do that when the threads go wildly off topic? By the time I think I should get out of a thread, I have already read postings that I find offensive.

3. I thought that this forum was going to be above this sort of childish behavior, but I guess I was mistaken. There are ways to get your point across without resorting to threats of violence and abuse. Just take your time, think it through, and then post it. I can state that I am not alone in my thinking here. I have received quite a few PM's and e-mails talking about this problem.

Discussing the problems is only half the issue. There have to be some possible solutions. Here are mine:

1. The moderators obviously will not take action unless they are personally contacted. I submit that as soon as a truly abusive, threatening, or obscene post has been made that they be contacted. We have been told that they do not wish to be "mommy and daddy", but as moderators they have a duty to keep this forum civil. That is part of the job. And the reasoning that we are already better than most other forums is just unacceptable. A "C" grade is not good enough. We should have an "A".

2. There should be a "three strikes and you are out" rule. After three warnings, the abuser should be removed from the forum. How many times do you think that would have to happen before everone got the picture that rudeness will simply not be tolerated. And I do not agree that "gee, he usually has some good ideas, so we should let him go..." line of thought should be accepted either. If you can't express yourself in a group of words that are generally accepted to be civil, then don't say anything. If you want to be rude, do it with your friends in a place where that is acceptable, not in an open, public forum.

3. Maybe there should be an additional forum added called "Anything Goes". If people want to get into wild and rude arguments, that is the place to go. Then the rest of us could ignore that completely.

Those are my thoughts and ideas. I hope it creates some meaningful discussion. If I am wrong, tell me, and tell me why. I am open to that. If I am completely off base, and I am incorrect in my assumption that there are others that feel the same way as I do, that is fine as well. I will then have to find another area to talk to people about my Crossfire.

I usually apologize when I get this wordy. Not this time. I felt it was neseccary to say what I had to say.

Finally, rather than telling someone that "you are an old f'kg retarded a** wipe, and I will kick you in the n*ts when I see you", try something along these lines, It is much more effective, has some humor, and would be hard to be called offensive:

I find your utter lack of intelligence in this matter to be very disturbing. You have made no points that could be defended and provided no facts to back anything up. It is obvious that you might have had a better chance had your father continued his relationship with the sheep, instead of marrying his cousin.

Have a great weekend everyone!