Happy Madison: Bravo! Bravo!

Prepared to get flamed but history (of this blog) has shown us that the messenger is often a martyr. I have your back.

Your wingman - Polar Bear

Your point is a valid one, and I, for one, will try mightily not to stray off topic. You have an able assistant in Polar Bear as he never hesitates to let us know when we are being boring, sometimes humorously, sometimes scathingly, but always truthfully. I think keeping us Maddicts on topic must be similar to herding cats....

I certainly appreciate the bravery it took to post on this topic again, an especially sensitive one in light of the AMC moderators reluctance to step forward to make this board more functional for the users.

I have always said that the board could appear in a different form, one that would have a thread for miscellaneous thoughts, or perhaps one that had a posted set of conduct standards. We have discussed (or avoided discussion) of this topic before, and those of us who are subjected to the thread hi-jackers have had to resort to the only remaining option....ignoring them.

In hopes of some forum improvements appearing before the start of Season 3, we Maddicts have remained silent to the Mad Men forum continuing to malfunction, now with the site's maintenance deteriorating to the point where the 'Most Popular' and 'Recommended' lists no longer are functional, and the 'Featured on Mad Men' Talk box remaining sorely out of date.

Yes, we could decide to be one way or the other as a group, yet we find there is not enough participation or consensus to make this a coherent endeavor. So, I have made an effort to do something with the only person I can control....myself. I try not to be the type of person that hijacks the thread, I make an effort to stay on topic and only post topics strong enough to carry more than one coherent response.

It's all because I come here to discuss the show....and for no other reason. Good luck 485Madison....thanks for bringing it up again, and be sure to duck! lol

greytone- much respect to you for your carefully written thoughts and intelligent topics.

I created a topic, "Maddict Forum" for people to make their birth announcements, restaurant recommendations, whine about their economic woes, etc. but it died a quick death.

I created another topic "Past is Prologue: 1964/2008" that listed the events of 1964 and posed the question: which will be relevent for season 3? In light of recent current events, I was hoping to ignite a dialog about 1964 as a foreshadow of today. This died an even faster death - I would have had better luck going on a Mormon mission to Afganistan.

I think the only solution will be when Season 3 starts and the true source of inspiration, the writing for the show, will bring back all of the regulars. I have tried to do what I can to keep Mad Men the topic of discussion by providing my skewed view of things.

Peace- Polar Bear

We just won't mind, will we?

Greytone you have a monthly post about movies that gets quite a large response. I for one enjoy reading it. So I think you are doing pretty good.

485mad did you ever think that the reason some of the other regulars don't always post is because they are afraid it won't meet the bloggers standards?

It's in between seasons. So I for one think it's quite a statement to the show that so many people even keep coming back to this blog to discuss items of interest.

It's kind of like spring break until the next series starts. I think the thread that holds this blog together is our wistful look back at our youth. I for one like reading everyone's different perspective.

I'm just saying......

So right, Chelsea....well said...if I were a lurker (I wish!!) I'd be as intimidated as hell to even try to post.

I agree with you...we are the brave (stupid?) ones.

If I offended any lurkers, I didn't mean to.

Actually, you're smart to have stayed out of this mess.

....."Herding cats".....heh heh.....

.....While I appreciate a public forum such as this not necessarily being treated like a sex chat room, or a barroom brawl, or platform for abuse, I have no objection if two or more people do a little kvetching on any given thread.

Sometimes I tune in, sometimes I skip over it. Mostly I find it enjoyable and amusing. I for one do not participate or indulge because I was very recently viciously flamed for allegedly doing same.

As long as no one is being intentionally disrespectful, or indulging in an ego-fest, and it isn’t a total slap in the face to the author, rarely does it offend me that it is taking place. Has spontaneity become a felony?

And, to be fair, a little even-handed “gabby-cat herding” is okay too. Because we do not have private messaging capabilities here, we have no choice but to do it publicly, if we want to communicate with each other.

I don't see the big deal. Skip over it. We are not performing seals, contracted to produce entertaining material for others. We are working for free here, people!!

Anyone looking for scintillating commentary on the subject of Mad Men need look no further than the right-hand side of your screen.

There you will find a VOLUMINOUS Open Thread for every episode of Season Two. On those threads, you will find more intelligent, thoughtful interpretations than you could possibly read between now and July.

Maddicts are a gifted and prolific group. There is always something cerebral and interesting and funny just around the corner, so I am surprised to hear the complaints, given what we have to work with right now.

If someone doesn't like what's being said, please feel free to start your own thread. If it seems like the "same ole, same ole," then be assured there are plenty of very fine Mad Men blogs out there.

Basket of Kisses, for instance. They are the hands-down experts, and have forged a close relationship with Matt Weiner, as well as the entire cast and crew.

BofK are comprised of a small, select group of uber-intellectuals and entertainment professionals who wax uncannily and endlessly on the subject of Mad Men.

Not only do they have the most exclusive cast interviews (hell, they’ve got the ONLY cast interviews!!), they are re-examining Season 2 as we speak. You will be kept decidedly busy deciphering and contemplating all the elite allusions, references and hidden subtext. (Plus your balls will be frozen stiff.)

As to AMC's MM Talk threads, not every reply is directed to the entire contingent, anyway. If you look, people leap-frog over other people in reply to someone way up the thread. Is that hijacking the thread? Who is really qualified to say?

As greytone herself very recently pointed out, it was the warm camaraderie that made this board different, if only for a nano-second, so I'm surprised to see anyone attempting to shoot that down entirely, just now, for exactly that.

Lastly, if Mad Men were actually airing right now, there would probably be a lot less dilly-dallying and gabby-cat herding. For a show forum with no show, I'm surprised it's THIS engaging. (Big props to the Maddicts – yeah!)

The good news is that we are officially half-way through the dearth until Season 3. (Woo woo?)

And with that, I am going to veer complete off topic and say, "Hey, how 'bout that 'Sushigate"?"

Great post, Dry...I couldn't agree more.

Who flamed you? Bet I can guess.....

and just for the hell of it, here's an old saying that is definitely NOT "original material" -----------

"Be Kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle"

I just like the quote. I try to live by it, don't always measure up. But, it's a goal.

I'm fairly new here, but, Dry, you took the words right out of my mouth (only far more eloquently). I have one thing to say to PB: to quote a line from "Stripes" (and, every red-blooded American boy has seen it, as I'm sure he has) "Lighten up, Francis!"

Mambo Deb: welcome to the jungle. As a new contributor to the Mad Men Forum, I would like to read your thoughts on 485Madison's thesis above. Specifically, "Unfortunately when it goes off topic, it feels like the post is being either hijacked or sabotaged . . . . . I've also noticed that as a result of the unrelated comments the post itself only lasts a day or two, making anyone else's response irrelevant."

Now, I realize that as a newbie you may not have read or followed the Forum in recent months. Regardless of the recent topic's subject matter, there is a certain homogeneity to the comments provided by the regular contributors. I have noticed that there is a tendency to drift towards the personal, regardless of the subject matter. I agree with 485Madison that anyone elses comments following such personalized revelations becomes irrelevent.

I have no problem drifting off topic if the new area of discussion is somewhat related. If you and I are talking about a veal parmagiana recipe and I ask you about your spaghetti Bolognese, the discussion easily flows. If, on the other hand, we are discussing Pete Campbell's chicken throwiing abilities and the discussion suddenly turns to hysterectomies and deceased relatives, it tends to stop the give and take dead in its tracks. Imagine someone's surprise when he/she is wants to comment on roasted chicken throwing only to find the most recent comment is about someone's gout.

Let me be clear, I do appreciate the emotional bond some of the contributors have made with each other and I have no problem with the support they provide each other. However, none of us (myself included), speaks on behalf of the entire universe of Mad Men Forum contributors. And this universe include way more stars than ones that are currently on the blog. 485's comments were meant to draw more people back to the Forum; not, as others have taken it, to boot those that remain.

What originally brought me to this Forum was the diversity of thought and the numerous entertaining/interesting people who share my enthusiasm for the show. I think that the drop off is due primarily to the end of the season, not some arbitrary blogger standard. I also think that it may be disinterest in the topics and the discussions (I include myself in this because I have recently posted "Mad Man-O-Pause" and I have contributed to SCfan's gut busting "Funny Jokes").

I know we all like to look back on the good old days, but take a look at "Episode 12 - Open Thread" and marvel at the number of different comments and contributors.

Damn...I missed that comment about someone's gout...better go back and read that one.

I do see your point, PB and I did go back and look at Episode 12’s Open Thread. I’ve also looked at many other earlier threads in the last few weeks, and I have noticed there was a tendency to stay on topic and make more meaningful comments with the earlier posts. And I agree there are a few "abusers" who continually go ot, perhaps hastening the post's demise .

However, that being said, I think everyone should calm down and take into consideration the fact that right now Mad Men is not on the air, and there are far fewer contributors taking part. Only the die-hards are still hanging in there (the seeds and stems, if you will :-} ). It’s harder to come up with brilliant commentary when there is only a handful of people participating. The conversation tends to degenerate into more personal topics, get silly and go off track. If you'll lighten up, maybe the meanderers will promise to control themselves.

This all reminds me of a great Wanda Sykes routine about the linear, don't upset the apple cart, one thing at a time way men's brains work (and why they love sports because of it) and the way women's brains NEVER stop ping-ponging from one subject to another (and why we can't sleep!).

So my question to you, PB, is this -- are you a seed or a stem?

.....SCfan....You do very well. Good one.

Polar.....I gotta tell ya, pal, I think you're outnumbered here.....

If you want your harem and their stellar gifts to stay here rather than take their bonding elsewhere, you're going to have to accept them, warts and all.

Just sayin'.....rather than shut them down entirely, why not strike a compromise?

By the way, does anyone else here have a bunion problem?

(J.O.K.E.)

What this forum really needs is more Drink&Smoke.

Hey, you still mad, D&S?

.....Oh yeah..."uterus uterus uterus!!"

{:p

Dry...was D&S mad?

hope not...I've missed him.

Ladies, ladies, quit poking the bear!

.....SCfan.....He was intimidated by all the original material.

Kidding!

Really, he just couldn't take all the uterus talk.

KIDDING!!!

[Okay, okay - I'll stop!! Hey there, Polar!! Love ya Polar!!]

Don't stop, Dry...you're funny...Uteruses...I sure don't miss mine, do you, z and Chelsea? Don't know if you still have yours, Dry...

Never so glad to unload an organ in my life.

which reminds me....time for another dose of estrogen!!!!!

Oh..."prostate prostate prostate"

....equal time!!!!

I have to hand it to Polar Bear, at least he doesn't go on and on about his use of Viagra and his need for that male enhancement drug. How boring would that be?!?! On second thought, though, it might be amusing to see a big old polar bear sitting on an ice berg wailing "Viva, Viagra"....I wonder if his real name is "Bob"?

Good one, z!

Trouble is, once his Viagra and Cialis and Levitra and that m.e.d. thing kick in...where's he gonna find a female (I guess!?) polar bear who's that desperate???

.....Do you suppose they are all up in uterus heaven gossiping about you right now?

oh, Dry...how many uteruses do you think I had??? ("they")

lol

If you maybe meant that Chelsea's and z's and mine are all up there saying mean, derogatory things about us, I bet you're right. But, mine deserved to be disowned...it was very ungrateful.

Mambo Deb: I appreciate your thoughtfulness and your openmindedness regarding my position. You write "It’s harder to come up with brilliant commentary when there is only a handful of people participating. To which I can only reply, amen.

Imagine, if you will, you are new to the Mad Men blog and you wish to address 485Madison's, "unfortunately when it goes off topic, it feels like the post is being either hijacked or sabotaged". You read the last several posts on this thread, which make 485's point as if on cue. Uterii, prostates, viagara, oh my! Talk about not being in Kansas, we're not even in the right continent in regards to the original subject matter. While some may find this banter cute, even entertaining, in a squeeling, junior high kinda way, I am sure anyone who objectively takes a step back and looks at these comments will question the sanity in joining the conversation. You correctly observe, "(t)he conversation tends to degenerate into more personal topics, get silly and go off track."

Your question seeds or stems? I like to think of myself as a bud.

Lastly, my hide is pretty thick so I can take the clucking from the ol' hen house. After a while, it becomes white noise, kinda like living next to the airport.

"openmindedness"....now there's a topic.

An open note to Polar Bear - My heart goes out to you in your futile quest to explain your point to people that do not want to hear it. It is like trying to get an alcoholic sober because you want them to be sober. It's not going to happen. You will never get the last word.
I said my peace, many people understood and some didn’t, that’s ok. Do not let the bitterness of a very few hurt you and lure you into a pissing match. You suggest wonderful posts and your responses to others are so entertaining. Please don’t sully these by writing on a different level.

An open note to All Others – I think it is brilliant that a dialogue has developed from this post, now if the cat scratching would stop it would actually be mature. Hmmm, that may just be the point? Are you being played? What lurks (like that word) behind the mind of an avatar?

I went browsing last night through some of the episode threads. I was struck anew by the number of folks posting and all the really interesting comments. It will be so nice when the new season starts and they all come back. Maybe when the re-runs start later this month, we can get some really good conversations going again. In all honesty, Polar Bear, as much as it pains me to agree with you, I, too, get bored with our silly chatter, even as I am contributing to it.

Neener, neener, pumpkin eater.

I'm rubber and you're glue, everthing you say bounces off me and sticks to you.....Note to self: never read anything posted by Polar Bear ever again or respond to anyone else posting in response to Polar Bear.

I wanna talk about CAT HERDING....

Uh... z,...I think Polar Bear and 485Madison are developing an emotional bond...

.....To the protesters, I apologize. I was just having a little fun with you, Polar. Usually I'm fairly well behaved, but to be fair, you kind of walked right into this one, and I couldn't let it just lay there.

I can't spend any time here today, but wanted to clarify more seriously my position that Polar and greytone are not completely wrong in their desire to have a cleaner-running forum.

Fun in moderation is probably acceptable to most, but sometimes we do take it a bit far. The things we (and I'm being generous there) get away with here probably would not be tolerated for long on many other forum. Forums. Whatever.

However, I still vigorously defend a person's right to have fun if they want and, with a few exceptions, say what they want. It's a democracy, not a fiefdom, and for the record, I do not like the public humiliation going on here as a defense mechanism. There is "teasing," and there is "bitter." That can't end well, can it?

Some of the best and most thoughtful posters here are also the goofiest (at least right now), and if you read backward, you would know that.

I still feel that no one person here is qualified to tell the others how to behave, particularly someone who just arrived.

Dry...from one "goof" to another (does that make it "goofii"?).....I just love the way you put things!

485Madison: Don’t worry about me. I take none of the comments on this blog personally. How could I? I’m just a picture of a Polar Bear.

Dry Manhattan: No worries. I have no problems with anyone bustin’ my balls as long as it is original and/or funny. I am concerned that you think I am publicly humiliating my fellow bloggers. The unfortunate thing is that they are doing it to themselves. Regardless, I will ease off the throttle. My only question to you is, who walked into whose trap? I want to thank you for helping me make my point.

zerelda: We cool. No need to apologize or explain. I know you get my sense of humor, even when it pisses you off. I am the one who should say he’s sorry.

SCfan: Thank you for the diagnosis and your concern. In the thread “WHAT KEEPS YOU CHECKING IN ON THE FORUM”, you write, “(i)n all honesty, I am concerned about Polar Bear in that I have a feeling his avatar/name must have to do with a mental condition...have you ever heard of Bipolar Disorder (what used to be called schizophrenia) the way one day he will be playful and soooooo funny and then turn mean spirited and confrontational (classic symptoms). That's not normal and I worry he's off his meds...but....that is the only diagnosis Dr. Scfan will ever venture to make and yes, I am sure that comment will ruffle his fur...so be it.“

With such insightful analysis, why don’t you post your thoughts in this topic? You see, the thing about the mentally is that they are the last to know (bipolar disorder, really?). I am sure it will give others the background they need to understand my childish and incoherent ramblings. You’ll be happy to know that my sessions with Dr. Wayne are going well and he says I have shown much improvement. He even gives Don a complete re-cap after every session.

To quote another Bay Area native, “a man’s got to know his limitations.” I will limit my comments to those who can handle them. The reason for my recalcitrance is that I awoke this morning with such a start. I had a dream that it was storming and the electricity was out. There was an insistent pounding at my front door and I ran down stairs to see who or what it was. I open my front door to find SCfan, standing in the rain wearing a white dress and bad perm job. She is holding a 9” butcher knife in her hand and says to me, “I will not be IGNORED, Polar Bear!” I immediately open my eyes and discover my Pete Campbell replica pajamas are matted with sweat against my body. I bolt down the stairs and run to the kitchen to see if my pet bunny is stewing in a 10 quart stock pot. Luckily, it was just a nightmare. Talk about not ending well.

So is this funny or confrontational? I’m off my meds and I can’t tell anymore.

Note to self: You really think you'll be able to resist reading Polar Bear's screeds? Many a time you've found yourself snickering over one of his posts. I know you pretty well, and I doubt you will be able to hold out for long. You are one weakminded sister.

But I posted that I wouldn't read his posts ever again. How will it look if I cave?

Well, I wouldn't worry too much about it, as everyone will be too busy diagnosing your mental stability based on these "notes to self" you have started posting. What is wrong with you?!?!

Psst, zerelda, just between the two of us, no one is watching - the Fatal Attraction scene above made you split a gut, right? I know I pulled a Fred Rumsen while writing it (this sounds hopelessly egotistical but the visual is just too much, especially me running to the kitchen to save Snowball). Now I am surrounded by yellow snow.

Looks like it's your turn, Dry....

I'll get the next one...

Mr. McMurphy...it's time for your medication....

If I may be serious for one moment, all that some of ask is that all of us be conscious of the audience. Freelancing is fine so long as it doesn't drift ad naseum. I can appreciate a good barb as much as the next person (touche, SCfan; well done and I think the new avatar is trey apropos). I, for one, will endeavor to remember that it is about the show, not my rantings. See, I'm all better now and I won't cause any trouble (wink).

Twenty, twenty, twenty four hours ago
I want to be sedated.
Nothing to do, no way to go home.
I want to be sedated.

I'm sorry I'm late with your meds today, Mr. McMurphy...now, if you refuse to take them orally, I'm sure we can find some other way to give them to you....

And as a special treat since everyone was so agreeable in basket weaving this morning we are instituting (no pun intended) a new activity for all of you... Movie Night!

Our first feature will be "A Face In The Crowd"...the favorite of our new patient, Mr. McMurphy.

.....Polar.....I didn't help you with a thing.

Someone who repeatedly (on at LEAST two different threads) brings up a topic like "Golden Girls I'd Love to F**k" is in no position to condescend or dictate to anyone.

You seem to like your attention HOWEVER you can get it, always making sure to have the last word, of course.

Dry, I know beyond any doubt that you got drawn into all this with the best of intentions, as I did, although at this point, it's hard to remember ( I do remember that there are/were NEVER any malicious motives for us--ever!) but...honestly, why oh why do we even try?

I know that sounds funny (not ha- ha kind) coming from the one who did not start it--- but the (main) one who has kept it going (Guilty---let the caning begin!)...

I don't know about you, but I'm getting weary of feeling like Gary Cooper waiting for the noon train...let some one else "shoot Frank Miller dead".

I'm just too dern exhausted.....

.....SCfan.....I have no idea what you just said, but it was funny. You get funnier every day I think. You were much better behaved when the show was still on :) - I think we've created a comic monster!

and oh, Dry, in all fairness to Mr. McMurphy (Polar), I'm the one who incorrectly guessed "Golden Girls" (for the GG....) when it was actually "Great Grandmas"... this was weeks ago when things were still vaguely civil on here and the "barbs" between myself and certain other posters were largely in fun. T

That up there was just a lame attempt to compare myself with Gary Cooper waiting for Frank Miller to arrive by train in "High Noon" so he could kill him----to keep him from nibbling him to death like a duck the rest of his days....I'm just a little frustrated....I'll get my second wind soon. OOOps ... just did... lol

I don't know what that "T" typo means....maybe Freudian...like a cross....who knows....

And, please, Dry...don't encourage me...I'm trying to gradually taper off....

.....Very good. I'll join you.

Please report to Stepford Headquarters immediately.

I too peaked at the earlier, earlier posts and I read lots of bantering between people albeit it was more show related.

It seems several people banter, myself, Dry, SCfan, Zerelda to name a few... and Polar kind of bloviates. In my humble opinion it's all good. If you don't like it scroll past it. If you have an opinion fine and people are entitled to respond that what blogging is about right?

Or should we post a topic: What does everyone think the "rules" should be?

Well said, Chelsea.

And what's wrong with your "Notes to self", z?
makes perfect sense to me, plus it's funny.

; - }

.....How about a "Annoying, Empty, Boring Banter" thread, to which all the bad kids will be banished, if and when they go off topic.

.....And Chelsea.....If you go back even further, say to last summer, you will see that practically everyone juggled both great on-topic comments, as well as amicable banter, including some of the people in protest of it right now.

Personally, I think they operate synergistically, and shouldn't be isolated. Neither is interesting to me in unadulterated form.

The banter was the social lubricant that kept the forum as fun as it was thought-provoking. Straight ego-stroking intellectualizing, day after day, can become very pendulous. JMHO

.....SCfan.....I saw you fall off the wagon on Mambo's thread, but I'm posting here because this thread is already "sullied." Plus I don't like rotten vegetables.

Quitting cold-turkey is a bitch, huh?

Welcome back, Sandra Dee, aka SCfan. I didn't like seeing Nurse Ratchet - made the whole forum scary. Felt like we were all locked up in the looney bin, having been personally driven there by McMurphy himself.

I am tired of this whole off topic debate, aren't you? I agree with Dry Manhattan. After going through some threads from a year ago, it is clear to me that going off topic is as habitual to folks on this forum as drinking and smoking is to the SC crew. Fortunately for us, our little habit won't injure our health, so I say we continue merrily on just as we have been.

(Loved your "shoot Frank Miller dead" remark!)

Dry...'How about a "Annoying, Empty, Boring Banter" thread, to which all the bad kids will be banished, if and when they go off topic.'

"Perrrfect!!" *

*check out Harry Connick, Jr. on David Letterman (YouTube) talking about his chickens!---and his daughter, who is on the fast track to growing up to be another SCfan....

God yes, z...I am sick and tired of it too!

Yes, it does seem the minute we get ol' Frank taken care of, he up and turns himself into a zombie and here we go again.....

(sticks toungue out a la "Lucy" in the general direction of Mr. McMurphy)

Let's get to banterin'!!

P.S....z, did you like Chelsea's not-so-veiled ref to his comments a few days ago on all our past dronings on "deceased relatives" --- look it up (it's got a ref to a monkey in it and is hilarious)

also, hope you liked my ref about "A Face In The Crowd' very "apropos" (one of those $10 words he likes to throw in)

Oh, btw, daaaahhling....I've lost my recipe for "Spaghetti Bolognese."..may I borrow yours?"

note on my P.S. above...Chelsea's zinger about the chimp is on that Funny Jokes thread...

oh, and "tongue" never could spell when I'm in a typing frenzy....

.....Wasn't McMurphy the sane one?

after they lobotomized him....

Hi ladies
I love the banter (as long as it doesn't go too far off into left field) and the fact that everyone is good friends, but if you really want a certain someone to go away, ignore the certain someone COMPLETELY. All you're doing is encouraging it. Go over to my thread on winners or losers and see what's being done to it. I'm not a happy camper.

Dry...Yes, indeed, he was sane when he got to the institution (but had "problems") by commiting himself (to get out of working on the work farm)...then he got more and more belligerent as time went by.

If the truth be told, we were all sane before we got hooked on a certain show and this forum.....

My Fellow Maddicts:

Me 'n the Chief here (raise your hand Chief! raise your hand!) are gonna check out and head up North.

To those that suffered the brunt of my humor, I'm sorry for the hard feelings.

To those that understood my over the top style (and occasionally nuanced writing), thanks for the words of encouragement. For the record, 485Madison and I are two different people.

If I come back, it will be as Polar Bear, not hiding behind some chicken sh*t new avatar (this isn't a slam at you SC; I mean that I will not try to reappear under a new guise and pretend I'm not Polar Bear). Plus, my writing style can be spotted from the North Pole, so no sense in pretending I'm something I'm not.

This is your Forum and as I've reconsidered my position. So long as you have a point, continue to post (it makes it so much more interesting for the audience, if it is topic related or not). I know that some of you can't tell when I'm being sarcastic but I am being genuinely truthful when I say, "I'm glad many of you have found soulmates." Who knows, maybe Chief and I will be back by the World Series.

Peace-Out,

Polar Bear (a.k.a. Randall Patrick McMurphy)

If you are a "fellow Maddict", then this is your forum, too. Make sure you come back, Polar Bear.

What are you saying, Zerelda, and I mean that in the nicest possible way. He played us all like drums!

No "hard feelings", from me, anyway, Polar...never were any...if you read back over the forum, you'd know that.

I'm just not one to walk away from a challenge, never have been, often to my own detriment. And probably to the detriment of this forum. I'd love to go back in time (forums need a rewind button!) and instead of jumping on the 'I can top that!' bandwagon, I'd just type out a nice ambivalent "Hmmmmmmm" in retort and leave it at that.

There were many times I posted about how funny I thought and still think you were/are...you are one of, if not the most, gifted writer on this forum...and again, if you look back and read, you will see I encouraged you many times in your "subversive, smart ass" (your own words---waaaay back there in the fall among some of our "holiday" forums---back when you were still fun) way of expressing yourself---I love a good-natured sparring match, as you learned --- "Good-natured" being the key words here...

I want to apologize if you thought my comment about "bipolar disorder" was a diagnosis...it was merely an opinion...which I arrived at after much thought and genuine concern when I kept noticing the gradual and persistent changes in your posts from playful teases into (my opinion again) mean-spirited taunts...and not just toward me...I hate to see someone attacked unjustly (again my personal opinion)....the old give him an inch and he takes a mile (as to "ball busting" as you called it) My mistake was to post it in the first place...should have just kept that thought to myself.

I laughed out loud at the "You didn't come here for the hunting did you?..." alternate 'punch lines' you came up with for all of us from zerelda's original joke and took no offense...just marveled at the creativity.

ALL your "stuff" was hilarious... it's just that some ended with gauntlet-throwing and as Dry Manhattan once posted..."you can't expect me to just let it lay there..." my thoughts exactly.

I get the definite vibe that you may have been encouraged recently by the PTB at AMC to take your upcoming vacation...none of my business, but I do say have a nice trip and be assured, this was just as much your "Forum" as it ever was ours...and we will all welcome you back with open arms (right, Maddicts?) when and if you decide to return, as our Funny/Abrasive, Brilliant/Loveable, Exasperating/Enlightening---- but key word being "Loveable", Polar Bear. I wish you the best.

May you master the art of cat herding in your travels...

Luck,

SCfan

They sure know how to raise a lady down there in Oklahoma.

I'm sorry if the comments I made on your thread were upsetting, Mambo, I apologized right after that one but I couldn't resist the "royals" comment...sorry.....

But, I did make a serious post, too...(Popsicles---which PB/Mr. McMurphy promptly had to drag through the mud)

I wish he could have just stayed like he was when he first got here.

And up there in Illinois, too!

SC, I'm not upset by your comments, just mystified why several of you continued to allow, even encourage, yourselves to be treated in such a vile, disrespectful way (granted, he was very good at cloaking everything in "humor", but there was a very nasty, angry subtext). I'm very afraid that you don't see that. I hope you never encounter anyone like that in the "real world", because I would be concerned for your safety. In the short time that I had any interaction with PB, it went from friendly kidding to coarse and contemptible in record time. I tried to handle it with humor, but it's just not possible. There is no "challenge" in dealing with someone like that, and no, I will not welcome him back with open arms.

ok

.....SCfan and Mambo.....I'm usually pretty even, but I have to acknowledge that Mambo has a strong position.

As much as I enjoy seeing you all enjoy Polar, I also feel vexed that he gets away with so much imperialistic misogyny.....

Mambo, I don't know you, but for the record, I've never been much for the "Kool-Aid," either.....

All I can say is, everybody needs to take a chilly pilly.....

.....And.....Oh please!

Enough with the "dramz....."

It is interesting that SCfan got over 190 posts to her Jokes thread. Why because it's the off season and we still want to be connected to our fav show. Well put Dry... too much intellectualizing does become droll.... you need variety.

Can't wait to post on the "Annoying, Empty, Boring Banter" thread. I'll bet we'll get lots of long lost friends.....

.....Without beating the subject to death, I don't think it was anyone's intention here to make anyone else go away, which response I never do understand. It seems a little over the top, and the upset it causes isn't really proportional....

It's all so pointless! Why can't people just check their ego, play nice, apologize if they need to, and get on with the fun. That is the idea, isn't it?

(Just sayin'.....)

That is exactly the idea, Dry (check their ego, play nice apologize), but when someone proves themselves unable to do so, much less behave to even the most minimum standards required by polite society, that person needs to go. You yourself called him an imperialist misogynist. My dictionary defines mysogny as (quote) HATRED of women.

Oops, major spelling error: misogyny

.....I know, and I feel bad about it now. (Until the next time he insults me, that is!)

I wish PB had changed his avatar back to the big white bear before he left....McMurphy and the Chief remind me of all the spittin' and spattin' that's been going on, and I would like to forget it. I liked seeing that big old bear picture even when I didn't like what he had to say. On second thought, I guess it doesn't matter, as these threads will be forgotten as the new ones are opened, and PB won't be posting. Nevermind.

Right on, z...

I went back and re-read this Mad Men forum thread from a while back and I learned a lot...I wish I'd done this a few months ago, if you get my drift....it would have made me think twice about ever trying to reason with a turnip....

http://blogs.amctv.com/mad-men/talk/2008/11/trolls-theyre-r.php

Looks like you got your wish, z....spooky!

(PB's old avatar)

What a great discussion it's been and it stayed on topic most, of the time.

Now, now, 485Madison, sarcasm doesn't become you. Thanks for posting that site, SCfan - very interesting reading. Read it the first time but obviously wasn't paying close attention. By the way, you have a very entertaining way of expressing yourself. Sometimes I read your posts twice, once for the content and again to chuckle over the way you say things. "Nailin' puddin' to the wall" is is a particular favorite.

(What do you think the chances are one particular turnip did not actually leave and is just lurking around the corner?)

Yes SCfan I reread that post too very inlightening. Like Zerelda I too wasn't paying attention the first time. Of course he's lurking Z he's a frustrated writer and I'm betting he will be back in a couple of weeks with some new material. I'll bet my Cosmopolitian on it. Anyone else want to wager?

Anyone gonna to stay up and watch Mad Men tonight? Go ahead it's really only 11pm (not midnight) Oh how I hate when the time changes. It takes me a week to get acclimated.

So who do you guys think would be the better actor to play Barak Obama? Denzel Washington or Will Smith???

;-)
;-)
;-)

Well, Will Smith kind of looks like him, but Denzel W. has that total cool thing going, and if the Prez is one thing, it is total cool. Did you see Denzel Washington in Spike Lee's "Inside Man"? Loved that movie - it had me from the minute that jingly, jangly music started, and D.W. came into view in that hat of his.

I'll bet with you Chelsea. The Ides of March is around the corner, the 15th, will SCfan's turnip turnup before or after that date?

.....More like two days, MAX.

How hilarious we are all thinking the same thing!!

He ain't "my" anything...turnip.... or anything else, Thank God!!!

; - ]

Sorry, 485Mad...you'll not get a rise out of me...I've learned my lesson. The hard way......

= - [

And, z, as for "Nailin' puddin' to the wall...it can't hold a candle to your "herding cats"----!!!! I love both yours and Chelsea's posts...the cats thing and Chelsea's "No soup for you" and "be careful, we'll make the csars mad" and others! I'm sure we became tiresome to other (probably all) lurking Maddicts...but, we felt (at least I did) that maybe we could oust the troublemaker with humor, not realizing at the time that it just fueled his nonsense. Like I said, I learned a lot from re-reading that Trolls thread.

I went back and read a few more older threads where a certain poster was new and he couldn't have been more charming...one was the thread called "Why Can't Our Forum Names Be More Original" (or some such)...he was flirting away with silverminx and Chelsea...who could have ever guessed what was coming? As I read, I couldn't believe it was the same person posting as the one who morphed into.......

Plus during all the holiday threads he was equally charming...that's what I meant when I posted below my impulsively-posted "letter" to him (after his "goodbye letter") about I "wished he was like he used to be"... He even opened up to silver and Chelsea on that thread about himself a bit...but, as we all saw, things changed drastically with time.

So sad, because, yes, I found his final posts puzzling/infuriating, his earlier "original material" (Did I say that???!!) was very impressive, we can't deny that, can we? Many Maddicts praised his writing and creativity, me included.

And yes, I believe he is lurking, no doubt in my mind.

And, Chelsea, I vote for Denzel...although Will is great, too. He has a slightly higher cool factor than Denzel, but Denzel is higher on the sexy scale. JMHO

Sorry to babble on, but, since you asked me....

Sorry to all Maddicts, but, we are old cronies who have been through a lot on this forum...so indulge us.

Thanks!

Dry...our posts "crossed" ... I love your posts, too...I wish I could put things logically and thoughtfully like you...I'm much too impulsive and I've got to learn to think BEFORE I hit that "Submit" button!

That flirting/nice guy thread I referred to up there was called

"Why Aren't Our User Names More Unique?"

and it's a really long scroll getting back to it.

But...worth reading ...Chelsea and silverminx were being flirty too, poor souls...the moths to the flame. (I can say that, because I was one of the worst moths of all!)

Z, you stuck your head in the door a couple of times and made a few funny remarks about the kids getting hot and heavy...anyway, fun reading.

SC I'll comment on this situation one more time, and that's it. I went and read the Unique Names post a little while ago and PB's behavior was classic, textbook abuser/molester behavior. Notice how he attached himself to the women that talked to him; flattering, complimenting, supporting them, charming and funny? Gradually the talk became a little sexy, then a little more, then a little more; then the anger starts to show, but he pretends he's just being funny and you "don't get it". By this time the victims think they are great friends with the abuser and there's nothing wrong with the off color humor; like dishing with the girls. That is why I was so alarmed and said I would be concerned for your safety should you meet someone like that in real life; that is exactly how they do it. I hope you're not upset with me; women just need to look out for themselves, and each other.

I know I said I was done, but I forgot to mention I have a suspicion that PB is also someone else on this forum using another avatar. I don't want to say who right now, but be on the look out ladies.

I have my suspicions, too, Mambo. And Chopin 47 posted that same suspicion a week or so back (PB posting with 2 separate avatars--even naming who she thought it was).

No, not upset with you at all...I appreciate your concern.

And in my (impulsively posted) adios letter to him---right after his attempt to make it look like it was HIS idea to leave----I said he would only be welcomed back with open arms (in retrospect I definitely could have worded that part a lot better! ha) IF he reverted to his mindset from when he first arrived (even further back than that thread I cited)....which is more than likely impossible.

Yes, I see your concern about our safety. One thing, though, about internet and "real life" safety----

I took an assault protection/prevention course years ago and learned some karate and also how to use pepper spray. I even had to use it once (the spray...believe me, it works).....

The teacher (a female police officer) mentioned that internal alarm everyone has...that "gut feeling" that someone is up to no good...that is something that we do not have on the forums...which is what makes it so perfect for the stalkers...(what PB turned into)...which is beyond a mere troll, of course. As I stated earlier, I learned a lot when I re-read that old "Trolls" thread.

P.S. Not an excuse (well, I guess it is really) but when I wrote that letter, I was so overcome with relief he was leaving that I was more forgiving than I normally would have been.

Thanks, SC. I did in fact, see who Chopin named in her suspicions, but that's not who I was thinking of. Only now that you've reminded me, I think there may indeed be (at least) 2 more "PB's" out there, the one Chopin mentioned, AND the one I have in mind.

For the Love of God....please not a whole swarm of them???!!!

= - O

= - O is right!

.....The fact is, using multiple identities is a banishable offense on some forums. Not here, though.

The thing that's funny about that is that the moderators, and anyone else who wants, can completely tell it's the same person.

Even if a poster creates a new name and avatar using a different e-mail address, the URL is the same. For the most part, the moderators, or whoever, can see exactly how many times a day a poster surfs, which threads are viewed, and for how long.

The other thing is, however many times a person tries to "become" someone else and use a different voice, in the end they always "out" themselves.

You can go back and read old posts of any poster here by clicking on their name link and viewing their profiles. Compare them to the new posts. Compare dates when the new poster arrived. There is always a clue or two if you are paying attention.

Dry, do you think PeggySue reincarnated herself as PB?????

; - ]

And, yes, Dry, I agree that we do all seem to all be on our own in the wilderness as far as attempting to contend with the troublemakers, don't we?

.....Yup.

Well, this has certainly been an education. I know I have mentioned before that this is the only computer site I come to and post on. I have no experience at all with this type of problem, so I will listen to your good advice, Dry M., Mambo Deb, and SCfan. In the future, if you see me being suckered into another situation similar to this last, give me a heads up, please. I feel slightly creeped out and ill used, but I enjoy the camaraderie of this forum too much to want to give it up because of a bunch of creeps.

To my chagrin, I have become the topic of this post. I wanted my last post to be my last until Season 3 started but the accusations of this and other topics requires my response. To write nothing is to imply that I agree with these charges.

There is nothing I can write that will convince some people that I am not a “troll”, I do not suffer from schizophrenia, that I am not a stalker nor that I do not have the potential for physical violence. I am none of these. For this reason, my last post above was meant to diffuse this situation and allow me to exit this blog gracefully. It was not my intent to “pre-empt” anyone – if anything, I was trying to de-escalate a situation that was reaching the boiling point. I understood that my posts were upsetting to some people and that they felt it necessary to warn others of my writing. For this reason, I felt it was in the best interests of everyone that I stop. (BTW, this was not some Troll stunt; I take full responsibility for my comments and I do not blame anyone for not “getting” my sense of humor). As I have stated on many occasions, I am a smart ass at heart and, given an opening, I will take my shot at humor. While I have been tempted to respond to the various comments after my last post, I have not until now.

I have never been sexually assaulted; if my writing triggers such an extreme reaction then I need to look at myself and seriously consider what I am writing. I am a father and I have known people who have been assaulted. I know, first hand, the devastation that it causes the victim and the victim’s family. If my attempts at humor caused any pain to anyone out there, especially the victims of violent crime, I am truly, truly sorry.

I vow to be more responsible with my posts and I ask the same of all of you. If, as others have stated, I suffer from some mental disorder, is it responsible to provoke someone who suffers from this condition? I am not out of control nor do I wish to wrestle in the gutter over who is right and who is wrong; I ask that all of us think twice before labeling someone from the comments on the blog. No good will come if we start speculating on each other’s mental well being. I agree with the others, if you think someone is troubled, ignore them. Even I know where that line is drawn and I promise to not provoke anyone who I think is disturbed.

I know you must take me at my word but this is the first forum I have ever posted and I too have learned a lot about the protocols of this type of communication. I have made my share of mistakes and I have tried to be forgiving of those who cross the line. I tried to poke fun at the strong – only those strong enough to take my attempts at humor and whose self esteem would not be affected by my “banter”. I know I can sound grumpy and my patience for other’s “banter” is not what it should be. I am a work in progress – please excuse the faults. But, I do want to make something clear, I have only posted as Polar Bear and I have not hidden behind any other avatar (the URL comment above is absolutely right). If your conclusions about me are based on linking me with someone else, please reconsider those conclusions.

Clearly, I failed in my last two posts, to convince you of my contrition. I hope this one is more successful. I’ll step away now and I look forward to posting in Season 3. Have a great spring & summer and I’ll be back on July 27, 2009.

.....z.....Nah.....It's not worth giving up something you enjoy. Besides, you can't leave us! Who would intimidate my literary prowess then??

Lots and LOTS of interesting, articulate people have come and gone.....I'm sure many of them will be back as we get closer to July.

Mambo, without saying too much, I found your post pretty interesting. A wolf in sheep's clothing.

It's one reason I now hesitate conversing with new people. They can appear perfectly intelligent and pleasant for a long time, then suddenly they snap and go crazy.

It IS very scary, and it DOES make me glad the internet is mostly anonymous.

Still not completely sure what happened here, but I find it really fascinating that such similar traits and behavior patterns run through each "troll" type personality.

Correct me if I am wrong, but to me it almost seems like the same or similar patterns and sets of traits are common to all the personality disorders, but the difference is the depth and intensity of the disorder.

Just curious if anyone knows.....

....I stand corrected. It was one day.

......!.....

Don't "listen to my 'good advice' ", z! That would be a definite case of the blind leading the blind...only I would add "stupid" to my end of that.

I was "suckered in" just as much (or more) than you, and I, too, ask that I be redirected, if it's noticed I am heading down that path ever again. We need to agree on a code word and use it when we see one of us inching toward the pit....ha???

I feel "creeped out" and "ill used", also...and in shock that I allowed myself to be so manipulated.
I keep saying I was well intentioned, and I was, but that's no excuse.

And Dry, I'm done ever speculating on anyone else's mental condition...my own not being an exemplary one, by my own admission.

Z I did not see Inside Man. Sounds good. I can't make up my mind who would make a better Barack. Probably Will Smith. Because he'll be younger than Denzel by the time they get around to casting it.

I don't think I can sleep tonight after reading the above......

Dry, you said "Even if a poster creates a new name and avatar using a different e-mail address, the URL is the same". I'm ignorant to how these things work. If someone has access to several different email addresses and computers (work, home, internet cafe, etc) couldn't they set up different avatars from each computer that couldn't be traced to each other? Granted, that would mean they would have to move around to each place everytime they wanted to post, but it could be done. Is this possible?

SC and others: that third person to whom I referred earlier just popped up.

.....Mambo.....Yeah, that is a possibility. However, anyone going to THAT much trouble to play those kinds of games would probably eventually sound a disharmonious note and "out" themselves, anyway, as I said.

It's good that you are all more aware of certain things. That's a very good thing. In a place like the internet there is always going to be someone wanting to manipulate, or whatever other games, and one should always be alert to that element as a general practice.

I went back and reviewed some of the old posts from December, etc., and they read rather differently now from how they did then. Try it - knowing what you know now, you might see what I mean.

My theory is that, after a while, you can start spotting the like behavior patterns exhibited by people who might not be "safe." If you have two trolls on a forum at one time, it might be hard to tell if it is one or two people, partly since they appear to have certain behaviors in common. NO idea what you call THAT.

For the record, I checked out the suspicions mentioned here pretty carefully, and am fairly certain at least one of them is unfounded (and believe me, I would be the first to say something).

SCfan.....My mention of personality disorders is not in relation to anyone present here, and I was really talking about behaviors, not people. Like you, I've learned a LOT about the internet and human nature just observing people on forums. Forum. Whatever. For unknown reasons, I find it all very interesting.

Since this is a public forum in which people come and go voluntarily, I should think that anyone operating on their best (or pretty good) behavior would be welcome, even Polar Bear. I still feel strongly there is no one person here qualified to be the "boss" of anyone else. It's a democracy, not a fiefdom.

Okay.....It's bad karma to speak ill, and I'm worried we've taken this a bit far. Overreacting is probably not the best first choice in general.....so I vote we put this thread to bed.

Let us speak of it no more!!

Any seconds?

I second the motion.

"Be Alert"------

The world needs more lerts.

Over and Out.

(That means I "third" the motion!)

.....Oops.....In the places where I say "URL," that should be "IP address".....

.....One last P.S......The other suspicion? Could be......

I do see what you mean about reviewing "those old Dec. etc. posts"....and they DO read somewhat differently now.

Hmmmmmmmmm...........

Any posts in particular and any hint as to who the other is? I'll never figure it out for myself - I'm not the brightest bulb in the chandelier. I've never solved a mystery yet before that final chapter where Poirot points his finger and says "J'accuse". (This thread is harder to put to bed than a 3 year old on a sugar high!)

Wow, z...I ain't a'gonna even venture a guess...I do wonder about a few, though, like all of us are.....

I've become a bit gunshy, ya know... missin' a few tail feathers and all that!

(what scares me is that we're doomed to find out soon enough).

; - /

P.S.....oh yes you are, too,--- "bright"---- You make this forum shine, girl!

I don't want to say who I think it is, because I don't want him to know what his "tells" are. And there's a hint in my answer.

.....Oh, z.....P'shaw.....of course you are indisputably the brightest bulb.....

Repeat after me....."Jacuuuuzziiii...."

Scooby Doo where are you? (teeth chattering)

Sorry I always have to be the goof. Zerelda I'm with you I can never figure out the mysteries. I'm still trying to figure out that joke about Descartes....

I think, therefore I am confused as hell about all this. I shall just continue on as I have in the past, and if I wind up being chased across the ice floes by an angry polar bear, well, I won't go down without a fight.

I decided to just come out and say it, I think PB and Liquor... are the same person. If I'm wrong, Liquor's avatar is just so darn offensive, it doesn't matter to me if he's insulted.

Oh, that person....well, I wouldn't know 'cause I have refused to read anything posted under that name since it first began appearing on this forum, and that resolution I have stuck to.

I happen to think we tried. At least we did try. I can't be anyone but who I am and I admit I did not have the self control required to remain silent when attacked...or someone I care about was being attacked.

Our responses were never mean and we attempted to quiet the beast with humor and/or truth. I'm through apologizing for that. I'd do it again and may yet have to. Hang in there, z, Chelsea, Dry, et al....

"Evil flourishes when good (wo)men do nothing."

Sir Edmund Burke

If I may use a tired old phrase from our youth, Right on, SC!

You come up with some good quotes sCfan.
Mz. Z I was thinking that Liquor is probably about twelve years old.....

hardly, Chelsea...I'm just good at Wikipedia!

(that's not even the exact quote, but it gets the point across, maybe

And may that be the last word.

peep

.....Tee heeee.....