Posts: 25287
From: Columbus, GA USA
Registered: Nov 2000

posted March 02, 2008 05:44 PM         

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To all the new Knowflakes, I apologize for the current conflicts that have been spilling into the Forums. It's not always like this. Please, bear with us while we try to resolve them.

To those causing the conflicts, feel free to post your parting comments here. Lindaland will survive. I can't have the negativity disrupt Lindaland any further. I take full responsibility for everything. I had been lax in my duties by allowing conflicts to work themselves out many times in the past. That is my fault. To change that will take some time, but I have to push onward and upward.

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"There is no use trying," said Alice; "one can't believe impossible things." "I dare say you haven't had much practice," said the Queen. "When I was your age, I always did it for half an hour a day. Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast." Lewis Carroll

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Posts: 3844
From: Infinity
Registered: Jul 2005

posted March 02, 2008 05:48 PM         

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Posts: 7178
From: 11/6/78 11:38am Boston, MA
Registered: Aug 2004

posted March 02, 2008 05:52 PM         

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If I am one of those "causing" the conflicts, as you say,
I will be happy to repeat my "parting" comments:

If you ban me I will wear it as a badge of honor.

And you will wear it as a badge of disgrace.

Proceed carefully, Randall.

These are the defining moments.

Know who your true friends are.

My love to all of you,
HSC

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Posts: 7178
From: 11/6/78 11:38am Boston, MA
Registered: Aug 2004

posted March 02, 2008 05:53 PM         

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For the record,
this was my last post:

I'm willing to let it go, at this point.

I think all that had to be said has been said.

Randall won't admit any wrongdoing,
but he says he wants to move on,
and try for a more peaceful atmosphere.

I am willing to stand back and give us all that chance.

The thread has been copied in full and sent to those concerned.

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Posts: 25287
From: Columbus, GA USA
Registered: Nov 2000

posted March 02, 2008 05:53 PM         

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I thought I was quite clear in speaking of the "past," relative to my goals for Lindaland in the future.

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"There is no use trying," said Alice; "one can't believe impossible things." "I dare say you haven't had much practice," said the Queen. "When I was your age, I always did it for half an hour a day. Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast." Lewis Carroll

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Posts: 7178
From: 11/6/78 11:38am Boston, MA
Registered: Aug 2004

posted March 02, 2008 05:57 PM         

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We will have to agree to disagree.

I just hope you know what you are doing,
and all things work out for the best.

It's in your hands, Randall.

I have no ill-will, whatever happens.

I desire only that all of us may come together
and learn from what has transpired here.

And, if not, I wish us all love and light on our respective journeys.

Blessed Be,
HSC

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Posts: 25287
From: Columbus, GA USA
Registered: Nov 2000

posted March 02, 2008 05:58 PM         

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You say you are stepping back, yet you re-posted the threat. So, which is it, HSC? Do you wish to remain here and contribute...or not?

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"There is no use trying," said Alice; "one can't believe impossible things." "I dare say you haven't had much practice," said the Queen. "When I was your age, I always did it for half an hour a day. Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast." Lewis Carroll

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Posts: 7178
From: 11/6/78 11:38am Boston, MA
Registered: Aug 2004

posted March 02, 2008 06:03 PM         

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Its not a threat, Randall.

I merely reposted my parting comments,
if thats what they are.

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Posts: 25287
From: Columbus, GA USA
Registered: Nov 2000

posted March 02, 2008 06:06 PM         

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Ultimately, it's in my stead to watch over Lindaland. That's my only concern. We have had mass exits in the past due to conflicts, and each time we grow stronger and larger. I'd rather run a smaller and more Peaceful site (and let it grow again from there) than to put up with the contention of the past few days. So, if anyone is not happy, either help me to rebuild the positive vibration or move on. And I did expect AG to get into the fray. Maybe he could rebuild KS for you "disenchanted" Knowflakes. Always the opportunist...

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"There is no use trying," said Alice; "one can't believe impossible things." "I dare say you haven't had much practice," said the Queen. "When I was your age, I always did it for half an hour a day. Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast." Lewis Carroll

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Posts: 7178
From: 11/6/78 11:38am Boston, MA
Registered: Aug 2004

posted March 02, 2008 06:07 PM         

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"Always the opportunist... "

Is this your idea of putting it to rest?

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Posts: 25287
From: Columbus, GA USA
Registered: Nov 2000

posted March 02, 2008 06:08 PM         

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This string is for those who wish to leave. If anyone falls in that category, say goodbye and go. Thanks.

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"There is no use trying," said Alice; "one can't believe impossible things." "I dare say you haven't had much practice," said the Queen. "When I was your age, I always did it for half an hour a day. Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast." Lewis Carroll

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Posts: 25287
From: Columbus, GA USA
Registered: Nov 2000

posted March 02, 2008 06:11 PM         

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Once again, this is not a string for people to post their opinions or to fan the fire (as did AG with his commentary).

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"There is no use trying," said Alice; "one can't believe impossible things." "I dare say you haven't had much practice," said the Queen. "When I was your age, I always did it for half an hour a day. Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast." Lewis Carroll

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Posts: 25287
From: Columbus, GA USA
Registered: Nov 2000

posted March 02, 2008 06:12 PM         

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Oops. My bad. AG posted his comments on a different string. Sorry.

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"There is no use trying," said Alice; "one can't believe impossible things." "I dare say you haven't had much practice," said the Queen. "When I was your age, I always did it for half an hour a day. Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast." Lewis Carroll

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Posts: 2512
From: Japan
Registered: Aug 2003

posted March 02, 2008 06:20 PM         

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I haven't been involved in any of the frays so perhaps distance has made Randall's words make sense to me. From what I understand, Randall has tried to be tolerant for years about ALL our personal dramas playing themselves out here on the boards. That's actually fact ... just look back to previous threads that went on for pages and pages, doing little but dumping negativity on LL's doorstep. No matter how many times people have tried to, euphemistically, "talk things out" around here, negative feelings remain with or between different people and they spill onto the forum regularly over time. Randall's even taking responsibility for letting this happen ... and he has spoken up for people "working things out on their own" before because he sincerely hoped people could come to govern themselves with civility and that our negativity, at times, is understandable. And it is understandable. What's changed is how acceptable it is here from now on.

As in, out of GU where people being upset over topics and pushing the envelope at times in a debate/discussion, personal dramas playing themselves out around the forum will no longer fly ... and I'm thinking this does not refer to misunderstandings or things that resolve themselves with simple explanations, you know, where both parties can accept and trust each others words/intent and really move on without more drama.

I'm really sorry to see anyone go. I think everyone here contributes something valuable to this community. And aside from dafremen, I don't think Randall has banned anyone else. But Randall is our host here, literally. I don't see how trying to be good guests, respecting each other, and not trashing the home or host wherein you are otherwise free to do as you wish is too much to ask.

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Posts: 11943
From: Pleasanton, CA, USA
Registered: May 2005

posted March 02, 2008 06:23 PM         

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I did not fan the fire, Randall.

I said what needed to be said with regard to myself and my presence. It's NOT me alone who will stand for justice. If I'd said nothing, you'd not even have considered the fact that I had nothing to do with the posting of that thread. I think it's worthy of consideration. I have in fact brought a lot to LL, and I have a whole catalog of people who respect and admire my input. Yet, there are some who see what they want to see.

My creating KS was never a matter of opportunism, and I think you know that. It's convenient for you to make such a remark.

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Posts: 3944
From: Calm Blue Ocean, Calm Blue Ocean
Registered: Jun 2003

posted March 02, 2008 06:25 PM         

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Human beings are contentious. Trying to eliminate negativity, arguing, and name calling from even one msg board is like trying to eliminate it from humanity. It may be possible for a little while, but new offenders will appear.

It's like a hydra. You cut off one head and two more will appear.

Cracking down on nastiness will ultimately have no long term effect. Look at the internet, it's full of this sort of ugliness.

Perhaps cracking down on the most vile offenders makes sense, but some of the people being accused here are simply not vile.

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Posts: 25287
From: Columbus, GA USA
Registered: Nov 2000

posted March 02, 2008 06:26 PM         

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Those are some objective words of reason. Thanks, Eleanore.

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"There is no use trying," said Alice; "one can't believe impossible things." "I dare say you haven't had much practice," said the Queen. "When I was your age, I always did it for half an hour a day. Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast." Lewis Carroll

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Posts: 25287
From: Columbus, GA USA
Registered: Nov 2000

posted March 02, 2008 06:29 PM         

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I beg to differ. I've seen several sites that seem to be civil and even Spiritual. It just takes more vigilance in eliminating those who do not wish to contribute to the civility. I'm willing to do just that.

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"There is no use trying," said Alice; "one can't believe impossible things." "I dare say you haven't had much practice," said the Queen. "When I was your age, I always did it for half an hour a day. Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast." Lewis Carroll

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Posts: 7178
From: 11/6/78 11:38am Boston, MA
Registered: Aug 2004

posted March 02, 2008 06:42 PM         

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Eleanore,

I essentially agree with that part of it.
I would only add that a host has an equal,
if not greater, responsibility to his guests.
If that is what we learned, then I have no complaints.

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Posts: 25287
From: Columbus, GA USA
Registered: Nov 2000

posted March 02, 2008 08:07 PM         

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Ultimately, if you don't like the host, you can leave his/her house. Don't you agree? If some of you were at my actual home, you'd be asked to leave first and then physically thrown out on your ear. But it's not about me. It's about running and maintaining the largest Linda Goodman site on the Net for the benefit of those who Love her and wish to connect with others whose lives she has changed. Of course, we have lots of people here who have never read a Linda Goodman book, so it is also my hope that we can introduce Linda to the rest of the world at large...one person at a time.

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"There is no use trying," said Alice; "one can't believe impossible things." "I dare say you haven't had much practice," said the Queen. "When I was your age, I always did it for half an hour a day. Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast." Lewis Carroll

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Posts: 3944
From: Calm Blue Ocean, Calm Blue Ocean
Registered: Jun 2003

posted March 02, 2008 08:16 PM         

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The violent analogy in that post is decidedly NOT in the spirit of linda goodman.

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Posts: 25287
From: Columbus, GA USA
Registered: Nov 2000

posted March 02, 2008 08:22 PM         

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Sometimes violence is all someone understands. Anyone who says they wouldn't defend their home is a liar.

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"There is no use trying," said Alice; "one can't believe impossible things." "I dare say you haven't had much practice," said the Queen. "When I was your age, I always did it for half an hour a day. Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast." Lewis Carroll

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Posts: 3944
From: Calm Blue Ocean, Calm Blue Ocean
Registered: Jun 2003

posted March 02, 2008 08:24 PM         

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I"m done arguing Randall.

It is my professional opinion that you are in a plutonian induced "its my ball and I'll do what I want with it" frenzy.

I appreciate the work you do on this site, and the service you provide here. I don't want to argue with you or alienate you, I like this site. It's your site. I submit to your power lest I be banned.

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Posts: 25287
From: Columbus, GA USA
Registered: Nov 2000

posted March 02, 2008 08:33 PM         

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Right or wrong, it's been my decisions (and the help of my Mods) that have kept this site alive and kicking for the past eight years. I don't always make the popular decision, and I sometimes do make errors of judgment, but ultimately, my only goal is to make Lindaland the best it can be.

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"There is no use trying," said Alice; "one can't believe impossible things." "I dare say you haven't had much practice," said the Queen. "When I was your age, I always did it for half an hour a day. Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast." Lewis Carroll

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Posts: 2512
From: Japan
Registered: Aug 2003

posted March 02, 2008 09:18 PM         

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Randall

I understand what you mean, HSC. The only way I see Randall has "erred" as a host in running this site is being so trusting and forgiving that disrespecting his home, his rules and his decisions is seen as "acceptable". And I can hardly blame him for his idealism because I've always hoped he'd be proved right.

Hey, BlueRoamer. Not trying to start a problem here but I think Randall's analogy is actually well within the bounds of Linda's Spirit. She was a fiery, spirited female aries who was adamant about defending and protecting many things. She was not a faux pacifist in the least. I don't know how familiar you are with her works but here is one quote from the Aries Female section of Sun Signs.

quote:

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Like Scarlett, the Mars woman can quickly adapt for survival if necessary, without whimpering. Both the O'Hara and the Aries characters are tough enough to defy convention, face an advancing army, or even shoot a man through the head with icy calmness, : if he threatens her loved ones.

Never was Scarlett more Mars-like than when she was starving, alone and friendless, and without waiting for a man to come to the rescue, she clenched her fist toward heaven and shouted, "I'll survive this . . . and when I do, I'll never be hungry again ... If I have to lie, cheat, steal or kill, as God is my witness, I'll never be hungry again!" Much later, her emotions shattered, her beloved child dead and the one man she loved about to walk out of her life, this typical Aries woman was still able to say, "I'll think of some way to get him back. There's never been a man I couldn't get, once I set my mind on him. . . . After all, tomorrow is another day."

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Linda wrote many things about striving for Peace and the day when Love and Light would truly rule all but she was certainly not in favor of being a pushover or a doormat, either. And I don't know about you but I don't believe in being disrespected in my own home ... and if I ask someone politely to control themselves time and again, give them warnings and then resort to kindly asking them to leave and they refuse? Well, that's when I call the police ... and have that person forcibly removed. That is, assuming my husband hasn't already tossed them out the door. That's not violence, that's called defending yourself, your loved ones, and your home when obstinate and uncooperative people refuse to be reasoned with.

Linda was very tolerant of what many modern "spiritual" people consider the average person's shortcomings. Read through Sun Signs and you'll see just how empathic Linda was. She understood the mundane and the elevated but more importantly, imo, she understood and valued the relationship between the two and their paradoxes ... which is why she could speak of the tragedy of war while still looking at the path before humanity and understanding the necessity of conflict for our evolution, as individuals and as a species. Maybe you disagree, and that's absolutely fine. But that's your perspective, not Linda's.

And this isn't so much a targetted response to BlueRoamer ... it's just that Linda and her ideas are misrepresented here at times and though I considered starting a new thread, I figured it was appropriate here as Randall shouldn't have to defend his devotion to Linda's principles to people who confuse those principles with their own.

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