More Thoughts from Matt (And your probably not going to like it)

[Matt]

I want ya'll to know something.

WE GET IT


I know most of you got a raw deal (or think you did) over at Cruise Critic. 2 of my good friends got shafted over there to. Yeah we all bitched for a couple days, but then I opened the doors wide to this place and we decided to make Cruise Fools the best place to be. End of story.

You want to bitch and piss and moan about CC.. go ahead. I'm not a big fan of their policies either. But your behavior is starting to drive me nuts. I didn't create this board, or even this section so you could plan attacks and create mayhem over at Cruise Critic. No wonder they don't allow the name of this place over there. Right now I don't blame them.

The way some of you are carrying on over this just makes me want to buy the biggest ladder I can find to give to you, so you can get over yourselves.

I know you guys just don't post in here, and you are good contributers all over Cruise Fools, and for this I thank you. On the rest of the site, I am proud to have you here. But in this section.... not so much.

Like I said, you want to bitch about Cruise Critic? Go for it. But that's it. I don't want to see anything else. I don't want to see how your going over there to try and get banned, to post about butter(?) I don't even want to hear about Bicker any more. Guess what? He's not here!

This isn't an anti-Cruise Critic board. I'm tired of hearing about Cruise Critic. We are a community message board devoted to our love of cruising and to sharing what we know about cruising with others. And of course to make friends and have a good time.

Thank You

Matt
Owner and Administrator!!! <-- That means don't piss me off!

[gardencat]

More Thoughts from Matt (And your probably not going to like it)

You are right Matt... I don't like it.

[wallie]

Frank, this is Earnest```````and that was Darn Good !

Great statement Matt.

EW

[Host Pammy]

I love how Matt just cuts to the chase. No reading between the lines there huh? Matt, consider the ladder up at my house! ;)

[xpcdoojk]

Let's keep it between the lines boys and girls. Let's not cross over to the evil side of the equation.

Thank you Matt for blowing off some steam, don't you feel better now? :D

jc

[hstrybuf]

No more Bicker? He was my biggest complaint! Okay, Matt. Your board, your rules.

[nosnobunny]

You didn't have much choice Matt. :( This is one thing I like so much about CF - you tell us why even when it should be obvious to all. No problem here.

Beth

[gardencat]

Matt,


Before you posted that did you stop to consider that many of the members you have here now only found their way to cruisefools because someone made a 'fobidden' post over at CC to direct them here?

That is how I found out about this site.

After I found out I told 3 other people I knew from CC and they came and joined. So, that one, 4 person chain of members, all came here because of one of those 'against the rules at CC' post. I am sure that many other members found their way here in a similar manner.

Now, suddenly, you do not approve of those type of methods ?

Does nothing about this seem a little hypocritical to you?

[Host Pammy]

I don't think Matt is disputing the many valuable members we've gotten from CC, I think he'd just like to see the constant chatter about CC on this board toned down a little... okay, a lot.

[Matt]

Matt,


Before you posted that did you stop to consider that many of the members you have here now only found their way to cruisefools because someone made a 'fobidden' post over at CC to direct them here?

That is how I found out about this site.

After I found out I told 3 other people I knew from CC and they came and joined. So, that one, 4 person chain of members, all came here because of one of those 'against the rules at CC' post. I am sure that many other members found their way here in a similar manner.

Now, suddenly, you do not approve of those type of methods ?

Does nothing about this seem a little hypocritical to you?


I am aware of that. I too thought it was cute and funny at first. I also think that it's getting out of control. I also have to think about it as an Admin. How would I feel or how would I act, if stuff like that started happening here.

The thing is, if it was just that, then I really don't think I would be as concerned as I am and this thread would not have happened. But there is a lot more happening then just sneaky advertising of Cruise Fools over there. If I have to stop one thing, then I feel I have to stop it all. Is it fair? I don't know. I'm just trying to do the best I can. I’ve never run a board like this before and it's a daunting task. If it makes me a hypocrite, then I'm sorry.

Matt

[madforcruising]

Matt you are wrong I like your statement. :)

[gardencat]

Matt

I know it cannot be easy to administer a board like this and I appreciate your answer even if I don't quite agree with your methods.

I wonder what else is going on,and if some kind of pressure was brought on you to cause you, now, to adopt this stance however, that is not really my business.

At this point I do not feel very welcome here, so I think I am just going to step back and out of the action for a while.

Good luck,
I hope this works out like you would like it to.

[headhurt]

I agree with ya Matt...

Good post.

[xpcdoojk]

I am not going anywhere.

jc

[Host Kristi]

Gardencat....I'm sorry you feel that way. You are certainly welcome here.

[CINDER]

OKAY...I DO UNDERSTAND THE FRUSTRATION .....

NOBODY I KNOW LIKES REJECTION, HURTFUL, OR MEAN THINGS....AND BEING BANNED FROM ANYWHERE.....
WE ARE ALL HUMAN HERE...WITH FEELINGS, AND EACH PERSON DEALS WITH THINGS DIFFERENTLY....
I LOVE POSTING WITH EVERYONE HERE...I THINK I HAVE LEARNED SOMETHING NEW FROM EVERY SINGLE PERSON ON THIS BOARD....... BUT PLEASE DON'T MISS THE FOREST, FOR ALL THE TREES.....I HAVE SEEN SUCH WONDERFUL THINGS FROM SEVERAL WHO WERE BANNED....VOICED FRUSTATION, AND MOVED ON...NOW THAT IS CLASSY!!!!!!

LOOK TO OUR WONDERFUL HOSTS.....KRISTI, PAMMY, SUE, MATT , AND ALL THE ONES WHO MAKE THE MOST OF THIS BOARD......IT IS A WONDERFUL BOARD...AND CAN CONTINUE TO BE..... WE ALL HAD OUR START AT CC....(MOSTLY)....SO THAT IS HISTORY.....LOOK TO THE BETTERMENT OF THE FUTURE...THE FUTURE OF THIS BOARD........

I'LL STAND DOWN NOW......JUST THE MOMMA IN ME COMING OUT.....PLEASE REMEMBER THE MOST IMPORTANT THING I SAID.....I LOVE POSTING WITH EVERYONE OF YOU...AND I HAVE LEARNED SOMETHING FROM EACH OF YOU!!!!!:)

[SDT42464]

Matt,


Before you posted that did you stop to consider that many of the members you have here now only found their way to cruisefools because someone made a 'fobidden' post over at CC to direct them here?

That is how I found out about this site.

After I found out I told 3 other people I knew from CC and they came and joined. So, that one, 4 person chain of members, all came here because of one of those 'against the rules at CC' post. I am sure that many other members found their way here in a similar manner.

Now, suddenly, you do not approve of those type of methods?

After reading your original post, I felt this same way. Hopefully the "newness" of this board will wear off and the "thumbing of our noses" at CC will die down.

As for some of the stuff that happens or has happened at CC, I feel it's only a matter of time before it happens here. :(

Shaun

[hstrybuf]

Shaun, no doubt you are right. Since we won't be able to express our frustrations any more, something is bound to blow sooner or later.

[wallie]

Shaun, no doubt you are right. Since we won't be able to express our frustrations any more, something is bound to blow sooner or later.

Deb,
I am not sure we wont be able to vent and express our feelings. I have not read that this whole thread is being shut down or locked. But the open planning of disruption elsewhere is being stopped.Am I understanding right ?

[madforcruising]

That´s what I understood too.And the section is now moderated again.

[Matt]

Deb,
I am not sure we wont be able to vent and express our feelings. I have not read that this whole thread is being shut down or locked. But the open planning of disruption elsewhere is being stopped.Am I understanding right ?

correct. ya'll can bitch til the cows come home.

[hstrybuf]

I'm biting my tongue.

[wallie]

I'm biting my tongue.
Not to hard, ya dont want it to bleed ! he he !

[Host Sue]

I think that what Matt is saying (and he can correct me if I'm wrong) is that we can continue to bitch about CC, but going there and being disruptive, then coming back here and posting about it, won't be allowed. I think he figures that this forum might actually be encouraging that kind of behavior, because if it weren't for this forum to come back and report to, maybe it wouldn't be so fun to distrupt CC, lol. He doesn't want any part of this board to be responsible for that, and we can't blame him.

He's also saying that the "no moderation" rule is over, and we are going back to rule #1 which is "no flaming or harrassing another member". It was a good rule, and I'm actually not quite sure why we ditched it to begin with, but it's water under the bridge now and we're back to no flaming each other.

Every single one of us that started this board came from CC and were treated unfairly there, some of us banned, some of us replaced as GL's for group cruises, some of us even fired as hosts. We KNOW how you all feel, believe me. We all bitched our heads off when the board first started, and that was and is fine, but one thing we didn't do is continue to disrupt CC. We moved on. If some of you are not ready to do that, then I totally understand. But posting here publically about it won't be allowed anymore.

If you guys still want to talk about it, then I suggest using your Private Message feature, or even start up a private chat about it in the chatroom or something. You can even use Cruisefools email and your buddy list to do it, but publically posting about it just can't happen anymore. I don't think that's too unreasonable, do you??

[dosi]

Matt

II wonder what else is going on,and if some kind of pressure was brought on you to cause you, now, to adopt this stance however, that is not really my business.


I cannot speak for Matt or anyone else here but I seriously doubt there was some type of pressure that caused Matt to author his post. Since the beginning of CF back in, oh when was that? , October perhaps, I have noticed an increasing animosity towards CC and Laura and several specific members. At first it was little cracks and jabs and then it got bigger and bigger. Until now when we have members whose main objective at CC seems to be disrupt and cause havoc. But for what gain? To upset Laura? Repeatedly these same members have stated how much they dislike Laura and her rules and how happy they are to be here.....but then they keep going back over to the "DARK SIDE" (which by the way I find to be a very silly phrase) and do naughty things like spoiled children.

Personally I am glad for what Matt has said. I want to have fun here and I want everyone else to have fun here. I think we would all be better served if we made cruisefools just be about cruisefools and not about what happened "over there" five minutes ago.

[dream2much]

That Matt!!

And I thought he was the quiet, shy one.......... you da man! (Move over Zonie) ;)

[CCHostRandy]

My, My, Matt.....Good for you.....Shows integrity and character....Now it's doesn't always win you the popularity vote but you gotta do what you gotta do.....I applaud your and all the Hosts stand here!.....Looking forward to meeting you in 10 DAYS and some CHANGE!!!!! :D

[Cruiserlisa]

I am going to try and do this very carefully.

I have enjoyed all the people who have come over from CC. I have enjoyed some of the threads that you all have started over here on the fooling around thread and cruise threads.

Matt, I understand what you are saying and I agree. I do think it's ok to bitch but to plan things against another board is wrong.

Now, I know that didn't come out right and I'm sure there are going to be people who don't agree with me. And that's ok too.

[hstrybuf]

Well, this is the last comment I have on the subject, I think. I agree about the planning things against CC. What I DON'T agree about is that we can't bitch about people who are NOT members of this board. Many of us are rubbed the wrong way almost daily by certain posters and this was the ONLY place on the internet where we could bitch about that. Not everyone is online at the same time of day so IM's wouldn't work. Heck, you guys even kept one person from joining the board to keep the peace and a lot of us were relieved that there would be someplace to go where he wouldn't be getting under our skin. This was the place, but apparently no more since we can no longer discuss our frustrations with him or any other NON-member.

[Abridalmaven]

Well, this is the last comment I have on the subject, I think. I agree about the planning things against CC. What I DON'T agree about is that we can't bitch about people who are NOT members of this board. Many of us are rubbed the wrong way almost daily by certain posters and this was the ONLY place on the internet where we could bitch about that. Not everyone is online at the same time of day so IM's wouldn't work. Heck, you guys even kept one person from joining the board to keep the peace and a lot of us were relieved that there would be someplace to go where he wouldn't be getting under our skin. This was the place, but apparently no more since we can no longer discuss our frustrations with him or any other NON-member.

I am in total agreement with Deb. I have yet to post a plan to be mean ( that I recall but at my age I have a few "senior moments") and I can see not doing that.

[Catnip]

I agree with Barbara and Deb. Is this the first try at censorship over here?


I can almost hear Madame Censorship laughing her ass off.............

[goodml]

I also am in complete agreement with Deb on this. There was some posting 2 or 3 days ago with regards to CC that made me very uncomfortable. Some of us had a discussion with the poster that we thought was crossing the line and it was actually a really civilized discussion with good results I think. I myself hold no ill will towards CC. I've been poofed numerous times but probably deserved it and new it was the likely outcome of what I had done. I have not been banned and I sympathize with those who have been treated unfairly over there, and some definitely have. I've got no problem with everyone having to tone that part down.

But...I'm not sure what the problem is with crabbing about any particular poster who is not a member here, and might be getting on people's nerves. Why go from one extreme (a free-for-all) to the next? I totally understand the difficulties of moderating a board like this (actually I have no idea but I am awestruck that any one person would consider taking on something like this) but isn't there a middle ground? Maybe...huh...pretty please? :)

[SDT42464]

After my last post, we went out to dinner and I thought of something that happened to my wife & I that might be appropriate here. When my wife was in her early twenties, she worked for a woman that owned a hair salon. Often she would come home and tell me things this woman wasn't doing or should be doing in regards to running her business. We would say these things "don't make sense", "it's not fair" or "she's just plain crazy". Well after a few years, my wife decides she doesn't want to work for anyone and we open our own salon and guess what!!?? Being the owner of the business, all those things we didn't understand then, we're faced with now. Like dealing with employees and their needs, raising prices, etc. Now we know that all those things years before that her former boss was doing and saying were for a reason and were not nonsense. I guess what I'm saying is, it's easy for us to critique how someone is doing something until we're in their position and have a stake in whether a business prospers or fails. With that perspective, I have to now say I understand what Matt is doing.

Shaun

[TONY]

And I thought Matt was "the quiet one"

[goldring]

Thanks Matt.

I am not sure why people want to spend their time, or use your efforts, to focus on bad stuff about people or things which are not here and to which their comments will not change anything.

There is a huge difference being saying, "Damn that pissed me off! Now I feel better." and fixating on something for no productive purpose and over an extended time. I have found the internet (and its anonimty) has unfortunately lent itself to bringing out the latter in some people.

Most of us appreciate your hard work and your desire to protect, nurture and develop CruiseFools. Again, Thanks.

[BrendaB1]

Thanks Matt. I hope to see this site continue to grow by leaps & bounds and continues to be a fun, positive place for the enjoyment of all. :D

Now let's all go cruising....as friends.....not enemies. After all, we all share the love of cruising. That makes for some very good people. http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/15/15_10_5.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001)

[pungo3]

Thank you Matt. I feel much better about being a Cruise Fools member now. :)

[Elizanessie]

Although I can understand your position on these matters Matt and I will respect your decisions regarding who/what/why...on here....I do hope things are not going to be all "Kissy kissy" on this site......I am all for helping build up info etc on CF but I am sorry but I do get a wee bittie bored on CF sometimes.

I have started new threads on various parts of the cruising forums etc but until sadly there arent enough people on the site to get back much feedback....and to keep me here I need some "light entertainment" and for me the blowing off steam forum does that.
Although I was a bit concerned about recent postings which I would class as harrassment.....poking fun at cc is ok but in moderation...no pun intended.
I do recommend CF to people I know from cc whenever I come across their email addressess...my main recommendation reasoning is..."CF treats us like respected adults not naughty schoolchildren".

[RiverRev]

We have gathered together to share our cruise experience, knowledge, and love; not to "bicker about people's character or events that interfered with our purpose in the past. It's all about purpose. Matt's reproof to those of you who have been disenchanted it to restore your vision and build someting that isn't "ANTI" but pro. We are "FOR" cruising and that's the bottom line.

[TONY]

poking fun at cc is ok but in moderation
No one has a problem poking fun at or bitching about CC. None of the newly banned members have more issues with CC than I do. I first got banned long before most of them even became CC members. It is the personal attacks and deliberate screwing around with the CC board that is not right and reflects back and casts a cloud over our board and it's members.
"CF treats us like respected adults not naughty schoolchildren".
Be careful with that statement...there are a bunch of CF members who seem to enjoy spankings! :eek:
We have gathered together to share our cruise experience, knowledge, and love; not to "bicker about people's character or events that interfered with our purpose in the past.
See Rev. I told you that you were needed here! Thanks.

[Catnip]

Tony says "It is the personal attacks and deliberate screwing around with the CC board that is not right".

I'm a little confused, so help me out. Personal attacks on whom won't be allowed? On other cruisefools members, or CC staff (ie: Madame Censorship)? Some posters here say we can still vent at LS and the crappy, highhanded way she runs CC. I feel that Tony's sentence is a bit ambiguous...........(after all, wasn't that what the "blowing off steam" area was made for?)
Thanks for spelling it out for me what will and won't be allowed here at cruisefools these days...........

Denise

[Host Sue]

I think we all can agree that trying to figure out all this stuff is a bit difficult and oftentimes confusing. In other words, you guys need clarification on EXACTLY what you'll be allowed to post, and who you can bitch about. In other words, is complaining about LS considered a personal attack? Is saying that Bperson is getting on your nerves a personal attack? To be honest, I, as a host, need clarification too, LOL. I think that I'll try to talk to Matt about it, and see just where we stand here. :)

[TONY]

I'm a little confused, so help me out. Personal attacks on whom won't be allowed?

There should be no personal attacks on anyone. For example, you can complain all you want about LS and her attitude, etc. but if you say LS is an asshole, then your wrong. You can complain and vent in a dignified manner. Hope that clarifies it a little.

[xpcdoojk]

I agree with Barbara and Deb. Is this the first try at censorship over here?


I can almost hear Madame Censorship laughing her ass off.............

Well since her boy his here typing in all caps and in a smug way that is hardly questionable.

jc :D

[xpcdoojk]

We have gathered together to share our cruise experience, knowledge, and love; not to "bicker about people's character or events that interfered with our purpose in the past. It's all about purpose. Matt's reproof to those of you who have been disenchanted it to restore your vision and build someting that isn't "ANTI" but pro. We are "FOR" cruising and that's the bottom line.

About dang time that you showed up here Rev.... My feelings were kind of hurt that you didn't follow my suggestion! :D Welcome home!!!!!!

jc

[RiverRev]

I'm a little slow sometimes jc. It's all of those hours of reading in languages other than English. DW says something has to have happened 100 years ago to make an impression on me.

[CruiseLover98]

Matt,

I agree with much of what you say. Frankly, I came here because I got tired of bickering going on at CC. Plus, I really enjoy the Just Foolin' Around forum....it's great fun.

At the same time, however, I'm disappointed in how few of the members here are replying to posts on other areas of the boards. The two busiest sections are always "Blowing off Steam" and "Just Foolin' Around." I've only got two cruises under my belt but have another booked in May. I've posted a question on CF (Ports of Call: Hawaii) and gotten few helpful replies....posted the same question on CC and have received advice from several people--all of whose words seem helpful.

I'll stick around because there's fun and fellowship here.....and I've had occasions to complain at times....but I'll also admit that I rarely even bother to READ this section of the board because it got sooooo negative about CC. Without the helpful stuff, I'll be hard put to stay motivated to maintain membership here!

[Stretch]

Ok Matt, you da man!
As much as I have this dislike for a certain poster over there, I don't think anyone should talk about him behind his back (so to speak). I, for one, much prefer to slap him face to face.

[Host Sue]

I hope that everyone can understand that the administrator and hosts of this board are human, and are just trying to do what we feel is best for the board and it's members. I can tell you for certain that we aren't always in agreement about how things on this particular forum should be run, and as you can see things have changed here over the past week (several times in fact.)

We do not mean to confuse you guys, we aren't changing things to tick you off, but it's a learning experience for ALL of us. Some people like this forum, others can't stand the idea of it. Some people like a free for all, others think it's a bad idea. Some people think bitching about CC is a great idea, others think it will be the demise of CF altogether. Some are supportive of the new rule of no personal attacks on anyone, others are so upset about it that they want to leave. Some like "parts" of this forum, but not all of it. Can you see what we are dealing with here and why, as this forum attracts new people with new opinions and new agendas, that we are constantly forced to reevaluate how to use this section for the betterment of CF????

Please be patient with us, realize that we really DO have CruiseFools best interest at heart (not just the board as a whole, but the members as well), and give us time to work this all out. It's been a rough week here, with lots of changes, but have faith that we're TRYING to do the right thing.

[Catnip]

Hey, Sue, I think you are right on the ball........

However, my thoughts are for the people that don't want to read about "attacks" on LS, or other CC members, or don't want to be offended by "personal attacks", maybe should stay off this thread........
that way, they won't be offended and the other posters can vent and blow off steam, jsut as the thread name indicates..........

It's real easy not to open a thread, to those that are easily offended!!

[PaterHound]

CruiseLover98 (Beth), I was reading your post and wanted to respond to it. You posted that you barely got any response to your inquiry regarding Hawaii. I think what everyone should realize here is that we're still a very young board with not that many members. True we have a lot of cruise experience but it may not necessarily always be in an area that someone needs to know. I try to read through most of the forums everyday and if there is a question that I can answer I definitely will do that. But you can't put information out there all the time when questions don't get asked. And so far there are not that many questions out there. Maybe once people start booking new cruises with ports and ships they haven't done questions will be posted....and Im sure all of us here will be more than happy to give any information we can. But you can't answer questions and give info if it doesn't get asked.

[wallie]

Good Morning Fools !

As I catch up on the goings on late Wed & early today I see the underlaying factor we have all at one time or another asked for. Open discussion with the operators of the forum. As a simple 'member' it is not my character that will in the end be questioned, ( and many of you know I have been called many different things, as a lot of you have also) but the mgt of this site. Instead of just saying 'this is the way it is' we have been given those reasons as to the why and how.
`````````bla```bla`````yada`````yada``````OK I will return to my normal foolishness.

EW

[xpcdoojk]

Hey Beth cruiselover... I will pop over to the hawaii board I haven't been there since my previous posts were lost during the changeover.

I am no expert, but I do love Hawaii...

jc

[goldring]

I remain fascinated (and troubled) by those few posters who seem to feel infringed upon because they no longer can scheme bad acts or publish them or "discuss" them here. What gives? I would love to know what the motivation is and why the resentment.

Rather than making negative comments or telling us (and the owner and moderators) not to read their posts, why not tell us all what the benefit is to them, our new little community or the public!

I think that is a challenge that will not be taken up.

And then the negativity about a clearly welcomed, logical and responsible decision by the board owner (Matt) can end.

[wallie]

<<<<<<<<< logical and responsible decision >>>>>>>>>>>

Ya know gold when I ask my DD to do this she too acts like I am from outer space !:D

EW

[PaterHound]

Ok...here are my 2 cents. I don't come over here very often, simply because I've decided it's time to move on regarding whatever happened with CC. I've been reading Matt's post and all of the responses to it. My main gripe is this. Matt and the Hosts have given us (the members) an opportunity to give our input into various things going on with the board (something I don't think any other board has done). Matt has also tried to give us freedoms that members of other boards can't enjoy, even to the point of a non-moderated forum, which it turned out - didn't work. I really didn't think it would when I first read it because there is always someone who doesn't know when to draw the line.

Now, this forum is being moderated again. Although members still have the opportunity to bitch, gripe and speak their mind (also something that can't be done on most other boards) there are still members that have to complain even about that.

Well people, all boards are being moderated, so get over it. Enjoy the freedoms that you do have over here. I think Matt and the Hosts are doing a bang up job and to gripe and bitch about being moderated again, in my opinion, is just plain ungrateful. Keep in mind that this board is still very young and management is still experimenting with a lot of things. Perfection comes with practice and experience.

Now let's all pull together and make this one hell of a board.

[DirtyJohn]

I hope that everyone can understand that the administrator and hosts of this board are human, and are just trying to do what we feel is best for the board and it's members.

Wrong use of it's...It should be its. Common mistake made by many humans! :D

[Catnip]

I think we are beating a dead (or dying horse) and this is my final say on this topic...........

I am strongly against any kind of censorship and that's why I got so frustrated and angry over at CC and "Madame Censorhip" (LS). Over there, you can post happy posts and agreeable posts, but most negative posts are not welcome. There are too many asinine rules over there about what is OK with her highness---what words she will not allow and it got to the point of being just really ridiculous.
I would hate for this CF board to end up being just "for fluffy" things like over there-----ie: tipping, chair hogs, what to wear on formal night, etc. What attracted me to this board was being free to express an opinion, even though some posters may not agree with it or understand it. And they didn't always have to be happy posts---after all, sometimes unagreeable things do happen on crusies.

But, then over the last few hours, I realized that I am only a visitor here. It is not my board and I guess if I want to "come and play" here, I will have to abide by the (new) rules and regulations here.

:(

[goldring]

Catnip:

No one is saying that...at all. The concept is complain, rant, etc., just don't cross the line - which is pretty bright. Name calling, scheming, harrassing are not topics of venting or discussion.

I think the administration has made it clear that the problems with selective sanitization on the other board is not what this place is about...but there are just a few simple limits.

Personally, I think a lot of us would like to discuss cruising in a more indepth way but are a bit frightened by what has been transpiring. I, personally, would love to have serious debate on issues such as Radisson's losing its lease on the Diamond, what Celebrity/RCCL's pricing policy is really about, the true pricing differentials between lines, etc., etc.

So how about starting a few "meaty" threads. Private message me so I know they are there and I will jump in.

[jrhound]

Geez Louise people, what was your real reason for coming to this board in the first place? To get away with what you couldn't at CC?

This board was not developed to be your personal bashing board when something over at CCs happened that you did't like. I also think it was nice of Matt to even give you a forum to do and now because its not to your liking you threaten to leave ,to feel that this forum is falling in line as the same as CC. I dont think so and if thats your honest opinion that maybe you do need to leave. Theres much to talk about then CC. If you want to bash people.. HEY develop your own board and go for it. Personally I can't stand to read it. I have moved on and I think some of you folks need to as well.

AS the hosts have stated everyone is welcome here. But give it a break people. Life is to short to be constant complaining about the same thing over and over again... has anything changed since you bitched??? if not then I think its time to give it a rest....

Do you think it is fair to verbally bash someone just cuz they pissed you off. Would you like that to happen to you, how would you feel. The thread is still there for you to say what you feel however we are adults and things can be said respectfully.

This board is new and still working out the kinks... as stated previously on another post we may not have the info to give people on other threads however as we continue to grow those insights will arrive.

Lets just relax, enjoy each other thoughts,friendship and have a great time with one another..

JR

[Cruiserlisa]

Catnip, as far as I can see, you are expressing your opinion. You are allowed to do that over here. I'm also sorry you feel like a visitor because I feel, and so does everyone else, that you are a member.

[Catnip]

Thanks, Lisa!! That was very nice of you!

I'm all for "meatier" subjects, too...........

[SDT42464]

I'm all for "meatier" subjects, too...........

What topic might that be Denise?? :D :eek: :D

[Host Lori]

applauding JR!!!!!!!

[fooluknot]

Well THANK YOU MATT!!!! LOL! I will say that I have not wanted to come back since several days ago when I posted my "concerns" with some of the happenings going on and then felt "attacked" by some people for stating my opinions. I felt VERY unwelcome here and knew it was because of my "affiliation" with people over at CC. I like this board, I like the people here and cannot wait to meet most of them... but some of the threads made you feel like if you didn't have anything bad to say about CC, you were not welcome here. It's my opinion and how I felt. I have nothing bad to say about CC, and until a few days ago had nothing bad to say about CF (and even then, I NEVER would have EVER posted anything about it on CC :rolleyes: ). These are FREE sites. The people that run them take time out of THEIR lives so that WE can have a place to post about cruising. How dare any of us tell anyone how to run a message board? I'm sure it is a very difficult thing, and while things can always start off as utopia, as any community grows, there is going to be problems... it happens. It's not censorship! It's management. And this board, even still with the measily 3 rules, is still probably the most lax board I have ever seen. You can say just about anything you want here without fear... I guess I just couldn't understand why people felt the need to run back and forth posting things on CC and running back here to giggle... seemed like such a waste of energy. Energy that could be put to use in trying to build this community in a positive way. If the only thing that made you happy about this board was the fact that you could bash people at CC and post about your shananagins (sp), then how does that contribute in one way to building this site? People are always talking about how many "lurkers" are here... well many of them are from CC, and I know it to be FACT that many of them would never post over here for fear of being treated differently... especially if they are "friends" with certain people over there. Sue, Kristi and Pam made it very clear that everyone was welcome, yet some of the members here seem to go out of there way to make some people feel unwelcome. Again, just my opinion. I give kudos to Matt for even trying this out... I don't know another community that has even tried something so bold. You should all be proud to be part of a community that tries new things to give their members freedom. It doesn't always work out and sometimes freedom is abused. But give me a break! It is still probably the ONLY cruise message board that allows this much freedom!!!!!!

If people don't like the way things are run, since we are paying ZILCH for the privilege, we can go elsewhere. The idea of "if you don't like it, don't read it" is easier said than done. The fact that so many are still here after being so "honest" about their feelings to Matt, proves that this is a great board. Do that somewhere else.... ban ban baby. You guys have it MADE! and a few days of full freedom makes some forget that. Before this new rule, and before the "blowing off steam" board even began, everyone was singing the praises of CF... nothing has changed!!!!!!! Just enjoy what you have! I can't believe anyone would get so upset about not being able to talk SHIT about people (see, I can say SHIT here... what other cruise board can you get away with that?????)... There are some incredible people here with incredible knowledge about CRUISING!!!!!! Hence the name of this board, CRUISE FOOLS.... I am sure nobody was so crazy as to think that as this board grew, rules would not eventually have to come into play. EVERY board starts small and then grows... CF is experiencing growing pangs, and working out kinks. I'm sure CC went through the same thing. Go create your own message board that has nothing to do with anything other than bashing and reaking havoc on CC, or CF for that matter if that is the only thing that concerns you or makes you happy... but remember, negativity BREEDS negativity....

I'm sure I'll get flamed.. don't care. Like I said, several have already made me feel unwelcome because of who I'm friends with. Well guess what? He's a hell of a guy. And I would wager that most that despise him SO much have never even met him. Being a host, moderator, board owner, business owner, or anyone that has had some sort of power bestowed upon them has enemies. People that were singing Matt's praises are now coming down on him. It's not easy to make everyone happy folks!!! Sometimes you have to be somewhat of a hardass. Does that make them a horrible person in real life? Probably not. Does it make that persons friends horrible? Not at all. This isn't grade school... it's the freaking internet. And until any of us have walked in the shoes of those that are "in control" here, we should not throw stones. It's no doubt a difficult job. I commend you Matt and all the hosts for their maturity and composure in growing this community.

Phew, off my chest :D Sorry if I have pissed (yes, I even said piss) anyone off.

[Catnip]

Now, Shaunny, you know what subject, you naughty boy!! ;) It's a sure blood-pressure raising subject, very controversial, but always entertaining........I think I'll let the "venting and ranting" subject die down a bit before I bring up another high-velocity thread.........

[pata]

Okay, thinking this will not work either but trying again...have tried to post a few times and it just did not take! No time to figure it out but decided to give it another try. Am a new member and more lurker than poster...but just want to say I do enjoy the expert humor involved in the CC bashing simply because they have gotten to big for their britches and banned a lot of good posters with lots of good information....thus, Cruise Fools. I too would like to see this site grow, but the truth is, when I need specific information I goto CC to read the boards to see what information I can find. Long story short, there are some great personalities here, but most people, like me, really are looking for information and just enjoy the banter knowing they do not know how to participate. So, if cruise fools wants to grow, you cannot stoop to the CC level of personal attacks...on anyone. Attack their ideas, their ships, or whatever, just leave off the personal attacks because whatever it is you do not like about that person, please believe there are ten more just like him reading your post and not posting for fear of that sharp tongue. Like Matt said, if you really want to put someone down, do it together in private. But most folks figure they are fair game for whatever attack too and will not post and take the chance of pissing someone off. Now, me...had a little drink or two and it went right to my head! LOL :D
PS...gardencat is one sharp cookie...hope she comes back!

[Cruiserlisa]

Pata and Fooluknot----well said.

Pata, have you posted any questions on the other forums here? I know that there is very little info but hopefully, as time goes by, there will be more and more info posted. As said before, we are still a young board and still growing. Everyone has the opportunity to jump in and help it grow.

[dolfinmusic]

Fooluknot - can I copy some of your post, change the wording some and pass it off as my own post??? :D I have never felt unwelcome here - although I know your situation is a tad different because of who your friends are (over at CC) but I totally agree with everything you said! I still go over to CC and post some but I do spend more time here because I enjoy the people more here and have a lot more fun!!! We all need to bitch and blow off steam about things but then it's time to get over it!!! Stop wasting energy on things that in the long run are really stupid! At the time it may not be stupid but after time it will be! Bitch, piss and moan, vent - do what you got to do without getting real low and dirty and then move on and let's make this not only a great place to be but a wealth of information for cruising!! I have made a lot of new friends here and I can't wait to meet some of them and develop life-long friendships! Now that is what it's all about!!!!!!

Matt - thank you - you are doing an outstanding job!!!

Terri

[Host Lori]

wow fooluknot
so well said, thank you for your understanding of our love for this board, we dont' want our name run through the mud. Granted the board is run by a few, but this board belongs to all of us, we should all strive to make it a success, and be proud of what we stand for.

FYI
Everyone should know that before a post is deleted, it is well thought out and most of the time is discussed amoung the hosts before action is taken.

[dolfinmusic]

FYI
Everyone should know that before a post is deleted, it is well thought out and most of the time is discussed amoung the hosts before action is taken.

So what you are saying is you flip a coin??? Just kidding!!!!!!!!! :D

I forgot to thank the hosts who do a great job too!!!! Thanks ladies!

Terri

[bs_kc]

I really love this board. When I first joined, I was so impressed when I brought up new threads, and there was one welcoming me with others joining in. That is still the first place I look when entering. I enjoy the fun topics with colorful and fun banter you can’t get away with on other boards. Not having a cruise scheduled, I live vicariously through the “Cruise Fools Invade the Miracle” posts. When I think of this community those are what I think of.

Even though this board was started by people not happy with another board, I believe it was created to be a new, different, more fun and less complicated board. With the wealth of knowledge here, it can and should stand on its own.

I may not have to read those posts but, when they overwhelm the new posts, it kind of brings the whole mood down.

Matt made a tough decision. But, he obviously cares what everyone thinks. If he and the other mods didn’t, posts would be poofed without explanation and you would see ************ when talking about other boards.

I appreciate this place!

My .02

[sweetcharlotte30]

http://carcino.gen.nz/images/image.php/328bbce1/nudel-construction.gif
Need an asprin there Matt? :D

[TONY]

Need an asprin there Matt? :D
Probably a good stiff drink would suffice :D

[dolfinmusic]

BS KC - you should join us on the Caribbean Princess in September then for the Royal Hounds 3 group cruise!!!!!!!! I can't wait!

[Host Sue]

FoolUknot - Thank you. :) Looking forward to meeting you in 9 days!!

[xpcdoojk]

Umm.. don't mean to be contrary (actually I am very contrary) but slamming the bitchers is just as bad as slamming the folks at CC or anywhere else, except the bitchers are members of this site. So if we are to quit attacking people I think that something about those living in glass houses and stones comes to mind. Fooluknot I actually made a paypal payment to Matt, so I have put my money where my mouth is to make this a better sight. I think that Matt and the moderators have done a great job that is very difficult, but CC is a mess, and to deny that is to deny reality. They treat their members with complete contempt. This is a fact. The problem this week was in my opinion not the negativity of this section of the forum, but the fact that people were attacking CC and then bragging about it here. This not only is foolish (and not in the spirit of cruise fools) because there are plenty of folks here to report the activity to the powers at CC, but simply wrong. It is wrong to attack a website. We all have a right or choice to participate at CC or not, but we do not have the right to attack their website. It is funny once, but damned sad twice.

JMHO

So let's agree that we should be able to vent about CC, but we shouldn't plan coordinated attacks on CC. We should do whatever it takes to make this a better place even if that means letting people at CC know this place exists. The great thing this site offers is the ability to openly discuss our passion cruising. When we start trying to limit what people think and express, well then it becomes a poor version of CC without all of the action and information. So if you want to kill this site as a baby start by limiting the discussion.

jc

[Host Sue]

So let's agree that we should be able to vent about CC, but we shouldn't plan coordinated attacks on CC. We should do whatever it takes to make this a better place even if that means letting people at CC know this place exists. The great thing this site offers is the ability to openly discuss our passion cruising. When we start trying to limit what people think and express, well then it becomes a poor version of CC without all of the action and information. So if you want to kill this site as a baby start by limiting the discussion.
I wholeheartedly agree, and I believe Matt does too.

[Host Pammy]

So let's agree that we should be able to vent about CC, but we shouldn't plan coordinated attacks on CC. We should do whatever it takes to make this a better place even if that means letting people at CC know this place exists. The great thing this site offers is the ability to openly discuss our passion cruising. When we start trying to limit what people think and express, well then it becomes a poor version of CC without all of the action and information. So if you want to kill this site as a baby start by limiting the discussion.
jc

AMEN!

[nosnobunny]

If it were open season on CF posters that have friendships with CC members, a lot of us would be in the cross-hairs. Look at our signatures and you'll see that several of us here are booked on a CC group cruise. The fact that I can no longer post there doesn't change that fact nor that I'm still friendly with many over there, including our group leader who is also a moderator. No one has bashed me that I'm aware of. I'm truly sorry it happened to you.

Hopefully the mods will see the need to be able to speak freely here. If this board becomes wishy washy and only nice things being said, it will be the kiss of death. If you doubt that, look at a couple of other boards were a negative word is never typed. It's not reality! Negative things do happen and we need to be adult enough to see and post that. Yes the over-the-top sabatoge needs to be controlled but please mods, know when to stop.

Beth

[FrankiRN]

JC, I wish I had the ability to articulate my thoughts the way you do. You rock dude.

[CINDER]

FOOLUKNOT....WELL SAID!!!!....I HOPE YOU'RE BACK TO STAY.....YOU HAVE BEEN SUCH A GREAT FRIEND TO ME, I HATE TO SEE YOU NOT HERE!!!!!

OUR HOSTS AND EVERYONE SHOULD WORK TOGETHER TO MAKE THIS THE SITE WE WANT IT TO BE............
ONE THAT A NEWCOMER FEELS WELCOMED....IRRGARDLESS OF WHERE THEY CAME FROM.......OR ASSOCOATE WITH.......THEY ARE REACHING OUT TO MAKE FRIENDS, AND BE A PART OF SOMETHING WE ALL KNOW IS A GOOD THING........I WOULD HATE THAT NEGATIVITY TURNED EVEN ONE PERSON AWAY FROM CF......
WE CAN HAVE FUN, AND EVEN VOICE OUR HURT FEELINGS OVER SOMETHING THAT HAS HAPPENED IN THE PAST........BUT PLEASE...TAKE CARE NOT TO BITE OFF THE HANDS THAT GIVES SO FREELY TO YOU....BY PERSONALLY ATTACKING SOMEONE!
VOICING YOUR OPINION, IS VALID..IT'S YOURS, AND YOU OWN IT!....
......REMEMBER THAT PART.....BECAUSE IT CAN TURN INTO ACTIONS, AND THEN HABITS.....AND THEN IT IS REFLECTIVE OF YOU AND, HOW A PERSON MAY PERCIEVE EVEN YOU IN THE FUTURE!!!!
I HAD GOTTEN TO KNOW SO MANY..AND I HOPE WE CAN MAKE THIS CF SITE , THE ONE SITE..WE ALL WANT AND CAN REFER TO FOR FRIENDSHIP, AND CRUISE KNOWLEDGE SHARED!!!!
MATT AND THE HOSTS ARE REALLY PUTTING A GOOD EXAMPLE TO FOLLOW.....TRY IT!!!


(PS....FYI...I TYPE MOSTLY IN CAPITALS...BECAUSE I CAN READ IT SO MUCH CLEARLY.....MY EYES DON'T ALWAYS COOPERATE WITH ME......IT'S NOT TYPED IN ANGER.......PLEASE KNOW THIS!!!):)

[wallie]

This all began 02/02/2005 @ 3:34 and 82 post later it looks and sounds like we all get it. Maybe :D :eek: ``

[Cruiserlisa]

LOL. What Wallie said.

I still have friends at CC and post every once in a while.

[pata]

CruiserLisa,
To answer you question, no I have not posted any questions on CF and know I should, but happen to be one of those people who seem to ask a question only to find later that there is a whole thread about it somewhere I had not looked before asking! Also, I think being banned from CC caused me to be a lot shyer than usual. While reading the posts about "butter" I realized the review I had written about our last trip on the NCL Sea raved about how much I loved the French butter! LOL There you go! Had not a clue that the butter word was a no no.
I really loved your post about Harrahs in the New Orleans section on CC...parking etc. It would be nice to be able to go get some of that info and wealth of experience that has been posted there and move it over here. Should be legal to go get your own posts and copy and paste them here shouldn't it? Our next trip is out of NO on the Sun so I have been looking for that free parking.

[headhurt]

I'm confused...why is the butter-word a no-no??

[MrPeteLI]

Bumping is allowed!

[LOL]

Bumping is allowed!

Why the bump, Mr. pete?:rolleyes:

[MrPeteLI]

With Mr DoityJohn's Zwanza return, I was hoping all his filth from last year was removed. It was, found this, and found it interesting, reading everyones posts now "knowing" some of the personalities.

[gardencat]

Why the bump, Mr. pete?:rolleyes:
:iagree: Is there something new on this topic?

[Livtojump]

With Mr DoityJohn's Zwanza return, I was hoping all his filth from last year was removed. It was, found this, and found it interesting, reading everyones posts now "knowing" some of the personalities.

When I saw his post on the other thread and your reply I was curious and wound up here. Interesting. I guess I missed something with said poster.

[LOL]

With Mr DoityJohn's Zwanza return, I was hoping all his filth from last year was removed. It was, found this, and found it interesting, reading everyones posts now "knowing" some of the personalities.

Some of his past posts are still left, and I can see the "type of person" you're talking about...

[MrPeteLI]

I guess I missed something with said poster.

Luckily, all that garbage was pulled.

[goodml]

Wow I must be losing it. I don't remember what went on at all.

[Host Kristi]

Dirty John posted some very offensive messages about Kwanza. It was very racist and we removed most of them (habits left over from my CC days I guess :winking00 ) Luckily, none of our members (other than Dirty John) objected to these messages being removed.

[Livtojump]

Dirty John posted some very offensive messages about Kwanza. It was very racist and we removed most of them (habits left over from my CC days I guess :winking00 ) Luckily, none of our members (other than Dirty John) objected to these messages being removed.

I'm sorry I missed that :(

[goodml]

It's all coming back to me now.

[corina27]

Wow this was an interesting thread!!:eek: :whaa1: :eek: :whaa1:

[hstrybuf]

Was that last year at Kwanzaa or this year? Call me confused.

[Folgy]

Matt

I know it cannot be easy to administer a board like this and I appreciate your answer even if I don't quite agree with your methods.

I wonder what else is going on,and if some kind of pressure was brought on you to cause you, now, to adopt this stance however, that is not really my business.

At this point I do not feel very welcome here, so I think I am just going to step back and out of the action for a while.

Good luck,
I hope this works out like you would like it to.

Gardencat. .. please stay . I like your posts and your sense of humor. We have all made some boo boo's in the transition between CC and here. I know I have jumped on the band wagon as well.
I really enjoy talking about kitties to cruising here. I still post at CC once and a while ,but most of my friends are here now.
I just concider what Matt has said to us as a learning experience and lets just start fresh and anew from here on.
I'm ready to lay down my axe now (it's time)
Gardencat you are an asset and a valuable person as anyone else at CF .

Folgy *HUG*(for gardencat)

[worfsmom]

See what shit happens when I have a few days off from here!!
I am truly pissed... and am NOT reading back.................
Get all your asses back to this site, and you all know who you are. You're NOT going anywhere....
It looks like everyone has had their vent time, and that's great..... lets move on and post about some disgusting dirty diaper in the bedside table, and I heard a great rumour that a certain someone didn't tip on their cruise a few weeks ago.....

[corina27]

Wow hang on!!! please know that this is an old thread that was bumped!:kiss:

[hstrybuf]

Not to worry Worfy. Folgy didn't realize he was responding to a really old post. All is well!

[Folgy]

I win the dumbo award. I better look at post date to a thread from now on.

[gardencat]

I win the dumbo award. I better look at post date to a thread from now on.
It was an old post, but your response did give me a nice glow:blush5: So thanks for your kind words.
I have to go looking for some more of my cat pictures to post. I've not added anything since the photo section changed.

[MrPeteLI]

Was that last year at Kwanzaa or this year? Call me confused.

Last year, but it appears he's jockying for position this year. I hope I'm wrong.

On a lighter note, Happy Thanksgiving all! :essen8:

[hstrybuf]

And a Happy Turkey Day right back atcha! :)