Killian,
Perhaps they didnt...
Killian,
Perhaps they didnt hang around too long because of how poorly designed the forums are?
Actually now that I think about it, it's a little ironic that a website and its forum members who are devoted to good design are willing to tolerate such a poorly designed website (the design, interface and usability issues go beyond just the forums).
Personally I dont have a problem with the forum as it serves its purpose for me, but it really is pretty bad.
Hi
The whole discussion never points to the real cause.
It's not only a question of "on-topic" or "off-topic", it's mainly a question of kind and quality of Mark's postings.
When I stepped in to this forum I had to realise it's dominated by a typical male humour full of sexual offensiveness which seems to be very appreciated by certain other members.
I said to myself: okay, it's a man's world, try to keep cool and let them play their puberal games.
But one day I was completely brassed off by the disgustings postings of Mark.
Obviously he began to consider this forum as his private playground, he lost any control and the content of his postings turned to a self-centered hubris, accompanied by private pics and pretentious stories of his private background.
As female as I am it's quite boring to read this puberal macho stuff, I just couldn't stand it no more and decided to attack him, with some help from my friends, alltogether females.
His reaction was typical for that kind of macho mentality, he began to insult us as skanks and so on, I don't want to repete all his insults but we have copied it all because he used to delete his insults so nobody could comprehend the following discussion.
To our opinion this wonderful forum should be released from this kind of mentality, it would be a pity if this forum risks to reduce to a ridicolous personality show of one member and his reduced man's world.
Not only males are interested in design, thanks to all for your comprehension.
I agree Marie
It is a public forum and that means we all have to play nicely. The nature of trolling is to disrupt and bring chaos to a forum. Unfortunately, I think the whole 'boys club' mentality is more dated than the beautiful pieces we so often see on this site.
If DA'ers really do value the work of the moderators, as they say, then the way to thank them is to follow the simple rules of the forum. Let's forget the narcissistic behavior and get back to discussing the one thing we all have in common, and that's a passion for design.
Some clarifications seem...
Some clarifications seem necessary:
1. If some of you thought that our response was to bring Mark into line, they are wrong. The only thing we have asked him is that he avoids to post snappies in too many different threads.
Whether one likes it or not, some users don't seem to appreciate too much his humor. We are therefore seeking a fair balance so that his fans can still enjoy their daily dose of Mark's non sense. But also for those who come on DA mainly to access information on design, don't bump into its interventions in every corner of the forum.
By limiting Mark's snappies in a few specifically dedicated threads, users who don't appreciate his posts will have no more reasons to complain because they will be very easy to avoid.
It seems fair for us and knowing Mark's kindness, we are sure that he understands our request.
2. We try to remain neutral in this debate. But we believe, as Killian said, that the older members of the forum, who had the opportunity and pleasure of spending time with Mark on this forum for more than 12 years, have learned to understand and appreciate him. Some newcomers are probably confused or irritated by his posts because they didn't follow the discussions from the beginning. They can not, therefore, understand some private jokes, nor understand what nice person hides behind his eccentric messages.
During the 16 years of existence of DA, a community has been created with its characters and its habits. We now consider it our duty to offer the community a place to express themselves. This group of individuals who share the same interests, who often appreciate each other and have sometimes met "in the real life", must have a space to talk freely (even if it means that some "off topic" discussions emerge). But! We absolutely want to avoid the whole forum to look like a private club reserved for a happy few! The new members should always be welcomed with courtesy and be helped if needed. It is clear that the community can only benefit from the influx of new members!
Future changes to the forum will make it all possible.
3. As SDR recalls it, we have already made slight modifications to the tool, step by step, when it was financially possible for us.
This time, we will make a more radical change. Foxxxy, we assume that you won't see any problem if we send you the 5 digits bill?
You know, most of the business advisors we've met about DA advised us to drop the forum (which doesn't make money and takes time) to focus only on the radar. As you can imagine, this proposal is rewarded by one response: a dark, angry look! For us, the community part of the site is the soul of Design Addict. We will always do everything that is possible to continue, with your help, to make it live and prosper.
We suggest to close this thread here and we will soon open a new thread to discuss the modifications on the forum with you.
Thank you all.
P & A,
you are, as always, the voice of reason. I'm sorry our shenanigans are costing you a bundle. As one of the old-timers and one who enjoys a good laugh now and then, I'd like to request the following threads in the new off-topic section:
1. All things DiFrutta.
2. The Mahogany Identification Number thread. Who knows? Maybe Brent will come back.
3. Mark's snappies and all references to his neighbor, Lily.
4. Pictures of Gustavo's soup pot light.
5. An update on Koen and how he is doing post-flood.
C'est tout. Merci.
P.S. Is puberal even a word? Discuss.
Marie297 and the simpering sisterhood
you seem determined to have an attack of the vapours at everything Mark posts but apear to follow him around the forum until "you cant take it no more". I too am female, love design and don't for one moment feel that this forum is an "all boys" club. Your sexist and ageist comments are far more offensive than any of Mark's "earthy" bon mots. As you feel that this "is a man's world" I suggest you join in and grow a pair.
Mark photo suggestion
Mark,
I like you. I like everything about you. You remind me that Liberace was known to go slip into something a little more spectacular. Good for you.
My memories of life in Palm Beach are thirty five years old. Please have your photographer follow you around the city and post those photos. More "street life" please. This is not a joke. I am serious.
Also please post more regarding your extensive knowledge of Knoll (my favorite to live with) and Herman Miller.
I myself disregard all non positive comments as "worthless and without merit". Let them "pound sand".
With kindest regards,
phew
I got to thinking- I had never really given a thought to the gender (or sexuality) of anyone here -never thought it mattered or was even a factor to the love of design!
(but had kind of assumed Spanky was female, I suppose)
I do, however, find it quite incredible that someone would admit to an orchestrated vendetta then complain that their chosen victim might see themselves a victim.
The simpering sisterhood (thanks Angels) need to get out of their coven a little and get a life.
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