Whine & Cheese and SETWNDFFAFFUG (or SuperEx for short)

[Spark]

I've been doing a lot of thinking lately about BladeForums.com and it's community, especially after the latest flameout we experienced. While I'd like to be an all inclusive, please-everyone site, you can't please all of the people all of the time. Heck, reasonable decisions are met with stiff resistance, no matter how thoroughly they are explained

BladeForums.com is about knives first, community second, and b.s. never. I don't see the need both for W&C and SuperEx at the same time, since they essentially serve the same purpose... SuperEx seems just a bit more fast & loose than W&C, without the general admission. It's more of a "lodge" or club, where only those who support BFC get to hang out.

The Porn is a pretty much non-issue, at most a side issue. BladeForums.com is a membership driven site, for adults only. We don't allow children under 13 to register, and only Gold / Premium members are allowed in this section. Credit card ownership is considered proof of lak§ age, so as far as legal issue, the only ones we could possibly run into are copyright restrictions. If anyone contacts me about copyright issues, I'll be happy to comply.

Anyhow.... the more important issue is that we don't want to alienate our core "customer" base by going in directions that don't best serve the knife community. To wit, though I like appealing images of the fairer sex, what exactly does it have to do with knives? It is for that reason I initially decided to make the SuperEx forum available to paying members only. You are the guys who actually keep this site open, so I figured you deserved the benefits.. Guys, I'm all about customer service. So, I'm going to put this to a vote and let you guys have some input with this issue.

Do we need to continue to have W&C *and* SuperEx?

If we do keep SuperEx, do we really *need* the porn? I don't care about the swearing and such in here, but really, the porno isn't what I'd call a requirement. Nevertheless I'm open to members views...

Kevin

 

[Keith Montgomery]

My view is that if you ditch SuperEx and make W&C for paid members only, if you don't want W&C to be like SuperEx is now you are going to have to establish rules for W&C and members will have to be made to abide by them.

As far as I am concerned the way W&C worked in the past was fine. As long as people use common sense as far as what they are going to post. I still think it should be restricted access so things can get a little risque without having to worry about who pops in.

Personally, I don't think this forum has any need for out and out porn and I would prefer if it wasn't here.

 

[Mike Turber]

Very well said KWM and I agree.

I enjoy W&C and it was fun and a bit on the wild side. This forum just went to far.

Spark,

I am not sure if you can have the ability in this version to have certain forums allow for words like F U C K and such without the ****ing astericks. But I would like to speak my mind on occasion without anyone counting the ****ing astericks to see what word I chose. Maybe if not in this version an update.

I actually had to click off of a thread tonight when Dalton (8 years old) came in and I have never had to even worry about that while cruising BladeForums before.

You run the site and the members make it what it is. I am just a voice in the crowd now. I just did not think this would be what the forums would turn into.

Again I still like W&C with very loose moderation. I enjoy the **** out of Vampire Gerbil and the gang. Tim is a hoot ( I don't think I have ever used that word before, I must be getting old!). And I still think we can all have a boatload of fun without reducing ourselves to what we have seen here the last few days.

Just my thought, I could be wrong.

400lb Gorrilla!

 

[Randal16-1]

Personally I like both.

W&C for every one to come to and vent or share something funny.

SE for the adults, just to relax and play with other knife loving folks with an adult theme.

Brian

 

[Mike Hull]

I'd say, lose the new one. The name was funny, for the first 10 minutes, and porn(hard core) gets real old, fast.
IMO, it just denigrates BF.C. I don't want to come on like a saint, but I think BF.C would be much better off taking the high road. Or at least a slightly higher road.
Just my opinion.

 

[Spark]

Mike, doesn't that beg the question that if you are worried about a thread like that, why are you even looking in a thread like that, much less staying on the "offensive" image when the child comes in the room?

You have to draw the line somewhere - it's like blaming guns for criminal shootings. The forum didn't force you to enter... so you have to take responsibility for your ouw actions.

Anyone else have an opinion?

 

[Mike Turber]

I am not sure but I don't think the question is if we like this forum or not. I think the actual question is "Is this appropriet for BladeForums?". This is not a vote on who likes porn and who doesn't. I have nothing against porn! If I could look at pretty girls bodies all day I would do it.

Is it a responsibility of BladeForums to allow it here just because we like it? We are human, of course we like it! And to top it off this site is 99% men and porn is 99% geared towards men so it is only a natural attraction, right?

But BladeForums is the cream of the crop. We are king of the hill when it comes to talking about knives. We can also have a forum where you can come in a bullshit with the gang about damn near any subject you want. This forum is not necessary, in my opinion, and I know that opinions are like *******s and everybody has one.

Spark has enough **** to do then to have to monitor this forum. What was wrong with W&C? Why was this forum created? Was there some major exodus about to occur if Spark did not open this type of forum? I don't think so. Are you all going to haul ass if this particualr forum closes? I don't think so. Are you going to cry foul that your thoughts are being censored? You shouldn't because they are not. What should be censored is things that just don't belong on this site or things that do not achieve the goals that this site has.

The big question is "Is this forum an asset or a liability?"

 

[Mike Turber]

I was typing the above when you posted Spark so I will answer you here.

I was not jerking off to the picture or whatever. I was reading the thread that Rob Simonich put up. Also if you read my post you will notice that I clicked OFF the thread, I did not and would not stay on it with a child in the room.

I actually had to click off of a thread tonight when Dalton (8 years old) came in and I have never had to even worry about that while cruising BladeForums before.

I don't blame guns for criminal shootings either and this is in NO way similar, bad analogy there. Guns don't kill people, people kill people, duh we all know that. But if I walk into a bar night after night to hang out with my friends nearly every night and I find out that the owner decided to start having hookers in the back room blow guys for free, I can either say "cool" and go have my dick sucked or I can say to the owner that I enjoyed the bar like it was and I would ask that the **** stop. Then if he chose to not change his policy I would then look for a new bar, better analogy! Would I then say the guys who went to get their dick sucked are bad people? No! Nor would I say I am a better person for not doing it.

But I used to own this bar and I thought we were here to talk about knives and hang out and have fun. I just think this went to far, thats all.

 

[Spark]

So, you knew that there were nekkid pictures in here, yet you came in anyways? Again, I'm confused, you seem to be blaming the thread for your opening it.

 

[Mike Turber]

Spark I am not arguing with you here. You may want to read my post carefully before you post.

The post in question was Rob's post titled "Caution, knife content!" and yes I looked. The pictures in that thread are at least tasteful, thanks Rob

Do I blame the thread for me opening it? No, where did I say or imply that. I have already stated that I enjoy looking a NAKED WOMEN TOO!

My point is again, DOES IT BELONG HERE?

I am not offended by naked pictures in the slightest. I would be offended if I saw a picture off your fat ass in here! Or mine for that matter! (That was a joke and Spark understands)

I guess you just don't get it. This is simply not the venue for what we have seen over the last few days. Don't turn this into some argument between you and me, as it is not. Read Mike Hull's post. He is 100% correct. But again that is my ( and obviosly his) opinion. We may even be the minority here. None of it matters! What does matter is what is right for BFC and like it or not, this ain't right.

Even if this forum stays I will still come in here and visit. I can filter through the pics to find what I may be looking for at the time. The facts are that if I want to look for porn I will go search for it somewhere else, it does not belong here. Keep your focus, you have a great thing going and this only dilutes it or in Mike Hull's words denigrates this place. That is NOT an opinion, that is FACT!

 

[Cougar Allen]

Originally posted by Mike Turber
... But if I walk into a bar night after night to hang out with my friends nearly every night and I find out that the owner decided to start having hookers in the back room blow guys for free, I can either say "cool" and go have my dick sucked or I can say to the owner that I enjoyed the bar like it was and I would ask that the **** stop. Then if he chose to not change his policy I would then look for a new bar ...

Huh? Are those the only alternatives you can think of, Mike? You can either go in the new back room or you can ... I don't get it.

Spark & everybody, tomorrow when my brain recovers from its current state of exhaustion (assuming it does) I'll try to write a reasoned argument for why having both this forum and Whine & Cheese is a good idea ... I can't reason right now; it's too late at night. But even this late at night I can count: two people have complained. No matter what you do there will always be at least two people who will complain about it....

 

[Mike Turber]

Ya I know cougar, my analogy was not perfect but 2 beers and 3 glasses of wine and my thoughts are not clear either.

I look forward to your post and if you can come up with some substantial arguement as to why this forum should stay, then I am all ears.

Also your numbers are not valid, more than two people have complianed if you take the poll into consideration and the posts I have counted. I guess it dooes not matter how many people say this is wrong. When it really comes down to it, there is only one person that needs to decide and it ain't Spark.

 

[Spark]

I think Mike is under the mistaken impression that this forum is here for porn and nothing else. At least that's the picture I'm gleaning from his musings because past that, I can't see what the complaint is.

It's pretty much known that if you venture into a thread in this forum, there might be a picture with a nekkid person in it. You accept those consequences when you open the forum, and accept it again when you open the thread in question. That's two conscious decisions to come in.

Not everyone can come in here, so that argument is out. On top of that, it's stated that this forum is not "family-oriented" to begin with. So, if only the paying members can get to it, again, where is harm?

Should I create another level of membership that only "Bastids" can get in? Would people actually even sign up for that sort of thing?

Should I create an "International Cutlery-Using Bastids Meeting" (IC-UBM for short - take notice, Ira, <b>that</b> is childishness) forum site just for those who want a "Bar" type setting?

Spark, Devil's Advocate @ large

 

[Mike Turber]

What do I look like, a ****ing moron?

I know that this is not a "Porn Only" Forum.

You can't see what my complaint is? Well what does this mean.....

Anyhow.... the more important issue is that we don't want to alienate our core "customer" base by going in directions that don't best serve the knife community. To wit, though I like appealing images of the fairer sex, what exactly does it have to do with knives?

Those are YOUR words Spark, not mine. So ask yourself, What does this forum do to serve the knife community? NOTHING!

BladeForums.com is about knives first, community second, and b.s. never.

So what is this forum all about then?

Warrior Ninja Death Free For All Forum for UltraGeniuses

OK I am a genius, where are my benefits? This forum is for me? I am a 3 degree black belt and I have studied Ninjitsu and Dim Muk. Nothing here so far!

Only for Mall Ninjas, Ultimate Fighting Warriors and Pirates, this forum is even more outlandish than W&C. The Ultimate Elite Meet & Greet Petite Retreat for those who do wet work, operators and secret agents. Paying members only.

Maybe you should have changed your wording on the title and sub heading. I dunno maybe I am just a dumbass and the TITLE IS A BIT MISLEADING.

If I am yelling it is because I feel strongly about this but I am in no way attacking ANYONES character here. This is an intelliegent arguement but if it gets reduced to a slugfest, well lets just say I can hold my own there too

If we do keep SuperEx, do we really *need* the porn? I don't care about the swearing and such in here, but really, the porno isn't what I'd call a requirement. Nevertheless I'm open to members views...

Are you speaking from both sides of your face? In the post above you appear to be saying that you don't like the porn either, but then you have the audacity to say

So, you knew that there were nekkid pictures in here, yet you came in anyways? Again, I'm confused, you seem to be blaming the thread for your opening it.

The only thing you said correctly was that you are confused.....
OK Sounds like fun.

 

[Mike Turber]

Also

Not everyone can come in here, so that argument is out. On top of that, it's stated that this forum is not "family-oriented" to begin with. So, if only the paying members can get to it, again, where is harm?

Where is it stated that this is "Not Family-Oriented" Not anywhere on the title or subheading.

And what about the cookie issue? Are you asking everyone to delete their cookies each and everytime they come in here so that anyone who uses their computer after them is not allowed in here? I realize that is not really your problem but we can take this as far as you want.

So, if only the paying members can get to it, again, where is harm?

You actually have to ask that? The harm is in the FACT that it reduces the integrity this site has achevied amongst other things. It is those silent people who don't speak who are actually speaking the loudest.

I think Mike is under the mistaken impression that this forum is here for porn and nothing else.

Are you even reading my posts? Or are you just looking for those buttons I used to have thinking you can push them? I ain't the same guy I was 4 years ago when WE started this site.

 

[Keith Montgomery]

I am not upset by any of the pictures that I see here, nor by anything that is said. Coming to this forum I know what to expect. If I have a problem with what I see here, that is my problem and I should stay the phuck out. What I am saying is that I personally don't think BF needs this forum. That is me giving the opinion I was ask for.

If this forum stays will it mean the end of BladeForums as we know it? Not as far as I am concerned. I will continue to enjoy and support BF because I consider it to be the best resource for learning about knives and for getting to meet others that have the same interest as myself. As far as I am concerned there is no other place like BF, period. This isn't going to change because there is a forum where some of the members want to kick back and have some fun.

For me to enjoy BF neither SuperEx or W&C are necessary, but if the majority vote that they would like to keep SuperEx it isn't going to cause me to leave. That would be cutting of my nose to spite my face. Not very smart as far as I am concerned.

So Kevin, no matter what the decision is as to what happens to SuperEX, this forum will continue to get my support. If you were actually trying to get rid of me and thought that this forum was a good way to do it, too phucking bad!

 

[Mike Turber]

Suggestion,

Get a panel of board members to help make decisions on the direction of BFC.

Or better yet, who of all people that have EVER been associated with this forum would you trust their judgement?

I can only think of one person at the momment, James Mattis.

I will in NO way put words in his mouth but I would venture a good bet would be that he would have not approved of this forum.

 

[Spark]

Mike, it's amazing how much you love to toot your horn and such, but never manage to read between the lines.

First off, genius, I guess you missed the "this forum is even more outlandish than W&C" in the forum description. I'm sure you just overlooked it.

Second, if someone doesn't want their profile being used when someone else is accessing their computer, then yes, they should log off. That's just basic internet common sense, and again, personal responsibility. If you don't monitor what your kids do online, then who's fault is that?

Third, since you asked, this forum is intended as another outlet for a segment of the community. Hence the jab in the title; making fun of those who take themselves too seriously oh "3rd Degree Blackbelt" and studier of "Dim Mak" and Domino's Pizza Death Touch or whatever. If you have to have it explained to you, you probably will never get it.

Finally, regarding your last suggestion; there will be a "board of directors" or "Panel" or "Ruling Directorate" as soon as there are other people helping pay the bills. Until then, I'll just have to make do running the show the way I have been. My track record is pretty good, and besides, I'm a reasonable man open to discussion.

Mike, you need to sober up and let someone else speak. We know how you feel, now I'd like other people's opinions.

So, does anyone besides Mike have an opinion?

Kevin

 

[Mike Turber]

No problem Spark, I will go to bed now and let others speak. I did not think for one moment that my opinion was interferring with the others ability to post. You seem to overlook everyone elses opinion but mine. Funny how you chose to only respond to my comments.

This has turned into an arguement between you and I anyway and it is a form of entertainment for others. Yes, they can read between the lines as well.

Anyway like I said, it is not your decision as to wether or not this forum stays, nor the poll, so I will leave that to the person who does make that decision. Should he chose to have the forum stay then so be it. But based on my conversation with him tonight and unless he changes his mind, it goes.

Good night

 

[Mike Hull]

Cougar, I resent the implication that I am a complainer. I have never complained about this new forum. Our opinions were solicited, I simply responded. If you didn't want opinions, why ask?