Chicken Banquet

I have an idea of how we can all get along much better.

I took my own advice and started a new thread for a post I made elsewhere. I think it's important enough.

This is a longish post. I hope many of you will read it. I'm hoping you'll find it interesting.

I really like the signature quote that Apothicus uses in his posts.

"All that is required for evil to succeed, is for good men to do nothing"

I find it oddly appropriate to this place. I'm not suggesting that the atmosphere in here is ever anything close to evil, but the sentiment is still valid.

I've been talking about the vitriol that too often exists here. The poor treatment of others, especially new people. As far as those opposed to what I've been saying... I can switch views for a second, and say something in their defense. In deciding what is appropriate or non-appropriate behavior in any situation, it's often society's reaction to it, that helps to determine the answer to that. If a group of nine year olds kick a dog, then look around, and nobody says anything about it, they're going to come to the conclusion that it's fine and dandy to go around kicking dogs.

If someone is getting mugged in a dark residential neighborhood, and the muggers look around and only see people closing their curtains to block it out, they are going to assume it's okay to mug people in that neighborhood.

We've got a society, or neighborhood, here in this forum. I guess I'm one of those people that would go and grab the nine year olds by the ear and drag them off. Or grab my bat and walk outside to confront the muggers. It's been the reason for many of my confrontations here on CR4. And although I can think of a half dozen or so members that also tend to do that to some extent, I more often than not, find myself one against the group.

Believe me, I would far rather have no confrontations of that sort at all. It spoils the fun that I come here for. Sometimes it ruins my day. I don't sign-in with the intent to go around being the self proclaimed social conscience here. But quite honestly, there is just no way that I can watch a dog getting kicked, or a gang mugging... all without consequence... and just go on to the next post.

With the oftentimes limited support I get, it would be natural to start wondering if I'm doing the right thing. But, in the end, I don't doubt that I'm doing the right thing. Good or bad... it's my nature.

If we as a whole don't react to some of the injustices we see on here, they will be perceived as acceptable. I'm not saying to start WWIII whenever someone is being a butt hole... but simple reminders of the questionable behavior could do wonders. But it would have to happen in the majority of cases, by many people who care enough about it. We have to police ourselves. Eventually, hopefully, we could end up with a course adjustment of what is appropriate in here. And new people wouldn't desert this place because of the vitriol. We could grow and add to the collective knowledge.

If we consistantly speak to each other as if we all just met at an International Engineering Conference, and are all sitting around the table with a beer and a chicken dinner, discussing things... I think we'd be alright. If you wouldn't say something in that situation, then don't say it here. I think that that could be considered a decent analogy. Don't y'all? Chicken Banquet at an International Engineering Conference?

On the other hand, if good men do nothing... we'll just have more of the same. And not as many people come to next years Conference.

I hope none of you see this post as arrogant or self-righteous. That is not the spirit nor intent that I'm trying to convey. I'm trying to make a positive difference.