DU "Old Timers" - Please LAY OFF of new DU Members

[sloppyjoe25s]

I'm a big Obama supporter, and Mrs. Clinton supporters often say to me:

"Hey welcome to DU - what is your screen name on FreeRepublic?"

Knock it off - regardless of who you support. Don't rail on new people & Cut out these STUPID
"Old Time" DU SMEAR TECHNIQUES. Respond with substance or keep your trap shut.

I get sick of it when people do it to me - so this is a call to the SMALL NUMBER of DU "Old Timers" to LAY OFF THAT CRAP.

It gets pretty old. Unless you can prove a new person is from another site - or a shill of some sort - just
respond with substance. These "DU Old Timer" attack on Newbies are pretty lame, and everyone is
entitled to an opinion. TRUST ME - 1000+ POSTS ON DU IS NOT SOME MAJOR LIFE ACCOMPLISHMENT.

Try Registering some Democratic Voters. I have registered 1000+ NEW Democratic voters here in New Mexico
since last August. I'll take that over 1000+ posts online ANY DAY.

So before you think your 1000+ posts make you a "God" and that you have more authority - CHECK IT. Stop
think, and try again.

NOT ONLY THAT - some of these new people may be NEW DEMOCRATS - or people who are just getting into politics for
the first time (not in my case, but some may be) - so these people may get a pretty nasty "first view" of supposedly
life-long activist Democrats. You may be turning them off to the whole excercise of getting involved.
They may have just signed up, and are pretty shocked when they get accused of being something
that they are not. Sure there are some trolls and shils but it is probably way less than you think.

THIS APPLIES EQUALLY TO OBAMA AND TO CLINTON SUPPORTERS AND TO A **SMALL NUMBER** OF OLD TIMERS - MANY
ARE WELCOMING AND SUBSTANTIVE - BUT YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE IF YOU DO THIS - SO CUT THE CRAP!

[achtung_circus]

1. Sadly, 'twas ever so. nt

[KoKo]

109. this Poster just Joined...hard to know the New from the Old...but I guess

the OP is claiming they were a "lurker" since '01. :eyes:

[KoKo]

111. Welcome Newbie...DU'ers are always ready to welcome those who joined in last Month..

Glad you've been lurking for years...and suddenly taken the plunge.

[sloppyjoe25s]

114. huh? I don't even understand your post

What is "lurking" and what am I supposedly to have been doing since '01?

I did not even know DU existed in 2001.
I was however, working actively in the Democratic Party long before that.

[quinnox]

2. I don't do that but

I admit when I see low post counts it makes me more suspicious and I read the content with a jaundiced eye.

[sloppyjoe25s]

5. Judge the content by the content

Unless the Poster has a LONG history of really bad posts.

Low post counts alone should not make you "read with a jaundiced eye"

I have seen many MANY MANY posts by 1000+ posters that were TOTALLY devoid of even the
slightlest substance - and frankly devoid of the SLIGHTEST understanding of
Democratic values.

[annabanana]

7. People don't GET to have a "LONG history of really bad posts" around here

Touchy folks ought to hang out in the lounge until they get acclimated...(GP-P is not a forgiving playground)

[rexy]

14. I completely agree.

I'm really young. This will be the first presidential election I'll be able to vote in. Obviously, I'll admit I'm still naive when it comes to politics but I'm still able to see a lot of the hypocrisy and condescending attitudes of some of the older posters or people with 1000+ post counts.

[sloppyjoe25s]

56. Good for you - stay involved

Don't let cynics tell you you can't do something.

Your judgment will guide you just fine. It's good to see young people getting involved again!

[rexy]

85. Oh believe me, I'm not!

It just makes me want to stick around. :) And thank you for the support and your OP!

[creeksneakers2]

105. Welcome!

They are rough on each other too. I like your stick around attitude.

[SusanaMontana41]

76. From an "old" newbie to a new one

Welcome to DU, rexy. :)

[rexy]

84. Thank you!

.

[quakerboy]

106. welcome

from someone only slightly older here.

[mkultra]

123. well if it hasnt been said yet

Let me said Welcome aboard matey.

[AnneD]

9. A registration since...

January 2008 also make me suspicious...that seems pretty green to me.

[griffi94]

22. i have noticed

that more than a few of the posters who engage in the rw style tactics of slash and burn, seem to have been members for a really short time.

[Cant trust em]

57. Probably because this is the only DU they've seen

There have been a lot of veterans who have been flamebaiting. It's set the tone for the newbies.

[sloppyjoe25s]

41. Green on DU means nothing

just as many posts on DU means nothing.

What have you done in the real world? Not you personally - but anyone who usese these smears.

I am suspicious of people who have been on here forever, and who have 5 billion posts - I think they may be
nut cases in the real world - because they cannot possibly have seen the light of day in months.

Some of these people who have not been on DU that long - may be WAY more politically
knowledgeable and sophisticatd, and activist and accomplished than ANY old timer on DU.

I repeat - DU IS NOT REAL LIFE.

[AnneD]

64. But those of us that

1)stand by what we post
2)are truthful in what we post

have no need to hide in the anonymity of new posts. I have kept my ID here for 4 years and I have numerous posts. When I see inflammatory posts from someone that

1)has a low number of posts
2)writes inflammatory rhetoric
3)recent member

I take them for the trolls they are.

Yes DU is not real life-something you seem not to realize. If I wasn't so busy doing real life-I might engage you in your childish pissing contest. I am very sure I do a bit more real work in a day than most keyboard warriors like yourself do in you in a comparable time. This is a hobby for me, it seems to be your life.

If you want to change the world-you won't do it arguing with folks on a keyboard.

[sloppyjoe25s]

77. Are you honestly responding to me?

i exactly said "DU is not real life" - that was my full point.

I wrote "DU IS NOT REAL LIFE" in all caps - and then you say:

"DU is not real life - something you seem not ro realize"

Which makes me think you clicked reply to the wrong thread?

And if you don't use those techniques agaisnt new people - and if you do stand by your posts - then obviously my post was not
directed to you at all. As I said - this is not every old timer - i said it is a SMALL number.

So I am curious - where you responding to me? If so - it does not seem like you even read what I wrote.

[SusanaMontana41]

89. "Green on DU means nothing"

Hear hear!

We all started green, didn't we?

It's not easy being green ...

[LostinVA]

93. You really LOVE insulting "old timkers" with high post counts, don't you?

"I am suspicious of people who have been on here forever, and who have 5 billion posts - I think they may be
nut cases in the real world - because they cannot possibly have seen the light of day in months.

Some of these people who have not been on DU that long - may be WAY more politically
knowledgeable and sophisticatd, and activist and accomplished than ANY old timer on DU."





You have no idea what the fuck you're talking about -- about any of it, or any of us.

[sloppyjoe25s]

98. What are you talking about?

your post does not make any sense.

[LostinVA]

115. Then, you must be dense -- I even quoted you in it

[Dorian Gray]

117. Some people don't like posters with under

a thousand posts. Others don't trust posters without stars.

I, personally, say judge by content. It's pretty easy to see if someone is trying to rile people up for a fight or to just post their opinions.

[NanBo]

10. then I hope you also look at length of membership

Some of us don't say a whole lot but have been around a lot longer than some people with 1000+ posts. I agree though, I look at low post if it's particularly snarky and then check profile.

[quinnox]

16. yea I take that into account

its different if they have been here for a long time and just don't post much.

[NanBo]

27. Thanks!

I thought so, just wanted to remind others. I've seen some newer people here (almost always the really snarky folks and not most) just kicking their own words and racking up post count and that's really annoying.

[Cant trust em]

3. well obviously because you're new to this website

you must have also just started following politics recently too. Since you don't have 1000+ posts you must be intellectually deficient.

The arrogance of some people on DU is really troubling sometimes.

[COFoothills]

4. Thanks

As a new poster here I have to say that some of you have been pretty damn rude to me if you didn't agree with what I am saying.

We're trying to grow this movement, not have it be a snarky little progressive clique. Attitudes like that are why we never get anything done.

[Iris]

8. grow what movement?

[Iris]

49. No answer. Just as I thought. WTF??

Those of us who've been here for years are supposed to just step aside now without any fuss so that a bunch of newcomers, some of whom admittedly voted for Bush, can now "grow the movement."

[COFoothills]

58. Sorry...I don't have time to post here as much as some do...

...so don't read anything into the delay.

I'm too busy working furiously to get a senate candidate here in Colorado elected while also participating in two different committees for the convention and preparing for our county democratic assembly which is in a couple of weeks.

Who said anything about you, or anyone else, 'stepping aside'. I just think that you and the rest should be more welcoming of new participants until they give you a good damn reason not to be. Some are, some aren't.

And I'm no 'newcomer' except to this website. I've been working on progressive causes and issues and for progressive issues for more years than I can honestly even count. I just don't feel the need to spend all day on DU...I'm too busy actually doing the work that the rest of you are mostly just yapping about.

[Iris]

59. good on ya, then

keep fighting the good fight.


No hard feelings?

[sloppyjoe25s]

63. Exactly - who do you assume "new to DU" means "new to Democratic Party"

and if someone IS new to the Democratic Party - WELCOME THEM. WHEREVER THEY COME FROM.

They are Americans just like you.

Nobody is asking anybody to "Step Aside"

[Yurovsky]

100. Thanks you ...

having spent a lifetime fighting for progressive ideals, I don't care much for being referred to as a republican, Freeper, or neophyte.

New to DU, perhaps (since last August), but certainly not new to the party or the movement.

[COFoothills]

66. None...

...as long as you work on being a little less judgemental in the future. That's not what we should be about. Leave the judgemental attitudes with the republicans where they belong.

[juajen]

99. Excuse me, you have no idea what any of us do, and

we only have your word for what you do. Because of this anonymity, it is wise to go by the Board's suggestions for new posters. You might try reading this sometime. We respect people who've been here longer, no matter their age, because we know they don't post crap.

Eventually, you will be respected, ignored or tombstoned. We have no idea based on what you have told us which of those things might happen. A particular aspect of the young posters is that they immediately act as if the board should bow down to their youth. We bow down to excellence, no matter the age. We all try to improve ourselves and we've all been newbies. Unlike many, we recognize the worth of stepping gingerly into a forum we don't know and proceeding carefully without stepping in shit or throwing it at other people.

Happy skating!

[FrenchieCat]

6. Anyone with 25 posts or less who seem to only post "ANTI-any candidate" posts

on either Dem candidate earns my ire.

[sloppyjoe25s]

13. If it is a clear trend fine...

meaning if you look at all 25 posts - and 24 are pretty thinly veiled "direct attacks"
then probably discounting the person is well within reason.

But "Old Timers" should still respond with substance.

But what I really hate is when I see someone with say 250 posts - who has alot of well reasoned posts
and who perhaps has a few miss steps or lighter moments - and then some "Old Timer" gives them the
Freeper Smear. It's almost always clear that the "Old Timer" did not actually go look in detail at the
Newbie's post history to see if the charge is even close. It's bull.

[FrenchieCat]

20. Agreed.

We were all once new, in that respect.

I came to DU in the 3rd quarter of the 2003-04 primaries......and I experienced the same thing; doubt of who I might be.

But certainly, a Newbie with a "disabled" profile is "suspicious".

And yes, substance is always the best defense...and there are old timers here who still don't practice that.

[surfermaw]

15. Not bothered by new people

Just get disgusted with the right wing conservative republican material used agains democrats on this board. This is the first time I have ever seen Right Wing Conservative Republican material used to bash other democrats,,Why is that?

[endarkenment]

11. Sorry but there are frequently new posters that are trolls and disrupters.

So if you have a low post count and you post something that is highly dubious, you are going to get a lot of very pointed responses.

If you don't post highly dubious stuff then of course you will generally find DU a warm and welcoming bunch of idiots, except in GDP, which is a cesspool that all noobs should stay out of as the risk of infection is very high. Just my opinion of course.

[sloppyjoe25s]

18. There may be some but "pointed responses" are not my complaint

I'd be fine with any "pointed responses" - that show a trace of substance.

It's the "Old Timers" who post void "Smears" without even a check to see if the
poster has been substantive generally or not that are out of line.

DU IS NOT LIFE. 1000+ POSTS IS NOT - I REPEAT NOT - AN ACCOMPLISHMENT.

[endarkenment]

24. So your complaint is that everyone has to research

your entire past posting history to try and discern if there is any reason at all to believe that the current post that is highly dubious is just an error before poking you to see how you respond? Well that is a rather tall order. How about just not posting dubious shit to begin with?

none of this applies to GDP which is a cesspool of dubious shit into which anyone who wanders, with any post count and any past history, gets exactly what they deserve.

[sloppyjoe25s]

29. *lol* probably true about GDP...

but still... there are plenty of ways to "zing" someone who makes a stupid post -
using some substance...even just a smidgen...

...rather than these Hackneyed "lines".

[cbayer]

31. I have here a little quote from you

and I am not going to embarrass you here by posting.

Just let's say that it is a pretty hackneyed. As well as insulting, vapid and antagonistic.

[sloppyjoe25s]

68. And if I could search all your posts

I'm sure I could find something not so clever you said at some point.

So what?

I'm not talking about any 1 insult against me - I'm talking about the general issue.

There are some "Old Timers" for whom this is practically their default response to anybody with a "sub 1000+" post count.

I'm sure I've insulted some peeps when I get pissed & not all my lines are great - I freely admit that.

I'm trying to talk about a larger issue - and enough newer people have backed me up about the attitude that I think
i'm not entirely off my rocker. ;)

peace!

[cbayer]

81. You can search my posts.

You just need to donate to DU. That may also be part of the problem. No star often triggers some paranoia.

And I am sure you would find some things I have said that I regret.

Look, I sympathize with what you are saying and it needs to be said from time to time.
And you are not entirely off your rocker.

I made my 1,000 post last night, so I know quite well what you are talking about.

Peace back, and welcome to DU! :hi:

[Iris]

25. Maybe not to you.

[juajen]

107. Has anyone ever told you that you yell a lot?

Just sayin'.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

74. Weak Argument.

Tell me: What do you think the ratio is of REAL posters on DU to trolls? You think maybe for every 25 posters there's one legitimate troll? Well every one of those 25 legitimate had their first post at some time too, and they were still not trolls when they did. When it comes down to it, we have thousands of legitimate members here. Thousands. All of them at some point were newbies. ALL of them. The amount of legitimate posters FAR outnumber the number of trolls disposed of, so it doesn't make sense to view low post count posters as trolls first, legitimate second, when by a HUGE margin new posters that belong here outnumber trolls who don't. Ya don't think about it that way though, do ya. But ya should.

[griffi94]

12. ok but you realize it cuts both ways, right

i was called a freeper by somebody who had been here less than a month, and i wasn't even responding to his stupid flamebait post. i've been a member here for 6 years, i've been a registered democrat for more than 20 years, but because i'm not an obama supporter i got the ole "you must be a freeper" and then a few more of the obama nation showed up and it devolved into the equivalent of a 2nd grade nyah nyah contest. i try to avoid any kind of name calling, but i'm not signing on to groupthink just because it seems popular at the moment.

[sloppyjoe25s]

23. yeah - but it does not cut equally both ways

I don't think many newbies even know these "Lines" - and very few use them.

Using them with a very low post count is probably a GOOD indicator that the problem has been around her a while.

It cuts very differently to a genuine new person - when it comes from a DU "Old Timer". I can't imagine it "cuts" that much
if a truly new person says it to an "Old Timer" - it probably just comes off as silly.,

[griffi94]

32. well i have to respectfully disagree

i've been posting some here, but mostly just reading the threads, and imho a really large portion of posts of the flamebait variety were from people who had been here less than a year. now maybe they're just a loud very busy minority, but the level to which they seem willing to stoop is a bit disturbing, and like another poster said upthread, the use of drudge and other rw pundits to smear other democratic candidates is imo over the line. legitimate slams are perfectly ok, but i've seen the rw nutjobs quoted in here as if they were real journalists. i could be wrong, but it seems like it's the noobs that are doing that. i have never seen drudge used as a reliable resource here in fact i remember when drudge and the rest were considered beneath contempt, but now they're being quoted and linked to. sorry but that's over the line. how soon till they start quoting rush.

[AnneD]

78. Welcome to DU Griffi

I think you are the real deal...from an oldie that knows the difference :thumbsup:
Remember to wash your hands after playing with these posts-no telling where they've been;)

[sloppyjoe25s]

97. hmmm.... i'm not on here enough to know if you are right

or not.

I haven't seen that side as much, but I'm sure it must exist.

Also - it is just a fact that a large influx of new people into ANY community will alter its culture
in some way. Perhaps some ways are positive and others negative. But it still does not mean that all of the
new people are "trolls and freepers" either. There may be some rude ones (hell I've been rude at times when I'm
feeling cranky).

I freely admit tho that my post was from the "Newbie Perspective" ;) *lol*

[Skip Intro]

17. Welcome to DU.

[cbayer]

19. If you are not what people accuse you of being, just let it go.

But I see a lot of new people here that appear to have come with the specific purpose of tearing apart one of our current candidates. And they often post with very little substance.

When I first go to someone's house or club or country, I tend to refrain from insulting and denigrating the people there, even if I strongly disagree with them.

If everyone says you have a tail, you might want to look back there and see if it's true.

And unfortunately I can't use the advanced search to review your posts right now in order to determine whether you have one or not.

[sloppyjoe25s]

33. Is this "Your House" or "Your Club" or "Your Country"

I think that is part of the issue for a few people, and I'm not saying you, but
this is not any of the above - it is just an online forum.

There are ALOT of ways people who NEVER have HEARD od DU have done alot of things for the Democratic Party.

I brought up my voter registration efforts as an example.

A low post count on DU is not really an indicator of much - just as much a high post count is not an indicator of much.

[cbayer]

39. You are getting some reasonable explanations as to why this happens.

And no, it's not my house and you are not a guest.

I understand where you are coming from. But after reviewing some of your posts (most of which are reasoned and not at all offensive) I note that you have brought some of this on yourself.

[intaglio]

21. Hey, they don't really mean it

Well some of them do, well some of the old-timers just want you to get off "their" lawn

Oh hell some of the posters (on all sides of the current war) are just plain nasty - sorry for that

[sniffa]

26. They're just lashing out; don't take it personally

:hi:

[Raine]

28. Don't let them get to you

some people have always done that. If they get too bad put them on "Ignore" that's the best way to keep your blood pressure down.

[Whisp]

30. yah, that lofty holier than thou attitude from 20,000+ posters

rips my ass.

that 'entitlement' 'seniority' thing here by some puts me right off.

[sloppyjoe25s]

36. you are not serious - nobody really has 20,000+ posts??!?!

If ANYONE has 20,000+ posts - I WILL PERSONALLY come to your house and rip you away from your
keyboard!!! Shit - i'll cook you dinner if you will JUST STOP POSTING FOR A WEEK!

GO OUTSIDE PEOPLE. i mean i know this place is a little addictive... but holy crap.

God - I hope you were just kidding... NOBODY has 20,000+ posts? Please god tell me
you are just kidding - or I will be seriously creeped out about that for a while to come...

[LoZoccolo]

42. I am getting there. This will be 19536 for me. n/t

[sloppyjoe25s]

44. Holy Mackeral! I was serious about cooking you dinner

if you will not post on DU for a week!

i hope that can't get me kicked off - i mean - i'm sure DU wants you to post like crazy to help their traffic...

are you sure you didn't hack their database and manually up your count? ;)

[LostinVA]

46. Oh yeah, this post REALLY helps your "cause"

:eyes:

[Forkboy]

53. Just passed 24,000 in 6+ years.

When should I expect you? :)

[sloppyjoe25s]

110. OMG... ok... what do you like to eat?

I do a pretty good Green Chile Stew... but remember - it means no DU posts for a week? ;)

[Forkboy]

112. Can't do it then.

Though Green Chili Stew sounds damn awesome! :)

[WilliamPitt]

55. 40k

Were Khephra still alive, he'd probably have 419 billion posts by now.

As it was, he had ninety seven million posts when he passed.

So it's all relative and shit.

:P

[sloppyjoe25s]

87. Holy postmachine Batman!

That is scary... 40K??

I don't think my cooking dinner for you would be enough, N'est-ce pas? :)

[AnneD]

88. I still think of Khephra....

and some of our others that passed. Sure do miss them and wish I had met them.

[racaulk]

70. It's not that hard to believe, really.

There are some folks that are just passionate about politics and have been here since this site began over 7 years ago. I actually have made about 3,000 posts in the last year, which is really surprising to me, because I don't feel like I'm around all that much. So 20,000 posts really isn't that much of a stretch, if you think about it.

I actually know of one poster (who I usually find in the Lounge) who has over 70,000 posts. I will admit that that guy needs a life...and he knows who he is! :)

[meow mix]

34. Oldtimers have seen it all, you can tell by the "thousand yard stare"

}(

[yourguide]

35. Good for you...

:applause::applause::applause::applause::applause::applause::applause:


I have been a member for almost 2 years now and actually had an old timer suggest essentially because I didnt say it on DU in 2004, I must have never said it.


I also had an old timer today suggest I was a newbie for voting for Obama, I have been voting for 20 years.

Stop it party people. Enough talking down to the newbies.

[sloppyjoe25s]

94. Wow - and you are hardly a DU newbie in my book

I mostly just rankle at the view that DU Posts somehow indicates political involvement or
participation.

[provis99]

37. my impression is newbie posts are generally better

People seem to compose their thoughts more carefully when making a foray into a new forum. They only slack off once they've been around long enough to get comfortable.

Frankly, I haven't seen to many of these newbie/freeper trolls that the old timers keep talking out. The most obnoxious posters I've seen are those who've been around long enough to know just how far they can piss everyone off without necessarily getting tombstoned.

[Forkboy]

38. I suspect the new ones when they seem to understand DU's dynamic right away.

And seem to know the past actions and stances of other members right away. I suspect these are people risen from the grave.

[LostinVA]

48. Yup

Or, seem a bit too sock-like, or attack "old timers" by calling them "trolls," etc.

[still_one]

40. Actually that is expressly forbidden what you are referring to, and mods should be alerted

however, your post is a good message

[apocalypsehow]

43. It goes with the territory if you're an Obama supporter: a good many of the Hillary backers don't

care about DU's rules if it means they can "score" vicious little points in the name of lashing back against the derailed Coronation - a Coronation they saw as their candidate's due, the Democratic primary voters be damned.

[Melinda]

45. I'm calling baloney on your "...what is your screen name on FreeRepublic?" claim...

I'm a big Obama supporter, and Mrs. Clinton supporters often say to me:

"Hey welcome to DU - what is your screen name on FreeRepublic?"

You've been on DU just shy of a month, and all your posts on active topics are searchable. I wanted to see just which old time DUer made that statement to you, and so I conducted a search. And boy are my fingers tired. :evilgrin:

And I came up empty, at least on active topics... and I'll give you the benefit of the doubt as there may very well be an archived topic or two wherein someone did accuse you of what you claim above.

However a search of 62 threads posted over the course of the last month, each containing lots of posts by you, comes up empty. You do cover lots of the forums here however... I see video's are a favorite too.

Not a single disparaging remark was found toward your person by anyone, much less a "long-time" DUer.

Nothing personal, I just don't care for broad brushed statements/accusations/assertions/allegations without supporting documentation. And if you can show me that I am wrong, then I will respectfully apologize to you and eat humble pie.

AFWIW, I am most decidedly not a HRC supporter, but an Edwards supporter strongly leaning toward BO.

[sloppyjoe25s]

60. Well not accurate search then...

I have had that exact line used on me. I have also had some other statements of a similar sentiment.

And I'm not just talking about used on me - I just defended another "New DUer" on another thread today - when
somebody (a 1000+ poster) used one of these type of lines on that poster.

I'm also not saying it happens all the time - which is why i explicitly said a SMALL NUMBER of old timers do this.

[RememberWellstone]

47. Welcome to DU

I don't need you to tell me or instruct me on how to act on my beloved board.

Thank you, shut up and sit down.

[apocalypsehow]

51. And yet another class act in the Clinton camp is heard from...

:eyes:

[sloppyjoe25s]

82. *ROFLMAO* is about the only response i can have to that

ummm... did you notice that this was not directed at you at all?!? You are a "Low Post Count" person like me....*lol* ;)

[whatchamacallit]

50. Hey man, be yourself

Don't let your experience be conformed by the "civil society". In the short time I've been here, I've been spat on, shat on, and called every expletive in the book. And this was mostly from "senior members", you know, "the good people". As long as you don't break any rules and try not be willfully destructive, you can say what you feel and "they" can twist.

[11 Bravo]

52. Now that you've been here a whole three weeks, are there any other rules you wish to implement?

:evilgrin:

[sloppyjoe25s]

54. "Here?" Where the heck do you think you are?

You are sitting in your home or office - posting on a forum. You are not "Here" - you are not
anywhere in particular.

Don't you even get that?!?!

I am SURE i've done more in the REAL WORLD for the Democratic Party than many "Old Timers" on here
have or ever will.

Let me try this again - SLOOOOOOWWWWWLLLYYYYYY - DU is NOT real life.

[LostinVA]

61. To reiterate from upthread: do you really think this post is helpful?

[WilliamPitt]

65. Venting is good

Throw an elbow going for a loose ball now and again. Works wonders. :P

[WilliamPitt]

62. Does DU imitate life or does life imitate DU?

And pssst, it is a place. It was a safe place during an unbelievably dark passage of time. It was a place to learn, educate, organize, inspire, act and not feel like we were just out of our fucking minds for thinking everything had gone totally sideways all of a sudden. Lots of people found their courage in this place. I know I did.

You weren't here, and everyone's gotta start somewhere.

But it is a place.

Oh...and thanks for the heads-up about DU not being reality. I knew something was fishy when I realized I was being scolded by someone named sloppyjoe25s. Not the normal handle you tend to encounter out there in the flesh world.

Good tip. Appreciated.

;)

[LittleClarkie]

67. Well, they should anyway, because it's against the rules

and I alert on it no matter who says it, Obama or Clinton supporter.

[Voice for Peace]

69. Thanks! nt

[NashVegas]

71. You Bring It On Yourselves, Bub

We've seen it again and again and again. Campaign activists who join DU and bring their offline activities in here are the biggest assholes on the board, next to the outright trolls.

If someone has noted your low post count and called you a troll, it's probably because you haven't proven yourself to be someone who will contribute to the atmosphere in DU in a positive way, over all.

Look to your own behavior.

[whatchamacallit]

75. Um...

"consider looking to your own, most likely rude, behavior" I think this is what he's talking about.

[NashVegas]

79. New Members

Who abuse or otherwise anger other posters are likely to get singled out. It's a fact of DU and always has been.

PS - did you know that Television Without Pity, a board that has strict rules of civility, has a rule on the use of "Um ..." ? Do you know why?

[whatchamacallit]

90. Sure, but there also seems to be a lot of, I don't know, auto-discrimination

[Fly by night]

92. Hey, Crisco.

We're making progress on paper ballots here in the Orange State, thanks to you and a (small) handful of other media-types who have helped bring our pro-democracy light out from under a barrel. Muchas gracias.

I will PM you with the recent resolution from the American Colllege of Physicians endorsing medical marijuana. The ACP is the second largest physician organization in the US.

Progress on several progressive fronts -- now that's priceless.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

72. You Are 100% Right. Post Count Should NEVER Be Used As An Indicator.

A reminder to DU'ers:

EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU had your first post on DU at one time. Every single one of you. Tell me, were you any less a liberal then?

[juajen]

116. No, but I was a hell of a lot more polite.

The OP turned me off completely because of his rudeness. I apologize generally to no one, because I am usually very polite; but, when I was a "newbie" I was careful and polite for a thousand posts or more. You have to be accepted and respected before you can be forgiven for getting wild, as all of us get sometime. Just sayin'.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

118. No You Don't.

Anyone on their first day, and on their first post, is as welcome to post their thoughts with every single bit as much freedom as anyone who has been here longer. Being here for a greater duration does not mean you have more freedom to be less civil. That's a complete crock.

I respect the hell out of those that DO come here and talk their minds freely and openly same as they would a year down the road. It's called being genuine.

[ElsewheresDaughter]

73. a bunch of 5th graders all fighting over whose gonna be the hall monitor.

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[NashVegas]

80. How True

Thank goodness for Skinner and the rest of the admins.

[Fly by night]

83. 438 posts in less than a month -- you're right -- 1,000 posts won't mean much ...

... when you get there, sometime around the Ides of March.

We generally call people out when they're full o' shit. Since you're not posting on any forum I frequent, I haven't had the pleasure with you.

But I have called out two pro-Smirking Chimp posters lately and they both disappeared quickly.

Like they say in rooms I frequent, try taking the cotton out of your ears and putting it into your mouth for a while before you start giving us "old timers" (by your standards, anyone who's been here a whole month) advice.

BTW, I love New Mexico. I learned a while back that if I had nothing good to say about someone, I could always say "they come from a beautiful state".

You come from a beautiful state. Even if you may be working at the Hoover Institute these days.

[sloppyjoe25s]

91. *lol* i said "Some" old timers - not all...

and you are right... 438 is WAY too much. My Wife is already telling me I'm an addict.

And you are right about New Mexico - I am looking out my window at the snow covered Sandia Mountains right now.
BEAUTIFUL.

I think I may go play with my Dog before the debate. :)

[Fly by night]

96. Moving from Palo Alto to northern NM while posting 438 times here -- now that's impressive.

I am envious. I have lived in two really beautiful places in my life -- Santa Fe, Tennessee and Santa Fe, New Mexico. Right now, I would be happy to keep commuting between the two of them for the rest of my life.

I've also lived in Palo Alto while in grad school at Stanford.

Lots of Palo Altans come from a beautiful place.

PS: I registered 909 people to vote in 2004, including three women -- ages 69, 71 and 73 -- who had never voted before. If you don't think that set my patriotic heart aflutter, then you too must come from a beautiful place.

[JVS]

86. n0000bz!

:grr:

[yellerpup]

95. Congratulations for registering so many new Democratic voters!

That is an awesome accomplishment that will stay with you for years! I registered new Dems in NC during the 2004 election in a very red area and laid on the floor of my brother-in-law's guest house all afternoon because it pissed him off so much that he went out back and shot off his AK47 until it was dark. I laid there laughing my ass off because there was nothing he could do about it after the fact. They were registered and he couldn't change it. I had a flat tire every day from then until the day we moved out, but I know the feeling of 'HOW WORTH IT' taking action is. Don't let the grumble-butts get under your skin. Your priorities are straight, my friend. And, WELCOME TO DU! :yourock:

[NC_Nurse]

101. Don't let people stomp on your enthusiasm.

Good for you for registering all those voters!!! :toast:

Welcome to DU. Sometimes you have to remember that it's JUST an internet board and people
can be jerks at times. Put them on ignore or just let it slide. Don't take it too seriously. :-)

[sloppyjoe25s]

104. Thanks...

I don't take it that personally... but I do defend other newbies.

To me it is a little like belittling somebody who is new to politics (again not my case) - I '
think whoever is new should be welcomed - Especially to Politics.

I was very glad that Chris Dodd actually highlighted "new people getting involved who
have never done anything in politics in their entire lives" as one of the key reasons behind his
endorsement today. I love Dodd! He is MY cult leader! ;)

[NC_Nurse]

108. Dodd rocks! We are usually much friendlier around here. It's a shame that

the primaries have been so ugly.
What really sucks too, is that one of our old-timers who used to welcome everyone without fail is currently not posting.
She has been ill and is not around much anymore. We miss her a LOT!

Shout out to newyawker99! We miss you!!!:loveya:

[smiley_glad_hands]

102. If 08 is anything like 04:

Then there are more than just "some" trolls here. There were several instances of troll outing after 04 (people masquerading as dems with faux support for multiple candidates-when W won, they outed themselves btw).

This time around, I bet it will be even worse.

So yeah, some of us old timers are distrustful of newbs with low post counts posting divisive and dubious shit, especially during primaries and the GE.

DU might not be much to you, but it is all some of us have had for years (at least since 01).

[ElsewheresDaughter]

113. true that....saved my sanity more times than I care to remember...got me through the darkest days

of the *'s evil reign

[smiley_glad_hands]

121. Lone beacon of light during a long cold night.

I pretty much gave up the MSM for DU's LBN until KO.

[emilyg]

103. Try using "Sen. Clinton"

[TexasObserver]

119. See the comments you get from the very perps you mentioned? IGNORE them is your best choice.

I never read the posts of posters who make such attacks on newbies. I put them ignore and get on down the road. On nights when Ignore isn't working, you have to tolerate their presence, but the remainder of the time, you don't even see them.

You've mentioned all the nasty comments they make, so there's no point in repeating them. DU has rules against such attacks on newbies, but the posters you mentioned do what they do because they lack substance.

If you came upon such people in a group setting, you'd walk away from them after 15 seconds. I suggest you do the same here. They can't have a conversation with you if you don't respond to their childish taunts. Be the adult and turn your back on them, like you would do to an annoying child.

[LWolf]

120. This is a DUZY, if there ever was one.

:rofl:

"Respond with substance." In GDP, of all places.

:spray:

Elections are never about substance. Primaries are about electability and star power, and the GE is about winning at any cost. Substance never enters into the equation.

At least, that's what I've learned here on DU.

Substance. In GDP.

:popcorn:

[smiley_glad_hands]

122. Pretty much sums up the reality that we live in. Sad, but true. eom