| Author | Message | ||
     Cowboy Citizen Username: Cowboy Post Number: 308 Registered: 9-2003  |
I recently tried to edit my picture to that of another cowboy, Rowdy Yates, but somehow was unsuccessful. I then decided, partly out of frustration, to use a bumper sticker slogan. Seeing that also didn't work, I left things alone. I now notice a new slogan posted in place of my picture. The slogan or rule is in itself very telling. It seems that there is a rule concerning the use of pictures here on MOL. It is a rule I was unaware of. It is a rule that now is posted in place of any picture on every post that I have made. It is also just another example of the subtle, yet blatant bias here on MOL. I understand and accept this choice by the MOL moderators. Yet, I once again find the policies of these very same moderators to be regrettablly inconsistent and filled with bias. Check out Mayhewdrive's picture for example. I'm sure there may well be others that fit the criteria of being a political attack in one way or another, but that point is moot, it is the bias that is clear. If you all take a moment to read what is now posted in place of my picture and then review other pictures, you will see exactly what it is I am talking about. Is it bias? Yes, it certainly is. Do I mind that I was singled out and made an example of? Not at all. It just makes me appreciate the lengths that moderators will go to insure that their political views are promoted, while those opposed receive special scrutiny. Thank you, Cowboy | ||
| Dave Ross Citizen Username: Dave Post Number: 6198 Registered: 4-1998  |
Actually, now that you point that out I agree with you. I never read MHD's profile picture (just took it for a recycling symbol). My thinking was along these lines: as images in profiles are universal on the message board, they can bring politics into other areas of the message board, which are supposed to be (for lack of a better phrase) invective-free zones. I'm open to suggestions and will apply fairly to all. | ||
| bets Citizen Username: Bets Post Number: 471 Registered: 6-2001  |
My profile picture is a Democat. | ||
| Nohero Citizen Username: Nohero Post Number: 2790 Registered: 10-1999  |
A picture is no worse than a signature line, which can show up on any thread, no matter what the topic. "Blatantly political" signature lines can show up anywhere, even in non-political topics. So, a picture (even a cutesy, "The road to hell is paved with liberals") is no "worse" than anything that anybody else can post. At least, with a picture, once it changes that change is reflected on all of the posts by that member. Signature lines last forever (relatively speaking). So, if a picture does not violate any other rule here, what's the difference? That having been said, I'm surprised that nobody has detected the blatant political statement in my current picture. | ||
| ML1 Citizen Username: Ml1 Post Number: 1495 Registered: 5-2002  |
I for one couldn't care less if someone's profile picture has a political message. I consider the picture simply an opportunity to customize my posts. If someone feels that what they want to reveal about themselves is that the "road to hell is paved with liberals," so what? | ||
| mfpark Citizen Username: Mfpark Post Number: 183 Registered: 9-2001 |
Dave, I agree with ML1. I think you do a great job moderating the board to allow for a free flow of ideas(Don's gripes notwithstanding). But I think here you need to tread more lightly. One person's customization is another's political statement--where do you draw the line? For example, if we were in France and I used a picture of a woman in a chador, would this be considered a political statement? Is your picture an endorsement of smoking tobacco (or whatever is in that pipe)? I think you would do better to draw the line at blatantly offensive images (porn, violence)--although even there you will need to exercise the wisdom of Potter Stewart--you can't define it, but you know it when you see it. | ||
| bobk Supporter Username: Bobk Post Number: 4442 Registered: 5-2001 |
Rowdy Yates is a political statement? Clint Harris? Don Perkins? OK, Cowboy's first pic was Ronnie Raygun, as someone referred to him, but even then it seems sort of benign. Nohero, on the other hand with his sneakers over the telephone line is obviously advertising himself as a drug dealer.  | ||
| Cowboy Citizen Username: Cowboy Post Number: 312 Registered: 9-2003 |
Thank you Dave for your swift response agreeing with me. However, your agreement by itself does not in any way change the facts. You actually expect people to believe that you innocently thought MHD's profile picture was simply a "recycling symbol?" Fine. I'm certain that some MOLers will gladly accept that response. It allows them to write off any bias on your part as being out of ignorance. However, I for one, will not. Dave you are many things, but ignorant is not one of them. I suspect that if one were to look closely at say tjohn's profile picture, or many others they too might exibit elements of a political attack. Since you are "open to suggestions," let me suggest that what's good for the goose is good for the gander. Please leave my new profile picture intact. Let it remain a testament to the facts. Thank you. | ||
| Duncan Citizen Username: Duncanrogers Post Number: 1477 Registered: 12-2001  |
Oh Don.. grow up will ya. I thought it was the same thing and based on the types of posts MHD makes it is in keeping with his/her politics. Enough with the martyr crap already ok. You dont like the rules of the pool go swim somewhere else. "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take" Wayne Gretzky | ||
| Mayhewdrive Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 735 Registered: 5-2001  |
My picture is simply a "pro-environment" symbol, which says alot about who I am...just like Nohero has a Springsteen logo, which says alot about who he is. I'm sure if Cowboy's picture had a gun, a factory belching pollution, people living in poverty, or Donald Trump sitting on his yacht...all of which define who he is, I'm sure that would be fine, too. | ||
| SoOrLady Citizen Username: Soorlady Post Number: 319 Registered: 9-2003 |
Cowboy - time to hang up your spurs & 6-gun and take that block off your shoulder! I though MHD's logo was a recycling symbol too (in keeping with his obvious concern with the environment). | ||
| Nohero Citizen Username: Nohero Post Number: 2797 Registered: 10-1999 |
Bobk: I'm thinking of moving away from the sneakers for a few days. I'll try to find something patriotic. | ||
| ML1 Citizen Username: Ml1 Post Number: 1496 Registered: 5-2002 |
I thought it was simply a recycling symbol also -- I never read the fine print. I guess if you're looking that closely at other people's profile pictures, maybe you ought to think about getting yourself a life.  | ||
| mem Citizen Username: Mem Post Number: 2665 Registered: 5-2001  |
I agree with ML1 and mfpark. I think it's an unfair bias towards something so harmless. | ||
| Mayhewdrive Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 736 Registered: 5-2001 |
This could be a real slippery slope. Once you start moderating profile pictures, I'm sure "signature lines" will be next. Personally, Straw's bush/cheney signature line is far more offensive that any of the profile pictures people have used so far.  Looks, like we might need to move this thread to the "Politics" section.... | ||
| United STRAWBERRY of America Citizen Username: Strawberry Post Number: 1835 Registered: 10-2001  |
My pic shows one of the most ruthless men ever to live being checked for disease after being pulled from a spider hole after running for his life thanks to MY PRESIDENT, GEORGE W. BUSH!!!!!!!!!!!!! GOD BLESS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA! I pledge Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all. | ||
| Dave Ross Citizen Username: Dave Post Number: 6200 Registered: 4-1998 |
Straw, that's not YOU? OK, I'm wrong. Apologies to cowboy for the inconvenience. | ||
| ML1 Citizen Username: Ml1 Post Number: 1497 Registered: 5-2002 |
This thread reminds me. It's been awhile since I changed my picture. | ||
| Mayhewdrive Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 738 Registered: 5-2001 |
ML1, I hope that picture wasn't taken while Bruce was defending the Dixie Chicks or when he was asking people to "sing louder if they want to impeach the president". | ||
| Cowboy Citizen Username: Cowboy Post Number: 314 Registered: 9-2003 |
Apologies accepted Dave. Yet the issue of underlying bias still needs to be addressed and admited. You can continue to hide from the truth or admit your bias. The resulting sophmoric comments of a trust fund baby, unemployed thesbian not withstanding. |
