Sunday, January 23, 2011

Off on a tangent....

So today I am feeling a little blue, and I felt the need to address a situation that has been occurring for a long time. As many of you know, I moderate a few shows over on Ustream. Well, there has been a group of people attempting to ruin the community over there. Are they overtly attempting to ruin it? No. But they are. The behavior of a few is making a whole lot of people very uncomfortable. Yesterday, I unfortunately had to take a stand in an effort to protect the peaceful sharing community.

I for one, hate drama. I do not say a lot publicly, and I try to be fair and give folks generally enough rope to hang themselves. But when slander on other social networking sites of individuals who are caring, is the forum that is chosen for these cyber bullies to mount a defense, well that just gives me the red ass.

I appreciate that there are people in the world, whose entire life and friendships take place on the internet. I also appreciate, that people are entitled to their opinions, and many have lives that are not happy, affected by illness, or depression, and generally poor social skills. I can choose not to be around them, or help where I can. In a community such as Ustream, these options are limited, as it is a public forum, where a mere sign up is all it takes for people to interact. Generally it is a good thing. But there are a few, trying to take the spotlight 100% of the time and using abuse of the rules of the broadcasters, as a means to their end.
It is not cool. Even if I consider all I have stated previously, you need to be respectful. You need to honor the requests of the broadcaster in their show and behave. Good fun is always welcome. A good joke makes us all laugh. But to shamelessly promote a business, not endorsed by the broadcaster, or to consistently use foul language, talk politics or political opinion, air discriminatory views, direct message others in a bullying fashion, threaten in any way, or make others feel ostracized , should not happen.

And it will not happen on my watch. If I am your moderator, I am protecting your show and your integrity. I have no tolerance for people who try and make a public showing all about them. Get your own show for that, and say whatever you want. I do not have to be there.

I am new to the Social Networking world of Twitter, and do not profess to know much about it. From what I have seen, some people use it for bad not good. To publicly deface someone, for your bad behavior, again is not cool. If you are a friend of mine, I can only take so much. I am going to stand up for my friends, when I feel it is justified.

So my friends, if you saw me involved in an exchange on Twitter, that did not sound like me, please know, I had enough. Believe me, my fuse is very long, and it had burned to it's end. I do feel badly for these individuals, and I wish them no harm. I simply want them to leave me and my friends and our community on Ustream, alone.

The ganging up, piling on, whining, crying and general sophomoric behavior will not be tolerated in my show or my friends shows. If you cannot play nice, do not come to these shows at all, because you will be banned upon arrival. I have been patient, explained until I am blue in the face, and truly very sad that it turned out this way. But you did it to yourself.

I am sure everyone knows who I am addressing, so I will not name names. I will not stoop to the public defacing level that they have. I have one thing to say, GROW UP! and PLAY NICE!.

So thanks for taking the time to read this post. I hope it answers any questions you have about recent events. Also, if see some crap about me on any of these sites, think twice before you believe it. I have a good reputation as a supporter of the art community, as do those I associate with. Don't let a few people who took it too far, change your opinion about the group. If you have concerns or questions, feel free to contact me. I welcome your comments.

Hugs,


14 comments:

  1. Thank you Laurel. Well said. I hope others that have shows will follow yours and others with a no tolerance policy, maybe this will put an end to this crap.

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  2. Laurel I think you, and other forum moderators, have handled the situation very well. For me, I wasn't even aware of a situation until the person in question started bringing it to everyone's attention. Again, I commend you on your professionalism and am happy I have a safe place to hang out online where there is as little drama as possible.

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  3. Well said Laurel. There's always a few bad apples that will spoil the barrell, it just stinks when these people are someone you thought to be friends. As you know, I have been quietly watching this drama unfold and it saddens me that things turned out the way they have. Personally, when I am at someone's Ustream, I treat it as if I am in their home. I have met such an amazing bunch of artists in the past year and I think we all have alot to share with each other, I for one, don't care to participate in playground antics, these friendships mean to much to me to jeopardize things. See ya around the 'net girl!

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  4. Feel better Laurel, you are awesome!

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  5. Well said, Laurel. As always, you are a classy lady! I love our Art Community and thank you for keeping it safe and sane.

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  6. Not really sure what's gone on but big hugs laurel and to anyone else that needs it!

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  7. well said. The first time around it was a little stressful while reading the tweets. then this last round was more like here we go again...omg high school is over, enough already! You get tired of reading the same things over and over again(being attacks on a business or people or whatever else). very tiring and stressful for everyone involved.

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  8. Here Here!! Since I am a noobie to the UStreams and Twitter, just being around since June, I began following some folks that later I unfollowed because of their behavior and made even me uncomfortable. And I can take alot. Since I only have the net folks for art friends, I want to continue to be able to come have fun and learn. Thanx again Laurel. Slee

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  9. Wow. I am a new follower of your show and blog. I love watching the Ustream and Youtube shows that many artist post, although I usually have to watch the recordings (due to little kiddos running around the house, and life in general). I am sorry that you had to deal with "mean girls". It sounds like you did so in the fairest way available. Good thoughts and wishes to you! Love your blog, your shows and your art!

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  10. I'm just new to ustream, scrapbooking and blogging, and sorry to see that the drama stuff has infected this society. I have thus far met and watched only very nice ladies and gents, and am glad there are moderators who care enough to demand something that should be common sense. The golden rule. Bravo, and thank you.

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  11. THANK YOU Laurel! You have stated EXACTLY what alot of us have been thinking.

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  12. I am also a newbie to Ustream, but have found it to be a warm and welcoming place thanks to people like you, Laurel :) I am not sure what this is all about, but I am sure from what I have seen that you are a class act and that something pretty bad must have been going on for you to get upset like this. Please know that many of us are very appreciative of all you moderators who keep Ustream enjoyable for all artists. Thank you!

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  13. I agree with the others. Thank you so much for putting exactly what needed to be said into words! I really appreciate it!

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  14. Hi...I am a newbie, to youtube since may of 2010 and to Ustream...well I'm having my FIRST show this Sat the 29th! So reading your post made me feel good that there are some that still care about protecting others. Im like you, I stay quiet and try not to make waves, but I can understsand how sometimes Enough is Enough.
    I need you on my side! lol
    Thanks for caring
    Warm Regards
    Elsa

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