My avatar

Ok fine sure works for me. But John I really wish you would have given a more formal heads up on this for us. Outside of that folks lets just drop it we got an answer and while it might not be one we like it is a valid one I suppose. Its not a hill to die on or anything to lose our heads over its an annoyance and not much more.

Senan wrote: These are all fair questions and I will try to get answers posted for all to see when I am completely clear. It will get added to the Terms and Conditions.

While this is a sensitive issue because of the personal nature of avatars, it is still something that falls under system admin concerning the function and appearance of the site. It is no different than signatures, except that this was not publicly announced beforehand as it should have been.

As this is implemented, please remember that we are all being watched and judged by our reactions. Emotion is expected, but we need to remain respectful of each other and patient. If there is one thing I learned from last time around, it was that all of us moved too quickly without considering the impact of our actions. Let's not do that again.

Are you serious!!?? Come on man, I never pegged you as one that would drink the Coolaid. I'm disapointed.

As another who was affected by this, I agree with MadHatter. Let's not turn this into a repeat of last time. Time to let the matter drop.

I am sorry that you feel threatened by my use of a white avatar. But, you're the boss. So, I'll just leave it as the default. Kinda matches my hair color and style, actually.

Kyrin Wyldstar wrote:

Senan wrote: These are all fair questions and I will try to get answers posted for all to see when I am completely clear. It will get added to the Terms and Conditions.

While this is a sensitive issue because of the personal nature of avatars, it is still something that falls under system admin concerning the function and appearance of the site. It is no different than signatures, except that this was not publicly announced beforehand as it should have been.

As this is implemented, please remember that we are all being watched and judged by our reactions. Emotion is expected, but we need to remain respectful of each other and patient. If there is one thing I learned from last time around, it was that all of us moved too quickly without considering the impact of our actions. Let's not do that again.

Are you serious!!?? Come on man, I never pegged you as one that would drink the Coolaid. I'm disapointed.

I am entirely serious and I'm not drinking Kool-Aid either. I am as aware as anyone that this situation is unorthodox and not being handled the best way, but I am also here every day trying to ensure that this is a peaceful home for those who consider it an escape from the usual crap of life. This Temple is sacred space to many here, and I'm not willing to accept a public pissing contest over pictures because I have bigger priorities. I am a Knight, and that stands for something. I believe in our Doctrine and I try to follow it. I am trying to make this place better by working on the inside with the people running it. It is easy to criticize from the outside. Much harder to actually effect change from within.

It's almost as if both sides have nothing better to do than this, over and over and over.

Time to get out of the house for a while, guys.

Let's take a breather for a bit. This thread has run its course. I'm going to lock it for the weekend until Councillors are back to address it properly.

I'm still here waiting for an answer as to why this affected only people that have were active in the last week before this policy was rushed through. There are still people around that have whiteout avatars, and if this was a program or whatever going through and changing avatars, this would not be the case.

Senan wrote: Let's take a breather for a bit. This thread has run its course. I'm going to lock it for the weekend until Councillors are back to address it properly.

Thank you Senan, I know you are working on it and appreciate it. Now to me personally its just a little picture we add meaning to to represent us in a a place we find sacred to us. Having taken part in the original white out I would have found this annoying (just by principle) indeed, so we have one answer thus far. I would say let's move on, however, I stand with Arisaig here, there at least one deserves to be have an answer with some haste.
After that is provided, I respectfully request all parties involved to drop it. I am not here meaning to insult, but it's kinda dumb guys, something we are some what attached to has been violated, on that note the principle of it is bothersome indeed, however, there are bigger fish to fry; and much more gregarious violations of what should be our principles that happen all the time that we should really be trying to look for and eliminate at this time.

Much Love and Respect,
Kobos

Kobos wrote: I am not here meaning to insult, but it's kinda dumb guys, something we are some what attached to has been violated, on that note the principle of it is bothersome indeed, however, there are bigger fish to fry; and much more gregarious violations of what should be our principles that happen all the time that we should really be trying to look for and eliminate at this time.

Much Love and Respect,
Kobos

I hope you don't think that's what motivated the initial protest, something as simple as an avatar change....

I do not Zenchi. I believe the reasoning to behind the original protest to be one of the egregious things needing to be addressed. I simply wish to eliminate the unneeded distraction form those principles that should be addressed first. Not that this is not bothersome, but something that is lower on what I see should be our priority list.

Much Love and Respect,
Kobos

Arisaig wrote: I'm still here waiting for an answer as to why this affected only people that have were active in the last week before this policy was rushed through. There are still people around that have whiteout avatars, and if this was a program or whatever going through and changing avatars, this would not be the case.

That mystery will probably be resolved in Episode XLII. What was that sophomoric protest about? Somebody didn't get their way?

Br. John wrote:

Arisaig wrote: I'm still here waiting for an answer as to why this affected only people that have were active in the last week before this policy was rushed through. There are still people around that have whiteout avatars, and if this was a program or whatever going through and changing avatars, this would not be the case.

That mystery will probably be resolved in Episode XLII. What was that sophomoric protest about? Somebody didn't get their way?

can't wait for that episode to come out then and we get the answers to the questions we asked.

Br. John wrote: That mystery will probably be resolved in Episode XLII. What was that sophomoric protest about? Somebody didn't get their way?

I believe it was a misunderstanding/miscommunication of what a certain role was going to involve and what would come of that; and then I think more people joined as by error or coincidence a certain level of respect was cast aside (nothing was said but sarcastic remarks, when people asked for answers) and people began to notice that this level of respect a basic concept of human dignity was being ignored on all levels and it spiraled from there on both sides.(something I would really like to avoid seeing again in my time here). That was just my view and why it had my support.

What is sophomoric about that situation Brother John?

Brother John, what has happened friend? I have seen you be so kind, and a great Jedi to follow in my time here; but most recently I have seen so much anger. It is okay to feel that anger Brother John, some stuff got thrown directly at you and Ren when you did not deserve it, but is it still okay to act on that now? I am again, respectfully asking you to cast aside emotion and remember what you have founded, the peace you have helped many of us cultivate within ourselves, and return to the Jedi I used to see on the general boards saying kind things of wisdom or ask for help with whatever burden you have as we are here for you as the site is here for us. I urge you to please consider what I have said. If it is not something you want to share here please feel free to PM me.

Much Love and Respect,
Kobos

Not to stoke the flames, but would not a solid black avatar serve the same (if not, a better) purpose? You know? Like when someone redacts information from a document for public view? Whiteout serves to rewrite something, whereas blacking out serves to show something is to remain unknown (or something like that). Protest, from what I gather, isn't against any policy here. It sucks when you're the one being protested, but censoring it shouldn't even be used (unless a policy or rule is being abused or ignored). Like others here, I don't know what exactly happened, nor do I know the reasons for protest, but why not get to even ground and talk to each other without personal attacks or character assassinations. I mean, censoring protest is yet another tool of fascism, is it not? Isn't it rather un-Jedi to support fascistic activity? Just curious. Maybe I'm way off.

Luthien wrote: Not to stoke the flames, but would not a solid black avatar serve the same (if not, a better) purpose? You know? Like when someone redacts information from a document for public view? Whiteout serves to rewrite something, whereas blacking out serves to show something is to remain unknown (or something like that). Protest, from what I gather, isn't against any policy here. It sucks when you're the one being protested, but censoring it shouldn't even be used (unless a policy or rule is being abused or ignored). Like others here, I don't know what exactly happened, nor do I know the reasons for protest, but why not get to even ground and talk to each other without personal attacks or character assassinations. I mean, censoring protest is yet another tool of fascism, is it not? Isn't it rather un-Jedi to support fascistic activity? Just curious. Maybe I'm way off.

The overuse of the term "fascism" here makes me roll my eyes. This is a website. If the person in charge doesn't like what you say and decides to censor it, then he has the right to.

Accusations do nothing but stoke the fire.

Now, the actual question is what are the long term consequences of a community leader not compling with the same policy he set up, and modifying circumstances at his whim?

It might come across as a bit harsh, but that question pertains only the administration. They have to decide what kind of leaders they want to be. The rest of us decide whether we follow or leave. But crying "foul" to someone who might or might not care about your opinion does not get results.

Manu wrote: The overuse of the term "fascism" here makes me roll my eyes. This is a website. If the person in charge doesn't like what you say and decides to censor it, then he has the right to.

Accusations do nothing but stoke the fire.

Now, the actual question is what are the long term consequences of a community leader not compling with the same policy he set up, and modifying circumstances at his whim?

It might come across as a bit harsh, but that question pertains only the administration. They have to decide what kind of leaders they want to be. The rest of us decide whether we follow or leave. But crying "foul" to someone who might or might not care about your opinion does not get results.

Manu, thank you that is well put! To further your point, I want to present this thought. WE, all of us from New Members to The most senior in the council make this place what it is. Do we deserve some answers? Certainly. Do we want change? for sure this place will always evolve with us as we grow. But, If we lose sight of the very reason this exists and the personal growth it has brought us; how are we to help others just starting their journey or stuck at a hard moment in theirs. I will always be here because of that, If I disagree, get agitated so be it, I will not show that on a public board. I will however call out anyone who decides it needed to be disrespectful, it solves nothing.

Yes a black square is OK and even this is just fine.

On a computer an invisible graphic in that place looks stupid or like there's an error with the site.
Use the space for protest text.
It's just not gonna' be something that looks like nothing.

What exactly is/are the question(s)? I don't remember how it got started.

Brother John,

I believe these were the two questions that many were just waiting for an awnser on.

Then can we please get an explanation why this only affected members that have been recently active?-Ari and myself.

Why is this a new policy and when did it get put into place?

I submit these respectfully and would love to just know otherwise, I'm dropping it at that my friend. We have a place of learning to maintain after all.

Much Love and Respect,
Kobos

Manu wrote: The overuse of the term "fascism" here makes me roll my eyes.

Well, it is a rather broad term that has many applications and varies depending on how it's used. So, I get why it's "overused".

I couldn't care one way or the other. If I don't like how a site is being ran, I simply don't use the site. If I've invested a lot of time and energy into it and still don't like it, then why not cut my losses? There are plenty of other places that serve the same purpose. Or, like Louis CK said, "Then make your own. You go make one. [...] See how close yours to perfect."