Fatguy
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“If you build it, they will come”. Congrats Sadgeezer, on making your web site a pleasure to visit and contribute. It looks like Sadgeezer.com is going to break another “barrier” and – eventually – plateau at the next level of growth in the life cycle of this site. New challenges and new rewards await, exciting times ahead…..
Maurice
[quote=”BowCatz”]:roll: Want to waste your precious time? Click on the banned links.
In the fifties (last century), people who were obsessed with killing women and bodily functions were locked away in insane asylums. Maurice, they have a room waiting for you, dude. Walk this way… ➡ If I’m on duty, I’ll let you keep your belt and shoe laces.[/quote]
What makes you think I am not already in one of those rooms 🙄 . Insane asylums have internet access; just depends on what part of the “real” world you consider “insane” 😉 .
Maurice
Happy Birthday Flamegrape. This is getting a bit tired…..but here goes:
[audio src="http://webhome.idirect.com/~rem223/OldManRiver.wav" /]
Maurice
I tried to stay true to the concept of only using quotes for the non-current content, so the story will never be as “polished” as it could have been. Also – apart from spelling and grammatical errors that I may find and fix – it is what it is, and I will archive it as such. This was never intended to be a “work of art”. Not every story has a happy ending or completion…..
Maurice
Actually; I had to read my post again to see what you were seeing, and yes, now I see that perhaps my wording was not as well chosen as it could have been. It was the last gasp of my attempt to get interest in a constitution for this site.
Unlike many web sites that are off-shoots of larger enterprises; Sadgeezer is an independent entity. I just thought a simple consolidation of previously posted material – could be melded into one concise document that would express all that the web site was about. I thought the advantages would be the saving of time making decisions on most of the day to day problems that plague large web sites. However, like I said in the thread regarding censorship; I will consider this issue closed and will no longer pursue it.
Maurice
Alright Sadgeezer, I guess the issue is closed; I shall say no more. That does not mean I do not appreciate you opening up the discussion for me (and others) to speak our mind – for that opportunity I say – thank you.
Maurice
This issue before us really comes down to group tactics and group pressure on those who do not “fit in”. My arguments have been called “silly” as I could go elsewhere – so why stand and fight here?
“I” – personally, have never been a part of a group, nor have I ever felt part of a group (though once about ten years ago an East Indian tailor was talking to me like I was one of his kind and I felt like I was one of a group or wanted…..is that what it is like to be part of a group?). Because of this – group tactics and pressure do not work on me and you can take any cheap shots at me, or show numerical consolidation around an issue – does not mean “squat” to me – I really am a “lone wolf”. Because of that, I can never have access to the advantages of being part of a group – for example, rank among the group, access to restricted information, perks, etc.. “I” am on my own. The only tools I have available are “rights” and “laws”; and these tools are only effective if that society I operate in – values these “rights” and “laws”.
All people should be created equally and I demand that I be treated in the same way and by the same rules as everyone else. A standard set of limits as to what is appropriate or not would achieve this goal; and the limits are up to the web site (i.e. by their own standards, poll of the members, etc..). Just what is the difference between Logan’s work about flatulence and my “waste of bandwith with no merit whatsoever” as Thefrey would say? Currently, this call is discretionary, at the “whim” of a moderator…..why?
I would never be a moderator as I see over and over again, the corrupting influence of unrestricted power over others. This is why free nations have constitutions. They acknowledge that human nature is what it is and that we shall place limits over officials so that the moral rights of others are not infringed. This is the best policy; a policy of fairness to all that use this site, and also an attraction to those who wish to become members.
Why not go to another site? Why make a stand here? Perhaps if I was of like racial and ethnic background of the area in which I live – I would play the game of “suck up” or “kiss ass” for a position of authority. But this option was never available to me and so that is why I operate as I do. This frustrates people because I don’t care if you hate me or shun me…..does not mean anything to me. My home is wherever I am and I am here and here I shall fight until banned.
At the very least; a set standard of rules applicable to all, is needed for censorship to be exercised (if at all…..). A constitution would be a good idea, but this is Sadgeezer’s choice as this is his site. Sorry for being what I am…..
Maurice
Message In A bottle.
I must be insane to do this; but it is the only way. This is the only way to communicate with you now. Your address is there and if found, I hope that person finds it in their heart to deliver this message to you.
I am trapped, trapped in a world I helped make and will never escape. The only thing that keeps me sane is the dream – as impossible as it may be – of the two of us together. You have no idea how alone I am – they torment me even in my dreams. In desperate moments…..I think of the wonderful times we had, and how I loved you dearly. We were connected by a physical bond that I finally had to sever; but the mental connection is still there….. Our love is eternal and universal and you will always be with me to the end. I love you with all my heart ( Oh yah…….say hello to Dad for me).
Number 6
[quote=”nursewhen”][quote=”Fatguy”]You are very young Headgehog (what is it…..just turned 21[/quote]
Wow What a brilliant tactic. Trash somebody’s opinions by being ageist! :roll:[/quote]Nah…..was thinking about his references to the Beatles – even they were before my time…..heheheheehe! How times have changed. By the way – if anyone thinks I am angry and such…..Nope! I am quite happy right now…..
Maurice
[quote=”Headgehog”]This melodramatic campaign against censorships fails to notice and/or mention, that posts are almost never edited or deleted. Further more, users are rarely banned, and when they are it’s only for a short period. In my two years as a mod/admin, I have never edited a post for content.
Considering that most posters are responsible and mature, having clear cut rules and guidelines are redundant and unnecessary. Those few individuals who insist of acting like pre-pubescent teens are rare, and won’t follow the guidelines any way. People [i]know[/i] when they’re doing something wrong.
Drafting a formal set of rules is a waste of time and will cause the site to become much more bueracratic then it should ever be. We’ll spend more time arguing over the bloody rules then we will about the edit of a post!
This is a site for all scifi fans to enjoy. All the paperwork will bogdown the spirit of the site; reading about and the discussion of cult scifi.[/quote]
Not quite Headgehog – A constitution need not be complicated nor time consuming. Simply a hub of information that has easy access to all. What a constitution will do is take away some of the powers that some already have; but it is Sadgeezer himself who gives up the most…..not the moderators. A web site with a constitution has a life apart from the people who run it – the plus side is that it is easier to handle large groups of people as Sadgeezers is getting large. You say that “we’ll spend more time arguing over the bloody rules then we will about the edit of a post!” – look at the activity surrounding this topic (and most people have no clue as to what Thefrey censored…..); and clearly spelled out rules mean you will spend “less” time as there is “no” argument.
Remember – it was Sadgeezer himself who opened up the discussion about discretion vs set guidelines. You are very young Headgehog (what is it…..just turned 21)…..na, I won’t say anymore…..just you are very young – and I happen to like what you are doing here. This is just discussion. I have no power except the force of my arguments, you need not fear me…..
Maurice
Time For A Sadgeezer Constitution!
Just read some of the posts and think that maybe something good can come of this. We need a constitution – spelling out the intent of the web site, the structure (and who does what and is responsible, etc.), and what is expected of the members and clearly specified rules that are not solely at the discretion of a moderator.
To give you an example: A week or two ago. MandaraK was telling us that she wished to take a break and I posted a reply telling her not to be a stranger and to please come back and that I was a secret fan of her. Why was that censored Thefrey? I will not speak for MandaraK; but my message probably did not get read by her….. It is getting to the point that I do not know how many posts have been deleted and for what reasons. It is like I have to save pages and go back to see if my posts are still there….. A constitution guaranteeing that posts are not arbitrarily censored would be nice.
By the way guys, it would be so easy to go after your arguments, and some of your judgement and comments….. However, this path is pointless. I would rather remain positive. Sadgeezer’s site with the multitude of moderators does need a uniform set of rules to protect the rights of all members.
Maurice
Hello my fellow Sadgeezers 😀 !
Wow! I never expected to come home to this much discussion! While this was going on at the board; I also was thinking about this very issue as I pounded on old people’s doors and got chased around by unleashed dogs…..
First of all – censorship means closing one’s mind. Censorship means one person – or a group of people – deciding who can communicate and what gets communicated. Censorship means control. Show me any of the great artists who manned censor boards 🙄 ….. But show me how many artists of merit that were censored – and yet their work lives on as treasures for humanity. That which is new and unorthodox or creative will always strike fear into the hearts of most people. To protect themselves from change – these new ideas or techniques of communication are “censored”.
When i was a child, showing a woman’s belly button on TV was censored, look at today’s style….. Censors always look foolish in hindsight or evil….. “A Catcher In The Rye” was the object of censorship when we finally got to read it; “Lord Of The Flies” was not shown to us because one kid has his head crushed by a bolder (saw the unedited copy and it was not so bad…..). All that was censored in my past has been reveal in the present – and the world survives…..
Quit frankly…..I am appalled at the spineless attitude toward free speech in the world today. Did we forget the oppressive regimes where free speech meant imprisonment or death? I dare you guys to post the short story of mine and let the collective rule on it’s merits. We can all talk about the ‘horror” I wrote; but I do not think it is vile or horrible. It is social commentary about the world we live in and the possible end of that world in the future – and the judgement of the last man that reflects upon it – and given the date of yesterday…..I was in the mood to write it. I did not write it to “test the waters at Sadgeezer”.
This is a Sci-fi forum – Sci-Fi! The field of the unknown and extreame possibilities. Why everyone here wants boring and predictable stories is beyond me….. Open you minds! Yes – shock value has it’s place in Sci-Fi!
I am going to go wherever my mind takes me because I want to keep growing….. I will not ask another permission on what to think and what to write! We can only think through language (try to think about something you can’t verbalize…..); and censoring language is closing our minds.
Anyway – on to more practical matters. I was wondering if it is possible to post my stories on my own personal web space and link the stories in the future. That way – I would not feel as bad as I did this morning when a story of mind disappeared before I had a chance to save it. Since it is just a link – it is not the same as deleting text. Also – would this not side-step the issue of intellectual rights since this is just a link? Comments?
Maurice
I would have renamed the thread to the story or started a new thread with the title of the story. Get rid of the first paragraph as it does nothing to hook in the reader to the story. The second paragraph is fine as a start as it is interesting and instantly marks the story as sci-fi-ish. Try to keep the running dialogue to a minimum unless it is an important moment of the story, otherwise it will just put people to sleep. Sadgeezer has a program that edits profanity so you may want to be cleaver as to how you get around this – as your story contains a lot of it – personally I would disable this function as it is a bit juvenile; but hey…..thats me….. Nix the duplicate post – yes, I would also be hesitant as I would not know if both would disappear 🙄 , but I think you can – not now though as I have posted a reply (so ask a moderator of the forum to delete the post or reduce it to a smile face for something like that). My two cents worth…..
Maurice
I think this “village” is there to build the bank account of some mysterious “Number One”.
I am a big fan of urban renewal because the basic geographical advantages of big cities are still there to take advantage of. Some back-woods local just does not cut it – and there is simply too small a population for totally enclosed services to sustain itself. But I am a complete amateur here. Someone with a background in urban planning should pronounce sentence of this type of idea. Communes came and went…..why?
Maurice (P.S. Pet: I actually remembered some of your earlier posts on another board today thanks 😀 ).
😀 : the one telling us you and wife had a baby. Quite a shock; and I was genuinely happy for you 😀 .
Maurice
[quote=”ShadowedVenus”]By the way, Fatguy, I posted before reading your post. Having read it, the stuff I said about not being poltical looks like smug whitebread crap. I didn’t get spat on because of what I look like. I’m sorry.[/quote]
Well, for what it is worth; that post actually made me smile for the first time today 😀 . Of all the people I expected an apology from, you (or any of the other Sadgeezers) are not one of them – not even close.
The spitting was one thing; but the feces contaminated meal (the one that eventually had me pissing pure blood – and that experience totally screwed up my mind for a few days…..) was the worst. However, I was poisoned as a teenager – real poison this time and after I was given the antidote – I spent a few weeks looking at my intestines every time I went to the bathroom. I was also forced to kiss peoples feet, was patted on the head like a dog, and was called “turd” by my classmates in those years….. I forget about these things but the memories still come back. There was also the systematic racism (trying to keep me back in school and taking IQ tests to prove high IQ and not retardation (which they said 👿 ) and later trying to stream me into trade school (stopped by younger teachers who told me what was happening and what they did for me)). There is more but I will stop here. Many here think that my rants about racism is unjustified, walk a few mile in my shoes and you will be given an eye opening experience. Anyways – that is it for this thread from me today. Where I live – others have posted similar things in the papers – so I am not alone.
Anyway ShadowedVenus, no offence taken at all (and I really should keep the politics out of this thread 😉 ).
Maurice
I was in a cafeteria when I heard about the first plane strike – quiet music was playing and the guy on the radio said it matter of fact. The second strike was the one that started me worrying and the Pentagon hit plus the US fighter shooting down the last plane headed presumably for the White House sealed my fate. I was actually planning on changing jobs – gone! I started to lament that it may be eight years before things got better – all this while that disaster was unfolding…..
In the days ahead, all people who even remotely looked Middle Eastern were spat at, asked to jump out of windows, and some got food poisoning and ended up peeing pure blood – all this happened to me. My parents and family stayed home out of fear, etc.. while the Bush Administration finalized plans for the invasion of Iraq – just eight days after the attack.
We darkies took some warped pleasure at the surprise of Western People (thought I was one…..) who openly wondered how we could fly planes, etc….. They actually considered us intelligent now…..horror of horrors. This has mistakenly been looked at as a praise of the likes of Bin Laden but really has nothing to do with it. Just thought I would explain that phenomena and where it came from.
The worst part was seeing my fellow country men reduce themselves to the lowest common denominator; and I still ride the elevators with those who told me to jump out a window and those who laughed along…..but they don’t look at me….. I do not travel and travel to the US is impossible – even my 74 year old aunt was sent back on a stop over under the guise of “security issues”. I dropped from a second to third class citizen on 911 and things have only marginally improved.
There were all sorts of victims of 911; but the alienation and hate of the people I lived with will never be forgotten. This is just my story and I give it to you truthfully…..
Maurice
A very sad day 🙁 . A day when religious fanaticism showed it’s most destructive force. I was raised a Catholic, mother was a Catholic, married a Catholic in a Catholic Church. I have held a Koran once, but I do not think I ever read anything from it. Who are these strange people? Why do they want to destroy us? I am just a prairie boy – born and raised – from the wheat fields of Alberta. I do not claim to know all about the world.
We must stand firm and meet the enemy eye to eye. 911 showed just how vulnerable our security really is. Do not let those lives lost on that tragic day, lose their significance as to what really happened.
Those evil people must not be allowed to continuously create an atmosphere of fear and hate – because an atmosphere of hate and fear is not the true dominion of a free society. I know the American people; and I know that they will soon be victorious in defeating those that try to undermine that spirit that is America. One religious, fanatical, person – must not be allowed to take away that which we hold so dear: Our Humanity. Take care and God Bless.
Maurice
Thanks for the replies. I guess if I had a wife and kids one could say I was depriving them of a father (or something like that); but I have a free hand now-a-days….. I suppose an internet addiction is not as bad as drugs, smoking, etc. I don’t think anyone with and internet addiction was found passed out in the gutter – or- selling selling themselves as a prostitute to feed the addiction. All I lose is time (plenty of that 8) ).
Actually…..reading the above paragraph is starting to depress me – There you go – an internet addiction leads to depression 😉 .
Maurice
[quote=”thefrey”][quote=”Fatguy”] Some of you must have gone this route; where are you today? Maurice[/quote]
Texas, Dallas area to be precise.[/quote]
My dear girl – Is this an admission of guilt? If so, please elaborate…..
Maurice
I have done a lot of physical, exciting things; at least that is what my friends keep telling me 🙄 . Perhaps they find it exciting as they do not have the “balls” to do the things I do without thinking….. Anyway – no more of that as it only seems to frighten women 8) .
I am a very old man and I rejected the computer as a young adult. Now that I am into my “Golden Years”; I was forced to embrace the computer at home and have found the possibilities intriguing….. I have been at it for about a year and a half, and the idea of giving yourself into the internet (like in the “Lawnmower Man”) would be another new experience. Humans have been looking at the sky and trees since the first time they stood erect (“stood” as in standing 8) ), cyber space is something new.
The kids seem to have it right as they throw away most privacy issues by embracing an openness that we “toothless old farts” find appalling. However…..I am forced to rethink my issues as I post personal stories (and post pics of me in my undies, etc.) so the privacy issue is not as steadfast as I thought. I have contacts with people around the world and I do not even hear the accents anymore (just realized that).
I can almost be in constant contact with friends and people anywhere in the world and in any predicament. The only bother is the time zones. I have had sex with enough women to still remember what it is like (senior moment…..); but having a kid would be a new experience (Go Logan Go!!!!!), but I think that is just wishful thinking. Having said all that; the “Web Head” (as Lexxlurker puts it) phenomena is still interesting…..
Maurice
[quote=”thefrey”]Well, you went though this same thing about a year ago when you were over at Lexx.com. At that time if I recall you felt it necessary to break away from the net. What lessons did you learn that time? How is it that you are once again in that situation?[/quote]
Funny you should say that…..yes I did leave LEXX.com; but the “situation” never left. I just moved on to other venues, and kept spending more time on the net….. I am not hurting here, possibly just playing with fire 😆 . Everywhere I go I am connected – even at work I carry a computer that is constantly receiving and sending information in real time – perhaps being constantly wired to the “net” is the future. I just do not know where this will lead. Some of you must have gone this route; where are you today?
Maurice
Ok Jhvez – I have reconfigured my post into the more suitable style (i.e. help question) demanded of this forum. I thank you for your help in clarifying this matter. Once again I have learned something new – Thank you.
Maurice
[quote=”thefrey”][quote=”Fatguy”] I just thought I would voice the sentiments of many that were too “chicken” to tell it to the “man”. Actually…..there are many here who are afraid of you 😯 ……..
Maurice[/quote]Don’t be silly. I have never had anyone on this board express that sentiment to me about Sad. And I have e’d and chated with tons of ‘geezers.[/quote]
I agree and that line was not constructed very well. I thought about saying that many were intimidated by Sadgeezer’s position – but that made him look as if he was “brow-beating” people 🙄 . Perhaps I should have said than many people have complained to me about the long load times but did not have the “motivation” to say anything to Sadgeezer/Administrators…..and would continue to complain to me about the long load times….. So – I got the hint and did the “Fatguy” thing. I am a machine and you have worked me…..
Maurice
1. Lost In Space.
2. Star Trek.
3 Twilight Zone.
4. Outer Limits.
5. Land Of The Giants
6. Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea.
7. Space 1999.
8. UFO.
9. The Thunder Birds.
10. Lexx (really wanted to put “Captain Scarlet” in here but do not want to incur the wrath…..).Maurice – Am I dating myself?
Peter Pan? Of course being me – I could be wrong…… My vote would be the Vice President of the United States of America – Dick Cheney. On second thought…..a bad choice as he would end up being Number 2 and Number 1 😉 .
Phi
No problem Sadgeezer….. Just tossing suggestions, and yes…..programming and such is not my strong point (my last attempt was in 1978 – COBOL – that ended in me shoving a tray of cards (remember those?????) down a sewer…..). I just thought I would voice the sentiments of many that were too “chicken” to tell it to the “man”. Actually…..there are many here who are afraid of you 😯 – victims of the innate deference to the organizational structure. I don’t have that problem; but I really do appreciate you creating this site and making it what it is today – I use it a lot…..so you can take that as a genuine compliment from a guy who does not give compliments freely.
That being said, whatever changes you make will make this site more enjoyable – that I am sure. You may be correct about the site/server not responsible for many of the problems loading up the page; however, a complex home page would probably exacerbate the problems of the crappy connections some people have. Take that friend of mine in the UK, I timed the second load at one minute and a half and stopped – thinking this is an ISP problem. However, the service provider was the second one this person has tried in the London area (dial-up)…..they all seem bad….. That is just one example – and the whining about going to Sadgeezer…..well it just made me think that maybe a lot of people were in this situation….. Consider me just a lowly grunt reporting the situation in the trenches; I do not know what can or cannot be done and the priorities involved. Just consider my comments for what they are. You are the captain of this ship; and transients like “Fatguy’ will come and go and never take responsibility or have to live with the decisions you must continually make. Personally – listening to the trials and tribulations some site owners go through to keep their venues operating – I would go crazy after just a few months; therefore, I will impressed with whatever positive changes you make to make Sadgeezer a better place for it’s members to use.
Maurice
In a sense; Sadgeezer’s site has grown from a small to a mid-sized operation, but it is beginning to grow to a point that a rethink of some parts is necessary – or the site will implode. Think of the site growing but the fan base not growing with it – something has to give…..
The home page is key. Sadgeezer’s home page is the most complex home page I have ever visited. While a state of the art machine and state of the art connection may bring up the home page quickly – we must not forget that much of the world does not have this capability. For them…..Sadgeezer’s home page is a permanent barrier to the delights inside. I am reminded of myself surfing the net two years ago with a 386 and seeing messages telling me that the page was taking a long time to display and ultimately showing the “This page can not be displayed.” message…..frustrating! Much of the world is using “hand-me-down” machines and problematic internet connections. A vast base of potential members are being blocked out by the home page. Look at Asian home pages – simple for a reason – they know what many of their customers are using and they cater accordingly.
What is wrong with sci-fi convention reports from Vietnam? How about members discussing Dune from the Congo? What about poor Wai Chang surfing the net in some illegal cyber cafe in China? They will if they are allowed access to this site. If “The SadGeezers Guide to Cult TV Science Fiction” is the most comprehensive guide on the net…..then it is time to think “Global”…..
Making the home page user friendly is the biggest improvement with regard to access. We in first world countries, should not be smug and belittle the contributions to this site from poorer nations. As I see it – this site needs an influx of members to keep it vital. My two pence worth…..
Maurice
My Evening In “The Village”.
I was just going across some old files…..figuring out some things. We can never change our past as they are what we have become. This makes some people very bitter even if they try to hide it. It is said by many in my non-internet life that I have one big “chip” on my shoulder (true…..); on the other hand, a Filipino woman I work with summed me up by saying “you good man…..”. In any case, I have found that if you extend the hand of friendship to a bitter/negative person…..you may get bitterness thrown back in your face – I have become one of these people. They (me) do not want to do this (throwing bitterness back); but their disposition leads many to a lonely life and thus the first person to approach them gets all that pent up frustration for their kind actions. If a child is tormented at school, they will usually take it out on their family/friends – does not make sense, but emotions were never designed with rationality in mind.
You can become so used to this type of existence that it becomes a self-perpetuating lifestyle – not good. I think I have mellowed out recently – more to do with me finally giving up on some dreams I had as a younger man. I guess I am giving up the fight and will just get old – in fact I think I am old…..yipes…..
I just gave up on a dream a few hours ago; but the reality is that it was gone eight years ago – and could have been predicted when I was growing up. If you were to read my high school year book – I predicted my fate as a joke – no joke now.
Anyway, I am not posting this to bore you with my sordid life. There are many lives that are better and many that are worse. I just wanted to say sorry for any of you that had to put up with me and my antics on these boards. I love you all and this is true – like a home away from home….. Anyway – I just had to get that off my chest – you all know who you are.
Maurice
[quote=”streudel”]It’s nice of you to offer options to those of us still living in the Dark Dialup Ages.[/quote]
Some of us like the dial-up for the “wandering IP address” as a security issue with “big Brother” 8) .
Re Sadgeezer:
I would suggest a simple opening page for newcomers. The information on the current page is simply overwhelming to many; plus most (i.e. me for example) never scroll down the page so all that information is lost but the extra load time remains.
When we had the extra traffic earlier this summer – did anyone ever calculate the extra increase in membership? Was it a one time and never come back experience? I do not know; but fast navigation is not a drag to the fence sitters and repeat visiters should eventually become members.
New home page – that is a change to be thought out carefully, you should get a lot of input from the membership if you go this route (Oh…..36 seconds for P4/XP/IE6/dial-up in London for the regular home page).
Maurice
I made an earlier post but deleted it as I figured no one would read it with my name as the last poster…..hehehehe….. 😳 .
In any case – I have access to for computers with dial-up and DSL – here are some findings:
P3/98/IE6/dial-up – 41 seconds load up for full page and 31 seconds for the simpler page.
P4/xp/IE6/DSL – 37-42 seconds load up for full page and 24 seconds for the simpler page.
P2/98/IE5/DSL – 29 seconds for full page and 16 seconds for simpler page…..WTF!
Three other sites I visit have load times of 10 seconds, 7 seconds and 4 seconds (for the 10,000 member extreamly complicated PC Guide web site).
I must assume the delay is partly the complexity of the page coupled with your server’s processor/soft wear/memory. So the only recourse (since you stated that you can not have a dedicated server) would be the simplified page. I navigate to my favorite forum by making it a favorite on Windows and simply going there.
Ok – this may help members to some degree but the slow loading page would remain for the lurkers.
Maurice
[quote=”Jennicide”][quote=”Logan”] I believe very strongly in the rights and freedoms of the individual as long as they do not contribute to the suffering of others [/quote]
[quote=”LexxLurker”] At some point people have to realize there is a common base for individual rights for all human beings.[/quote]
[quote=”Aleck”] all have the inalienable right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.[/quote]
1. What is the concept of rights based upon?
2. If answer to ‘1.’ is being Human, what makes being a human so special?
3. If answer to ‘2.’ is rational thinking, do those without the ability to think rationally have rights? (ie. mentally disabled, children – especially babies)
4. If answer to ‘3.’ is yes – how are they different from animals? (this is linked to the idea that while human beings are biologically similar to apes, it is rationality which separates us) And, if not different, that is there is no apparent differences which would without question separate humans from animals other than rationality – humans are then considered to be animals themselves, thus prompting the question,why does being human automatically assume rights? and does that mean that animals have the same rights that humans have? or does that mean, if we go the other way – that mentally disabled people, babies, children etc. don’t have rights because they don’t have the ability that is a prerequisite?
and this of course is all without the added problems of the “inalienability” and “inviolability” that people have given to the concept of rights.
if this is the case – that you cant sell, give away, have taken away etc. your rights, what happens when those rights conflict with someone elses? who wins out? is there a hierarchy of rights? but then, that in itself would negate the inviolable and inalienable bits.
Sorry guys, you started in on american politics, and all i know about that is the basics – ie. constitution, basic principles of liberty, clinton’s almost impeachment, and the cuban missile crisis. thus, it makes it difficult for me to say anything – except the above, 😡
So anyway – whats the general consensus? The entire political system in the US is supposedly based upon rights and individual liberty, what happens if that construct is demolished?[/quote]
Some Answers…..
1. “What is the concept of rights based on?” It is based on my desire to do something so natural that the question of my doing it never arrises; and that if another human being denies this to me – I feel wronged and may fight to the death to retain it.
2,3,4….. Red herrings….. However humans have “rights” because:
a. They verbalize that they want them and animals can not; children and the mentally retarded have rights related with their ability and responsibilities in our society.
b. Animals have no “human rights” as they are not human or have abilities up to human standards that would allow them to ask for the same rights. They have their own rights (like the right to charge and eat me unless I kill it or imprison it in a cage or protected sanctuary, etc.).
There is no hierarchy of rights, if you are willing to die/kill for them – then that is the same worth to you (i.e. your life). I have said this before:
“I have rights and freedoms that are unquestioned, and you will have to kill me to stop me from exercising those rights and freedoms; and because of that…..I will always be free.”
This should answer most of your questions (even the nationalistic one – if you think hard enough). Now leave me alone – I have to wash my car and clean up my house…..
Maurice
[quote=”SadGeezer”]Most of us are pretty depressed at the current state of TV Sci Fi. MOst of us would agree that there isn’t any new stuff worthy of inclusion as a guide on this site.[/quote]
I disagree! There is much vitality in the world of cult TV sci-fi. What is stagnant and leads to poor traffic to the site is the construct of this site. By asking the fundamental definition that defines this site – Sadgeezer – you have opened the door to a “zero base review” of this site and it’s purpose.
________________________________________________My Evaluation Of Sadgeezer’s Site:
First major complaint from all I have encountered is that the main pages take too long to load. That is a big turn-off. To give you an example I was talking to a friend on messenger and asked that person to evaluate my post on Sadgeezer – first response was whining about how long it takes to navigate the site….. Perhaps there is some way to keep the helpful pages but have a simplified navigation for repeat visiters…..
Secondly – this site needs a constitution. This is one that you will have to mull over Sadgeezer, since it means giving up some measure of control over the site. The best part of it is seeing the site get a life of it’s own and go where the membership wants it to – like watching a child grow up and make it’s own decisions and destiny. The rights of members and scope of actions by administrators and moderators, how forums are created/disassembled, what constitutes “cult TV sci-fi (why isn’t a show like “Futureramma” at Sadgeezer if there is an interest…..). A constitution would allow people to use the rules to make a web site a bit more unpredictable – but a lot more interesting and popular.
Thirdly – this site needs more creative freedom to attract creative talent. What does Sadgeezer offer the writer who posts on this site…..exposure. What does the writer offer Sadgeezer when he contributes to the site…..an interesting and viable venue. However – to attract creativity…..you must not stifle it. This is an adult web site and sexual/violent fiction should not be discouraged unless it violates laws like hate laws , child pornography, etc.. If people can not express themselves at this site – they will simply go somewhere else. Trolling is not a major problem here as the site is too fragmented; trolls like sites that “funnel” all users into one forum where they have maximum exposure. A user group like the one Jhevz has would be a good compromise if there is some friction on this issue…..
Plus side of Sadgeezer is obvious: Established and respected web site run by likable people who are there for the love of the pastime.
Evaluation: Sadgeezer needs a conceptual facelift to keep it viable and exciting.
___________________________________________
I am just one member, others must have more interesting ideas to contribute to this fundamental discussion of our pastime.
Maurice
_______________________________________________Well I for one would like to thank you for posting the photos – for those of us that could not attend Dragoncon but would have liked to. Once again…..Thanks…..
Maurice
Good points Logan – but back to my simple test. The science aspect may be a red herring if we try to draw a line there; so the science being a necessary part of each show may be the only determinate.
However, the cult aspect could be expanded. I suggest a nomination procedure by the membership as to whether a particular show should be included – a number (let us say twenty five) could be set and if this number were familiar with the show and considered it to meet the test – then it would be included and a forum potentially set up (the number would be set as to ensure the forum (if made for it) would have enough of a base to keep the forum active at this site).
Just some thoughts – others please chime in…..
Maurice
[quote=”SadGeezer”]Most of us are pretty depressed at the current state of TV Sci Fi. MOst of us would agree that there isn’t any new stuff worthy of inclusion as a guide on this site. So how should we classify cult TV Sci Fi. How should we determine what show is worthy of inclusion or indeed, how could we define Cult TV Sci Fi.
How could we say that Star Trek the Original Series IS Cult TV Sci Fi and Stargate SG1 is not?
Could it be characterization…. Xev the virginal Love Slave, Alfred Bester – the dude we all though was REALLY cool yet absolutely despicable, or maybe the Sci Fi of Dune with the excellent ways that the Freymen had blue eyes or maybe the tackiness of Dr Who?
Could it be the ‘out of the box’ way we were forced to look at ourselves as seen in the ultimate Cult TV shows like the Prisoner or Kin Dza Dza. Or is it something simpler…. is it that a writer (say JMS of Babylon 5 (who is the only guy I’ve ever heard of that wrote ALL the shows (22) in a single season (season 3), or the dudes that produced Farscape that were given enough room to freely express themselves without too much intervention from the network morons.
We need to come up with a serious definition of Cult TV Sci Fi. Anyone care to give me their ideas?[/quote]
I think you just made a big mistake there Sadgeezer – The creator of “The SadGeezers Guide to Cult TV SciFi” – should never have to explain himself. Sort of like the creator of a club never having to go through any form of initiation….. You should determine what constitutes “cult TV sci-fi” by whatever standards you wish. Just be sure you answer all queries with a bellowing NO! or YES! (even better to have the sound of thunder booming in the background).
However; if you are truly wanting to know (and want to do it in a public forum) here is how you know:
——————————————————————-
Test For Inclusion Into The Field Of TV Cult Sci-Fi.
1. Is it on TV?
2. Is science involved in the “theme” of the show…..?
3. Is it fiction?
4. Does the show have a cult following?
Test: If you answer yes to all of the above questions; then that particular show can be included in the category of “TV Cult Sci-Fi.
___________________________________________
There you go Sadgeezer – It would have been better to have done this in private…..One must never question the decisiveness of the man at the helm (which is you Sadgeezer…..).
Maurice
Nothing surprises me over there anymore…..Department Of Truth?
The only thing that comes close to that is: “The Anti-social Behavior Bill now before Parliament is a rag-bag of measures designed to convince us that the problem of louts who have been allowed to run uncontrolled in our streets will be solved by passing an enormous and complex law dealing with every problem under sun and creating hundreds of new offences which the louts will be able to ignore but which will impinge on the law abiding.”
This Tony Blair, was first elected with the sympathy of the massacre of school kids by a crazy gunman (and the resultant onerous gun control); is now responsible for the deaths of countless Iraqi children and the pain of those who are disfigured or who had their limbs “blown off” in operation “Iraqi Freedom” :roll:. Hilter operated the same way – perhaps someone like Gerbouls (sp) would be the best man for the job…..
BTW: If any of you British folk think I am picking on you…..fear not…..just the flavor of the moment. Here in Canada were are arresting and holding people without charge(s). I ordered something from the States and foolishly had my name (Moslem) on it – sent “priority air” – and received it almost two months after it was shipped (and after a big round-up of so-called suspected terrorists) 😯 (plus…..they had the gaul to tax me and make me pay their “handling fee…..”) 😡 .
Maurice (P.S. – Lexxlurker, thank you for having the guts to post during the Dragon Con weekend…..I did Friday night but immediately deleted it…..I is sad…..).
I feel I have lead this thread beyond it’s topic – so I will try to bring it back. Last weekend I saw a Lotus Seven (Number 6’s car…..) traveling westward on the 401 just before the 404 (two main arterial freeways in Toronto). You have to see just how low you sit and how “naked” you truly are with regard to other traffic. I tried to catch up to see more – but I had to turn off on a ramp…..
Two quick notes. First – Lotus usually likes to design it’s suspension backwards with regard to others; this means an unstable car as the shocks get old (would be interesting to see how that car handles a bump…..). Secondly; this is not a dating car (my 5.0 Mustang is 8) ) the wind buffets your face and the seats barely keep you in the car, etc.. Number 6 was not a “ladies man” – or he needed another car for the girls IMHO 😈 .
Maurice
Happy Birthday Headgehog! Thank you for helping keep Sadgeezer operating. Much of what you do seems like voodoo to me as my idea of a web page is transferring a page of word perfect onto some web space 🙁 . Like the others; I offer you this song:
[audio src="http://webhome.idirect.com/~rem223/OldManRiver.wav" /]
Maurice
[quote=”nursewhen”]Jeez, fatguy,
You’re not the only person on the planet who has a hard time and you’re not the only person on the planet who cares about the misfortunes of others. Me, I’m tired of the accusations of racisism and elitisism which you are constantly implying in your posts.
And I don’t know why you’re ashamed of your job since you were recently boasting the depth of your pockets and how nobody would be able to outbid you for the Kai wig. Hell, if I could get paid that sort of money for lifting boxes, I’d be there like a shot.[/quote]
Ok…..after a good sleep…..maybe I was “a bit much” there on the job. Today Sony will hit me with a big load 👿 . Anyway, it was late and I was grumpy….. I would like to think about how The Prisoner would play if he was a truck driver and not a secret agent 😉 . I always looked at the series as society trying to break the spirit of people. I see it a lot with minorities that grew up here (not immigrants who grew up with their own); not me though as I am still kicking back at my advanced age 😀 . I see that I am starting to open another “red herring” so I will end this one fast…..
Maurice
Re Logan – drank some coffee – sorry about the personal tragedy in your recent past. I guess I should change “wishing to be mentally ill” to “different perspective on life”. I seem to live life in the grey zone without the highs and lows other people seem to have. Perhaps I am delusional and am actually mentally insane – however, I doubt this – you guys out there tell me 🙄 . Actually a change in attitude would be a good thing – but is a variance from the “norm” an illness? So relax – I was just posting during the few seconds of time before I had to get back to work loading heavy boxes.
Actually; I now dream of going to work behind a desk instead of sweating like a pig every day….. One dream is going to a job wearing a suit and getting paid for it 8) ; but that will never happen. My present worry is of my left knee giving out and not being able to work lifting the heavy boxes…..what to do (I actually worry about this). Anyway…..enough of my personal life…..
Since this is The Prisoner Forum; would Number 6 be considered a “troll’ – probably not as he is too good looking to be a troll. Would Number 6 do a public opinion poll in his mind before saying anything…..probably not…..
It is past Twelve here and I must sleep or else I will make mistakes lifting heavy boxes tomorrow and get in trouble with the job I am ashamed of. So more later.
Maurice
I guess this news does not strike me as hard as it does some of you. First of all, I could not come to Dragon Con as the United States would never let me in (national security 🙄 ). Then again, the great M.M. probably lives only a few miles away from me right now…..but did I ever take advantage of it…..No, probably because I don’t care (sorry – just the truth). I was making regular deliveries to Prince’s house a few weeks ago…..do I care it is Prince…..no (sorry – just the truth).
Two people I have respect for in the LEXX community are Brian and Michael (would add last names but too lazy to check spelling). Brian likes the affairs and M.M does not…..why not leave the poor man alone. The fact that M.M. wants it to come out that it was strictly a money issue is your cue.
Look – the only reason I would go to Dragon Con is to meet my fellow internet posters; I would go (if I could) without any of the cast and would not go if there were only cast members and no Sadgeezers….. No flame here…..just trying to put things into perspective.
Maurice
[quote=”nursewhen”]On the subject of trolling. it is something I totally fail to understand. To me, it’s like going into a nice house and pissing on the carpet.
I too hope that you were joking, fatguy, because you’re obviously an intelligent man and I find it hard to square that such social vandalism could come from somebody who has so much going for him and could use his intelligence to much better ends.
If you were a troll but have now lost your trolling spirit, then all well and good. I look forward to your positive and enlightening posts. :)[/quote]
Actually…..Nursewhen…..I never considered myself a “troll”; I had the designation thrust upon me 🙄 . You are correct about trolling being like pissing on the carpet in a nice house – However: Consider the house being built by one segment of society from the toil and theft of other more disadvantaged people; and here comes a guy from those disadvantaged societies who (through a fluke of circumstance) grew up among this affluent group, despises the hypocrisy of it all, and shows it by fouling the gathering place/living-room. A metaphor of our society – I think many people would wish that I leave this place as “Sadgeezer” is very much a upper-middle-class venue; and it is a pleasant place where advantaged people can wrap themselves in their affluent lifestyle…..conveniently forgetting what gave them this lifestyle – theft (in North America – the American Indians (remember those people?) and the resource raping of countries where most of the inhabitants continue to live in squalor). Yes – it is a good life to live in affluence among others of like circumstance. You can pine over the shape of your nose and change it while much of the world worries about it’s next meal….. The last thing you want is for someone to remind you of the REALITY of your situation in this world of ours. Worse – this person is of the lowest class and can go toe-to-toe with the best of us…..it makes us uncomfortable to think we treat/think-badly of others when they can think like us (as opposed to the lower classes all being mentally inferior, etc.). Of this I am guilty – but because of who I am and what made me – I am a reflection of your society…..which is why I seem to really bother some people without any personal attacks against them….. Rambling again – a better question is: What is the most accepted/clinical definition of a “Troll”?
By the way – I still don’t consider myself a “troll” – In fact (getting back on topic), I consider myself to be the real Number 6 in the real world – but with a much sadder ending….. Does not help the ratings…..
Re: Logan – will reply to you tomorrow as I am too tired to continue…..
Maurice
Well…..I have a few minutes before I go back to work – so here are a few notes:
1. Nursewhen – I constantly hope and pray I will wake up mentally ill…..but it never happens. I may have said this before, but the mentally ill usually think very highly of me. One guy I worked with called me “the coolest guy here…..”; he was a nice guy…..but conversations could go like this:
So ****, what did you do on your weekend? Then **** would reply: “I spent it under my kitchen sink…..” (not working on the sink…..just curled up under the sink…..).
However; to the point, my deleting is just a case of bad trolling. If you are to be an effective troll – you must go in guns blazing and make your escape before being banned. The problem with Sadgeezer is that I stayed too long (for sentimental reasons) and have lost my “trolling spirit”. LEXX.com was a good example of trolling as I left at the right time and made a name for myself. I may be getting too old for a troll anyway, like drugs (weed-horse…..etc…..), trolling must lead to hacking and eventually signature virus making 🙄 – so…..
2. Logan: Being self-employed is a big move, and not for the sensitive man. Just remember: CASH FLOW! CASH FLOW! Also, remember that you are there to make money and if you do not make more than you do working for someone else – don’t!!!!! I was once self-employed and look at me now….. However I was getting sued by a larger company….. 🙄 😡 😯 ; less stressful driving a truck. I did sell my Rolex watch; but I still have the expensive ties 🙄 …..
3. Politician blowing up head video: The funny thing about that mpg (apart form a web site devoted to this person’s suicide – selling t-shirts, mugs?, etc…..) was the fact he pulls out the gun from a paper bag and nobody ducks – even the guy who made the video just stood there getting it all on tape…..very strange 😯 .
Back to work now – bye!
Maurice
Well; Phi (keeping on topic…..) did it again, deleted another post – this time a short story in the sci-fi fan fic forum (or some such thing). However (would have said “But” but my english teacher told me never to start a sentence with the word “But”; and “english” was small case because it is a school subject and not the teacher being “English”)…..); unlike the other two (that have (i.e. have to refrain from using don’t (not proper you know…..) – so I use “do not”) subjects that can be injurious to people – this one does not…..); I will reproduce this one so as to let you know what made me delete it:
——————————————————————————
Freckles: Incredible Dog Of The Future!
Here in his own words, is Freckles’s incredible tale of action in the exciting world of the future:
Bow wow!!!! Rrrrrrrrr…..
Ruff…..Fuffff…..rrrrrrr…..Ruffff…..
Ha-ha-ha-ga…..
Hmmm…..hmmmm…..mmmm…..
Rrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!!!
Bow wow…..Bow wow!
The End.Maurice
______________________________________________
Did I do right deleting this? Or was this original sci-fi? 🙄
Maurice – Also know as “Phi” in the “village” which is a metaphor for his real life in the virtual world that he now inhabits (see…..I am on topic…..and no – I am not on drugs or “sloshed”…..just bored…..).
