Site Topics - Part II

Originally Posted by Vintage Gent

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Truth be told, I rarely take notice any more of the bouts of vitriol that crop up here. I couldn't tell you who the various belligerents are; in fact, MetroStyles barely registered on my radar. Outside of the most recent troubles, I couldn't tell you anything significant about his participation in the forum.
If StyleForum is a bar, MetroStyles is the 20-something frat guy banker who holds court at his $500 private table (DT) on the angst he feels regarding making so much money and ********** with so many beautiful women. Most of us are sitting far enough away that we pay him no heed.

Originally Posted by Ambulance Chaser

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If StyleForum is a bar, MetroStyles is the 20-something frat guy banker who holds court at his $500 private table (DT) on the angst he feels regarding making so much money and ********** with so many beautiful women.

I see that you like to believe Munchausen's tales

Originally Posted by Mark from Plano

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Yes. It was sort of the cherry on top of the sundae I think. As was pointed out Manton is one of the least anonymous people on the boards. Between those who behaved badly because of his sartorial opinions and those who behaved badly because of his political opinions it just became too much. Add to that his insistence on taking on every asshole and not backing down and it was bound to get to him sooner or later. Just seems sad that this is becoming a trend. RJ, then Manton. Other old timers have just drifted away for various reasons. I don't see people of their strength amongst the noobs who can take their place. It's a poorer place.
I think that Manton simply has standards of behavior that he is prepared to uphold no matter what, and he was passionate about the positions he took. More than that, his positions were thoroughly researched and informed, and at the same time he admitted when he was less-informed about matters. I think that Manton's passion tends to collide head-on with our tendency to snark, because snark is cheap and the snarker doesn't expose himself - which is the complete opposite to taking a position where you have to put up with cheap shots. To an extent, I think the same holds true for RJMan, and also Artisan Fan (whom I respect - but for God's sake don't tell him!) among others I can't begin to list. I think that owning a position is becoming passe, not just on the boards but also in real life where non-judgment and flexibility seem to be the norm. I don't think I'm getting the right words here, but I'd rather post what I'm thinking now rather than let more time pass. Anyway, I'm kinda rethinking my posting habits, in terms of how and what I post. Not to say that Thomas 2.0 will be a lot different, but I could certainly stand to learn more and think before hitting the 'reply' button.

Originally Posted by Thomas

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To an extent, I think the same holds true for RJMan

I was with you til this part. RJMan was snark snark snark.

The Passions of a Manton by Thomas, out this fall.

Originally Posted by Douglas

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I was with you til this part. RJMan was snark snark snark.

I stayed out of CE at the time, so I read mostly his MC and a few social-type posts that I thought were great. Had I read CE at the time, I might have felt otherwise.

Originally Posted by Thomas

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I think that Manton simply has standards of behavior that he is prepared to uphold no matter what, and he was passionate about the positions he took. More than that, his positions were thoroughly researched and informed, and at the same time he admitted when he was less-informed about matters. I think that Manton's passion tends to collide head-on with our tendency to snark, because snark is cheap and the snarker doesn't expose himself - which is the complete opposite to taking a position where you have to put up with cheap shots.

i like manton as much as the next guy, but let's not beatify him quite yet. the guy also has a hair-trigger and is quite liable to go off on people who simply disagree with him, taking even a well-intended question as a personal affront.
this is not to say that there aren't snarky dickheads on CE (and even trolls who imitate them just to get a reaction). but the kind of shoot-first, figure-out-later reaction that is prevalent among some posters is why I gave up going there.

Originally Posted by SpallaCamiccia

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I have read that Manton, who I have never talked to, was Bush speeches writer so I ask for his unban and category of unbanneable member.

It´s a honor for this forum to have as high personality here.

Didn't actually know this till you said something. Thanks!

Originally Posted by Thomas

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To an extent, I think the same holds true for RJMan, and also Artisan Fan (whom I respect - but for God's sake don't tell him!) among others I can't begin to list. I think that owning a position is becoming passe, not just on the boards but also in real life where non-judgment and flexibility seem to be the norm. I don't think I'm getting the right words here, but I'd rather post what I'm thinking now rather than let more time pass.
What you're trying to say, if I'm understanding correctly, is one of the shortcomings of any democratic society. If you want engaging conversation about a political issue beyond what's heard on the TV, there are not many places to do so. At least in the people I overhear, being knowledgeable is seen as undesirable, and having passion for a topic outside of American Idol is downright blasphemous. This is why even though SF has its share of snark, which has gone wayyy up in recent years, people here are [semi]-informed and willing to duel to the death over some of their beliefs. Some people, like Manton & AF, keep their poise throughout the endeavor despite attacks from all sides; it's quite refreshing.

I don't know if I actually said anything useful, but since it's "pour your heart out" hour and I slept an hour last night...

Originally Posted by foodguy

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i like manton as much as the next guy, but let's not beatify him quite yet. the guy also has a hair-trigger and is quite liable to go off on people who simply disagree with him, taking even a well-intended question as a personal affront.
this is not to say that there aren't snarky dickheads on CE (and even trolls who imitate them just to get a reaction). but the kind of shoot-first, figure-out-later reaction that is prevalent among some posters is why I gave up going there.
Come on. Most of us are *****cats.

Originally Posted by foodguy

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i like manton as much as the next guy, but let's not beatify him quite yet. the guy also has a hair-trigger and is quite liable to go off on people who simply disagree with him, taking even a well-intended question as a personal affront.
this is not to say that there aren't snarky dickheads on CE (and even trolls who imitate them just to get a reaction). but the kind of shoot-first, figure-out-later reaction that is prevalent among some posters is why I gave up going there.

I think you are more valuable as a non-partisan food and drink poster than a CE contributor.

Originally Posted by iammatt

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Come on. Most of us are *****cats.

Originally Posted by foodguy

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i like manton as much as the next guy, but let's not beatify him quite yet. the guy also has a hair-trigger and is quite liable to go off on people who simply disagree with him, taking even a well-intended question as a personal affront.
this is not to say that there aren't snarky dickheads on CE (and even trolls who imitate them just to get a reaction). but the kind of shoot-first, figure-out-later reaction that is prevalent among some posters is why I gave up going there.

I'm just catching up on the drama and while I agree with you to some extent about Manton's hair-trigger, in the 5+ years I have been here and AAAC, I've also seen him change his mind about something, or someone, after hearing them out so he's not as dogmatic as people make him out to be. And he's usually quite civil in his disagreements with others. It's just that he's a magnet for every obnoxious sh!t disturbing troll who is looking for a fight.

In the end, I think Manton (like many of us who spend a lot of time here) just needs a break from SF. Despite the benefits we derive from SF, you have to wonder how long one can sustain a posting pattern that has you spending several hrs/day on SF without it interfering with other aspects of your life. Without absolving Metro of his idiocy, I happen to think the entire incident was a convenient excuse for Manton to justify taking a much needed SF break. I wish him well and hope he'll return to posting later on but completely understand his desire to leave.

Originally Posted by Matt

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oh. I just reread. Fail. i thought Fran was referring to his own areas of boundless expertise rather that Manton's. Comprehension fail.

I don't want to list my areas of expertise as it would get a tl/dr comment.

Originally Posted by mharwitt

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Unfunded Liabilities: The Passions of an Old-School Patriot by Thomas, out this fall.

Fixed the title.

Originally Posted by EL72

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...spending several hrs/day on SF without it interfering with other aspects of your life...

What is this "life" you refer to?