Therein lies the problem: Unless someone is seeking specific information, most people are just here for fun - camaraderie, entertainment, banter, relaxation, or just to blow some steam off. When people have to start analyzing every single word they say out of fear that someone might perceive it as a threat that could just get them banned, they just won't bother posting. That'll certainly have the effect of cleaning up Meso but it'll be a barren, boring, sterile version of Meso that won't survive long.
Agreed, and that slope has been getting mighty steep lately. Giving in to censorship is too easy. It's seductive because it feels good and right.
I don't mind those kinds of comments. I'd never use them myself, but only because I don't have Ben's or Brutus' creative writing skills. Those two can paint the most vivid pictures with words. It really is poetry. The rape threats of the past were hilariously funny and when Ben would get on about some scammer being on the receiving end of an adrenaline fueled erection, I laughed til I had tears in my eyes. I still laugh whenever I think about some of those posts.
But no one ever took those threats seriously. It's the internet and everyone here is anonymous so it's not like anyone was in danger of actually getting raped. I've received more death threats on Meso than I can even remember, and I'm sure you have too. I know Ben and Brutus have. Hell, Paul threatened to rape me. I just laughed because I knew I'd pushed his buttons and pissed him off, which was my goal. If you can't have a little fun, there's no point being here.
I don't recall that thread but Meso members were always capable of self-policing and Millard rarely got involved. I'm not sure what prompted the change in moderation but I suspect Millard is starting to think about his legacy in the "AAS world", which is great, but he needs to be careful not to throw the baby out with the bath water.
As have I. I like Millard (although I'm sure he's pissed at me right now
) but I don't like the direction the forum has been moving over the last couple of years. Meso was about as perfect a forum you could possibly create. I hope it gets back to what made it great because the current version sure ain't that.
BTW, it's nice to see you, Eman. I looked for you a few months ago but you hadn't been active for a while. Hope all is well with you.