Sorry guys, not every decision here is made based on the results of a public opinion poll. After all, we're not US politicians.
That's not to say your input isn't considered, it is. However, some of the comments I've seen today are discouraging to say the least. One implies that we're a bunch of arrogant assholes that will laugh at you and say that we don't care what you say. To that, I say:
- Reader's Choice Awards
- User quotes enabled on each review
- Expanded capabilities via the "Search" action
Those are some of the improvements we've put into place based upon reader feedback. There are a few others in mind, as well. In fact, I had planned to try an idea regarding new user ranks that I had seen some of you mention in the forums, but I've been pre-occupied with this garbage the past few days.
Naturally, we can't implement EVERY idea for various reasons, but to say that we don't care is reactionary at best, stupid at worst.
Now, this issue is one of those that would be decided be a poll. As I said earlier today, this latest issue isn't the only reason why a certain poster was banned. He was already banned once, and as I mentioned perviously, part of that reason is based upon personal attacks made by this guy onto MR staff. Here's what I posted earlier, read it again if need be:
Earlier today, I wrote:
Jürgen wrote:
Radagast wrote:
Of course it takes two to tango, but I'm gonna go ahead and say 'teh big V' came out of his latest ego masturbation session looking a lot worse than anyone else.
I think that Belephor made an ass out of himself, and shoul've just ignored Eyesore instead of posting his PM and continuing the argument (twice to boot). I just think that banning him was overkill.
Had this been the ONLY thing he did, then I'd agree, banning would be overkill. Remember though, the guy had already been banned, but returned with a new username. Looking back, I guess it's my fault for giving him the benefit of the doubt when he came back. I tried to stay fair and positive, thinking he'd be different this time. He didn't exactly have a clean slate before this whole incident; far from it. This latest episode was simply the final drop of water that caused the dam to break.
When he left the site as a reviewer, it was on amiciable terms. He said that he needed time for him family and couldn't fulfill the obligations of being a reviewer. Fair enough, we all have higher priorities in life that we need to attend to. Somehow though, he had plenty of time to launch insults at this site on the forums almost daily, and sometimes personal insults at individual reviewers here. Eventually, he made a big stink in the forums (as always) basically swearing off this ridiculous and horrible site forever (stronger words were used). Wish granted; banned. So then, after swearing off the site in dramatic fashion, he shows up as V. in Helheim, still running his mouth with vile, anger, and hate about dead issues to anyone who will listen. Helheim was then made registration only, and he resurfaced as belethor. You saw the rest. I don't want to go into any more detail than that, but suffice it to say that he made a lot of enemies in the forums, and especially with the reviewers that were here at that time.
Having said all that, I should have just nipped this in the bud and stopped him when he first reappeared. It was stupid of me to think anything would have been different.
Based on some comments from today, it is clear that some here are very quick and eager to say that we don't care what readers think. Of course, I will then have to assume that said readers do not care about our thoughts on this issue. After all, said readers have ignored what I said above in that the guy created severe, irrepairable, destructive feelings with some of us. However, you expect us to immediately let the guy back on because that's "what the people want." Brilliant. Those who live in glass houses shalt not cast stones.
I can't help but notice how little people seem to post about music lately. If flamewars, who started them, the validity of punishments issued therefater, demands for an explanation of said punishments, and polls to "whose side are you on" are the pervailing topic on the forums, it's obvious that we need a serious forum overhaul. Instead of answering e-mails to labels and bands that wish to send us promos and writing my own reviews, now I'm caught up in this ridiculousness. This is really undermining the whole reason this site is here: to promote metal. Jesus Christ, our weekly update of 10 reviews was practically ignored over this garbage. It needs to stop.
What's done is done, and is in the past. Thus, they cannot be changed. The consequences of those actions have fallen into place, and will not change; poll or no poll. I've explained myself quite thouroghly for those of you who asked. It's over. It's not going to change. It's time to move one. There is music to discuss, let's move beyond this waste of time and energy, please.
If some of you really miss the guy that much, visit this site where he is a member, and converse with him there:
http://www.blackmetal.co.uk/Forums.html
