I really try to be civil when talking politics, both in person and online. My last post dealt with a segment on a television show, and things really got out of hand in the comment section. One person went over the line, and so I started approving what was posted in the comment section. Later this person deleted all his comments, and then my post was tagged. I wonder who did that? LOL!
For sometime I was approving all comments, and decided to give everyone a chance to speak on this certain post. I didn’t think talking about a segment on a news show would cause so much hostility. Boy was I wrong! Someone even said it was a violation of terms to talk about a news show on this site. They claimed it was just a cheap way of getting points. All I did was mention the subject matter of the interview, which brought questions to my mind. This was all that was stated in the post. No big deal.
Once again I want to say that I will continue to post my opinions, and will approve all comments that are civil. I think people can talk and disagree without going over the line. It is shame that it has come to this.
In this post I didn’t mention the show’s name, and I didn’t single out any political group. Most people realize that politicians are going to be talked about, and not everyone is going to like your man or your woman. This is America, and it is a free world.
The Shamgar Report
August 2009




Comments: 49
Some people can't comment without using vulgarity or calling names. I think they are the same in all their conversations.
I am sure this post will be tagged as well.
As for the flagging of your article it was probably done by one of the turkeys who restrict commenting on their articles to their friends bcause they cannot tolerate anybody who disagrees with them.
Why can't Gather be the sole arbiter as to what's appropriate?
I am not apprised of all the rules--but it seems to me that the Site needs one authority to prohibit extremely abusive material. And that authority should be the Gather Staff.
It seems to me that if someone is going to Post--whereby any Gather member can view the Post and then comment on it--then the individual who Posts should allow for any comment to be entered.
Otherwise we are looking at subjective and even biased censorship, selection, and deletion.
Doesn't that, indeed, defeat the purpose of this web site? Don't call it Gather, then. Call it, "Some Who Gather."
I wonder, Terry M., if you will allow this comment through....
However some people are stalkers, trolls, and haters. No one should have to tolerate this in person or even online.
Also Gathers gives you this option for that very reason. What is offensiive to me may not be to anyone else. Also when a person will not stop, you should have the right to turn them off.
I guess I am faulting Gather before I fault you--for allowing this sub-censorship to occur.
The fact that it is your Post, is not fully the point.
It seems to me that if you Post something, for all to see, then anyone ought to have the right to comment on what you post.
Otherwise don't post it publicly and, instead, save it for your firends.
By making the post public on Gather, you practice a double standard.....of announcing your views, for all to see, without allowing all those who see it, to express their own opinions on your public views and, therefore, forcing you to absorb negativity or criticsm.
This policy is Gather's fault--but I also fault you for taking advantage of a repressive policy.
And, again, I wonder whether the criticism that I have expressed, here, will stop you from posting these comments.
If that happens, then your censorship standard will be lowered to a level that will weaken, noticeably, the thrust of any Post you make--because it will show that you are unable to handle constructive criticism--criticism that is without personal attacks.
Let gather deal with the troublemakers; if they don't, then they do nothing but weaken their own site.
We shouldn't be Gather's Policemen.
Like I said I dont care if you agree with me, and I dont police anyone elses post. If I dont like them I dont read them. Plain and simple.
I would not tolerate a stalker on my property, and would not allow a window peeper in my home. The same principle is applied here. I dont allow comments which are profane, or calling people stupid and liars. This is the rule on my post, and if anyone dont like it. Too bad.
Just act civil, dont cuss or get personal and you will not be deleted.
At least you are taking control of the situation.....
Thanks Vickey for your support.
The nastiness and hatred of people on Gather really make it very difficult to manipulate around Gather...........
And, speaking of getting flagged, would you believe that I got flagged for posting a recipe of my mother's.......imagine that.....good grief....that's the most stupid, idiotic thing I've ever heard....flagging a doggone recipe.....now talk about low......good grief! I got darn MAD and deleted it.
It's truly sad that some people are so enguled in hate and nastiness......truly sad....makes me wonder what kind of personal life they have, ya know?????
Anyhow, Terry, keep posting away.......I will keep commenting and reading your great articles!
One can point to what another says and one can state one’s own opinion in their own words, however, at times one should not copy another’s work without giving them credit and insuring that you have the rights to copy their work.
That’s what copy right laws are all about.
In fact this statement that I am making here now will be copyrighted in my name as soon as I post it and I need do nothing else to get it copyrighted.
Therefore if Gather doesn’t protect my copyrighted material I can sue them for a copyright violation on my material.
You my friend don't worry,,, I myself have been challenged and I work to make friends with those who don't agree. It works sometime,,, Bless you dear friend,,,