Hey so after weeks of arguments and kerfuffles the admins of this a here forum got together and finally decided to ban Iconocclesiastes. Ultimately the decision came down to me, and I take full responsibility for it. We tried to cut him slack and see if he couldn't modify his behavior to better fit in with the temper of the community but ultimately he as just too provocative and aggressive.
To clarify, he wasn't banned for being a Christian (as he believes) but because he was too aggressive in baiting the people on this forum who are not into the whole Jesus thing.
We nearly lost Shagbeard due to Icon trying to convince him that Dudeism is anti-God or anti Christian. We are not. Christian Dudeists are welcome so long as they don't try to lodge an agenda into the abutment. Shagbeard is avowedly Christian but seems to be easygoing about it. And I think he should be made to feel welcome so long as he continues to play nice and not harp on endlessly about Christy stuff, as Icon did.
I would appreciate it if those of us who don't like Christianity and get irritated by references to Jesus please cut him (and others like him) some slack. It's not necessary to hurl insults of people because they believe in unproveable things. I would also ask Shagbeard and others to try to avoid discussing metaphysics and God as Dudeism is not designed to address stuff like that. We're not against it, only it has no place in our pantheon, so to speak. That goes for Reiki practitioners, crystal healers, past life regressionists, astrologists, and so on as well, not to mention so-called "religious" Taoists (as opposed to the philosophical branch, of which we are an extension).
In other words, let's try to have fun here. We're not going to solve the world's problems. We're just going to make it a nicer place to hang out.
(//)
I'm mellow, haha, I love this pic
Quote from: Shagbeard on February 10, 2014, 01:11:00 AM
(//)
I'm mellow, haha, I love this pic
Make a killer tattoo...
The way I understand it, Taioism ? Dudeism, but it is an interpretation of ancient Taioism so the two are not only in the same ballpark, but playing on the same team. That being said, I don't understand how the version of Taiosim we're practicing here is compatible with any theistic religion. It's that simple. I distrust any "avowed" theists that participate on this board because neither of these things are like the other. I sincerely don't understand how a sincere christian, or muslim, or hindu, or scientologist, etc. can participate here without having some sort of hidden agenda. If I were to join a Christian message board and proclaim myself to be an avowed Dudeist, I can only imagine what the reaction would be.
Others may interpret this as intolerance, but to me it's just a breakdown in simple logic and spiritual compatibility. I don't have a problem tolerating people, and I don't have a problem with Shagbeard - I think we've gotten along reasonably well since I joined. This is directed at anyone here who wants to discuss theism.
Good to see you are still around Shagster.
Yes, Yeti, this is why in the link to the new topic I say that it would be best if people avoid bringing up metaphysical stuff. It's just not going to get any traction here and will almost certainly be met with disdain. When used to illustrate allegorical truths, Christianity and other "received" religions are welcome topics, but when they fall back on a priori assumptions or sacred cows to make their point then it's just not going to cut the mustard. I agree that Shagbeard might be at a disadvantage and probably might catch some heat if and when he brings up Christian stuff but so long as people are civil, and Shaggy doesn't use the Bible as a textbook (as opposed to a basis for literature or philosophy) then it shouldn't be a problem.
Quote from: forumdude on February 10, 2014, 01:46:55 AM
Yes, Yeti, this is why in the link to the new topic I say that it would be best if people avoid bringing up metaphysical stuff. It's just not going to get any traction here and will almost certainly be met with disdain. When used to illustrate allegorical truths, Christianity and other "received" religions are welcome topics, but when they fall back on a priori assumptions or sacred cows to make their point then it's just not going to cut the mustard. I agree that Shagbeard might be at a disadvantage and probably might catch some heat if and when he brings up Christian stuff but so long as people are civil, and Shaggy doesn't use the Bible as a textbook (as opposed to a basis for literature or philosophy) then it shouldn't be a problem.
You're the boss, and I will be as tolerant and nice as I can be. I'm also a newbie when it comes to Taoism and Dudeism so there is still a lot for me to learn.
I never came on here to talk or push bible. If I did bring it up would be brief but only for relevant use,otherwise I am truly here to get back my dudeness. I lost that and really hit bottom. I keep my meta-stuff off site. Don't worry about me.
Hey dudes, with Icon gone, I feel free to release a few PM's I had written concerning, or to, him. I guess it's in the spirit of dude-like openness. So, here ya go, dudes...
8) ......................
Hey Rev. Iconocclesiastes, greetings dude. Just wanted to run a couple of things by you (depending on how long my beer lasts).
It would seem you have become rather, ahhh, shall we say "popular" on the board, and that, in many ways, is a good thing. I say that because if you were a lazy brainless fuck not posting anything worth looking at, odds are, no one would pay much attention to you. So, I see a positive side to your "celebratory fame" here abouts. You do indeed stir up a lot of strong points of view, feelings, anger, comments, and some PMs going back and forth between Admins on your account, also.
Having said that, we come to the crux of my point, which is this; it would seem that when you first jumped on board, you began posting a lot of material with a strong Christian leaning, which is cool with me and generally cool with the Dudely Lama, as long as you are not here to be the board's TV evangelist trying to convert everyone to Christianity. Problem is, your activity on our rug seems to have been received as an attempt to "Bogart" our quiet beach community with your basic "I'm here to convert you dudes to my way of thinking, my religious beliefs." And, "If I can't, I'll sure as hell continue to make my point loud and clear."
Not sure if that was your motivation, BUT, that, for what it's worth, is how it has been received.
So, here it is, dude....
My advice is to lay low for a while, post material that everyone will enjoy. Make friends, join in the beach party and let's see other things you can share without trying to convert the masses. If you do share a religious point of view, how about doing so with a "that's just like my opinion, man, what are yours?" kind of thing. I don't think anyone here out right hates Christians, just pushy ones who have no respect for other beliefs and points of view. In presenting your beliefs, use some wisdom and post while being willing to show respect for other dudes and their ethos also. Remember Paul on Mars Hill? Yeah, that is from my childhood being dropped off at Sunday School every freaking week! LOL, damn forbid me in Sunday School! I was a pain in the ass! OK, I digress, so, onward...
Personally I find your subjects to be reasonably interesting and worth a look at, but have been concerned with how they have been, in the past, presented, and the affect they are having on some dudes. By the way, most dudes on this a here board have some kind of religious background such as Catholic, Protestant, or what have you; so I think they feel a bit slighted with you posting materiel to "educate" them. You come across like you think everyone else is an ignorant dumb ass. I don't think you mean to, but that's how it has been generally received.
In your defense; yes, there are 3 or 4 dudes who are suspicious of religious dudes, in particular, Christian ones, coming in and taking over, and they have been a bit short with you, even perhaps somewhat undude. Though, they might not see it that way, and their point of view is just as valid, Rev, dude. The bottom line is this; slow down a bit, take er' easy and do a little more listening than commenting. I think you have much to offer, but as they say "honey gathers more Bees than vinegar." You don't need to be on a mission here, just join in and share what you have.
I can tell you this; generally speaking, dudes on this board are open, friendly, willing to listen and except damn near any dude as a fellow dude who drops by and joins in, so if you use some discretion and lighten up a bit; you will find it easy to make dudely friends who respect you for being who you are if you respect them for who they are. I mean, they seem to be OK with a crazy fuck like me, so that should prove to you that you will have no problem in our beach community if you take it a bit easy. This is not a place to proselytize. Respectfully share your point of view, yes, proselytize, no.
Well, Rev. dude, that about wraps er' up, my whole durn story for ya! You know how it goes; "sometimes you eat the bar, and sometimes, well, the bar eats you!" ...or was that "bear eats you?"
Good to have you here, Rev. Iconocclesiastes, I hope you stick around, dude, and make some friends. As for me; I'm glad he's out there, the Dude, takin' eh easy for all us sinners.
Abide!
8) ......................
I agree, there is 3 or 4 dudes who don't like Christians, or more to the point; the don't like "preachy Christians." That is to say, they don't like Christians with an agenda, who are here to "lead them to the light" so to speak, and have what appears to be no respect (or very little) for what they believe also. So, that is why I advise sterling away from (or go really light on) religion for a while and post subjects such as art, music, current events and news, technology, dudeist events, humor...the list goes on and on. Why continue to post material that just pisses dudes off? You aren't going to get anywhere with anyone that way, so why waste so much time? Give it a rest and just work on making friends. After you have built some friendships and respect for who you are, then share your beliefs in a non-preachy way. There are times when "standing your ground" is a good thing, but other times when it is not. That is to say "choose your battles wisely." Or, as the good book says; "there is a time and place for everything." Perhaps this is not quite the time or place for too much religion? Remember; the Dude WAS a man for his time and place.
All I am saying is use some wisdom when you post. And, no, we do not let a dude be bullied out of here. We don't for any reason tolerate bulling. That WILL get a dude tossed out of here on their ass for sure.
8) ......................
In regards to Christians on the chat board; I agree that they could be a problem if they persist in intolerantly pushing christian doctrine or an agenda on other dudes. That, of course, would be counterproductive to be sure. If that is the case, they will have to be dealt with.
Having said that; I'm hoping anyone...Sikes, Traditional Indians, African religions, Hindus, Christians, Muslims, Atheists, Pagan, Buddhist, or what have you, can join in and be a Dudeist while respecting other fellow dudes and other beliefs. I don't personally believe that a dude has to abandon and renounce other religious or non-religious beliefs and practices to be a Dude. As Eastern thinking has influenced Dudeism, perhaps other religions could also offer Dudeism new ideas (as long as they contribute and NOT dominate, or bring in a hidden agenda to subvert and control), such as the great offerings you have made as a Pagan, of which I have enjoyed and believe has contributed positively to Dudeism.
The problem here, as noted above, is the potential for one group to dominate and try and force Dudeism to conform to their way of thinking. That is an ever present danger, and could happen with a political group coming in with their hidden agenda also, not only a religious group. Can you imagine a bunch of nazis joining the chat board to infiltrate Dudeism and try and take over?! That would be MOST unDude!
So, it is my belief that we can't stop a religion, and people involved in a religion, from joining us and expressing their version of Dudeist thinking (that would be hard to do and a waste of time IMHDO), but we can insist on some guild lines that will help to ensure a fair and level playing field that will keep any group from dominating and subverting Dudeism. If we try to stop any religious people from joining, or try and censor them, we run the risk of creating fascho-dudeism (or "fascist Dudeism"), and we will end becoming what we propose to stand against and fight; that is to say, a religion of zero tolerance for others or perceived "out siders."
So, what must we insist on (and I do mean INSIST on) to keep the problem of Christians, or others, from destroying open and free Dudeism? I think the following...
- Insist on courtesy to all other dudes, and respect for their beliefs and practices.
- Cultivate an atmosphere of freedom of ideas for everyone.
- Agree to disagree in a agreeable manner.
- Make it plain to all members, and incoming new members, that this is NOT a place to join for the purpose of forcing your point of view or for proselytizing.
- Enforce a policy of no carpet bombing the chat board with your personal beliefs (share, yes, carpet bombing, NO).
- Issue warnings to any dude obviously engaged in an attempt to subvert the chat board to their agenda.
- Remove any dude who continues in any undudely behavior, after, or course, reasonable warnings have been issued.
- For new members, perhaps an addition to the Forum Stuff section of a mission statement that makes it plain and clear as to what, basically, Dudeism is and is not, and what basic guild lines a new member is expected to follow.
- Cultivate, and be an example of, an attitude that all opinions are "just like your opinion, man."
- Encourage members to tolerate all dudes who are here to abide and contribute without trying to dominate Dudeism.
- And, of course and always, encourage all members to take easy man, relax and abide with the rest of us.
All of which is just like my opinion, man. What are your thoughts?
Was he down with what you said each of those? Or was it opinion in jest?
I think you folks were mighty patient with Icon, and ultimately did the right thing. Icon's Christianity is never what bothered me, it's that he was here to start shit and he knew he could use that to get the group going.
At the end of the day, Icon was psychologically off. I don't want to pathologize unnecessarily, but his seething, vengeful rants followed by his calm, cool, and collected welcomes to new members on the boards (not to mention those cloying hug requests) tell me, at least, that he's battling some serious demons. I think we can all wish him well (even while he continues his rant about us on the Facebook dudeism group) and hope that he finds some peace in his life.
Someone should post on there (PLEASE not me) in the fb group what Oliver said about it not being about Christian... and that Christians are welcome etc. Icon needs to see that from others. It would show Icon and others that Icon needs to back off the crusade.
Hey Dude, I agree that providing a frame of reference would be a helpful thing. I'm reticent to do it because I'm not really interested in Icon knowing anything about my actual name for reasons I mentioned in my last post (I know, I know, I'm a coward, Donny). Perhaps forumdude could post this himself?
Quote from: Shagbeard on February 10, 2014, 08:33:39 AM
Someone should post on there (PLEASE not me) in the fb group what Oliver said about it not being about Christian... and that Christians are welcome etc. Icon needs to see that from others. It would show Icon and others that Icon needs to back off the crusade.
No not a coward. I don't blame you, trust me he is on some crusade. He drives me nuts on fb. He is bowski-polar, extreme shifts from Walter to Dude.
bowski polar. i dig that. cool euphemism shagbeard!
Quote from: Shagbeard on February 10, 2014, 08:10:46 AM
Was he down with what you said each of those? Or was it opinion in jest?
Icon seemed a bit "ho hum" about it, didn't respond with much back.
What FB page are you dudes talking about? Link pls...
Here you go, Dude: https://www.facebook.com/groups/duderino/ (https://www.facebook.com/groups/duderino/)
Quote from: Hominid on February 10, 2014, 02:58:40 PM
What FB page are you dudes talking about? Link pls...
Fuck me dude. A very short read has me thinking he truly is not well. I don't say that lightly; I have both medical and personal one-on-one experience with individuals with manic-depressive and bipolar disorders. Looks like he fits the bill.
Quote from: Hominid on February 10, 2014, 03:52:25 PM
Fuck me dude. A very short read has me thinking he truly is not well. I don't say that lightly; I have both medical and personal one-on-one experience with individuals with manic-depressive and bipolar disorders. Looks like he fits the bill.
Funny you should mention that , a friend of mine has similar problems and is very similar when she is not taking her meds properly.
Has anyone on here posted there in response to his?
I do not even want to get involved, and with respect to my special lady I had promised some time ago I would stay out of such things. He is on my friends list and have talked to him on phone. It is frustrating because he is so gung ho that all is frakked here. I really want to just be left alone and not be involved. Not sure if he will let go and move on. I am not feeling calm with all of this.
I posted when he first started his rant under my dudeism victoria page. Just telling people to go look at the forums to decide for themselves but it just ruled him up more. I really think he is a bit unbalanced.
Well then. Saw this percolating on FB, lot of fire and brimstone there right now. Kind of expected to find y'all with torches and pitchforks over here, LOL.
Quote from: revgms on February 10, 2014, 06:25:43 PM
Well then. Saw this percolating on FB, lot of fire and brimstone there right now. Kind of expected to find y'all with torches and pitchforks over here, LOL.
Well not speaking for anyone else, i am just trying to take it easy and not be involved. To move on, and leave it alone. Got pulled into it some, but leaving it... cant be worried about this... life goes on.
Yeah I tried to soothe some of the feelz there. I have also received an invitation to meet and do a J, he is in Boston and that's my part time stomping grounds. Not sure I wanna make that date tho, been around the block a time or two, I have seen how these things can go.
BTW, my official stance on Christianity and Dudeism is as follows: They are not compatible philosophies, because one is a philosophy and the other a theology, however that does not mean Dudeists and Christians are incompatible, they're people not ideas.
Maybe I should have posted this here:
http://dudeism.com/smf/general-discussion/self-applying-the-label-%27christian%27-yet-not-self-applying-what-the-bible-says/msg43625/?topicseen#new (http://dudeism.com/smf/general-discussion/self-applying-the-label-%27christian%27-yet-not-self-applying-what-the-bible-says/msg43625/?topicseen#new)
I just banned Icon (aka Brian Birmingham) from the Facebook Group he was ranting on. I will continue to ban him from all Dudeism related pages. I would also ask that no one encourage him by engaging with him. All the reason in the world will not have any effect on that guy. I hate to do this but the guy is toxic, unapologetic, relentless and exhausting. I guess after nine years of running this thing we're fortunate to only have one bona fide problem child in our beach community. Well, and Thinking Dude, but Icon makes Thinking Dude look like a harmless kitten.
If anyone else has any ideas on how he should be handled please reply here. I'm at the end of my tether.
Well said Forum Dude.
I knew this form the start and although initially I handled and phrased things badly. I was always aware of what he was up to.
I even friended him on FB and tried to talk sense to him but to no avail.
I'm surprised it took you so long!
Peace. (and no I don't want a hug!) ;)
GROUP HUG!!!!
Sorry... How about a lager from one of my beer girls?
Thanks forumdude - I think we all handled him the best way we knew how. You and the admins have to be commended for being as understanding and patient as you were - if it were me, .... well, I think you know what I would have done a month ago.
One thing to consider: if someone like him shows up any time soon, check the address they're coming from and compare... unless they're going through a proxy anonymizer (sp?), they'll likely have the same IP.
Quote from: MindAbiding on February 10, 2014, 03:32:56 PM
Here you go, Dude: https://www.facebook.com/groups/duderino/ (https://www.facebook.com/groups/duderino/)
Quote from: Hominid on February 10, 2014, 02:58:40 PM
What FB page are you dudes talking about? Link pls...
I hate to find any humor in this since it has forumdude upset, but...if Icon is genuinely as angry as he claims to be, why does he keep mixing Lebowski quotes in with his rants? It's almost like he's just trolling all of us. And the last comment about The Jesus made me LOL.
At first I was upset that his real name was posted here, no matter what he was responsible for doing, but if he's going to make this much of an ass of himself on Facebook *under his real name* then it's not really doxing.
He posted some weird thing from Siksastaka about chanting name of lord and being tolerant as trees blah blah blah...
Posted this on my fb wall! I may have to block him if he keep up the shit at me. Fear that if I do he will go and libel me.
Quote from: forumdude on February 10, 2014, 09:31:52 PM
If anyone else has any ideas on how he should be handled please reply here. I'm at the end of my tether.
I hate to bring this up since this cat is well out of the proverbial bag for most of you, but if you're going to get involved in Internet forums, you really don't want to attach your real name to your forum account.
Obviously forumdude is known since he's the head honcho, but when you're faced with a situation like this on the Internet, it can get really ugly if the offended party already knows who you are IRL or can easily do a bit of Facebook or Google stalking and figure it out. It sucks because you want to make friends and get to together for a beer or socialize on Facebook, but once someone goes off the deep end over something, everyone is vulnerable.
If this gets out of hand, I would suggest removing the Facebook integration from the board. Don't use the same avatars here and on Facebook and don't comment there on a Dudeism page under your real name.
Quote from: Yeti on February 10, 2014, 10:38:54 PM
Quote from: forumdude on February 10, 2014, 09:31:52 PM
If anyone else has any ideas on how he should be handled please reply here. I'm at the end of my tether.
I hate to bring this up since this cat is well out of the proverbial bag for most of you, but if you're going to get involved in Internet forums, you really don't want to attach your real name to your forum account.
Obviously forumdude is known since he's the head honcho, but when you're faced with a situation like this on the Internet, it can get really ugly if the offended party already knows who you are IRL or can easily do a bit of Facebook or Google stalking and figure it out. It sucks because you want to make friends and get to together for a beer or socialize on Facebook, but once someone goes off the deep end over something, everyone is vulnerable.
If this gets out of hand, I would suggest removing the Facebook integration from the board. Don't use the same avatars here and on Facebook and don't comment there on a Dudeism page under your real name.
Good looking out, Yeti dude
I had to post his real name because he was discussing the forum and the issue of his being banned on the FB page, asking for people to renounce their ordinations. He removed his own veil of anonymity. Rest assured I would never reveal any personal data otherwise.
Dude, your advice to not engage is the best way to go, for sure. You're right, the guy won't listen to reason and unfortunately anything anyone says is fodder for his persecutory delusions. If you do have to talk with him, I'd just stick to the facts like a broken record and not wear yourself out by trying to get him to "come around" to a different view.
To those he's reaching out to as friends beware that he's probably only interested in you because he wants a sounding board for his rage and because he thinks he can recruit you to his way of seeing things -- you're a means to his delusional ends and you, too, will become a persecutor in his eyes once he gets a whiff of any doubts you might have.
I don't mean to sound overly dramatic, Dudes, nor to strip Icon of his humanity, but this guy is unbalanced and needs some serious help. You all are good dudes, but you don't need to be the ones to help him.
Quote from: forumdude on February 10, 2014, 09:31:52 PM
I just banned Icon (aka Brian Birmingham) from the Facebook Group he was ranting on. I will continue to ban him from all Dudeism related pages. I would also ask that no one encourage him by engaging with him. All the reason in the world will not have any effect on that guy. I hate to do this but the guy is toxic, unapologetic, relentless and exhausting. I guess after nine years of running this thing we're fortunate to only have one bona fide problem child in our beach community. Well, and Thinking Dude, but Icon makes Thinking Dude look like a harmless kitten.
If anyone else has any ideas on how he should be handled please reply here. I'm at the end of my tether.
Wise words MA... you obviously have had real world dealings with such people as I have. Scary shit, yet you can't help but feel for him. I have to be honest and say I feel a tinge of sadness for him...
The guy has mental health problems. We should all sympathize here. But this aggression will not stand. And this isn't 'Nam. There are rules. And whatever other Lebowski quote illustrates the situation. Ha ha. Four quotes in a row! That's got to be a record. But of course, I'm being sincere, not flippant. Poor guy. It's not easy finding peace when you need the world to bend to your will instead of vice versa.
Thanks for your patience, Dudes.
Quote from: Hominid on February 10, 2014, 09:48:34 PM
GROUP HUG!!!!
Sorry... How about a lager from one of my beer girls?
Hell of an idea, H dude!
Quote from: forumdude on February 10, 2014, 10:53:18 PM
I had to post his real name because he was discussing the forum and the issue of his being banned on the FB page, asking for people to renounce their ordinations. He removed his own veil of anonymity. Rest assured I would never reveal any personal data otherwise.
Jesus, mang! Why the hell would the waste his time doing shit like that? The undude needs to relax; life goes on, man.
Personally, I suspect that he wasn't really a "christian," and was only using that particular religion to fuck with people. But, that's just like my opinion, man.
Quote from: DigitalBuddha on February 11, 2014, 12:16:42 AM
Quote from: forumdude on February 10, 2014, 10:53:18 PM
I had to post his real name because he was discussing the forum and the issue of his being banned on the FB page, asking for people to renounce their ordinations. He removed his own veil of anonymity. Rest assured I would never reveal any personal data otherwise.
Jesus, mang! Why the hell would the waste his time doing shit like that? The undude needs to relax; life goes on, man.
Personally, I suspect that he wasn't really a "christian," and was only using that particular religion to fuck with people. But, that's just like my opinion, man.
I dont know what he is in religion sense except maybe confused. He posted this on the fb group and on my wall
"One should chant the holy name of the Lord in a humble state of mind, thinking oneself lower than the straw in the street; one should be more tolerant than a tree, devoid of all sense of false prestige, and ready to offer all respect to others. In such a state of mind one can chant the holy name of the Lord constantly."
(Siksastaka, Verse 3)Makes no sense to me why, but I am just going to move on. Gonna go bowling on my android.
Quote from: forumdude on February 10, 2014, 09:31:52 PM
I just banned Icon (aka Brian Birmingham) from the Facebook Group he was ranting on. I will continue to ban him from all Dudeism related pages. I would also ask that no one encourage him by engaging with him. All the reason in the world will not have any effect on that guy. I hate to do this but the guy is toxic, unapologetic, relentless and exhausting. I guess after nine years of running this thing we're fortunate to only have one bona fide problem child in our beach community. Well, and Thinking Dude, but Icon makes Thinking Dude look like a harmless kitten.
If anyone else has any ideas on how he should be handled please reply here. I'm at the end of my tether.
Holy shit, yeah, Thinking Dude; he damn near single-handedly defined the phrase "take your meds!"
Quote from: Shagbeard on February 11, 2014, 12:24:21 AM
Quote from: DigitalBuddha on February 11, 2014, 12:16:42 AM
Quote from: forumdude on February 10, 2014, 10:53:18 PM
I had to post his real name because he was discussing the forum and the issue of his being banned on the FB page, asking for people to renounce their ordinations. He removed his own veil of anonymity. Rest assured I would never reveal any personal data otherwise.
Jesus, mang! Why the hell would the waste his time doing shit like that? The undude needs to relax; life goes on, man.
Personally, I suspect that he wasn't really a "christian," and was only using that particular religion to fuck with people. But, that's just like my opinion, man.
"One should chant the holy name of the Lord in a humble state of mind, thinking oneself lower than the straw in the street; one should be more tolerant than a tree, devoid of all sense of false prestige, and ready to offer all respect to others. In such a state of mind one can chant the holy name of the Lord constantly."
Makes about as much sense as self flagellation.
Quote from: DigitalBuddha on February 11, 2014, 12:16:42 AM
Quote from: forumdude on February 10, 2014, 10:53:18 PM
I had to post his real name because he was discussing the forum and the issue of his being banned on the FB page, asking for people to renounce their ordinations. He removed his own veil of anonymity. Rest assured I would never reveal any personal data otherwise.
Jesus, mang! Why the hell would the waste his time doing shit like that? The undude needs to relax; life goes on, man.
Personally, I suspect that he wasn't really a "christian," and was only using that particular religion to fuck with people. But, that's just like my opinion, man.
Nah, I think he truly was what he said he was. Why do I say that? I've dealt with quite a number of similar whack jobs. Not that my opinion should define this situation; I'm just a child wondering into the middle of a movie...
Quote from: Hominid on February 11, 2014, 12:53:14 AM
Quote from: DigitalBuddha on February 11, 2014, 12:16:42 AM
Quote from: forumdude on February 10, 2014, 10:53:18 PM
I had to post his real name because he was discussing the forum and the issue of his being banned on the FB page, asking for people to renounce their ordinations. He removed his own veil of anonymity. Rest assured I would never reveal any personal data otherwise.
Jesus, mang! Why the hell would the waste his time doing shit like that? The undude needs to relax; life goes on, man.
Personally, I suspect that he wasn't really a "christian," and was only using that particular religion to fuck with people. But, that's just like my opinion, man.
Nah, I think he truly was what he said he was. Why do I say that? I've dealt with quite a number of similar whack jobs. Not that my opinion should define this situation; I'm just a child wondering into the middle of a movie...
Actually, icon was probably best described as "a child wondering into the middle of a movie...with no frame of reference."
As for real names, I quit trying to hide my real name about the time the web started. I'd been on several mailing lists before the WWW hit and one in particular was discussing computer security risks. On all these lists we used our real names and also posted other contact info, full address, phone, etc. Everyone there was a professional and they were private lists, so no danger.
Well, wouldn't you know it, not long after the WWW started up some clowns posted the archives of all of those lists for the world to read. Nothing redacted, all names, titles, addresses, etc. right out in the open.
So now, if you do a search for me, I normally appear on the first page of Google. Oh well, at least I don't currently have any stalkers. :)
Yeah my net anonymity was forfiet years ago, my profile picture is from that time. I was a moderator for the Colbert Nation Forum, and I was the captain of the Terror Bus that went to the Rally for Sanity and/or Fear in Washington, that's where that photo comes from.
Also being from a forum that was that far out on the troll edge of the internet I have seen this before, we had a guy Bobz that was Icon squared, he launched a coordinated attack on our board, we mods had to take turns babysitting the board and deleting his spam. He figured a way to auto join under a new name every second. Another time it got so bad the FBI got involved, they even went and personally interviewed one of top members.
Not to worry 'bout me, like I said I don't plan to meet this guy, I have a habit of being too tolerant and gentle, I can gather the disturbed like a Pied Piper sometimes. I have had too much experience with unstable persons, and I am just too tired and broke to deal with that shit right now. But I do have some wild stories to tell.
Revgms - you're such a "storied" dude... would love to sit around a campfire and share stories... and share some of my beer girls...
I'm an admin of a tin-hat forum and we've got some security modules loaded that send an alert when two member names use the same IP address or the same computer is used for more than one user. If it's a know couple or something, easy enough to set to ignore. But it has popped up some people trying the new user ID thing or "I was just borrowing a friend's account". Bzzzzt, wrong answer.
Quote from: jdurand on February 11, 2014, 02:27:14 AM
As for real names, I quit trying to hide my real name about the time the web started. I'd been on several mailing lists before the WWW hit and one in particular was discussing computer security risks. On all these lists we used our real names and also posted other contact info, full address, phone, etc. Everyone there was a professional and they were private lists, so no danger.
Well, wouldn't you know it, not long after the WWW started up some clowns posted the archives of all of those lists for the world to read. Nothing redacted, all names, titles, addresses, etc. right out in the open.
So now, if you do a search for me, I normally appear on the first page of Google. Oh well, at least I don't currently have any stalkers. :)
That happened to many old timers when Google decided to index Usenet ten years ago. A lot of forgotten chatter was suddenly out in the open.
This thread started out excellent... why hasn't this played out? Everything ForumDude said was great...
Am I carpet bombing with huge replies?
Or is carpet bombing like BikerDude starting 19 Anti-Theist posts to dominate the thread?
I got some great insight into previous issues and a few take aways. While I have avoided the majority of Icon's issues and have no subversive agendas... I can see how I at the very least made some feel belittled... not very dude :(
I apologize.
Today is a new day to Dude:)
This thread made me nervous given my inclination toward Christian baiting.
But in the end it is all about freedom and respect.
While my opinions may enrage Christians I don't believe I could be accused of ever having engaged in personal attacks.
And given that so many Christians (and muslims) seem incapable of seperating genuine criticism of their beliefs from personal attacks I can't really feel much sympathy for any ruffled feathers.
I remain semi mystified why Christians don't post positive things about their copilot. I'm not saying that it won't meet with different opinions but it's amazing how their particular interest seems to be in promoting censorship. Keeping any criticism of their shit off the table.
Well OK not amazing. Pretty much as expected.
*deleting old posts*
Okay. As a lesser known scholar of religion and avowed Dudeist I feel it pertinent that I speak up on this a here forum. First Icon does not represent Christian values. The Gospels make it clear no one should make a show of their religion. If people don't accept the message then walk away. These are the words of Jesus who BTW turned water into wine to keep the party going (very dude in my humble opinion ). Any person purporting to be Christian and cramming their beliefs up others butts is no follower of Jesus. As to the claim that Dudeism and theism are mutually exclusive I reply nonsense. In the words of the opening page of dudeism.com when it comes to matters concerning diety " we just don't know dude". Meta physical explorations should not be excluded from the platform as thinking about whether or not there is a deity or deities can lead us to consider how our actions affect others (the idea being that our action either please or displease the deity and whether or not we should care). To shame others for their opinions being different is no different than Icon's occasional rants. As for you yeti and not understanding how religious persons cannot seem to tell the difference between personal insult and honest critique of a faith, we'll dude, maybe your critique is more personal than you intended. Well fellow dudes. I hope I haven't cause offence. To any I have offended I apologize. Oh and when it come to "a priori" (sic) that ain't just an opinion man. If it's apriori true it's true no matter what.
Quotethey don't like Christians with an agenda, who are here to "lead them to the light" so to speak
The funny thing is the light is so universal that we have atheists wishing to enlighten people, Buddhists looking for enlightenment, gay people coming into the light etc. It looks like the light is mostly some positive thing but is used in many ways.