more posting needed

[pan de bono]

I remeber when Pl used to have people posting by the minute, there was always some sort of activity going on. Now it seems the board is somewhat slow. We need to pick up the pace and get some activity on this board. I have a few posts to get things started.

[william3rd]

I think this board is doing just fine. Before you came, it was slow and steady. Then came a wave of repetitious posts and less than credible discussions or faux discussions.

Summer is a slow period. It will be picking up again once school is out and folks do a little vacationing.

A few more trip reports would be nice. But that requires somebody to get on the plane.

[Santanger]

how is Papi doing with his new sweetie?  His posts have stopped.

[pan de bono]

well i guess its doing ok, it just seems to me its alot slower than it was a few years ago. wheres cali-vet, Hoda, papi, and some of the others that posted regularly. Also you are right a trip report once in awhile would be nice.

[Dan Las Vegas]

hey, I've already had two trip reports to medellin in the last three months!!!! lol, but I'll try to have one more for you in July!

[daytrader]

how is Papi doing with his new sweetie?  His posts have stopped.

ya know what else has stopped??? the bullsh*t has also stopped.  There are two posters left that engage in personal attacks and they rarely stick their heads up any more.  Good riddance.  This forum has gotten MUCH better in the past 6 months and there have been several excellent trip reports with good detail.  Well done. 

DayTrader

[Cali-vet]

Pan De Bono yes I used to post frequently when the board was moderated by Patrick and I have five years of experience living in Colombia that I enjoy shareing and over four years married to a caleña but I hardly post anymore because of the unacceptably capricious and whimsical censorship practiced by the “moderator” who is quick to move posts to an obscure corner of the forum the moment he finds himself in personal disagreement with the content. I’m not a great fan of the Love College forum but at least you can disagree with Dallas Steve and even call him an ass if you think he deserves it for something he’s said. He will answer or ignore as he chooses but he will not use the cheap shot technique of taking a comment that is inconvenient for him “out of play”.  I have also observed moderater reactions/behavior that makes me suspect favoratism and protectionism are practised here. As I said I enjoy sharing information about Colombia with others but in a free atmosphere.

[pan de bono]

well Cali-Vet I hope you will post more often because i have been away for awhile but i recall you used to post some very interesting and informative posts i guess because of your extensive time in Cali. You probably have more information about cali and Colombia in general than everyone combined on the board. So please try not to piss off the moderator and just post some of those good stuff you used to post in years past. You can start out by tell me if there are any good dentist in cali that you recommend? Also are the Juan Valdez coffee shops in Cali malls?
thanks

[Kiltboy1]

I just  returned a week ago from Ecuador to spend my birthday with my wife, but since everybody here can only think about Colombia, why post any experiences anywhere else?
KB

[william3rd]

Yo KB- I only think about thailand so feel free to talk about your sweetie's country. That is a not so frequently traveled road and you have valuable insights.

[catz]

Pan De Bono yes I used to post frequently when the board was moderated by Patrick and I have five years of experience living in Colombia that I enjoy shareing and over four years married to a caleña but I hardly post anymore because of the unacceptably capricious and whimsical censorship practiced by the “moderator” who is quick to move posts to an obscure corner of the forum the moment he finds himself in personal disagreement with the content. I’m not a great fan of the Love College forum but at least you can disagree with Dallas Steve and even call him an ass if you think he deserves it for something he’s said. He will answer or ignore as he chooses but he will not use the cheap shot technique of taking a comment that is inconvenient for him “out of play”.  I have also observed moderater reactions/behavior that makes me suspect favoratism and protectionism are practised here. As I said I enjoy sharing information about Colombia with others but in a free atmosphere.

Well I'm in "personal disagreement" with your post here. Funny that it did not get sent "out of play". Mind explaining what you mean here or will this be another cheap shot at the forum management type of post? Inquiring minds want to know.

Catz

[Kiltboy1]

Ok

I will talk a little about Ecuador then to give others  a little incite. First of all i am not in any way saying anything bad about Colombia because i love Colombia in many ways, but as far as in Geographical terms and topography, Ecuador has a more spectacular topography, mountain ranges, volcano's and rainforests then i saw in Colombia. Quito, well not so pretty a city really and very high up there, 9300 feet. I was suffering from allergies before i left to visit, so i needed to go to the clinic for 2 days of Oxygen while i was there on this past trip. The people in Ecuador are the real reason to visit that country. I have never met more gracious people in my life. They really go out of there way to open up there lives to you. My wife surprised me with a trip to a place called Mindo. It is about 3 hours outside of Quito in the rainforest and we were at a very nice spa and ecological resort and it was really spectacular. So much animal life there , was really a treat to see. My wife was working during the day, so i just walked all over Quito, the beautiful historic district. One day my wife and i went to what they cal the BAJE, which is about 30 minutes outside Quito and they have many turco(saunas) in different parks where they have pools, turcos, plunge pools, relaxation massages(15 bucks) for an hour and just good sun, beer and relaxation. The great thing about Ecuador is that because it is a tourist hotspot, you really do not feel like you are being watched so much as you do sometimes in Colombia, so you can venture out to more places. The road structure is really good as well, much better then i would have imagined and you can drive almost anywhere in the country. My wife has a car and she just gave it to me when she was working and i dove all over the place, but i still will never figure out the traffic in LA. Spent 10 days of wonderful bliss. Went to a baptism my last night there  of one of her great nieces. Basically it was in a recpetion hall and after sitting around for about an hour twiddling our thumbs, the music and rum cranks up into high gear and it was a huge party. Her family also had a BBQ for me for my birthday after we came back from the rainforest spa, so i ate my rear end off on this trip and on a diet now.Next trip we are going to fly to the coast to an area called MANABI, rent a car and check out all the fishing villiages and B & B spots along the Pacific coast and tour some wineries. If anyone has any questions, feel free to ask. Oh, for the single guys, i saw some super attractive women in the malls, really top shelf.

KB

[william3rd]

HURRAY!!!! A trip report!!! Keep it up.

[Dan]

A couple of responses:

* Month over month performance at Planet-Love for the past year shows an increase in traffic each and every month. We are doing just fine in that regard.
* As a long-time vet of the old PL board - I can safely say that the only real difference now, is we use a more modern software than in the past.
* Gone are the days when lengthy flames would remain in the open forum because we have invited trusted members to help out with moderation - it is not only Patrick any longer.
* IMPORTANT - Patrick is still around and active in the management of PL. His suggestions and advice are valued, and I doubt a single suggestion or wish of his has ever been rejected.
* Gone are the days when people could say anything about anyone - civility is encouraged, and flames are treated accordingly.
* Contrary to some vocal minority opinion, there are VERY few people banned. Banishment goes against our core values, and we have more effective 'tools' for dealing with such matters - not the least of which is peer pressure from the members to bring people back in-line when they step over the bounds.
* The overall state of the board is fine. The overall state of the 'industry' is in serious jeopardy (IMO) - and I think that is what some people are mistaking as a problem with the board.

FWIW

- Dan

[Cali-vet]

Catz why no, it isn´t funny it´s perfectly obvious why your "moderator" didn´t hide/delete my post above. Or do you need an explanation for that too? Tell you what catz, Pan De Bono was musing on why forum activity has dropped off here and mentioned me in his musing. I gave him a clear, consice and thoroughly considered response as to why my contributions have dropped off. If you don´t like my response that´s your prerogative. If you didn´t understand it...well I really don´t think you´re that dull witted.

[Dan]

Catz why no, it isn´t funny it´s perfectly obvious why your "moderator" didn´t hide/delete my post above. Or do you need an explanation for that too? Tell you what catz, Pan De Bono was musing on why forum activity has dropped off here and mentioned me in his musing. I gave him a clear, consice and thoroughly considered response as to why my contributions have dropped off. If you don´t like my response that´s your prerogative. If you didn´t understand it...well I really don´t think you´re that dull witted.

Yep - the "perfectly obvious" reason is that your post was an expression of your opinion and it did not violate the Terms of Service.

The facts are - we try our damndest to make this place a civil forum where people are allowed to share their opinions, exchange information, ask questions, and learn about this topic. I *think* we are doing a reasonably good job of it, although I also see areas for future improvement - and we are working on those as well.

Further facts are - some people are just not going to be happy in any one venue. That is why there are millions of websites on the internet. If someone doesn't particularly care for the 'style' and 'tone' of PL, they are encouraged to find a more compatible posting venue where they can contribute productively - and with no hard feelings.

Look - PL cannot be all things to all people. The theme of our site is clear - and the expectations for civil behavior are clear. I think Patrick would be the first to comment that things had gotten out of hand with the old PL - and to a VERY large extent, it was the 'community' of members who allowed it to become so. Patrick was only one person and had a life to lead in addition to running the board. For those of us who have been involved since the early days, we saw a distinct shift in the style and tone of posts and participants after a time. In the early days of fora, there was little need to moderate aggressively. Most people genuinely appreciated the venue and openly demonstrated respect and consideration for the people who created the forums. Over time, that diminished and a new breed of participants began to appear - those who felt some odd sense of entitlement and who shat all over their hosts on the 'net. It ultimately resulted in new software being developed - partially to add new features and capabilities for the board MEMBERS - and partly to add more control features for the board OWNERS/ADMINS.

At this stage - as others have observed and commented, we have settled into a site which is open to anyone wishing to make a positive contribution - is free to participate - encourages civil, and spirited, discourse - and our efforts are resulting in steady growth in an industry that is in decline.

It is unfortunate that some harken for the earlier days when they could be vulgar and unfettered. Things have changed - for the better, IMO.

And BTW - your innuendo about censorship and banning and that garbage is just that - merely innuendo. There is very little truth to it. We will, when necessary, enforce the Terms of Service - and it can result in selective edits or members placed on Moderated status - but your suggestions of rampant censorship are just plain wrong and unsupported by facts. If you truly believe that (in spite of that facts to the contrary) - and if you feel discomforted by your belief - then as stated above, you are encouraged to spend your time where you ARE comfortable.

- Dan

[Cali-vet]

Well I see I touched a nerve. Good. But I’m not really sure you’ve got the jist. In fact I think you think I’ve got something against you and/or the way you run this board. In fact I don’t. As to your administration of the forum I think you went on a wild banning jag at the start  (including me) then realized it was unconstructive and moderated your approach considerably for the better. In my criticism I have referred exclusively to “your moderator” and it is he who I accuse of relegating posts to a hidden corner of the forum when he finds them personally inconvenient and it is he who I accuse of capriccios moderating. Power corrupts you see. You could improve the ambience here many fold by installing a level headed, even handed and adult individual as moderator. As to your invitation to seek other venues I demur. Not just yet anyways. I’ve been here as long as you have and  I think there’s a good chance I’ve offered more useful information to participants. If “you feel discomforted” by any of this you could just ban me again…have I violated The Terms Of Service yet?
 

[Dan]

Well I see I touched a nerve. Good. But I’m not really sure you’ve got the jist. In fact I think you think I’ve got something against you and/or the way you run this board. In fact I don’t. As to your administration of the forum I think you went on a wild banning jag at the start  (including me) then realized it was unconstructive and moderated your approach considerably for the better. In my criticism I have referred exclusively to “your moderator” and it is he who I accuse of relegating posts to a hidden corner of the forum when he finds them personally inconvenient and it is he who I accuse of capriccios moderating. Power corrupts you see. You could improve the ambience here many fold by installing a level headed, even handed and adult individual as moderator. As to your invitation to seek other venues I demur. Not just yet anyways. I’ve been here as long as you have and  I think there’s a good chance I’ve offered more useful information to participants. If “you feel discomforted” by any of this you could just ban me again…have I violated The Terms Of Service yet?

"Touched a Nerve"? Nope. Gave me the opportunity to speak to some important facts. I welcome it.

"Violated the Terms of Service"? Nope, not yet. If that is your objective, why not be forthright and save us both the silly charades? Or... is it the charades you desire?

"Level headed, Even Handed" Moderator. We have that in spades. Between catz, Patrick, Jeff and Sean - there is no better group of moderators anywhere. If you have any specific objections, you *do* need to take that up with me via PM because the one thing I will not tolerate in any way, shape or form, is public criticism of those who volunteer their time and energy to keep this place civil. It is a thankless assignment (as evidenced by your comments), and I suspect I know a whole lot more about the moderators actions and motives than most - as we openly 'discuss' most everything in the Moderator forum. I support them and all they have done.

"Been her as long as you {I} have". It may well be - and for all the positive contributions, your participation is appreciated - by me, and by those whom I am sure you have helped along the way. My sincere hope is that the positive contributions continue.

Now the choice is yours. You have had your 'say' and I have responded with facts. If you have a genuine desire to catalyze an outcome - you also need to weigh your options for communication to achieve that end.

- Dan

[Ray]

Well I'm in "personal disagreement" with your post here. Funny that it did not get sent "out of play". Mind explaining what you mean here or will this be another cheap shot at the forum management type of post? Inquiring minds want to know.

Why so defensive catz?

I think Cali-vet’s response was tempered and honest. I didn’t see it as a “cheap shot” at all.

As far as his complaint of censorship based on personal disagreements with "a" moderator, I can attest to the truth of that claim. It’s happened to me and you know what I’m talking about, so please don’t ask for an explanation or call this a cheap shot at the forum management.

When you have a moderator who engages in personal attacks and flaming, and then uses his moderator status to censor his opponent for purely personal reasons, then of course some folks may be inclined not to participate fully. It won’t scare me off but I can appreciate Cali-vet’s point.

Ray

[daytrader]

As far as his complaint of censorship based on personal disagreements with "a" moderator, I can attest to the truth of that claim. It’s happened to me and you know what I’m talking about, so please don’t ask for an explanation or call this a cheap shot at the forum management.

Ibid,....Op Cid....same moderator...same stuff happened to me as well, I just deleted the PMs between us earlier today documenting earlier incidents with said moderator.  He definitely plays favorites and changes the rules as it suits him.  No recent examples the past couple months, I assumed he had gotten 'the message'  ...but that is conjecture on my part. 

I have refrained from posting additional 1st person material in large part because of documented cases of which you have (in the past) been copiously PM'd....to no effect. 

DayTrader

[daytrader]

[continuation of previous post].....however, I have noticed a great improvement in the "tone" of this forum the past few months...It's too bad we can't have 'both'...free-flow of ideas posted & civility with no personal attacks....that seems a bridge too far. 

DayTrader

[Cali-vet]

Now the choice is yours. You have had your 'say' and I have responded with facts. If you have a genuine desire to catalyze an outcome - you also need to weigh your options for communication to achieve that end.

You haven´t responded with facts you´ve just defended a moderater who I think stinks at the job. And what´s this silly nonsense above?! Talk about charades.  Look Dan I´m telling it like I see it and as you can see there are other respected contributers who seem to share my opinion. Why don´t you open your eyes and do a little catylizing yourself. And I´ll tell you something else. Retorts like this: "and that garbage is just that" to sincere criticism sink your arguments to the level of "flame". I thought all your rightious machinations were supposed to be a crusade against just that.   

[Dan]

You haven´t responded with facts you´ve just defended a moderater who I think stinks at the job. And what´s this silly nonsense above?! Talk about charades.  Look Dan I´m telling it like I see it and as you can see there are other respected contributers who seem to share my opinion. Why don´t you open your eyes and do a little catylizing yourself. And I´ll tell you something else. Retorts like this: "and that garbage is just that" to sincere criticism sink your arguments to the level of "flame". I thought all your rightious machinations were supposed to be a crusade against just that.   

"Crusade" ? No, I am not crusading against flames. I recognize there are some who cannot, or will not, control themselves. That's why we have the Flame Room.

"Sincere Criticism" ? I don't think it is. A person who sincerely wants to raise this issue will clearly recognize that it needs to be addressed privately. Yours, OTOH, appears more to be a grandstanding effort designed to publicly humiliate - and THAT behavior *is* something worthy of a crusade.

- Dan

[william3rd]

It was a nice discussion and it is now heading south.

Is there a point to all of this?

Personally, I like to see information interspersed with humor or some ribbing now and then if somebody gets too full of themselves.

Attacks and insults drive people away. Most people seeking information really cant stand to read the ravings of the unstable. The ravings reflect on the poster.

[pan de bono]

willy you are right on target dude, good post!