Female Android Debuts in S. Korea

There have been a few posts in this thread, suggesting that some other unspecified posts might be a little tasteless. Hmm.

So far, this post has been entirely civil. There has been no bad language, no mention of private body parts or their functions, no description of sex acts, no flames and no insults (with the singular exception of certain posts calling other posts tasteless.)

I think that the suggestion that some of the posts are tasteless, without saying to which posts you refer, and without saying why you think such posts are tasteless, is deathly unhealthy to a free discussion. I think the notion that something should be censored because someone, somewhere might find something offensive is the kiss of death to free discussion.

I make the point about at least identifying the tasteless remark to which you refer, because otherwise, all we know is that someone thinks something is tasteless, but we don't know what nor why. Gee, was it something I said? Or maybe what he or she said? I don't know. Best not to say anything. Discussion killed.

I don't know. What's more tasteless than that?

Yeah!

Hell, damn, fart!

-Cub. =o)

Frakk. And frell too.

-Fred

Mr. Thomas Malloy, of his own accord, edited his own remark out on the grounds that it was (in his own word) "tasteless". Are we censorious for agreeing? You said that not pointing out what exactly was tasteless leaves the participants bewildered as to what is referred to, when the point of JOTG's remark was to caution us to think twice before we speak (type) rather than to shine the spotlight on the very things considered tasteless, especially when every one of us knows good and well what he was referring to.

For my part, although I was a little uncomfortable with the relevant posts, I was actually trying to be a bit melodramatic (did you notice the ?) in order to lighten up the mood. I obviously failed!

Let me add, though, that it has already been demonstrated that this board is not an anything-goes internet forum. We have reined in discussion on politics, for instance, on more than one occasion to keep the discussion to the lowest common denominator. We are ultimately here because we love Tex and like to interact with one another - is it too much to ask that we do it with discretion and forbearance for others' weaknesses and concerns?

Don't think I'm being very censorius or whatever... I don't even know what the mystery post was about.

Come to think of it... I don't really care anymore either

-Fred

This is my fault. I didn't mean to post what I did. And I took it down seconds after I posted it. It was a lame joke at the expense of females, and was in bad taste, and I called it as such. It's self censorship, because I didn't want to offend anybody. Was it really that bad? Yes, it kinda was.

Completely different from my Madness thread, where all the offensive material was broad, general, and simply ridiculous.

I *thought* that's what Jerry and others were referring to when they brought up the tasteless stuff.

But anyway ...

How bout them Cincinnati Reds! Yeah baby! Yeah!

Basically, I was a little concerned over the way the posts COULD have headed. And I appreciate Malloy's censoring his own post. Good man. Sometimes it is late at night; perhaps we've had a few too many; once in a while someone spikes my Geritol; and voila!, the next thing you know we are typing something that could cause hard feelings.

While this is to be expected based solely on the sheer size and magnitude of our group, we would never want to allow THAT very thought to sway our fingers into typing words we may later egret.

What was it for X's Sake!!!

-B, R

For God's sake people.....let's give it a rest, ok? Quit beating a dead horse.

DROP IT!

What? It's not enough we beat the poor horse to death, now you want us to drop it somewhere? She was a decent animal, and deserves a proper burial.

Here's to Common Sense, best horse what ever lived, pulled more than her load, and looked good doing it. May you rest in peace!

There. Dead and buried.

What were we talking about again? Oh yeah... TEX!!

-Fred

Sorry, can't bury the horse yet. Reason: I have been unable to post in-sync with this discussion because I've been at my parent's 24 hours a day taking care of them. I can only get access to the internet for a short time every few days. So please forgive me if I'm not keeping up. It's also why my posts may be a little long (catching up to do).

Jerry said:

You said that not pointing out what exactly was tasteless leaves the participants bewildered as to what is referred to, when the point of JOTG's remark was to caution us to think twice before we speak (type) rather than to shine the spotlight on the very things considered tasteless, especially when every one of us knows good and well what he was referring to.

Absolutely not. This was exactly my point: Some people (me for example) never saw Malloy's original post, nor would have any reason to believe it said anything other than what it now says. So I've been reading over all the other posts trying to figure out what in the heck all the fuss is about.

I saw nothing to warrant all the excitement and could only conclude that the threshold for taselessness is way too low and unreasonable. That is why I suggested that people make it clear what they are complaining about. Otherwise, I'll think it's my post, you'll think it's your post but none of us will know why. Do you see how that would hurt lively discussion?

Regarding self-censorship- We are all indivudals here and each have our own sense of what is appropriate. Letting the one person with the thinnest skin control the limits of what everyone else is allowed to say is a very slippery and dangerous slope. It eventually expunges all personality for the discussion. Personally, I'd rather be offended than live in a gray world.

Of course, I understand the value of keeping the discussions civil. Am I not keeping this side-discussion civil? (Although I'm sure I'm offending someone.) But that shouldn't require self-censorship to the point that we worry someone, somewhere, sometime might be offended by something we said.

As they say, the road to heck is always paved with good intentions.

Sometimes I can't help but feel that we tread such sensitive ground here that we all talk to each other like we are afraid that we are going to offend... it's like being at a damn AA meeting, where everybody feels 'obliged' to be your friend, just because you are all in the same boat.

Well, I am not obliged to be anyone’s friend on this forum... I am here because I WANT TO be here, and so that means I like your guys (and you are my friends) for who you are... and not what you are. Over the years you have proven to me that you are not just fellow Tex fans, but individual personalities that I have grown to enjoy and respect.

That also means that whatever you say I will always still respect each and every one of you, and all I ask is that I get the same treatment in return, no matter what I say in the heat of some kind of bad mood. I don't just speak for myself here, as I am sure everybody feels the same way in one form or another.

So basically, to everyone who is attempting to be overly civil just for the sake of ‘keeping the peace’… lighten up! …We are all Amigos and that ain’t gonna change, and we are not dumb enough to let it happen! …no matter what may come up.

-Cub. =o)

DrPaul wrote:As they say, the road to heck is always paved with good intentions.

Good one, Dr. Paul.

I agree with you about the extremes, but there's no slippery slope in the simple maxim, "Think twice before you post something." There's also something to be said for the thoughtful individual who notices the wisdom of, "Think twice after you post something." (And no, I didn't mean to imply that Mr. Thomas Malloy even vaguely resembles a wise person! Maybe a wise guy...)

You know Dr. Paul, you are very right. I should have been very clear from the beginning what bothered me. And to the group, I apologize.

Dr. Paul, I found your post about a machine woman who was...in your words...

The fembot in my dream was programmed exclusively for pleasuring a man. It was amazing.

One of the things I remember was the way she was intensely focused on me. As if I were the only thing in the world and she was tuned-in to my every reaction, no matter how slight. She also seemed to have a sophisticated feedback program with which she would keep adjusting her behavior or actions based on my reactions in order to maximize and sustain the pleasure like something I've never dreamed of before.

I found that upsetting, denegrating, and inappropriate for the Tex Murphy message board.
That is only my opinion.

In your words again....

Letting the one person with the thinnest skin control the limits of what everyone else is allowed to say is a very slippery and dangerous slope. It eventually expunges all personality for the discussion. Personally, I'd rather be offended than live in a gray world.

I will go out on a limb here and make an observation that you might be referring to me just a little bit.
I do not for one minute think that I have any control over anything on the board. And it would be excessive hubris to even entertain such a thought. I myself have been approached by folks here to back off an incendiary topic. And I have done so gladly, and a little shamefacefully.

At this point...I'm guessing that most people have figured out that comments that objectify or denegrate women offend me. (whether it be in jest or dead seriousness) Ok. Yes.

But as a group we have all learned PAINFULLY, what hot button topics, such as politics and religion can do to the fabric of this community.

I am very happy with this forum. I am happy that I have been able to get closer to some wonderful people I might not had the opportunity to do otherwise. And I am happy with the contributions I have made to keep this board a lively and welcoming place.

So...yes..I should have spoken up earlier. And if you think that because I felt your comment was inappropriate that my... threshold for tastelessness is way too low and unreasonable....that is your opinion.


Let me be the first to wish you well on care-giving your parents in their time of need. I know it's not easy.

Jen