10671 Closed thread...

Actually Carole, it isn't quite true that there 'wasn't any warning' - but you are entirely forgiven for missing the post from Cristiana which had a lifespan of about three minutes this morning! (Of course, it doesn't show up as a 'deleted' having been posted by an admin.)

I missed that one as well, although I had sent her a message, some 15 minutes ago, suggesting it might be nice to introduce herself here.

Sorry I seemed to have missed this change of Admin. Was there an announcement that Cristiana had replaced Ronald???

I was just going to click the "Grazie" button on Carole's post to endorse her comments, but instead I'll take the time to add my tuppence worth.

As it happened, I had typed a (polite and measured) response to paulnewman's comments about people here being "ignorant as the Italians" and having gone native, then discovered the thread was locked when I submitted it.

So that miffed me a bit.

The cryptic comment about "not being amused" did, I'm afraid, fail to amuse me.

Ronald, even in his moments when some people here (not me) found him most annoying and autocratic, would at least take the time to explain why he was exercising his veto and closing a thread. Is the way this discussion was terminated what we can now expect whenever someone says something a bit offensive? Or am I missing something: was the thread closed for some other reason?

Al

I found Cristiana's introduction - [url]http://www.italymag.co.uk/forums/introduce-yourself-piacere-conoscerti/10606-new-italy-forums-administrator.html[/url]

[quote=Sally Donaldson;99201]I found Cristiana's introduction - [url]http://www.italymag.co.uk/forums/introduce-yourself-piacere-conoscerti/10606-new-italy-forums-administrator.html[/url][/quote]Thanks for that Sally. I was on holiday at the time (in Puglia as it happens), so missed the introduction completely. As it is not in the Admin thread or even a sticky, it went clean over my head - along with, undoubtedly, many other threads.

The first I had heard of her was a pm asking me to clarify what I meant by a "sockpuppet". I suggested Google as the place to look - sensibly, I thought (and still think).

I see that she says in her introduction; "I hope to learn more about this community in the coming weeks and be able to contribute in making the forums an even better place to discuss Italy."

Was that the way to make the forums an even better place to discuss Italia?

I would like to know who was being protected by this action?

Was the thread closed to protect paulnewman from other forum members or was it to protect other forum members from paulnewman?

In either case it would be nice to have an explanation from the administration.

[quote=Nardini;99203]...what I meant by a "sockpuppet"...[/quote]
Ah! A glimmer of illumination. :laughs:

I sometimes wonder if I'm not too naïve for even the normally tranquil waters of this corner of the internet.

Al

[quote=Charles Phillips;99197]Actually Carole, it isn't quite true that there 'wasn't any warning' - but you are entirely forgiven for missing the post from Cristiana which had a lifespan of about three minutes this morning! (Of course, it doesn't show up as a 'deleted' having been posted by an admin.)[/quote]

I [U]did[/U] miss it... It must have been when I was beating the bejeebers out of anybody who even said 'BOO' on that thread...

I don't live here (on IM) - so do miss the occaisional deletion... there does always seem to be such a lot of 'em. :rollingeyes:

But (correct me if I'm wrong) I [I]didn't[/I] realise Moderators used that as an 'out' too! Perhaps that's another new thing we'll have to get used to!

Cristiana?

[IMG]http://saltwater.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2007/09/15/tumbleweed_sized.jpg[/IMG]

I must admit that I stayed away from the origianal PN thread, thinking that the guy was just having a rant, and would say that the bulk of the replies were considerate to PN feelings ( who. himself was not always ) and many were helpful, but to have the thread closed without any sort of notice, was rather strange.

Perhaps the thread was closed because it could have been felt that Pn was being brow beaten?, he was a sole voice, and seemed to be becoming increasingly frustrated, at his inability to get his point across and the fact that forum members are usually very articulate, and were inturn becoming frustrated with his inability to communicate his point and enable them to advise.
probably best closed before it went futher.
A

Gosh only taken my eye off the forum for a day and look what happens - anyways here is a question for you how much did PN spend in moving to Italy? answers on a post card to............

The silence from certain quarters on this question is overwhelming isn't it (?)...

I am so disappointed that the membership here is not considered worthy of at least an explanation of this decision. Perhaps we are just an interruption to their busy lives. I thought we were a little more important to Italy Magazine than this!

New brooms sweep clean - so lets allow a little imprudence folks. Cristiana is Italian/Sicilian and may not always "get" the meaning hidden behind our little English nuances - for example - and with a bit of luck - Nardinis photo as posted above.

Perhaps the tried and tested lesson that locking threads (no matter how far off topic they wander) creates far more furore than any thread left to die naturally and that this community are very capable of self policing, has been learnt. :smile:

Lets allow the silence to be golden.

[quote=jojo;99215]Gosh only taken my eye off the forum for a day and look what happens - anyways here is a question for you how much did PN spend in moving to Italy? answers on a post card to............[/quote]

Enough to satisfy the residency requirements.. Next question...

Pity people don't visit here before arriving or giving up. I don't think the thread had gone too far in the wrong direction, so it would be nice to know if the mods thought otherwise. If so OK, but please let us know.

Please explain the photo Nardini,? a deserted street and tumble weed, obviously my lie down didnt improve my powers of deduction, anyone else confess to not understanding?...so its just me then.
A

[quote=Angie and Robert;99242]Please explain the photo Nardini,? a deserted street and tumble weed, obviously my lie down didnt improve my powers of deduction, anyone else confess to not understanding?...so its just me then.
A[/quote]What was that song, a few years ago that was all about the sound of silence? I have the tune in my head, but not the words... :winki:

I quite enjoyed (cue for action...) this one as well:

[IMG]http://geekandpoke.typepad.com/geekandpoke/images/2008/03/22/silence.jpg[/IMG]

[quote=Angie and Robert;99212]Perhaps the thread was closed because it could have been felt that Pn was being brow beaten?, he was a sole voice, and seemed to be becoming increasingly frustrated, at his inability to get his point across and the fact that forum members are usually very articulate, and were inturn becoming frustrated with his inability to communicate his point and enable them to advise.
probably best closed before it went futher.
A[/quote]

Yes, a familiar cry. However Cristiana should still given us a reason for it.

I think you must mean this one Nardini...
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhdGkZ6Fngw"][B]>Sound of Silence<[/B][/ame]

A bit of light relief will do us all good!

[quote=Nardini;99208]Cristiana?

[IMG]http://saltwater.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2007/09/15/tumbleweed_sized.jpg[/IMG][/quote]

Ah it was "Tumbleweed Connection", Elton John that sprung to mind!!!

[ame=http://it.youtube.com/watch?v=lnSV8FjAtjY&feature=related]YouTube - Elton John Tumbleweed Connection (Music Only)[/ame]

High Noon anyone?, and thanks Carole lovely to hear that one again.
A
A

I think that the reference to the tumbleweed in the photograph was to something that passes through a town, and which (if you're lucky) you catch a fleeting glimpse of, and which then disappears leaving no impression on where it has been.

Surely the implication referred to the sudden appearance of a moderation post earlier today, which then disappeared [I][U]within minutes[/U][/I], leaving no trace (or impression)!

Was that the intention?

[quote=Carole B;99251]I think that the reference to the tumbleweed in the photograph was to something that passes through a town, and which (if you're lucky) you catch a fleeting glimpse of, and which then disappears leaving no impression on where it has been.

Surely the implication referred to the sudden appearance of a moderation post earlier today, which then disappeared [I][U]within minutes[/U][/I], leaving no trace (or impression)!

Was that the intention?[/quote]Indeed, Carole. Hammers, nails and all that sort of thing!

I can still hear a faint whooshing sound, even now...... whoooooooooooooooooooshhh...
:laughs:

Left to our own devices (or should that be vices?) we somehow always manage to have a laugh in the end.

PS. Nice track Sally - if you know what I mean!

Great album too J+C. Treat yourself to a copy if you haven't got it already.

[quote=Nardini;99253]Hammers, nails and all that sort of thing!

[/quote]

I feel another nice youtube clip coming on! Up to you youtube finders to trawl up some semi-ancient song for me to enjoy. :smile:

[ame=http://it.youtube.com/watch?v=bSZHT2XvoLM]YouTube - Fleetwood Mac Albatross[/ame]

[ame=http://it.youtube.com/watch?v=oyTO5vcFWuw]YouTube - if i had a hammer - trini lopez[/ame]

Lordy! Sally, your taste in music is improving - slightly! Chi e' tuo maestro? :laughs:

Hi all,
I know my decision provoked many perplexity and confusion. It was predictable and I did it on the purpose of observing your reactions. I think that the way you learn more about someone is when you provoke him.
hope you will be satisfied by the post I put in the section "Explanations about closed thread" and I do hope you will read it carefully before giving impulsively answers.

[quote=Cristiana;99335]Hi all,
I know my decision provoked many perplexity and confusion. It was predictable and I did it on the purpose of observing your reactions. I think that the way you learn more about someone is when you provoke him.
hope you will be satisfied by the post I put in the section "Explanations about closed thread" and I do hope you will read it carefully before giving impulsively answers.[/quote]

Che furba....

I would sound to you quite "odd" from me, but I thank you for all your videos and songs and photos that enrich the Forum.
I consider them as a taste of U.K. culture and I will reply with Italian tastes..

[quote=Carole B;99234]The silence from certain quarters on this question is overwhelming isn't it (?)...

I am so disappointed that the membership here is not considered worthy of at least an explanation of this decision. Perhaps we are just an interruption to their busy lives. I thought we were a little more important to Italy Magazine than this![/quote]

Are you sure of what you are saying..just pay attention to my posts please, instead of constantly attack me. I thought you were more reasonable Carole B, maybe I was wrong...

[quote=Cristiana;99344]Are you sure of what you are saying..just pay attention to my posts please, instead of constantly attack me. I thought you were more reasonable Carole B, maybe I was wrong...[/quote]
Calma, Cristiana, calma!

You have to bear in mind that:

1. most people on here are English

2. YOU are the new kid on the block and, after such a long period of administrative silence, are using a bit too much muscle to start off with.

3. It is easy to misinterpret people's intentions when they are speaking a language that is not your own "mother tongue".

4. You might do well to spend a bit of time going back over past situations here as well, to help understand some of the things you are now witnessing for the first time.

5. If you have a problem with understanding anything here, there are quite a few reasonably competent Italian speakers hidden away that would be more than happy to help you, privately, should you feel the need.

Now, don't get me wrong Cristiana. I may be a hundred and fifty years older than you (most days), but I don't mean to be too patronising.

Isn't it time that the this sniping stopped [and please don't start up on what is meant by sniping]

The subject has been aired to death.

Christiana is new to the system, and didn't deal with a problem [please - no discussion on what is or isn't a problem either] in the way that the [mainly British] old stagers expected it to be dealt with.

We need to accept that it takes time to learn the 'unwritten rules' of this forum - she is well aware of the interest her responses have created, and I'm sure that she [and hopefully us as well] will learn from the experience.

Can we please drop it now?

[and please don't respond to my posting - it doesn't really need [or deserve] to cause more postings on what is in essence a dead subject.]

[QUOTE=Cristiana;99335] I think that the way you learn more about someone is when you provoke him.QUOTE]

Hi Cristiana
What a strange quote.........
So would you show a bull a red rag, kick a rabid dog,poke a hornest nest.

Maybe little of you will understand the reference with this song of Vasco Rossi:

[ame="http://it.youtube.com/watch?v=Fc0K2jrDZP0"]YouTube - Un Senso[/ame]

I help you, the main concept of this lyrics is:" I want to find the sense of this evening, even if this evening is without a sense" I think that even if it hasn't a sense..tomorrow will arrive as well!!!

Bye Bye. It's all for today.
Cristiana

Cristiana

After a year or so on this forum, and some warm dealings with Ronald I am very disappointed in the way that you have managed the current discord. Yes, it is still current when feelings have not cooled, even if you think it has 'died'.

I have found that most people - most of the time are reasonable but you appear set on inflaming the situation, when, IMO you should, as a Princeps Senatus have a more 'stateswoman' view not that of a bully in the playground who goes around 'provoking others' for no good reason other than their own amusement!

So Bye Bye, It's all for today!

Sorry, Alan h, but the fact that Cristiana had to come back 'provoked me'

Perhaps Cristiana's methods are simply part of her southern Italian character and she may never understand why English Forum members expect her (Princeps Cenatus), to play by the rules?

Brought up by an English father and an Italian mother after WW2, the war continued in our house until one of them died. I hope by now the two nationalities can live very happily together but those members with partners from either country will be well aware that it is not only the language that is hard to learn.

re. the original thread: it was clear that the OP was either:

(a) badly informed, under prepared, very frustrated and a poor communicator OR
(b) a "wind up" merchant

some of those who posted on the thread decided on (b) ... albeit after several attempts to 'help' (even though these attempts kept misconstruing the fairly obvious meaning that Paulnewman used for 'reg docs'. Others clearly began to support that stance, judging by grazie's, stylistic parodies and direct referencs to 'wind ups'.

If he is indeed (a) and gets treated as (b) in public, then once his actual misconceptions/factual errors have been set straight in writing, it's really just pulling the wings off a fly to continue. In those circumstances I'm entirely unsurprised that IM admin locked the thread when the aspersions on the guy's authenticity continued to be cast with no real evidence, other than (presumably) gut feel and his rather befuddled input.

I've never been a fan of IM's admin/moderation policies, but I know what they are and I now usually keep my trap shut because anything remotely contentious will get moderated eventually. In this case, it couldn't be more clear that they would step in if they were following the thread, given the increasing ridicule the guy was getting - unless they happened to know that (b) was in fact true.

Maybe the 'stepping in' could have been handled (much) better, but don't lose sight of the root cause while you are all saddling up your high horses.

If the OP is simply a wind up merchant (which I very much doubt) then the smart thing to do would have been to ignore him once you'd spotted it (after countering any misinformation), rather than rising to his bait.

I'm glad you posted Pigro - you've saved my backside! :yes:

I had just finished typing up something similar - but in my usual more direct and very undiplomatic way - then I saw that you had beaten me to it and thought "Phew! It's just tomorrows fish and chip wrappers".:bigergrin:

niente ... 1st time I've been accused of involvement with a bloke's backside on the internet, but hey, its all good ;o)

You can thank sally for the heads up..............THE THREADS BACK UP ...........im off down the pub ..............................

Wait for me Ricky. Might need a coat!!! lol

About time you got a round in Sal! Mines a double and Pigros is a pint, then tell Tricky Ricky to get off my stool and put a quid on the pool table. :bigergrin:

only if its winner stays on ........

[quote=Noble;99360]Perhaps Cristiana's methods are simply part of her southern Italian character and she may never understand why English Forum members expect her (Princeps Cenatus), to play by the rules?

Brought up by an English father and an Italian mother after WW2, the war continued in our house until one of them died. I hope by now the two nationalities can live very happily together but those members with partners from either country will be well aware that it is not only the language that is hard to learn.[/quote]

My [I]sicilian[/I] origins - you meant that Noble - won't be an obstacle to the correct control of the Forums. I acted like that because I know that a moderation by PM wouldn't have been taken into consideration. Everyone said whatever without caring about the topic of the thread - why nobody talks about that?!
I don't want that new users read such useless conversations. So I hope in the future won't read it anymore.
Of course I lack of experience, but you know the Italian proverb:"sbagliando s'impara" - you learn by your mistakes!

Trust in me and in my work. Not look at my origins...
ah, a characteristic of mine - neither of Italians nor Sicilians - is not to judge by appearance, and no matter nationality, religion, sex and whatever could constitute a prejudice.

Cristiana

Aretina,
maybe you, and some other, didn't care about the content of the thread.
Please read it carefully, as well as my explanations.

Cristiana

With respect, you missed my meaning when I addressed you in my post yesterday.
You should be above ill-measured comments and attempts to score points.

I do not need your advice to read something carefully, as a MA in education, I can!