Gran Alacant Forum
Gran Alacant Forum => General Discussions => Topic started by: John H on January 18, 2018, 12:56.
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For three years I have tried to help others by answering their questions and queries on this forum and have tried to generate interest and discussion by creating new posts. I have also done my best to moderate the forum to keep in lines with the rules we set.
Last night I received a message from a member, who quoted other members names, saying that I "looked with distaste" at other members who did not post regularly and that I was part of the "old boys/girls" who seemed to rule the forum, I could go on, but apparently this behaviour is the reason why people don't want to post on this forum for fear of being "ridiculed".
My initial reaction was to say "grow a pair", because in all honesty this reaction is one that has taken me completely by surprise and I will add if members conduct on this forum does dictate if you contribute or not you do indeed need to grow a pair, in my opinion it is a well mannered well run forum, although I would say that wouldn't I!!
In the hope of breathing some new life and increased participation in the forum I have decided to no longer post on the forum in the hope that those who feel unable to post will now do so.
Best wishes and regards all
John
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John
It would be interesting to know the name of the member who has now caused perhaps the most helpful and can I say one of the most informed people who have posted on this forum over the years.
Yes, I have been a member for over 10 years and rarely post. Nevertheless John has personally advised me about the refurbishment of a kitchen, advice which led to work beIng carried out.
Come on people, get behind John and try to get him to change his mind. Do not let small minded stirers win. if John goes others will surely follow
Peter
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For three years I have tried to help others by answering their questions and queries on this forum and have tried to generate interest and discussion by creating new posts. I have also done my best to moderate the forum to keep in lines with the rules we set.
Last night I received a message from a member, who quoted other members names, saying that I "looked with distaste" at other members who did not post regularly and that I was part of the "old boys/girls" who seemed to rule the forum, I could go on, but apparently this behaviour is the reason why people don't want to post on this forum for fear of being "ridiculed".
My initial reaction was to say "grow a pair", because in all honesty this reaction is one that has taken me completely by surprise and I will add if members conduct on this forum does dictate if you contribute or not you do indeed need to grow a pair, in my opinion it is a well mannered well run forum, although I would say that wouldn't I!!
In the hope of breathing some new life and increased participation in the forum I have decided to no longer post on the forum in the hope that those who feel unable to post will now do so.
Best wishes and regards all
John
We will just have to share our knowledge personally John. And sod em
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This is such a shame to read as you are probably person that keeps this actually going with regular posts so can only see this forum going one way !
I have found this forum a great (probably only real way) of finding out whats currently going on over in GA.
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I absolutely hate it when people verbally attack someone, quoting other people’s support as validation for being abusive!!! Whoever it was that contacted John, should do the right thing and declare who they are and who the so-called supporters are. To my knowledge I have never met John, but through the forum have found him to be very helpful to each and everyone of us. It is this awful behaviour that stops people from being involved in the forum, and not John, and so an apology to him I think is called for.
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Agree totally with both posts. Have been to some great restaurants thanks to Johns recommendations. I have been using the forum from back in the day (14 years) and it could get really aggressive so I think Johns input as moderator is much needed. We already lost Luton in the same way and I always thought him very helpful - maybe I dont take it seriously enough!!!
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So, the author of the note should man (or woman) up and get on here for a fair debate. This is daft, if there is ever a need for a great forum with the changes that might come to us in the coming years (Brexit, health and pension services) and the continued evolution of the Gran Alacant - its now !
Haven’t met John personally myself but if Johns being criticised for his contribution style then I am also in the wrong camp - what do you want ? Mepossum back ?
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Totally agree with the other posts John has been a mine of useful information over the years and will be a sad loss to the forum
Whoever you are sent him that message own up go public
John please reconsider don’t let trolls win
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I have found the forum to be very helpful over the years, although like some others I don't contribute too much.
It would be a big loss if John did leave, hopefully he will change his mind.
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Always value John's restaurant reviews for starters, and hope he changes his mind!
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I also hope John changes his mind,always very helpful with his knowledge.
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I've never met John either, but I'm part of the long queue of people who have benefited immensely over an extended period of time from his knowledge of Spain in general and GA in particular. The job of a moderator is a thankless task, but John does it well and has kept this forum going when many of us have been slow to post and that has hugely benefited irregular contributors like myself. Don't stop posting John - whoever approached you yesterday does not represent all of us!
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Hi. I left this forum two years ago because of an attempt by John to limit (censor) views that did not correspond with his. I often have looked at what members had posted since I left. I noticed with some amusement that other long standing members also left for similar reasons. Like Barry and Victor. In my view all posts should be made within the rules but during debate different views will emerge. I wonder if this is reverse physiology at work. For example you were really great please don't go. It will be interesting if this post is allow to stand I do hope so.
Derek
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Hi John please stayyou are a mine of information,I have used some of it you will be missed by many people.
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Thanks John for all your input over the years. I feel the same ... to keep this Forum going under these circumstances is a bit soul destroying. What most people don't understand is that it has cost me personally a lot of money to keep it going and if I have to close it then so be it. I would love to keep it going but I think the end is nigh !
Les Bounds. (Admin)
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John, it would be a sad loss if you where to leave. You do keep this forum alive. I hope after reading the support you have got on this thread, you will reconsider. Les, thanks for all you do and I hope you both can get this to work for you somehow.
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Have to agree with all the comments that have been made
Without divulging the name of the person a comment was aimed at me because I put a post on regarding some drink I had for sale
Since I have owned a property in Spain these forums which have always been an informative way of gaining information but have been regularly spoiled by certain individuals
Let’s hope this can be resolved
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Hi. I left this forum two years ago because of an attempt by John to limit (censor) views that did not correspond with his. I often have looked at what members had posted since I left. I noticed with some amusement that other long standing members also left for similar reasons. Like Barry and Victor. In my view all posts should be made within the rules but during debate different views will emerge. I wonder if this is reverse physiology at work. For example you were really great please don't go. It will be interesting if this post is allow to stand I do hope so.
Derek
This forum would be a better place if you made as many interesting posts as John, much better than sniping from the sidelines. Don't stop posting John!
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Unfortunately there are those who love being helpful and there are those who are not happy unless they are upsetting people, why ? because it makes them feel important. We have all met someone just like it at some time. Thanks for all the help John, you really don’t need the hassle of some some sad, pathetic miserable old sods who have nothing better to do with their lives than whinge. Take care mate.
Graham
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John, as the others have said I think you should reconsider and not let this get to you. Personally, I have never thought that you were "looking with distaste" at any member on here, at times you have censured postings, yes, in order to keep the forum within the rules the principal one of which, IIRC, is "rhetoric with respect". There have been occasions in the past where some members have forgotten this and have needed reminding, such is the job of moderation.
As regards posting, I for one am not a regular contributor, if I have something to ask or a point to make I will do so, if I can help by responding to another's question I will do so, but I don't usually get involved in chit chat and i am sure there are many others like me - but that does not mean that we are not interested in the forum nor want it to continue. On the contrary, I find it an invaluable resource and always have, even in the days of all the fighting and rows that used to take place regularly between the keyboard warriors, most of whom are now long gone.
Considering the positive support you have received above, ask yourself what the majority view is here - I think you already know the answer.
Michael.
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Dont panic Mr Mannering im not coming back,but having been made aware of Mr Hs recent post i felt an urge to see what ive been missing. The stats dont lie John underpins the forum, over 15 years he has provided quality and quantity. What the forum does lack is discussion and opinions, most new threads fizzle out rapidly, the forum being just a reference library with John being the librarian. Someone joins,asks a question gets an answer then dissapears into the sunset, never to be heard from again. The issue as i see it is the large amount of armchair voyeurs who stifle debate because they dont agree with something posted. Last year i was even threatened with violence if i didnt say something positive about a local venue. These voyeurs, many of which have posted "please John dont leave " need to up there game and get involved instead of piggybacking others good efforts.
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It´s evident from the responses to your post that the vast majority of members respect and appreciate all the hard work you have put in to make the forum the success it is. So many of us have benefited from your contributions you have made, and we can only admire the patience you have shown to those few malcontents who would seek to subvert the principles that underlie the forum.
Please reconsider your decision, so that we may all continue to benefit from your experience and good sense.
Bert
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Hi John
I do think that the private mail I sent you last night about the issues raised and comments passed by you & others in relation to my posts have made recently unfortunately caused you to say Adios, I did not want YOU to take this action, and I am very disappointed that you have chosen to take this decision. Your input on many social, and leisure issues of hotels, traveling and restaurants both local as well as far off, your advise in travelling as well offers of discount on ferries and hotels, to which I have utilised.
I feel that my limited but never less ( in my opinion) hopefully helpful contributions to the benifit of all who live and visit GA, and recently much of the input from other members has been to sarcasm correcting my spelling mistakes and the such like, in the middle of last year as commented on by members it was felt that forum was a little stale, I posted to try and get movement but this did not work for reasons unknown, but it seems that my PRIVATE ( but comments in public forum indicate that some have been shared) mail to John last night has certainly got us ALL posting, so that has worked but not wanting anyone to say Bye bye adios.
As a last comment I am willing to meet you John to hopefully change your mind on saying Adios.
I will put my name below as I will not Hide behind Phenomes like other.
Jim Roberts
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Don't leave John, utter rubbish from some idiot, your posts have always been helpful and well meant.
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Idiot strong word
I have put my name on post
you have not
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The phrase I recently encountered was "snowflake generation" and the post that has precipitated this thread would appear to fit that description. Often us oldies use such expressions as the"Dunkirk spirit" and I despair for the future of our country if we don't show a bit more backbone. Whilst online stalking and orchestrated bullying is to be deprecated, that has not been in evidence on this Forum and IMHO the post received by John is totally unjustified.
Those that choose to criticise moderators/administrators from the sidelines are often those who are reluctant to show any commitment by offering to do the job themselves.
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Jdr needs to check the definition of "Phenomes".
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If you look back through the posts, the times there has been problems are when a perfectly innocent thread has been turned personal and it seems to be the same people who do it every time because they love a bit of conflict. The post then becomes totally irrelevant to what the original poster said. Perhaps some could define exactly what the GA Forum is for ie,is it a forum to give out help and hints to people who live here or for people wanting to holiday here or is it a chat room for people to have a dig at one or other.
Graham
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I have contributed to this site for many years starting with the original site produced by Hans and its two or three successors. Since we only visit GA a couple of times a year, very often we don't have any up-to-date information to impart.
Originally there were many houses/urbs being built and many people needing help finding useful businesses and also needing reassurance that their problems with officialdom and unreliable agents and builders were not unique. We were extremely grateful for this and the knowlege that we were not alone.
Now that GA is in a more stable and settled state, this has become less of a problem and maybe this is the reason for the lack of posts. Also social media such as Twitter and Facebook are extensively used and maybe are replacing forums such as this one. Not being a member of any, I don't know.
There has always been a small amount of bickering. This is common with many forums. We always stuck to the mantra "Don't feed the troll".
I am sad that John Hannon has decided to call it a day. He has been a regular and very useful contributer to the GA forums. I especially remember the 'Tesco Value Valentine Card' - very amusing. Some years ago he invited forum members to join him in the Sunset bar. Only we and Mark Etheridge turned up. It was nevertheless an interesting and enlightening meeting.
Good luck and best wishes John. You will be very much missed.
Admin:
Many web sites have a facility whereby one can donate to the running costs of the site.
If there was a button on this site to enable this, I would gladly contribute.
How about it Les?
Keith
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Hi John,
You have always been a wealth of valuable information on the forum, which you deliver in a polite manner with plenty of amusing posts also.
In many ways, you are the embodiment of GA and of the forum (no disrespect to the others working away in the background of the forum also)
For those of us still working and visiting GA a number of times each year, I can safely say that many of us look to you and aspire to be where you are now.
You are very helpful to all who ask and I hope you continue to do so long into the future.
The place will certainly not be the same without you and I sincerely hope you return.
Best wishes,
Brandon
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Thats a shame Keith and Jen, I would defo have come along to a meeting in the Sunset bar. I must not have been in GA at the time. It would be nice to put faces to names, say hello if in same bars. I met Luton and the AHV guys a few years ago.
Come on John you must be reading all these comments - what do you think???
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Admin:
Many web sites have a facility whereby one can donate to the running costs of the site.
If there was a button on this site to enable this, I would gladly contribute.
How about it Les?
Keith
Thanks Keith & Jen,
I have delibertely tried to avoid asking for donations as I fear that this would put a lot of people off but thankyou very much for your consideration. I want to keep this site alive as best I can, let's just see how things pan out. Regards to all.
Les.
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I'm humbled and somewhat surprised to read these comments, its obvious that there is still a lot of passion out there in wanting this forum to continue.
I can only see one negative comment that I would like to reply to, that stating that I "limit (censor) views that did not correspond with his", I have never done this, there are lots of views I don't agree with but I have never censored them. I have reminded members of forum rules and I have deleted posts that have fallen foul of forum rules, period.
I also noted a post asking what the purpose of the forum is, I quote from the forum rules;
GAsbags.
We want to make GAsbags as enjoyable as possible for the majority of our members and become a great resource for information on this part of Spain that we all share a love of. We of course need rules to help keep things running smoothly and protect our broad range of users. Here are a few key pointers to take into account when using the Forum. We have also adopted some simple posting guidelines to help you which can be viewed on the Site Admin section of the Forum.
Basically the most important thing to remember is to be kind and respectful to each other.
This is a privately owned site. Posting is a privilege, not a right. Any inappropriate posts or any issues that take up a disproportionate amount of site resources or make it a worse place to be will be stopped at our discretion - with or without explanation. This isn’t a “freedom of speech site” or a site to debate issues that have no relevance to Gran Alacant.
Respect is the name of the game. Do not flame, hound, badger, disrespect, or taunt anyone on the forums. If we feel a thread is getting out of hand we will close it or delete it.
Any member not paying respect to other members or the rules of the Forum will have their membership terminated.
We moderate the forum based on the above.
Yes, I'm back, with the comments made I couldnt say no!!
Regards all
John
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Just wanted to say two words John .... Welcome back :-*
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Hi. Did I not say exactly this in both my posts. Yes John you are fantastic just let me know next time the dummy comes out your pram. Derek
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Thank you John don’t listen to trolls welcome back
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Hi. Did I not say exactly this in both my posts. Yes John you are fantastic just let me know next time the dummy comes out your pram. Unbelievable child like behaviour. Derek
You are doing some lurking Derek.
Talking about prams and dummies, you threw yours out three years ago in the first few weeks of the forums existence when I refused to let you post about UK politics, you demanded that we terminated your membership, despite us asking you to stay and abide by forum rules, you then ran to the old plaza and had a go about me and GASbags.
Regards all
John
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Derek: 3 posts
John H: 1714 posts.
Difficult to decide who contributes more to the forum, isn´t it?
Bert
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As someone who has posted in the past and will continue to do so I was going to say don't go but am glad as i read down the messages of support that you are not leaving and have decided to stay, good, not sure if this forum would have continued were it not for your support and input and also that of others like you, I have always found you to be a voice of reason.
Hazel
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Hi John
So pleased you are not saying Adios.
look forward to your future posts
Mushte
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Thank you John for staying.
Personally I am only interested in the GA area and all aspects of what is happening around there,
If an individual wants to talk politics, dig at a poster, or, get a perverted enjoyment from stirring it, then let them do it elsewhere
Let’s hope we can now get back on track and use the forum for what it was originally intended.
Peter
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Dear John
Forget that FOOL ::)
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keep up the good work :)
All others enjoy all the good info and nice stuff you spread ;D ;D
Thanks alot
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i can honestly say i don't notice the name of the poster on the left side of the thread, if it is of interest i read it and reply if i need. In other words i have no idea who posts the most threads so take no notice of the moaners.
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I have always found you fair John and well informed the majority of members DO NOT WANT YOU TO DISSAPPEAR so STAY
Allison
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John..
Jim and I have always found you quotes/ information very helpful and you leaving the forum will be a loss.
Ignore stupid people.
Sue