Luka and Peter,
You are both quite welcome here. The commonality issues to which I was referring in this forum are littered with misunderstandings. This is true too of this current heated discussion.
We are often more offended by what we feel to be injustices to others that we love, respect or both than when offended ourselves.
In the matter of the recent dispute I do not take neutral ground easily but have to admit that I have found the whole matter to be more than confusing. Strangely I am pleased to see spirit in our young friend. This goes beyond the "backslapping" environment and shows the other aspects of human nature, a fire in the belly which I'm sure Peter will understand.
I am sure that my direct involvement in this matter would only inflame things. I understand, but, without condoning, both sides attitude. This not friend seeking flattery either.
When dealing with people of differing faiths, first language and different traditions there are always misunderstandings for many reasons. I know that to be the case here, but cannot go as far as to disect the whole matter. My natural position is that of mediator, but, in this case I feel that it would very much prolong a damaging situation. I don't feel that I can even ask both sides to agree to differ.
Adland has become a new land. A land populated by new business seeking individuals whose voice is lost because they fail to enter a community spirit beyond their immediate agenda. We have others who just want the old community back, warts and all. There are those who viewed Adland purely a social club, and why not? There are others here, as in the real world, who represent a tough redneck opinion and why not? What we mostly forget is there is room for all. The tough outsider may be just the person to come to the rescue of the feeble just when their back is finally against the wall.
Through all of the smoke I see clear sky but also many hands groping in the dark.
I can actually see points of commonalty here but it would not serve well to clarify.
Personal attacks always divide. Pride is also a devisive animal as it can be a jusifiable reward or a barrier to understanding.
I can say with honesty that I have made VERY CLOSE personal ties in Adland which go far beyond the backslapping and I'm proud to say this frequently in public, but, confess to not sharing the "Let's party" thing, however, I do like some fun, some stupidity, some business and some deeper discussion.
When Adland started it was a beacon in a world of pretty sub-standard online communities. I commend Bogdan for his foresight, however, the changes that took place, although designed to put Adland back with the newer technology communities, forced change. Where at one time folk would have drifted back, sad at the loss, many were already membersof other forums/blogs and decided not to bother. This has resulted in a different atmosphere and has meant that those keen to keep GENERAL discussion going, like myself, are seen to be populating a few forums where the same few post.
You may recall that I was keen to restart the photo competion forum but was not able to find a fair system that satisfied all. I might have been trusted 100% until one day by making a mistake I found myself under fire.
I am not saying that is what has happened recently or not, but when the perfect system has not been found to eliminate dispute then these things will happen.
What I do know is that people get hurt in the crossfire and that's the bit I find sad and unacceptable.
Roger