The Black Keys Fan Lounge Forum

Hey folks.

Something’s been bothering me and I just can’t be silent about it any longer. I know that many of us, myself included, get goofy and fuck around on here; sometimes we're probably even inappropriate in the eyes of many. Still I don't think we cross a certain line. I can only speak for myself , but I do know that it is demonstrated in the private interactions I have with others from this forum, that I am not totally alone in my feelings about the negativity here lately.

In light of the whole “Dan-and-Pat-probably-look-in-here-and-we’re-an-embarrassment-to-them-as-fans” thing, you would think that we would not turn around and ensure that being an embarrassment occurs in epic proportion. Not because Dan and Pat might peek here someday if they are bored and not because anyone is trying to be anything artificial in order to somehow “impress” them or “earn/keep” imagined favor with them; but because I think the majority of us here are adults who love music in general and The Black Keys in particular and we know that the purpose of TBK Fan Lounge is not to pucker up in the hopes of being invited to Dan or Pat’s Christmas dinner table. Most of us like coming here and interacting with each other, sharing information, and hanging out otherwise why would we spend large quantities of our time here?

Exchanging opinions, having disagreements, and going off-topic as often as we do is fine as most of us seem to keep our heads about us. What I am speaking of is a level of cruelty, thoughtlessness, and frankly, disgusting interaction that all seem to be deliberately acted out on the stage of TBK Fan Lounge solely to wound and be wounded. If these are real feelings and disagreements that these individuals needed/wanted to discuss each with the other, then why do it publically? Unless that is the precise intention. Take it off the forum and whack away at each other in private.

Abusers like this usually only derive pleasure from abuse and debasement when they have an audience.

A lot is said and done in humor - I get that – and usually the people involved know that and are cool with it or if there is a misunderstanding and someone crosses a line unintentionally, they are big enough to own the faux pas and apologize either publically or privately.

“The Trolls” – what can we do about them? If the forum is here, they will be and I think we all pretty much handle that well too.

In summary, this latest batch of word warring and one-upmanship is becoming not just distasteful and embarrassing, but it is downright offensive and is causing people who love to be here to stay away; to consider leaving entirely. I am not suggesting that everyone has to be BFF’s or any such nonsense but you know, if you want to engage verbal abuse (at best) / “sadomasochistic” word wars (at worst), could you take it off line and do it in private?

Thanks and Happy Holidays.

@capri.. +100.. Well said, my friend!
@dusty.. The pimp-hand is strong, dude. Use it!

Apparently we can be self moderated? By common sense!

and if not just get your big balls out and shoot from the hip like I did!

http://www.facebook.com/rosskeegan
http://soundcloud.com/keegan-ross-1 - Check me out

You Evil: Thanks for posting this. I strongly agree with your comments re: competition and re: the false security (or should I say, the lack of accountability?) that the internet can foster.

I do hope you'll be able to participate more often. I enjoy reading your posts. Thanks again.

I like jack. He's an honest dude. And he can think straight when the time prevails. That is all.

That I can be bothered articulating whilst I'm drunk.

tough tits.

Mirby comes off too strong and I think he got the point that he should take a step back (and he did), but I felt like he got picked on a little too much.

He's an ass but that makes us no greater by engaging in retaliation. Don't feed the trolls applies to regular members too. If someone goes off their rocker/picks a fight, then ignore it or simply tell them to be cool. (i did enjoy reading the bickering between lumber and mirbs though, some of that shit was comedy)

fuck it, it's friday

Magic: You are something else. I have no idea why but when I read your post here, I instantly saw those old "I Like Ike," pins from the 50's and I got to giggling. Perhaps, like your alcohol, and Mr. LumberJack's British wit; I have to chalk it up to my coffee.

Rufus: "Tough Tits" - *wince* Oh, that's a drag! Dude, try Bag Balm! You're a hoot too.

Mr. LumberJack: I do apologize for my curt response. I have neither Magic's Big Balls nor your obvious intellect and wit; I'm simply not fit to enter the arena with either of you but I am brave enough (or dumb enough) to admit and avoid it. Instead, I simply turned down your generous invitation to share thoughts and bid you adieu. I have always been partial to Quint's little number there. Brings me joy. Probably I was just PMS-ing and have penis envy. Still, I have nothing of value to add to the conversation so I will politely decline this time around.

To all/no one specific: Just for the record (especially since it's permanent ), I wasn't saying I "didn't like" anyone; I don't know anyone here well enough to seriously assess my feelings for them one way or the other and I am still far too old school and just barely smart enough to realize that the majority of people throw around the word "friend" loosely and easily. I have no illusions about bonds here or lack thereof. But Gods! We do have fun at times! And I do so enjoy you lunatics - all of you - equally. Thank you for that.

Everyone is important and adds their own special flavor to TBK Fan Lounge Soup, right? Sometimes I just need an antacid.

capricorn2972 - 4 days ago  » 
You Evil: Thanks for posting this. I strongly agree with your comments re: competition and re: the false security (or should I say, the lack of accountability?) that the internet can foster.
I do hope you'll be able to participate more often. I enjoy reading your posts. Thanks again.

Thanks Capri, I enjoy being part of the conversation. There just seems to be kind of an ebb and flow to the conversation, sometimes it's worth getting into and sometimes it's not.

Even when I don't post, a lot of you are wicked funny. Rufus, magic, lumberjack, and many others provide a lot of good one-liners. And Hokes, let us not forget Hokes and his wish for harmony...