... when, after ploughing (plowing if you prefer) through three pages of vitriolic but fascinating exchanges, you find that the subject has been closed.

No warning when you start reading the diatribes and sometimes reasonable responses that no more will be tolerated. It is only after an hour or so of diligent reading and scrolling that you discover that your perseverance was totally in vain : you cannot post a response because the thread has already catered for its ultimate poster.

All the thoughts you have been assembling in the old subconscious are suddenly redundant. The brilliant ripostes (in your humble opinion) you had devised for what you had thought to be a sensible, caring response now mean nothing. Randy has closed the thread.

Is there life after that?

Well, you can't say you didn't have enough warning. There's that little red "locked" icon sitting right next to the title of the thread, then the "Thread Locked" logo at the top of each page...

(It's okay, I was going to post a reply, too, before I noticed that it was locked.)

In this particular case, though, there are about eight other threads with extremely similar content. You could always post your thoughts there.

I hate it as well. I've seen a few really interesting topics get carried away by members who just can't seem to keep their tongue in their cheek. As for the chuckles and the laughter - they're still there. But we are no longer laughing at the amusement of the posts and the topics, we're laughing at those that chose to ruin the post we had hoped would continue to the point where we may also contribute a comment or opinion. Yes, it really is unique how some members love to be laughed at - not with.

There's one person it's always important to laugh at -- yourself. It's a better man who can see his own weaknesses.

(and Lord knows, I've got plenty of them!)

Indeed, but luckily for you, FlyerTalk endevours to support all it's patrons. Let me help by pointing out that frankly, you have bed hair all the time. And it's not a good look for you.

Regards and Kindest Wishes,
-Bouncer-
PS: :P phbth!!!!!!
PPS:

Randy, please suspend Bouncer's account. In my opinion, he's being hairist. In fact, it's the worst type of hairism, not the sort that picks on self-inflicted bad cuts or occasional bad hair days, but the kind that picks on the pervasive, ever-present bed-head.

I'll argue to the death that my bed-head is a case of nature, not nurture. My hair has a right to free expression, and I count on the Flyertalk MOOderators to suppress this blatant hairism. We're cownting on you to set an appropriate example. Herd up these bigots and put them out to pasture!

(At least Bouncer didn't pick on me for my Little Rascals cow-lick)

...uh oh...it's all starting again...What a cowtastrophe

Volunteer Mooderator FewMiles swoops into the rescue. Bouncer is hereby given a stern warning that hairism is a violation of the FlyerTalk terms of service and further transgretions will result in bovine stampedes.

"Mooderator" FewMiles..

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Matthew, Bad hair is a real problem, and degenerative chronic bed-head is even worse.

But there are some highly effective products on the market to combat this malady.

Have you considered a good hair moooooose?

Well, at least Matthew and Randy addressed the subject.

Bouncer : Would you mind going away for, say, twenty years, and popping back at the age of 23? Good boy.

That would make Bouncer, what, 3 years old now? I'm impressed at the level of contributions from this 3 year old. A mere toddler that can make friendly and informative posts is quite welcome here, thank you very much.

FewMiles..

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Well, the last thing I would want to do is upset FewMiles, whose incomparable contributions to FFism I applaud in toto.

Do you think, FM, that Bouncer meant to write :"endeavours", rather than "endevours", and "bad hair" rather than "bed hair" ?? Even if he or she did, could you please translate his/her paragraph into understandable English? Please?

I really wasn't being nasty in suggesting that Bouncer was about 3; I just cannot understand what this person was trying to say. The prose reminded me of my children's command of English at age 3 or thereabouts, 25 years ago.

There are no real sentences in Bouncer's effort, just a flow of unconnected and meaningless phrases..

As you seem to understand the person(?), would you mind translating his or her contribution, which is, at present, rubbish?

Esteemed brianf:

FewMiles the user is not upset, only confused at your seemingly incessant desire to remind us of our imperfect spelling and grammar in the shadow of your highly refined skills in this area.  Indeed, "endeavours" was misspelt, but "bed hair" was quite deliberate, I believe.  I do not profess to understand everything, least of all strange posts from the likes of MatthewClement and Bouncer, but do you think they understand?

If you believe Bouncer's contribution is rubbish and hence adds nothing of value to this discussion, that is of course your right, but consider this: does your response add anything of value here?  Sometimes people just like to have a little fun here - I really wish you could join in the jovial banter, but alas, you persist in displaying your unfriendliness.

FewMiles..

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Upon further reflection, FewMiles the volunteer moderator thinks the tone of this thread is starting to sour and recommends the participants FewMiles and brianf go elsewhere because they can't seem to play nicely here.

It would be sadly ironic if I had to recommend that this thread be closed.

"Mooderator" FewMiles..

[This message has been edited by FewMiles (edited 12-10-2001).]

One day, grasshopper, you too shall have the wisdom and insight to understand the wise words that MatthewClement and Bouncer utter. Until then, just revel in the mysteries of their ways...

...and count yourself lucky! It's true what they say -- sometimes ignorance is bliss.


[This message has been edited by MatthewClement (edited 12-10-2001).]