Dropping the ball.

[spetsnazdave87]

Right, first off this isn't a complaint about my 24 hour ban and infractions.

I accept I broke the rules, and that's fair enough.

However, I have to comment that the mod team seriously dropped the ball with the 'nazi thread' yesterday.

The kid didn't really have any aim in putting it up beyond asking why his local site had a problem with german/SS uniform.

That was very quickly explained, but the thread dragged on. It soon became clear that plenty of users had a problem with the idea of an SS loadout, and while I don't have an issue with people wearing SS loadouts at a dedicated event such as a WW2 weekender or similar, I don't think it's either appropriate or smart to do it at a regular skirmish day.

It soon became pretty obvious he was trolling and prolonging the thread for attention seeking purposes, and I'm afraid that after watching the idiot completely ignore everyone who was offended by the idea of him doing an SS loadout, and then criticise the idea of doing a Japanese loadout on the grounds of 'them doing bad stuff to British soliders', I lost my temper.

This isn't really meant as a rant, but to be honest when a topic as sensitive and inflammatory as that lasts as long as it does, someone's dropped the ball. It was fair enough, it stayed at a debate level for a while then escalated quickly, but it was always going to escalate.

I didn't even have a problem with him wearing the SS kit in the first place but his incredibly crass insensitivity and stupidity wore me down and I had a go at him. As it happens, I stand by my remarks.

This isn't a personal attack on any of the mods, I don't have a problem with my ban or infractions, I just think the mods should have dealt with that thread before someone (in this case, me) lost their temper.

If this could be taken on board constructively I'd appreciate it thanks for reading.

[Fizzy]

Re: Dropping the ball.

When it did start getting out of hand, did anyone report it though?

[spetsnazdave87]

Re: Dropping the ball.

Probably should have reported it when it passed the point of being constructive tbh. So about after half a page.

[Fizzy]

Re: Dropping the ball.

Indeed. No idea if it was, but I guess only the mods can tell us that and they can't be expected to monitor every thread

Not sure if that guy was actually trolling, ignorant or just plain stupid tbh

[spetsnazdave87]

Re: Dropping the ball.

By his comments about the Japanese, I think it was a combination of all three.

[B.E.N.]

Re: Dropping the ball.

I just bailed out of that thread... Made my point and moved on, for once...

[samus3366]

Re: Dropping the ball.

As soon as i saw the thread posted i knew it was going to get out of hand and go the way of the last SS related thread..... in my opinion the mods should make a point on the rules to not post anymore threads relating to the SS and their insignias as it is unfortunatley going to insult people! If not the same thing is going to happen again and get the wrong people infractions or banned!

[spetsnazdave87]

Re: Dropping the ball.

I just bailed out of that thread... Made my point and moved on, for once...

I should have done the same. Thing is insignia issues really don't bother me, but I know they offend others. The guy was just either a spectacularly insensitive muppet or was just really enjoying the attention.

Samus is right though, I think 'is it ok if I dress like SS' should just be locked as soon as they start. Maybe a well written short guide by Ghost Macroth or another in the know about such things and stickied and locked in the german loadouts thread? That way no one has the opportunity to offend others.

[Xadin]

I reported the thread, but I was a bit late for spetz, sorry mate did not mean for you to get bollocked I just wanted the thread shut!

To the mods credit it was dealt with soon after my report was filed.

[spetsnazdave87]

Re: Dropping the ball.

No worries man, I shouldn't have lost my rag at him in the first place.

[Fizzy]

Re: Dropping the ball.

No worries man, I shouldn't have lost my rag at him in the first place.

The lesson is, always listen to Uncle Fizzy

[spetsnazdave87]

Re: Dropping the ball.

You did warn me after the edit window :p

[N_Scooby]

Re: Dropping the ball.

I joined in the debate as I found it offensive that he should even suggest dressing as SS for a normal skirmish. Re-enactment purposes I can understand-ish (why the hell would you want to be a Nazi rather than a Tommy?) but I suggested that all load-outs had a time and place (I think I said try wearing a GI Nam era load-out in downtown Hanoi).

Personally, I think the whole German section should be removed from the load-outs section as I don't think any good will come of it. Heated arguements will keep coming up and let's face it, no newbie actually reads the stickies.

I think if anyone turned up to skirmish in a Nazi uniform, I may not actually come out and call them 'Nick Griffin' but they may well receive a few head-shots during the day.

[Fizzy]

Re: Dropping the ball.

why the hell would you want to be a Nazi rather than a Tommy?

You should go to the War & Peace show. The biggest\best\most popular always seem to be the German ones and there are plenty of stalls selling Nazi regalia.

[spetsnazdave87]

Re: Dropping the ball.

Yeah but sadly I don't think that's because there are lots of people who are happy to do a realistic opfor loadout for WW2 weekenders...