Welcome and introductions

by witchfinder Fri Oct 07, 2011 1:40 pm

Around the autumn of 2007 I came across the MSN message boards and found one entitled "UK Politics" which I joined and enjoyed for over three and a half years, then around April 2011 MSN decided in their wisdom to close down that particular message board.

Over time the MSN message board posters had become like friends, and though I had never met any of them, they became as familiar as the regulars I have a pint with in the local village pub, one or two were fairly nasty and quite vile, most were very pleasant people.

Fortunately, one of the redundant MSN bloggers (Ivan) decided to start his own political blogging site, and many of the old MSN posters followed him to his newly created site, and after a competition to find a name, it was agreed to call it "Cutting Edge".

I have to point out that Ivan ran things in a very fair and democratic way, the members decided the rules, they chose the name and logo, several of us were appointed as moderators and common sense prevailed.

Unfortunately the host of our board was "ProBoards" whom I would definately NOT recommend to anyone, they pulled the plug and closed Cutting Edge down saying that we had broken the rules.
To this day we still do not know what rule(s) were broken, and by whom, we wrote very polite emails to ProBoards asking for an explanation, but we got no answer other than "you broke the rules".

And so here we are WELCOME

by **Phil Hornby** Fri Oct 07, 2011 8:16 pm

Well done to those who have stimulated this new initiative! We will NOT be silenced! Hopefully all the usual crew will soon be on board and normal service can resume as soon as possible.

by Shirina Fri Oct 07, 2011 8:46 pm

Let's hope so, Phil ... I'm not sure how everyone will find their way here, but I encourage anyone who knows others, perhaps on other forums, to direct them here. I would be tickled pink to see Cutting Edge Reborn (hey not a bad forum name, eh?) resurrect itself here.

I have little hope of ProBoards seeing reason, but knowing what I know now, I wouldn't want to continue using their services even if they put our forum back up. However, it would be nice if ProBoards allowed us a week or so to "gather the flock" so to speak and then they can exercise their fascism all they wish to.

by **Ivan** Fri Oct 07, 2011 8:58 pm

You have witchfinder to thank, not me, for setting up this forum, out of the reach of ProBoards. I was ready to go into retirement!

I have the e-mail address of everyone who was a member of Cutting Edge on 10 September, and I have started sending them e-mails in batches of 12 - although Yahoo is getting suspicious that I might be a spammer.

Although we had 103 members, only just over 40 were what I call 'active', but nevertheless I will write to them all and let them know where we are.

It's rather pointless re-appointing Moderators at this stage, until we have something to moderate, but I intend to be very vigilant to ensure that the malcontents who caused so much bad odour around Cutting Edge do not come here.

Eventually I might be able to resume my recruiting activities.......

by witchfinder Fri Oct 07, 2011 9:10 pm

Well its good to see all the familiar names popping up in here, I know it feels different to ProBoards but Ime sure we will all get used to it, I must admit I like the idea of been able to type in bold - italix - underline and all the other things you can do here.

DO YOU GET MY POINT lol!

by astra Fri Oct 07, 2011 11:03 pm

loadsa buttons, like driving a new car or train - takes time to get used to!

Nice to see all the old names coming up! ("and I mean this sincerely folks!" I was starting to miss you all)

NOW! whit diz this dae?

by **astradt1** Sat Oct 08, 2011 9:05 am

Hi all

Glad to see Cutting Edge back cheers

I was beinging to worry where we could let off steam now that the news is getting ineresting again.... Question

Perhaps it may be an idea to save some of the more interesting news links for when 2 is fully up and running.........

by bobby Sat Oct 08, 2011 10:05 am

It wouldnt surprise me if our removal from Proboards was politically motivated. There is no reason given other than they did it because they could (very French). They cut us off just after the Tory's had what must be their worst Conference ever, giving us loads of ammo to sling at them. It also makes me wonder about the power cut during Edd Millibands speech, first they said it was a major power cut, then like most things Tory it was downgraded and was only the assembly hall effected by someone switching on a kettle, must have been a Tory tea boy, Maybe even our old friend brownboots, as surely like everything else his job as Car Park Attendant to the Pease Pottage Conservative club has followed everything elsa and has been downgraded to tea boy, and with his lying past he will try to tell us he only uses China Tea.

by jackthelad Sat Oct 08, 2011 11:13 am

There is green shoot beginning to show, not belong before there is a fully grow tree. I do find this board very strange though, not what i am usually use to, but as the old saying goes,you are never too old to learn.
I just hope all past annimosities are forgotten, and the bickering does not re-emerge on these boards to spoil everything again.
Martini, has another board up and running, and seems all quiet and peace fully on there. Hope this one is the same. Very Happy

by tlttf Sat Oct 08, 2011 12:05 pm

Glad to re=meet you all. Well done witchy. I must agree with bobby, the old board was probably removed for political reasons. When will the two Eds realise they aren't and never will be in control of anything again. Very Happy

by **Ivan** Sat Oct 08, 2011 2:34 pm

As ProBoards won’t give us an explanation of why they closed Cutting Edge, we can only speculate. It is quite possible that the forum was closed for political reasons. There is a forum for user reviews of ProBoards, and this is one of the comments which has been posted:-

“We had JUST starting posting some rather scathing commentary about certain conservative political figures. In reading through posts to the support forum, I noticed rather a lot of left-leaning forums had been deleted as well, with the same sort of limited notice. Be warned. If you posts thoughts and ideas not shared by the Proboard admins, you might find yourself exiled to virtual Siberia.”

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

At MSN, the balance of the political postings was inclined to the right. At Cutting Edge, it was more inclined to the left, but there was no deliberate bias against Tories, as I hope some of our Tory members would confirm. Tories were just as entitled to join Cutting Edge as anyone else. There are a couple of plausible explanations for the perceived bias. I was known for my left-wing views, often expressed in colourful terms, and perhaps some Tories thought that they wouldn’t receive a fair crack of the whip from me…..(I personally invited brownboots1 to join us). Another possibility is that it’s mainly supporters of opposition parties who feel strongly enough to post on forums about politics; after all, if your chosen party is in power, what do you need to complain about? For most of our time at MSN, the Tories were in opposition, now they’re not.

ProBoards could also have felt threatened when we were privileged to have a Labour MP join Cutting Edge and start a thread about corporate accountability! I hope I can persuade her to join us again once we have established a worthwhile forum here. For the record, I also wrote to a Tory MP – twice – but she didn’t even have the decency to reply.

However, the decision to shut us down may not have been political, and Shirina’s explanation may be the most likely. Someone in the ProBoards Abuse Department chose the lazy option. Rather than sort out the rights and wrongs of the disgusting and incessant malevolence emanating from a cesspit of a forum which was home to a psychotic individual who has been stalking me for months, some little Hitler just decided to throw out the baby with the very soiled bath water.

Jack, the past animosities will never be forgotten, they went too far, but the bickering won’t re-emerge here. The seven people who, in my opinion, caused and prolonged the strife will be bounced out of the door if they try to spread their poison here. In fact they won't even get in the door if I have anything to do with it. If such action provokes howls of anguish from anyone, so be it. The vast majority of people at Cutting Edge were well-behaved, very nice people, and that’s why witchfinder wanted a new place for them to post together, and why, because of his initiative, we have this forum.

by oftenwrong Sat Oct 08, 2011 2:47 pm

Ivan wrote:You have witchfinder to thank, not me, for setting up this forum, out of the reach of ProBoards. I was ready to go into retirement!

I have the e-mail address of everyone who was a member of Cutting Edge on 10 September, and I have started sending them e-mails in batches of 12 - although Yahoo is getting suspicious that I might be a spammer.

Although we had 103 members, only just over 40 were what I call 'active', but nevertheless I will write to them all and let them know where we are.

It's rather pointless re-appointing Moderators at this stage, until we have something to moderate, but I intend to be very vigilant to ensure that the malcontents who caused so much bad odour around Cutting Edge do not come here.

Eventually I might be able to resume my recruiting activities.......

Initial "Take" on new messsage board:
I like our new home, the carpets show better taste, and the lighting is more relaxing. There's probably a hint there for everything to be a little bit more relaxed, take things as they come, and refuse to be rushed.

Mine's a brandy, por favor.

by **Phil Hornby** Sat Oct 08, 2011 3:03 pm

Ok, but just a small one. We can't go on meeting like this....people will talk... Embarassed

by Mel Sat Oct 08, 2011 7:07 pm

Hello old friends.

How nice it is to be able to communicate with you once again.

Many thanks to our clever Witchfinder, what a gem eh?

Many more thanks to Ivan for his tenacity to continue administrating
following all that hard work, only to receive nothing but hassle.

Cheers to you all cheers

by ROB Sun Oct 09, 2011 8:18 am

Thank you Witchfinder for two noble acts, for finding this venue and setting up this forum, and for encouraging Ivan to step into his rightful place as administrator of Cutting Edge, whether it be "2", or any other number.

Thank you, Snowy, for braving that other venue.

Thank you, Ivan, for finding the strength to carry on.

I appreciate y'all.

by witchfinder Sun Oct 09, 2011 11:26 am

Well Ivan has been busy sorting out the forum and tidying up the layout, one reason why I was glad to hand it over to him, I must say its begining to look good.

I have been busy trying to advertise the site, and so if one or two unfamiliar names appear, dont be suprised, we need some fresh blood so any ideas of how to recruit new members would be good, and I am sure Ivan will agree with me.

For my part I would like to say thanks to RockOnBrother, Shirina & Snowyflake for backing me up in wanting to start all over again ( never give up ), and a big thanks to Ivan for changing your mind and agreeing to look after things.

To anyone new who is viewing this - WELCOME and enjoy blogging

by astra Sun Oct 09, 2011 12:52 pm

we need some fresh blood so any ideas of how to recruit new members would be good
----------------------------------------

OH Goodeeeeee!

Sounds like the press gang is coming back!

Now where's that old shilling?

Calm Down?? I got the wrong end of the stick AGAIN? Rolling Eyes

Thanks to everyone for all the hard work.

by oftenwrong Sun Oct 09, 2011 1:02 pm

astra wrote:we need some fresh blood so any ideas of how to recruit new members would be good
----------------------------------------

OH Goodeeeeee!

Sounds like the press gang is coming back!

Now where's that old shilling?

Calm Down?? I got the wrong end of the stick AGAIN?

Thanks to everyone for all the hard work.

A Volunteer is worth six pressed-men.

by Jsmythe Sun Oct 09, 2011 4:25 pm

Hello Everyone (including the many who have yet to arrive here) Wink

Salutations to you (plural) who have got this place running.

Looking forward to continuing the posts.

Smile

by GreatNPowerfulOz Mon Oct 10, 2011 1:42 am

Trollin'...trollin'...trollin'......RAWHIDE!!!

by Shirina Mon Oct 10, 2011 4:34 am

GreatNPowerfulOz wrote:Trollin'...trollin'...trollin'......RAWHIDE!!!

*throws Oz a bone*

by witchfinder Mon Oct 10, 2011 7:52 am

WELCOME meladjusted,
I am not the only early morning poster I see

by ROB Mon Oct 10, 2011 1:48 pm

GreatNPowerfulOz wrote:Trollin'...trollin'...trollin'......RAWHIDE!!!

Howabout "Repostin'... repostin'... repostin'..." one or two of your favorite threads on this new forum under "General Discussions?" Serious question, with a hoped for and desired answer ("Yes") and a hoped for and desired response (reposting), which are posted publicly in the interest of transparence.

If you answer and respond as I hope and desire, thank you.

by oftenwrong Mon Oct 10, 2011 3:04 pm

Did Magna Carta die in vain?

by ROB Mon Oct 10, 2011 3:38 pm

oftenwrong wrote:Did Magna Carta die in vain?

Not yet.

by gator Mon Oct 10, 2011 5:37 pm

Hi guys. I'm the new kid on the block. I recognize a couple of names but that is about it. I heard of you in the Let's Talk Politics forum over in the colonies. Shocked

I have also been known to inhabit CPI.

OK a few personal details for those who might be interested in such stuff. I live in Canada and earn my living with a U=pick orchard and a few judicious investments. I am more or less middle of the road conservative but I have little use for any leftwing foolishness that has got the world into so much trouble recently. I also amuse myself in the off season with a little wood working and land management details such as woodlot care.

OK gloves are off. Let's rock and roll.

gator

by jackthelad Mon Oct 10, 2011 7:03 pm

gator wrote:Hi guys. I'm the new kid on the block. I recognize a couple of names but that is about it. I heard of you in the Let's Talk Politics forum over in the colonies. I have also been known to inhabit CPI.

OK a few personal details for those who might be interested in such stuff. I live in Canada and earn my living with a U=pick orchard and a few judicious investments. I am more or less middle of the road conservative but I have little use for any leftwing foolishness that has got the world into so much trouble recently. I also amuse myself in the off season with a little wood working and land management details such as woodlot care.

OK gloves are off. Let's rock and roll.

gator

Middle of the road conservative, in other words, a roadhog, before we progress further, what side of the road are you driving on.
I think you will find it is the right wing bankers that have got the world into the present day troubles.

by oftenwrong Mon Oct 10, 2011 7:56 pm

I am confused by the injunction at the end of messages which reads
"Stop watching this topic"

by Shirina Mon Oct 10, 2011 8:14 pm

oftenwrong wrote:Did Magna Carta die in vain?

When I was little, I always thought it was the Magma Carta and believed it had something to do with volcanoes. drunken

by krickitt Tue Oct 11, 2011 1:14 am

Good luck with the new board, guys. Thanks for visiting ours. Good luck.
flower

by GreatNPowerfulOz Tue Oct 11, 2011 1:07 pm

Hey, Krickitt....nice to see you around. Hope things are well with you

by GreatNPowerfulOz Tue Oct 11, 2011 1:08 pm

I nominate Shirina for "Star Poster" status.

by ROB Tue Oct 11, 2011 7:06 pm

RockOnBrother wrote:
GreatNPowerfulOz wrote:Trollin'...trollin'...trollin'......RAWHIDE!!!

Howabout "Repostin'... repostin'... repostin'..." one or two of your favorite threads on this new forum under "General Discussions?" Serious question, with a hoped for and desired answer ("Yes") and a hoped for and desired response (reposting), which are posted publicly in the interest of transparence.

If you answer and respond as I hope and desire, thank you.

Thank you now in retrospect, as you did in fact answer and respond as I had hoped and desired. Cutting Edge is about encouraging expression of honest opinions and positions, and you have done so on the thread initiated by you on the US forum.

by **moonbeam** Thu Oct 13, 2011 5:45 am

Ivan wrote: Someone in the ProBoards Abuse Department chose the lazy option. Rather than sort out the rights and wrongs of the disgusting and incessant malevolence emanating from a cesspit of a forum which was home to a psychotic individual who has been stalking me for months, some little Hitler just decided to throw out the baby with the very soiled bath water.

I think this is it, right here.

Hi all.. I'm moonbeam, aka moon.. Shirina is a member of my board, and had asked me some time ago if I were interested in affiliating with you. I did so, only to read on the proboard support forum that your old place had been shut down. Having been the "victim" of some PB managerial b.s. myself, I really believe that they just do what they want, under that catch-all "section 25(a)". There's rarely any reasoning with them in that situation.

Anyway, Shirina messaged me tonight to let me know your new location, so I've updated the link on my board. I don't "do" politics, but I may stop in now and then, if that's ok.

Regardless, I wish you all much success here in your new home.

by Shirina Thu Oct 13, 2011 5:51 am

Hello, Moonbeam,

You've been gracious enough to put up with me over on your board so you are, of course, more than welcome to come here. While we do discuss a lot of politics, feel free to start or join in any conversation you would care to share.

cat

<-- Just don't forget the kitties!

by **moonbeam** Thu Oct 13, 2011 6:03 am

LOL.. with 5 of them, I don't think it likely I'll forget.

by atv Sat Oct 15, 2011 1:30 pm

I too would also like to thank Witchfinder and Ivan.
I might add I also emailed proboards,
Quote
"Cutting Edge" is a successful forum with 103 members, one of whom is a UK Member of Parliament. Ivan White the Administrator has incorporated the ProBoards' regulations into their moderation policies, and it is strictly adhered to. I know of no reason why "Cutting Edge should be Terminated.

I didn't receive a reply.

I then sent another email stating that for a Country that belives in justice and free speech your company is a disgrace to the American people.

I didn't receive a reply, no surprise there though.

So to all our members,
nil carborundum illegitimi.

by Shirina Sat Oct 15, 2011 5:47 pm

Hello, atv:

Unfortunately, only the US government is truly bound by the principles outlined in the US Constitution. Corporations do not have to give us free speech (and they don't), the right to vote for leaders (and they don't), give us due process (and often they don't), etc.

by atv Sat Oct 15, 2011 5:58 pm

Hi Shirna,
Unfortunately I believe you are right, but I did feel much better after my little rant. Very Happy

by **moonbeam** Sun Oct 16, 2011 2:46 am

atv, proboards peramabanned one of my most highly respected members, based on some trumped up crap that was sent to them. I was told that if he ever came back, period, it would basically mean the end of my board. If he were to sneak in using a proxy, new email and user name, how would I even know?

They would not tell me anything about why he was banned by them, nor would they tell him. They also refused to reverse the decision, and he went straight to Patrick Clinger.

I received an additional warning that they had heard "there are users on your forum that violate the law by being members on your forum" and that if that was the case, I must ban them. WTF?!

That place is nuts....

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