Thread: Rant and Rave, Cry and Complain

yuppie11975, I think you made some good points, and I did think some of those things to myself. I don't like to discuss moderation since it's not really my place and I feel that a) it's hard to leave bias at the doorstep and b) moderation (from my experience of it) always ends up being subjective one way or another, though these reasons are probably why sites usually have multiple active moderators. But that's why I haven't said much about what happened anyway. I communicated with MoonageDaydream with PMs but that was about as far as I went with anything, I think.

I think this is going to become a little generalised rant of my own...

To be honest, it didn't bother me too much that my post got moved, since I did feel I was kind of off-topic anyway. Though, I don't feel I was particularly disruptive to the thread/discussion, as others did continue on about the thread anyway; but I could have just said the same thing via PM, I guess I just wanted to share my thoughts openly. I did feel the move was unnecessary, people wishing to continue discussing the thread could easily do so whilst ignoring the posts that ended up being moved anyway.

Although I had little interest to begin with in the original topic that was posted by DanielLove, you did provide some perspective and context with your digging. People do all sorts of things for money. It's our moral standpoints that determine whether we do such things or not, I think. I have had plenty of ideas over the years where I could take advantage of certain situations or people, but did I go through with those ideas? No, because I wouldn't like them being done to me and I don't like the thought that someone might fall for such things. The irony to me seems to be that there's a lot of work involved in making some of these things work, versus just doing some hard labour, but I guess the point of such things is that it's largely passive over a long-term after the initial effort was put into it.

On the other hand, people also need to really think and do discriminating research for themselves a lot more too, this is not a problem exclusive to things like this. There is mis-information, of course, but from my point of view, people seem obsessed with making quick decisions and so sometimes might not be looking hard enough to find out more about a certain topic.

I can't tell you how many times over the last few years have I heard stories on the radio about how someone got scammed by this or that, in many cases basically because they got panicked or hyped into something and then followed through into a scam, which from the beginning you could tell it was obvious it was a scam... I don't think these people lacked the intelligence to avoid these scams, but they were probably vulnerable in an emotional sense. And that's a lot of it, honestly, in some cases scams are quite complex and I might have had difficulty telling straight away if it was a scam were I in their position; some people are at vulnerable points in their lives and fall for things because they couldn't figure it out in time, I suppose.

I have fallen for scams, mostly when I was younger, though I've been able to identify many from a distance too. I've also basically been "politely" robbed a couple of times by people I was actually acquainted with, but I'd still rather that than being threatened at knife-point, as for instance one of my siblings was a few times. I wish such things didn't have to happen either way but the difference between being robbed like that and being scammed like I was, is that I knew some of these people who robbed me, I knew they lived in quite poor conditions ("illegal housing", for one thing). That doesn't make stealing ethically correct, but at least I could sympathise with them.

The scammers? No idea where they were from, who they were, etc. Scammers can now even scam you from miles away and you won't have any inkling to their personal situations, so I feel completely disconnected from them as human beings. They can often be rude too and you can end up feeling powerless to do anything, when actually you just really want to hit them on the head or something... For me, it makes me end up feeling vengeful, which I don't like but other than accepting the situation, doesn't seem like there's much else to feel. It's a strange world we live in, very unfortunately at times.

Hey, thank you Yuppie for your kind words about me. I really do try hard to be respectful. I'm glad I came across that way, at least to you.

Originally Posted by yuppie11975

By the way, before my closing statement, I just want to say specifically to Sivason. I hope you don't find this post to be a personal attack on you. I did indeed find your handling of the original situation to be inexplicable and misguided, but beyond that I don't have anything against you or any sort of ill-will. I'm not sure what was behind your thought process, whether it was simply a different perspective, or something more complex, but I hope you can see that my post here aims simply to utilise objective fact, rather than any sort of emotionally based or retributive/punitive behaviour. I will also say that from what I can see, your subsequent dealings with the users have been very pleasant, and that you and Moonage had a chat to clear the air, and for that of course I'm glad, and credit where credit is due. I will repeat once more just for clarity, I hope you can view this an investigation of facts and the beginning of a healthy discussion about the events that transpired. I mean it with complete sincerity when I say that I hope you don't take any offense to this, even thought it may naturally be a little confronting as throughout my post I disagree with some of your behaviour.

Now, a summarisation.

Frankly, I think it's preposterous that a moderator (Sivason) would respond in such a negative way towards legitimate DreamViews users that are pillars of the community, whilst simultaneously rushing to the aid of a glorified con-artist. As Sivason pointed out, apparently the owners of this site have some sort of mutual relationship with DanielLove. I don't know whether that involves a verbal agreement, or some sort of compensation, and admittedly, that's none of my business and I acknowledge the owners have the right to run the website as they see fit. However, I do think things went to far considering MoonageDayDream and other users ended up being criticised by a moderator and even having their dissent categorised as 'spam' just for pointing out what everyone was thinking. I mean, the community is comprised of very passionate individuals that have been here for a long time. Hell, I myself have been here for a decade now. It's understandable that we're protective of our community and each other, and above all else that we're protective about the integrity of the state of DreamViews and the general community. I'd like to think that the moderation team were conducting themselves in a way that reflected the values and beliefs of the core community of DreamViews, but unfortunately I don't believe that such behaviour was present within the handling of this incident.

No offense taken. What I can say is that there is more going on than you guys know, and many things should not be talked about openly. I will make a couple small statements here. "Spamming" did not mean you guys were spamming, it meant "thread about if Daniel was spamming". Next, I am far from perfect, but as the ONLY volunteer here to spend even one hour a week on this forum, you guys will have to cut me some slack when I mess up. I was responding in a state of emotional duress you are not aware of. That said I am going to address those things that should not be posted in public by PMing each of you a copy of my explanation. This PM will contain sensitive information you must agree not to discuss openly here. If you want a copy explaining things you should PM me and state "please include me in PM and I acknowledge I must not discuss the contents in the public forum." Be careful though. I will be very upset and may infract anyone who acts dishonorably by ignoring the request to keep this stuff private.
Well, that sounds dramatic doesn't it?!
EDIT: offer expires on 02-03-21 to avoid being asked about this in the future. Thanks for understanding.

Originally Posted by sivason

No offense taken. What I can say is that there is more going on than you guys know, and many things should not be talked about openly. I will make a couple small statements here. "Spamming" did not mean you guys were spamming, it meant "thread about if Daniel was spamming". Next, I am far from perfect, but as the ONLY volunteer here to spend even one hour a week on this forum, you guys will have to cut me some slack when I mess up. I was responding in a state of emotional duress you are not aware of. That said I am going to address those things that should not be posted in public by PMing each of you a copy of my explanation. This PM will contain sensitive information you must agree not to discuss openly here. If you want a copy explaining things you should PM me and state "please include me in PM and I acknowledge I must not discuss the contents in the public forum." Be careful though. I will be very upset and may infract anyone who acts dishonorably by ignoring the request to keep this stuff private.
Well, that sounds dramatic doesn't it?!

Although I don't know the other details, just wanted to say you're more than forgiven for not being perfect. I actually think you're a decent moderator, and although I don't always agree (like in this case), there's always some wiggle room for a personal take on the matter. Moderators are people, and have to do the best they can in difficult situations.

Thanks for being here for us, sivason.

Originally Posted by MoonageDaydream

Although I don't know the other details, just wanted to say you're more than forgiven for not being perfect. I actually think you're a decent moderator, and although I don't always agree (like in this case), there's always some wiggle room for a personal take on the matter. Moderators are people, and have to do the best they can in difficult situations.

Thanks for being here for us, sivason.

Yeah I absolutely agree. I also commend you, Sivason, for responding in a very calm and productive manner. I know I myself would struggle not to feel attacked if someone wrote such an extensive post calling my actions into question.

I think after conducting an investigation and performing research, a lot of my negative feelings towards DanielLove unfortunately spilled over towards you by association, just because it appeared as if you were passively endorsing/encouraging his shady behaviour. I do understand that there may have been mitigating factors as you have now mentioned, and I will wait to receive your PM so I can try to have a more accurate understanding of the bigger picture. I was also of course aware of the possibility of external factors prior to you mentioning them as well, but unfortunately in general we are almost always forced to make at least some assumptions when we're drawing conclusions on events. I did earnestly try the best I could to perform a fair analysis given all the information I had at my disposal at the time. I also think the fact that there was a lack of transparency in the first place was problematic and a a big contributor to the dissatisfaction people ended up feeling about how the matter was handled. This is of course once again not to imply that we as general users have a right to know about all the private decisions that the administration/moderation team makes - but it is a tricky situation when there are mysterious factors at play behind the scenes that are ultimately affecting the end user's experience in a negative way. In this particular instance, I think it would be fair to say that such a set of circumstances left users feeling quite baffled, and with the sense that they were treated unreasonably without any sense of a fair explanation.

Anyway, once again, I'm sure things will be better understood as we are now receiving additional information. I just wanted to make a quick post elaborating a bit more on the nature of the issue, but also just as importantly, to once again say that I respect how you've responded and the steps you're taking to rectify the issue. Finally, to reiterate Moonage's point, I'm sure we can all appreciate that everyone makes mistakes, and we're grateful for your service to us.

Rant: There is a Storm front tonight.. Storm front coming on the radio! We are supposed to have about 12 inches! Skiing anyone! It's so cold our horse Tara had an icicle mustache.
Rave: Oh, and the cast is off.

Rave: I went to the gym and tried to see how much I could do on leg day. I actually maxed out 4 of the six leg machines and was only one plate shy on the other two. 260 lbs leg extension! Feeling a bit like a super hero.

Work is so hard right now I want to cry. Seriously, though, casually chatting with the other ESE teachers about how we could quit our jobs and do something so much better. It's tempting. Another round of emergency IEPs, an audit on our department from the State (because, that's how messed up things are right now), and we're completely drowning in paperwork. It's hilarious - because if one gen ed teacher complains about anything (you know, like turning in the paperwork they're supposed to do, so we can do our jobs), then we get slammed with scolding emails. Because it's "TOO MUCH" for them..lol. you know what's too much? This job is TOO MUCH.

Edit: I may have had a glass of wine.

Originally Posted by MoonageDaydream

Work is so hard right now I want to cry. Seriously, though, casually chatting with the other ESE teachers about how we could quit our jobs and do something so much better. It's tempting. Another round of emergency IEPs, an audit on our department from the State (because, that's how messed up things are right now), and we're completely drowning in paperwork. It's hilarious - because if one gen ed teacher complains about anything (you know, like turning in the paperwork they're supposed to do, so we can do our jobs), then we get slammed with scolding emails. Because it's "TOO MUCH" for them..lol. you know what's too much? This job is TOO MUCH.

Edit: I may have had a glass of wine.

Wine is good sometimes when it is time to rant. I may have had a glass of wine the other day when I was so harsh. I am sorry things are so hard. What are the other options for employment? Could you go into Gen Ed, or are you thinking of something else?

I've thought about it, I'm certified for gen ed science. It's all right. I really just wanted to vent. I would never abandon my students. But, I am under a tremendous amount of stress right now (I wouldn't have had 2 glasses of wine last night if I wasn't ). Good news? No hangover

I saw this Superbowl ad and thought of you guys. Not the beer but, you know what I mean.

Spoiler for SuperBowel ad:

Rant: Anyways, The other day, I was stacking wood when I fell. I tripped over one log, I landed on another log that had a broken piece that nearly impaled my leg. I also landed on another log with my right arm and I had an instant egg on my arm. Right now, I'm a lot of pain.
Rant: I barely remember my dream last night. However, I'm not too worried because I had some lucid dreams the day before.

Rave: I have 1,600th DJ entries. *Shrugs*

Originally Posted by HumbleDreamer

Rave: I have 1,600th DJ entries. *Shrugs*

Congratulations. That's certainly some dedication, I would say.

---

Rant: Though it was better today, generally still struggling to get up at decent times in the morning. It's starting to become annoying because of how I feel it's affecting daily routine.

Rave: On the other hand, days are finally starting to feel a bit longer so at least I'm more likely to be able to spend some more time each day working on some project, or practising. Decent mood through most of today, even in evening.

Thank you, I appreciate that.
I hope that you feel better soon. Some of my days are like that too. We all need a really a vacation. I swear!

When you say projects, you mean artwork that you are working on? I remember your work, and I enjoyed them! Hope to see more, if that is okay?

Weighted myself as the gym yesterday and weighted 145 lbs. I lost weight without really trying to. Lost about 10 lbs since December. Probable has to do with working out in a warmer climate as well as taking rice out of my diet. I didn't purposely take rice out of my diet. Just that my new furnished place doesn't have a rice pot and i didn't feel like buying one. I probably will eventually though.

Originally Posted by sivason

Rave: I went to the gym and tried to see how much I could do on leg day. I actually maxed out 4 of the six leg machines and was only one plate shy on the other two. 260 lbs leg extension! Feeling a bit like a super hero.

I could only do about half that, though i never tried my max. 3 sets 12 reps of 115 lbs on just that exercise. More of a cardio guy myself, but i do feel weight training is essential. The stronger the muscle the faster it recuperates as well as prevents injury from hard cardio training.

Ugh. I need to do better. I think I haven't checked my email in about a month. I need to get my butt to AT&T to see about getting a hotspot or activating a second phone to use in that way.

to sivason
everyone.

Thanks for the welcomes back... though it seems they were a bit premature

Rant: Other than internet; allergies. Also sleep and dreams though my dreams seem to be improving thankfully.
Ever since I broke my arm back in 2018 or so, my sleep and dreams have sucked.

I hope everyone has a good day <3

Originally Posted by Zhaylin

Ugh. I need to do better. I think I haven't checked my email in about a month. I need to get my butt to AT&T to see about getting a hotspot or activating a second phone to use in that way.

to sivason
everyone.

Thanks for the welcomes back... though it seems they were a bit premature

Rant: Other than internet; allergies. Also sleep and dreams though my dreams seem to be improving thankfully.
Ever since I broke my arm back in 2018 or so, my sleep and dreams have sucked.

I hope everyone has a good day <3

Hi Zhaylin, always a pleasure to see you.
What else is new?

RANT:
The drug seems to be wearing off. The loneliness is setting in. I have survived this season times before- this time, I will try to use the time to look further inside. Think of this space as an oasis, not an island. The plant medicine gave me a good shake and jarred a couple things loose. Perhaps it's time to once again revisit that which started it all; lucid dreaming. But they've eluded me for so long now...

RAVE:
LD 2021... so I return. after many months of few and far between LD's, I experienced one just a couple weeks back. In it, rather than the customary flying and fucking routine- I chose to instead ask a dream character to take me to someone who could explain to me where my happiness lies, what my purpose is. Kind of deep for a DC, but, she complied and took me by the hand to lead me. Of course, at this point I woke up. But, it's a start- and a rave.

Originally Posted by Zhaylin

Ugh. I need to do better. I think I haven't checked my email in about a month. I need to get my butt to AT&T to see about getting a hotspot or activating a second phone to use in that way.

to sivason
everyone.

Thanks for the welcomes back... though it seems they were a bit premature

Rant: Other than internet; allergies. Also sleep and dreams though my dreams seem to be improving thankfully.
Ever since I broke my arm back in 2018 or so, my sleep and dreams have sucked.

I hope everyone has a good day <3

You're back!! I'm glad to see you here!

Rave for a lucid dream character in my dream. : I had a dream that someone with the username "Gorilla" actually did ALL the Task Of The Year...
If there is a username "Gorilla" then I'm sorry to put you on the spot. I know anyone is capable of going lucid and doing what you can do in a dream. Seriously, go for it and be incredible!!

OF course the silent before the storm.

Originally Posted by HumbleDreamer

Thank you, I appreciate that.
I hope that you feel better soon. Some of my days are like that too. We all need a really a vacation. I swear!

When you say projects, you mean artwork that you are working on? I remember your work, and I enjoyed them! Hope to see more, if that is okay?

Thank you.

To be honest I'm not sure what a vacation actually feels like anymore, though even when I was a kid I guess they often felt more like stress than anything else at times. But I also see how most people seem to enjoy them, I suspect I'm just an odd one out on that.

And I meant mostly my artwork, yes. I can't actually remember what I've posted on the forum, I guess I should look back through my posts.

I don't mind sharing artwork privately though. As I've said before somewhere, I just like to keep my DV self mostly separate from the rest of my internet self, since I also like having my DJ open even though it's something I consider very personal.

Originally Posted by DarkestDarkness

Thank you.

To be honest I'm not sure what a vacation actually feels like anymore, though even when I was a kid I guess they often felt more like stress than anything else at times. But I also see how most people seem to enjoy them, I suspect I'm just an odd one out on that.

And I meant mostly my artwork, yes. I can't actually remember what I've posted on the forum, I guess I should look back through my posts.

I don't mind sharing artwork privately though. As I've said before somewhere, I just like to keep my DV self mostly separate from the rest of my internet self, since I also like having my DJ open even though it's something I consider very personal.

Yeah, that's alright. You don't need to show us if you don't want to. I totally understand and respect those boundaries. I don't like to post too much stuff like personal information on the internet either. Hope I didn't overstep? If I did, I'm sorry.

Originally Posted by Tornado Joe

RANT:
The drug seems to be wearing off. The loneliness is setting in. I have survived this season times before- this time, I will try to use the time to look further inside. Think of this space as an oasis, not an island. The plant medicine gave me a good shake and jarred a couple things loose. Perhaps it's time to once again revisit that which started it all; lucid dreaming. But they've eluded me for so long now...

RAVE:
LD 2021... so I return. after many months of few and far between LD's, I experienced one just a couple weeks back. In it, rather than the customary flying and fucking routine- I chose to instead ask a dream character to take me to someone who could explain to me where my happiness lies, what my purpose is. Kind of deep for a DC, but, she complied and took me by the hand to lead me. Of course, at this point I woke up. But, it's a start- and a rave.

Glad you are back! Happy 15 year anniversary here at Dream Views. Don't see many people posting that have been here that long. Good luck on getting some awesome lucid dreams.

Originally Posted by HumbleDreamer

Yeah, that's alright. You don't need to show us if you don't want to. I totally understand and respect those boundaries. I don't like to post too much stuff like personal information on the internet either. Hope I didn't overstep? If I did, I'm sorry.

You didn't and you don't need to worry about it with me.

It seems a lot of people have been returning to DV lately? That's cool, maybe we'll see more thread activity in general and might get to meet new people.

Dreamviews revival, by 2030 it'll be thriving again!

What ever happened to our dream guides? (The Green flares, 3 stars i think?) Or is this not enough people around to warrant them anymore?

Thanks, sivason. yes it has been a while but man- what a community we had back then! Made some friends, (had one of them live with me for a few months), Met a couple othes in person (one was an admin at the time), a couple others are still on my short Facebook friends list- LOL!! Ah... the ol' days... I was a mod back then. I'll try to visit more often- should help keep LDs on my mind more.