Clearing the air. - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

AKA · 04-13-2013, 02:58 PM

Hi gang,

It was recently brought to my attention that terrible things I said in 2004, though they were long since apologized for and forgiven, aren't actually forgiven. So let me say this one last time: if you were a part of this forum nine years ago and I said something undeservedly mean or below-the-belt to you, I'm truly ashamed and wish I could take it back, and hope that someday it can be water under the bridge. Until then, long since dormant, decade-old grievances can be brought back to life when it's convenient for the wronged.

What I'm not ashamed of, though, is who I am. I'm done apologizing for that; I never should have in the first place. I may have a sharp tongue, but I know in my heart that I'm a decent, kind person whose main goal in life is to love and to be loved. I want to see equality for all, and an end to bigotry—that which is sanctioned by religious conviction and that which is birthed by the coldest of hearts. If calling a bigot out for their bigotry makes me a bad person in someone's eyes, that's their problem and not mine.

It's been made clear by an administrator that in order to be tolerated here, I need to be milquetoast and unremarkable (no "sarcasm" or "edge" is welcome), and that sticking up for those who aren't protected by the rules of these forums is considered "ganging up." Apparently, I've never seen a gang-up I didn't like, which is news to me, but it means my presence here is toxic.

With that in mind, and in the best interests of those who I've supposedly wronged, I'll see you on Facebook and Twitter. This place has been a place of comfort and entertainment for twelve years, and I've made some really good friends here. I spent more than 1/3 of my life as a part of these forums, and it was mostly fun. But all good things must come to an end, and this is one of them. I'm too ill and too tired to lose sleep over how I'm perceived on a message board, and want to spend the rest of my life, however long that may be, around positivity and not worrying about other people's grudges.

So these are my last words on Sitcoms Online. I hope nobody abuses their power (can't imagine that ever happening here) and deletes or closes this thread, but I do kindly request to be banned so I can more easily resist the temptation to come back.

Be well, everyone, and be loved. You're more than welcome to send me a friend request on Facebook if you'd like to stay in touch.

Brad

Penny Lane · 04-13-2013, 03:05 PM

Sorry to see you go Brad. We have lost so many other SO friends to Twitter, Facebook, etc. I have been here since 2001 and plan on sticking around. I just HAVE to attain my "Forum Legend/celebrity" status!

I'm slowly getting there! I think that we all have said things we are sorry for in past posts. All I can say to you now Brad is good luck and please drop by and visit us now and then, ok? Take care!

*ROGER* · 04-13-2013, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brad

If calling a bigot out for their bigotry makes me a bad person in someone's eyes, that's their problem and not mine.

It's been made clear by an administrator that in order to be tolerated here, I need to be milquetoast and unremarkable (no "sarcasm" or "edge" is welcome), and that sticking up for those who aren't protected by the rules of these forums is considered "ganging up." Apparently, I've never seen a gang-up I didn't like, which is news to me, but it means my presence here is toxic.

You're right, it's their problem and not yours. You should not feel intimidated by anyone to post YOUR feelings. Your presence here is not toxic. You contribute many insightful and thought provoking posts. But if you feel this is not the place for you, I wish you the best. I assure you that you will be missed.

shotzette · 04-13-2013, 04:31 PM

I am truly sorry to see you go, Brad. I appreciated your ability to eloquently debate a topic. You always took the high road and it took several cheap shots from significantly less intelligent people before you would allow yourself to become embroiled in an argument rather than a debate. You are a class act and I wish that there were more people of your caliber on this side.

All my best,

Shotzette

retrofan05 · 04-13-2013, 05:01 PM

I too am sorry to see you go, Brad. You've truly been the voice of reason on so many of the "controversial" topics. I appreciate the way you've stood up for those that aren't always treated with dignity and respect and pointed out the injustice of it. Maybe some feel you went to far, but I believe those things needed to be said. Always remember that you are a kind, caring, and compassionate person and don't ever let anyone else tell you different. Good luck

JamesG · 04-13-2013, 07:24 PM

It's sad to see you go, but I respect your decision to do so and wish you the best.

I wish you weren't leaving though. It seems this forum is gradually losing more and more members.

Vahan · 04-13-2013, 07:32 PM

Brad, I'm gonna miss you so much.

bandito · 04-13-2013, 10:55 PM

Bye

Chelsea · 04-14-2013, 01:04 AM

I can understand several of the sentiments expressed in this thread, though my own personal disposition is to not be publicly adversarial about things. Least, not anymore.

Leaving a site that one has spent years investing their time and energies in is always a sad moment, but sometimes when the frustrations mount too high, walking away is simply the best option for all.

Furienna · 04-14-2013, 11:20 AM

I'm sorry to read how you feel, Brad. That you still feel like you haven't been forgiven for what was said back in 2004, while you're coping with being ill. This thread had proved though that you'll be missed by many members on this forum, and everybody doesn't have Facebook or Twitter, so I hope that you'll return here.

MrCleveland · 04-14-2013, 01:47 PM

Brad...

I feel the same way for another that I'm a member on, I may leave that site. And I'm sorry that I seemed to be a bigot at times...I try not to, but I'm more sorry that you have to leave.

I hope you find happiness in your life.

MrC

janet42 · 04-14-2013, 01:58 PM

Brad I'm sorry to see you go. I wish you good luck in everything you do. I think quite a few people are leaving sitcoms online and going to facebook or twitter. I don't post here as much I did when I first started.

Gypsy Queen · 04-15-2013, 08:14 AM

Drama queen. He'll be back. He always does. Makes a big speech about how he's been wronged and hows he's the savior of all he views as mistreated. Seen it before and will see it again.

Zoneboy · 04-15-2013, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gypsy Queen

Drama queen. He'll be back. He always does. Makes a big speech about how he's been wronged and hows he's the savior of all he views as mistreated. Seen it before and will see it again.

If that's the case then why haven't you spoken up before now? You registered nearly 3 years ago and now you finally decide to speak.

shotzette · 04-15-2013, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gypsy Queen

Drama queen. He'll be back. He always does. Makes a big speech about how he's been wronged and hows he's the savior of all he views as mistreated. Seen it before and will see it again.

Hmmmm... Smells like we have a sock puppet. I wonder which regular poster wrote this under a pseudonym?

04-13-2013, 02:58 PM	#1
AKA Member Forum Star Join Date: Dec 17, 2001 Posts: 15,746	Clearing the air. Hi gang, It was recently brought to my attention that terrible things I said in 2004, though they were long since apologized for and forgiven, aren't actually forgiven. So let me say this one last time: if you were a part of this forum nine years ago and I said something undeservedly mean or below-the-belt to you, I'm truly ashamed and wish I could take it back, and hope that someday it can be water under the bridge. Until then, long since dormant, decade-old grievances can be brought back to life when it's convenient for the wronged. What I'm not ashamed of, though, is who I am. I'm done apologizing for that; I never should have in the first place. I may have a sharp tongue, but I know in my heart that I'm a decent, kind person whose main goal in life is to love and to be loved. I want to see equality for all, and an end to bigotry—that which is sanctioned by religious conviction and that which is birthed by the coldest of hearts. If calling a bigot out for their bigotry makes me a bad person in someone's eyes, that's their problem and not mine. It's been made clear by an administrator that in order to be tolerated here, I need to be milquetoast and unremarkable (no "sarcasm" or "edge" is welcome), and that sticking up for those who aren't protected by the rules of these forums is considered "ganging up." Apparently, I've never seen a gang-up I didn't like, which is news to me, but it means my presence here is toxic. With that in mind, and in the best interests of those who I've supposedly wronged, I'll see you on Facebook and Twitter. This place has been a place of comfort and entertainment for twelve years, and I've made some really good friends here. I spent more than 1/3 of my life as a part of these forums, and it was mostly fun. But all good things must come to an end, and this is one of them. I'm too ill and too tired to lose sleep over how I'm perceived on a message board, and want to spend the rest of my life, however long that may be, around positivity and not worrying about other people's grudges. So these are my last words on Sitcoms Online. I hope nobody abuses their power (can't imagine that ever happening here) and deletes or closes this thread, but I do kindly request to be banned so I can more easily resist the temptation to come back. Be well, everyone, and be loved. You're more than welcome to send me a friend request on Facebook if you'd like to stay in touch. Brad
	Last edited by AKA; 04-13-2013 at 03:14 PM.

04-13-2013, 03:05 PM	#2
Penny Lane Butter Pie Forum Icon Join Date: Jul 03, 2001 Location: Beneath the blue suburban skies Posts: 51,280	Sorry to see you go Brad. We have lost so many other SO friends to Twitter, Facebook, etc. I have been here since 2001 and plan on sticking around. I just HAVE to attain my "Forum Legend/celebrity" status! I'm slowly getting there! I think that we all have said things we are sorry for in past posts. All I can say to you now Brad is good luck and please drop by and visit us now and then, ok? Take care!
	__________________ Vulgarity is no substitute for wit- Lady Violet Crawley

04-13-2013, 10:55 PM	#8
bandito Going Topless Forum Veteran Join Date: Sep 28, 2002 Location: The Steel City Posts: 6,320	Bye
	__________________ bandito

04-14-2013, 01:04 AM	#9
Chelsea Semi-retired Forum Veteran Join Date: Jan 07, 2001 Location: Washington Posts: 5,727	I can understand several of the sentiments expressed in this thread, though my own personal disposition is to not be publicly adversarial about things. Least, not anymore. Leaving a site that one has spent years investing their time and energies in is always a sad moment, but sometimes when the frustrations mount too high, walking away is simply the best option for all.
	__________________ Chelsea Former Administrator, 2005-2012 Former Member, DVD Review Team, 2004-2010.

04-14-2013, 01:47 PM	#11
MrCleveland Drew Carey from Hell Forum Star Join Date: Nov 10, 2007 Location: The City of Cleveland, in The State of Cleveland, in The United States of Cleveland Posts: 14,234	Brad... I feel the same way for another that I'm a member on, I may leave that site. And I'm sorry that I seemed to be a bigot at times...I try not to, but I'm more sorry that you have to leave. I hope you find happiness in your life. MrC
	__________________ Thank God for kids that love Obscure Things. Lee Hazlewood (1929-2007) You ARE Special to God! Rev. Ernest Angely (August 1921-May 2021)

04-13-2013, 04:31 PM	#4
shotzette Member Senior Member Join Date: Jun 30, 2004 Posts: 1,782	I am truly sorry to see you go, Brad. I appreciated your ability to eloquently debate a topic. You always took the high road and it took several cheap shots from significantly less intelligent people before you would allow yourself to become embroiled in an argument rather than a debate. You are a class act and I wish that there were more people of your caliber on this side. All my best, Shotzette

04-13-2013, 05:01 PM	#5
retrofan05 Member Senior Member Join Date: Aug 25, 2009 Location: Illinois Posts: 1,111	I too am sorry to see you go, Brad. You've truly been the voice of reason on so many of the "controversial" topics. I appreciate the way you've stood up for those that aren't always treated with dignity and respect and pointed out the injustice of it. Maybe some feel you went to far, but I believe those things needed to be said. Always remember that you are a kind, caring, and compassionate person and don't ever let anyone else tell you different. Good luck

04-13-2013, 07:24 PM	#6
JamesG Freakshow Moderator Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 01, 2008 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 57,188	It's sad to see you go, but I respect your decision to do so and wish you the best. I wish you weren't leaving though. It seems this forum is gradually losing more and more members.

04-13-2013, 07:32 PM	#7
Vahan Member Senior Member Join Date: Jan 14, 2008 Posts: 2,712	Brad, I'm gonna miss you so much.

04-14-2013, 11:20 AM	#10
Furienna Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Oct 22, 2006 Location: Örnsköldsvik, Sweden Posts: 6,280	I'm sorry to read how you feel, Brad. That you still feel like you haven't been forgiven for what was said back in 2004, while you're coping with being ill. This thread had proved though that you'll be missed by many members on this forum, and everybody doesn't have Facebook or Twitter, so I hope that you'll return here.

04-14-2013, 01:58 PM	#12
janet42 Three's Company Fan! Senior Member Join Date: Feb 22, 2007 Location: Indiana Posts: 1,757	Brad I'm sorry to see you go. I wish you good luck in everything you do. I think quite a few people are leaving sitcoms online and going to facebook or twitter. I don't post here as much I did when I first started.

04-15-2013, 08:14 AM	#13
Gypsy Queen Member Forum Cub Join Date: Sep 06, 2010 Posts: 2	Drama queen. He'll be back. He always does. Makes a big speech about how he's been wronged and hows he's the savior of all he views as mistreated. Seen it before and will see it again.