Quote Originally Posted by Herf N Turf View Post
This is about as good as you can say it.

Indeed. What started out as a seemingly harmless way to pay Ron back for doing such great things, quickly turned completely south. It turned into a mob/gang mentality with all the language and chest beating that goes along with it. The definition of bombing, or better described, "gifting", went straight out the window. It became all about boasting and self-congratulation and nothing about the recipient. By definition, being a gift, one should give it selflessly and make it about the recipient and the qualities for which you congratulate them. Everything about the gangs flew in the face of the very spirit of gift giving.

The membership grew tired of it very quickly and finally became angry that the gangs were taking over the forum and making their own rules. They begged staff to put an end to it and a lot of members left as a result. There was a terrible rift and several members on both sides acted out in deplorable ways. They eventually started their own forum and went about cherry picking members exclusively from Poof!. Eventually, people set about intentionally getting themselves banned and I will not go into the behaviors they engaged to do so.

I am not for an instant impugning everyone involved. On the contrary, it was clear that most were simply caught up in the fervor of the moment. I wasn't directly involved in much of it and most of it had blown up while I was out of town on business. It was a sad, sad epoc in Poof's history.

I hope this doesn't happen here.
I agree Don, I would not want that to happen here. With that said, I know we have this North vs. South rivalry going and I wouldn't want anyone to lose sight of the true meaning of "Bomb". Most of this was started because of some fine BOTL's needed bombing and a bunch still do and will! I for one will continue to bomb those who may or may not participate in the North vs. South rivalry. Anyone I see fit that deserves/needs a bomb will get hit whether they or North, South, East or West. This is by far IMO the best forums I have been apart of and I wouldn't want a hand in ruining it but I must say it seems as if we are having fun with the Civil war thingy...