Discussion Board Mafia
Jun
9
2006

Damn it! I wrote this long rant about the discussion board mafia and the hostility toward any difference of opinion in this country and blogger ate it! Perhaps it was a sign, LOL

In any case, I am sick and tired of weak willed bullies who can’t handle that other people don’t have the same opinion that they do so they flip out and do everything to silence and stifle it. Suck it up. That’s democracy. Don’t like it, don’t read it. Debate it with some intelligence and civility why don’t you?

And honest to goodness, people, if someone doesn’t like your favorite author, please don’t turn into the freaking mob and jump on anyone who expresses a different viewpoint about a book. It’s really offensive and you know, I’m a writer, I like free expression. Counter it with another opinion but stop with the boot stomping on the book boards!

I like Diana Gabaldon. Do you know how many people hate her? Sheesh, if I’d listened to them, I’d never have picked up one of her books, LOL. And I’d have missed out on some of the best books I’ve read in the last decade. If you don’t, that’s okay. She’s not for everyone. See! And yet, I am still able to enjoy her books.

If someone doesn’t like Jane Doe and you do, good on ya! But do not ask for an opinion on why the person didn’t like it and when they give you one (free of nastiness and specific and pretty close to all the other criticism I’ve heard of this book) don’t turn on the person and savage her while simultaneously acting like you’re somehow superior in your intolerance. You look like an asshat. A petty, whiny asshat who is so insecure in her own opinions she cannot bear to hear anyone else’s if they differ. Especially when you are brutal in your constant derogatory comments about other books (even those you haven’t read)

It makes the boards unpleasant for all of us when some Jawbreaker-esque/Heathers clique ruins any attempt at actual discussion that is more than “this is great!”

Freedom of expression – it’s what’s for dinner. Get some.

4 comments to “Discussion Board Mafia”

  1. Nicole
    June 9th, 2006 at 4:17 pm · Link

    I rather liked the BellaOnline discussion about the Amanda Quick book. 🙂 Now if only all could be so nice.



  2. Melany
    June 9th, 2006 at 4:19 pm · Link

    I love a good discussion. I hate the “you must believe the way I believe” mantra. It amazes me authors have fans who will do that but I guess *shrugs* to each their own.



  3. Lauren Dane
    June 9th, 2006 at 4:32 pm · Link

    Nicole, do you know what bugged me most about that discussion? The way everyone has to tiptoe around actually having a different opinion. I did appreciate that very last comment about differences of opinion though.

    IMO, if you hadn’t been the one asked in that way, it could have gone another way entirely.

    Lany – I’ve given up even trying to talk about books on so many boards (and this post wasn’t about a single incident but at least five in the last week all over the place) because of this attitude.



  4. Nicole
    June 9th, 2006 at 6:51 pm · Link

    True. I didn’t exactly agree with how she viewed my opinion, but I was glad no one completely dismissed it out of hand.
    I think that was the main thing why I was pleased. Although I think the JAK fans thought I was just off my rocker and dismissed me. 🙂

    It was nice to at least have a semi-articulate convo about it.