Portobello Online and the Community Council

ali · Post by **ali** » 06 Nov 2006, 14:49

tom nimmo wrote:A website Forum is just a grown up name for a chat room. This forum is no different to any other chat rooms I have looked at as it is dominated by a handful of people who post comments and opinions like there is no tomorrow. Take the Portobello Matters thread on the High School (please). 150 pages and still counting!!! Where on earth do these people get the time to send in all this stuff? Do they not have jobs, social lives, families or pals? Anyway, after witnessing Bob's rather defensive and uncomfortable response to questions raised at last week's PCC meeting I think it is an excellent idea for POL to sever all ties with the PCC and stand alone. It would mean that as a PCC member I would, at last, be able to say the chat room is nothing to do with me. Oh, and please remove the banner from the front of the town hall while you're at it. It isnae very attractive on such a splendid building. Right, that's me for another few weeks as I've got a job, a social life, a family and loads of pals. And I've Just been told my dinner is on the table. Cheers y'all.

Tom
If I were you I would just give up this "chat room" malarkey. You've not really got the hang of it have you?

If you carry on like this people will get the impression that you're just a silly old goat. Please understand, I'm not saying that you are. (Dont want to infringe the posting guidelines etc.) Its just that that's the impression you are going to give people.

peace
ali

Dadaist · Post by **Dadaist** » 06 Nov 2006, 14:55

ali - you have already infringed our guidelines by insulting old goats. They are worthy of respect and haven't harmed anyone, and are more useful to the environment and community than a tom nimmo.

Rather, next time you want to insult an old goat call it a silly tom nimmo and it will get the point, and feel anything from contrite through affrontation to indignation at the level of abuse entailed by being compared to something of that ilk.

ali · Post by **ali** » 06 Nov 2006, 15:02

Dada - sorry 'bout that - I hereby apologise to all old goats everywhere, especially the silly ones.

Porty · Post by **Porty** » 06 Nov 2006, 16:03

Dadaist wrote:ali - you have already infringed our guidelines by insulting old goats. They are worthy of respect and haven't harmed anyone, and are more useful to the environment and community than a tom nimmo..

In all seriousness Tom Nimmo is a very pleasant and reasonable person in real life and I've known him do a number of good deeds for the Portobello community, apparently without ego.

He has just got the wrong end of the stick about POL and the Forum, he has been badly advised. As far as I can see and Ive only been a member of PCC for a few months. POL is the best thing it has produced/supported. It is full of useful information the speed of information flow is second to none. It is useful for promoting local events......the list of benefits is long.

The forum is a PITA for some folks. Particulalry the ones that like to believe they speak for the whole community, you see them regularly in the evening newa. "the community will fight this" "it is well loved by the whole community" and so on. Normally they can speak without fear of being challenged, they enjoy the experience, as there is no forum in which they can be challenged. The longer they go on speaking without challenge the more they believe they do speak for the community. For example I'm sure that fairly recently Gemini claimed that PCATS represented 97% of the portobello community

POL is different, the ordinary citizen can have their say and they can do so anonymously, as long as they remain within the posting guidelines. We are all particpating in free speech some people don't like that.

Dadaist · Post by **Dadaist** » 06 Nov 2006, 16:08

If he is pleasant and reasonable, he'll realise on reading these comments that he got it wrong. I'll reserve judgement until I see his reaction to our reactions. Maybe he was badly informed before, but lets see what he says now that he has more information from which to form an opinion on a number of people he has never met.

Porty · Post by **Porty** » 06 Nov 2006, 16:12

tom nimmo · Post by **tom nimmo** » 06 Nov 2006, 16:36

Ouch, that's me had a right virtual kicking then. Not being part of the inner circle of POL I can only identify people by their real names, not their pretend ones so I have been given a doing by people who, with the odd exception, remain a mystery to me. Please approach me in person to tell me how horrible I am the next time you see me wandering about in a trance and I promise to take it in the best possible humour. I take great delight in now knowing that not all the Rosy Blue CDs are in my house. If you would like a car sticker Dadaist (there was a 1970s prog rock band called Dada, don't you know) then there will be plenty being given away on Saturday night at The Plough. Come up and say hello.

foxy · Post by **foxy** » 06 Nov 2006, 16:49

tom nimmo wrote:Saturday night at The Plough. Come up and say hello.

Early POL Christmas nightout

Dadaist · Post by **Dadaist** » 06 Nov 2006, 17:05

tom nimmo wrote:Ouch, that's me had a right virtual kicking then. Not being part of the inner circle of POL I can only identify people by their real names, not their pretend ones so I have been given a doing by people who, with the odd exception, remain a mystery to me. Please approach me in person to tell me how horrible I am the next time you see me wandering about in a trance and I promise to take it in the best possible humour. I take great delight in now knowing that not all the Rosy Blue CDs are in my house. If you would like a car sticker Dadaist (there was a 1970s prog rock band called Dada, don't you know) then there will be plenty being given away on Saturday night at The Plough. Come up and say hello.

No. And if there was a doing being given then you started it - I never lectured you on what you do with your time.

Our names aren't the only thing that are a mystery to you - you're ill-informed on other things too, although that doesn't seem to stop you being opinionated.

You chose the forum as the platform for your opinions so don't be surprised if users respond using it, and in the conventions that this virtual community has adopted. It's not our fault if you are ignorant of things like usernames, and just because yours is your real name does not excuse the content of your post.

Privacy, and anonymity, are integral to this forum and people reveal their identities by consent, when they are comfortable, and to the people of their choice.

I want a Rosie Blue car sticker as much as I wanted the cd - it was sent to me when I ran Radio Free Porty. I did try and play it, but the neighbours complained that their flowers kept wilting.

tom nimmo · Post by **tom nimmo** » 06 Nov 2006, 17:07

Oops, almost forgot to respond to the things that were said about me. Dadaist - I actually think you are a very funny guy, and that's not intended to be opinionated rubbish or twaddle. Bob - 'Orchestrated campaign' First I've heard about it. Honestly, my opinions are mine and mine alone. Let's face it, who else would take responsibility for them? Porty - Ta for the list of what the great and the good can do. I've got a university degree, I can play bass guitar, but, sadly, I can't yet bellydance. Ta for the nice things you said about me at 2-03pm today but I'm not sure why you attacked Lewis when commenting on me. Are personal attacks on named people allowed on this chat room? Bearcub - I used to work for Prudential. Hated it from day one. Bellybabe - You could be the answer to my non-bellydancing situation. Pal of Porty - At last, I got the banner grumble right. Cheers mate. Foxy - I can crochet too. Ali - You're right. I'm hopeless at this chat room lark and I probably will give it up one day.

Dadaist · Post by **Dadaist** » 06 Nov 2006, 17:14

Aw shucks, he's gone all pleasant and reasonable on us.

Pal of Porty · Post by **Pal of Porty** » 06 Nov 2006, 17:17

tom nimmo wrote:....Not being part of the inner circle of POL I can only identify people by their real names, not their pretend ones....

Pal of Porty = Dave Davidson

Dadaist · Post by **Dadaist** » 06 Nov 2006, 17:21

I love having a pretend name. And if you ever see a post that ends with "Mat aka Dadaist" you can tell for sure it's 100% serious, whereas the other 4991 you just never know, it might be intentional cr@pola.

tom nimmo · Post by **tom nimmo** » 06 Nov 2006, 17:28

Actually, Pal of Porty, not being that dim I had kind of worked your real name out for myself. Thanks anyway. Dadaist, while I was composing my reply which you think was all nice and reasonable you were posting a, let's face it, not very nice one about me, again. Please do not make the mistake of taking me too seriously. I'm just not worth it. Has anyone else spotted that the clock on this is still on summer time? Observant or what?

Porty · Post by **Porty** » 06 Nov 2006, 17:31

tom nimmo wrote:bellydance. Ta for the nice things you said about me at 2-03pm today but I'm not sure why you attacked Lewis when commenting on me.

Allow me to explain.

I didn't attack Lewis Waugh, I was thinking of his recent outburst at the community council when he accused POL of poisoning the community, as an example of ignorance from one of your cronies. He basically pitched up, spouted a bunch of insulting twaddle and legged it. I related this too you as your post was almost a carbon copy, certainly in terms of poorly informed judgemental ignorance. Do you undertand now?

I'm disappointed at your attempt to use the anonymity card. People's real identities didnt seem to matter when you were dealing out the woefully inaccurate group insults.

Dadaist · Post by **Dadaist** » 06 Nov 2006, 17:32

tom nimmo wrote:Actually, Pal of Porty, not being that dim I had kind of worked your real name out for myself. Thanks anyway. Dadaist, while I was composing my reply which you think was all nice and reasonable you were posting a, let's face it, not very nice one about me, again. Please do not make the mistake of taking me too seriously. I'm just not worth it. Has anyone else spotted that the clock on this is still on summer time? Observant or what?

Don't put yourself down. Your opinions may be held up to intense scrutiny on here, but they are worth as much or as little as anyone elses.

Dadaist · Post by **Dadaist** » 06 Nov 2006, 17:38

p.s. you need to go to your "profile" and change your timezone to GMT - or the offset of your choice depending on your location, of course.

Porty · Post by **Porty** » 06 Nov 2006, 17:43

tom nimmo wrote: Please do not make the mistake of taking me too seriously. I'm just not worth it.

This in a way is part of the problem. As people get to know each other, become acquainted, the odd traded insult is neither here nor there. Unfortunatlley you are not a regular poster here and not as familar as some. If you look at your recent posts they have mostly been insulting and/or derogatory.

Just like real life it is difficult to recover from that with a "don't take me seriously *joke* ".

Think of it this way. We are all gathered in the Plough on a Saturday night out, there is a lull between songs. The door bursts open. a guy calls us childless, jobless, boring, no-lifers. Should we buy him a pint?

Having said that I genuinely wish you well in recovery and hope that you go onto become a more positive contributor to POL.

Porty · Post by **Porty** » 06 Nov 2006, 18:09

Porty wrote:I didn't attack Lewis Waugh, I was thinking of his recent outburst at the community council when he accused POL of poisoning the community, as an example of ignorance from one of your cronies.

I have just had a visit from Tom and he assures me that he is not in cahoots or part of any conspiracy. My statement is therefore out of order in relation to cronies. I have apologised face to face and am doing so here too.

ali · Post by **ali** » 06 Nov 2006, 20:07

tom nimmo wrote:Actually, Pal of Porty, not being that dim I had kind of worked your real name out for myself. Thanks anyway. Dadaist, while I was composing my reply which you think was all nice and reasonable you were posting a, let's face it, not very nice one about me, again. Please do not make the mistake of taking me too seriously. I'm just not worth it. Has anyone else spotted that the clock on this is still on summer time? Observant or what?

So Tom, don't you think that an apology might be appropriate to the people you annoyed with your original post?

Porty · Post by **Porty** » 06 Nov 2006, 20:36

Porty wrote:
tom nimmo wrote: I'm not sure why you attacked Lewis when commenting on me.

I didn't attack Lewis Waugh, I was thinking of his recent outburst at the community council when he accused POL of poisoning the community, as .

I've been thinking about this exchange and its a good example of double standards, not neccesarily by Tom but by whomever is trying to manipulate the community council against POL. Here's how it goes:

Lewis Waugh makes an outrageous and false claim about POL, the people who run it, those of us who post here and 30 or more people bore witness, as its a public meeting. I relate the incident as it happened and i am accused of making a personal attack!!! Its as if these people have immunity to critique in any shape or form.

Similarly, I posted a few days concerning comments that were made at the most recent meeting and they have been suspended, after a complaint. As far as I am concerned my account was told verbatiim. I would much rather my post was retained and whomever complained engaged with their version of events.

tom nimmo · Post by **tom nimmo** » 06 Nov 2006, 20:46

Well, kind of, sort of, let me put it this way. I didn't actually name any names or single out anyone in particular. I am still amazed at the amount of time indivduals devote to contributing to this forum. Even today on my treasured day off which is usually spent loafing about I have been spending far too much time looking at POL. (Help, I've just realised I am doing it again) It's addictive isn't it? Anyway, back to the point. I did visit Porty as I took exception to something he wrote about me and we sorted it out in the old fashioned way. Conversation. I did not have anyone in mind when I made my comments yesterday but quite clearly I have been accused of causing seroius offence. For this I apologise as it was never my intention. If there is a campaign against POL I must assure you all that I am not part of it and, if it actually exists, it is news to me. I have never been in the habit of firing someone else's bullets and I would not expect anyone else to fire mine. In the unlikely event that I ever feel the need to insult anyone I can guarantee that I would not be doing it via a forum. Can I please also point out that Rosy Blue is a blues and rock band and the members of it have nothing to do with anything I write here. I'm actually more of a Thin Lizzy man myself but please don't tell anyone.

bearcub · Post by **bearcub** » 06 Nov 2006, 20:51

tom nimmo wrote:In the unlikely event that I ever feel the need to insult anyone I can guarantee that I would not be doing it via a forum.

Dadaist · Post by **Dadaist** » 07 Nov 2006, 11:49

tom nimmo wrote:Can I please also point out that Rosy Blue is a blues and rock band and the members of it have nothing to do with anything I write here.

To maintain thread consistency I'll make any future comments on Rosy Nimmo-Blue on the Radio Free Porty forum, since this is where the demo was sent.

Porty · Post by **Porty** » 07 Nov 2006, 12:07

Dadaist wrote:To maintain thread consistency .

Michty me!!

5000 + posts and this is the first interest you've shown in thread consistency. You feeling ok?

Epykat · Post by **Epykat** » 07 Nov 2006, 12:23

tom nimmo wrote: I'm actually more of a Thin Lizzy man myself but please don't tell anyone.

Redeemed yourself just in time...........

Dadaist · Post by **Dadaist** » 07 Nov 2006, 13:14

Porty wrote:
Dadaist wrote:To maintain thread consistency .
Michty me!!

5000 + posts and this is the first interest you've shown in thread consistency. You feeling ok?

Help ma boab! I'm aware of my now inconsistent attitude to consistency. I'll do my best to maintain consistent inconsistency in the future. No. Yes.

tom nimmo · Post by **tom nimmo** » 07 Nov 2006, 20:16

I've not quite mastered the art of lifting quotes but I will try to make this coherent. Porty wrote yesterday about an individual attending a PCC meeting and having a go at POL and its regular contributors. I was not at the meeting so don't know what was said but I can understand why someone with a grievance would assume that the PCC somehow oversees the activities of POL and, as a result of this, would expect the PCC to be able to have some influence over POL. I think this is part of the problem for the folk who do all the work on POL and I am seriously wondering why they can't actually sever ties with the PCC and go it alone. Is there is a legal or organisational reason for this not happening? I have no idea if POL has any running costs or if it raises funds through advertising but, as far as I am aware, PCC does not 'bankroll' it. If it is just down to fundraising to make this happen I would expect there are enough POL supporters out there who would be prepared to give a little cash to make the website appear more independent. Does any of the above make sense?

Porty · Post by **Porty** » 07 Nov 2006, 20:31

Thanks for the apology Tom. I see most others haven't acknolwedged it. I put it down to them not knowing you. I appreciate it and i'm sure they feel better too.

tom nimmo wrote: . Does any of the above make sense?

Almost all of it.

However, i want you to report to my office on your next day off for more quoting lessons.

You obvioulsy weren't paying any attention which means your POL credentials are growing by the day.

tom nimmo wrote: I was not at the meeting so don't know what was said but I can understand why someone with a grievance would assume that the PCC somehow oversees the activities of POL and, as a result of this, would expect the PCC to be able to have some influence over POL.

Two things:

1) Lewis didn't have a personal grievance, how could he, he doesn't post here and as far as I know hasn't visited.

2) There is a way to behave and a written complaints procedure. Try relating it to Lewis's own workplace. An adult who doesn't have a kid at the school and who has never before shown face, turns up at the monthly senior management meeting and accuses three department heads of "poisoning the community".

Does that sound like a reasonable and proper way to behave?

Don't get me wrong its not only Lewis.

I agree, its divorce time but its a sad, very sad outcome and is a direct result of a whispering and smear campaign.

moderated 7/11

tom nimmo · Post by **tom nimmo** » 07 Nov 2006, 20:41

Yeah, but I don't know if you are just a prolific poster or if you are one of the POL organisational top bananas. Back to my question. If PCC and POL don't get on why can't both of them, or just POL, call it a day? If it's just down to lack of funds I would be prepared to chuck in a Pop Quiz and 70s/80s disco free of charge to get you on your way.

Dave Connelly · Post by **Dave Connelly** » 07 Nov 2006, 22:31

Porty wrote:
The forum is a PITA for some folks. Particulalry the ones that like to believe they speak for the whole community, you see them regularly in the evening newa. "the community will fight this" "it is well loved by the whole community" and so on. Normally they can speak without fear of being challenged, they enjoy the experience, as there is no forum in which they can be challenged. The longer they go on speaking without challenge the more they believe they do speak for the community. For example I'm sure that fairly recently Gemini claimed that PCATS represented 97% of the portobello community

<img src="http://www.clanconnelly.com/portyonline/don.jpg">

Bob

<img src="http://www.clanconnelly.com/portyonline/bob.jpg">

Don Vito Corleone

Dave Connelly · Post by **Dave Connelly** » 07 Nov 2006, 22:36

Porty wrote:
........I was thinking of his recent outburst at the community council ................

<img src="http://www.culturedpearl.us/Earth-Image ... ettles.JPG">

Need I say More

Jackson Priest · Post by **Jackson Priest** » 07 Nov 2006, 22:48

Dave Connelly wrote:
Porty wrote:
The forum is a PITA for some folks. Particulalry the ones that like to believe they speak for the whole community, you see them regularly in the evening newa. "the community will fight this" "it is well loved by the whole community" and so on. Normally they can speak without fear of being challenged, they enjoy the experience, as there is no forum in which they can be challenged. The longer they go on speaking without challenge the more they believe they do speak for the community. For example I'm sure that fairly recently Gemini claimed that PCATS represented 97% of the portobello community
<img src="http://www.clanconnelly.com/portyonline/don.jpg">

Bob

<img src="http://www.clanconnelly.com/portyonline/bob.jpg">

Don Vito Corleone

Ha ha! Brilliant! You're right - they do look a bit like each other!

ROLTFAMO

Jackson Priest · Post by **Jackson Priest** » 07 Nov 2006, 22:50

Dave Connelly wrote:
Porty wrote:
........I was thinking of his recent outburst at the community council ................
<img src="http://www.culturedpearl.us/Earth-Image ... ettles.JPG">

Need I say More

Sorry - I didn't get that one. Are the teapots supposed to represent something?

Porty · Post by **Porty** » 07 Nov 2006, 23:00

tom nimmo wrote: Yeah, but I don't know if you are just a prolific poster or if you are one of the POL organisational top bananas

.

I'm the former, I'm not even a bottom banana.

tom nimmo wrote: Back to my question. If PCC and POL don't get on why can't both of them, or just POL, call it a day?

When i said most of what you said made sense, I meant it. I don't know the internal politics between POL and PCC, I do know that the sub-committee met for the first time recently and theres was a wiilingness to continue by both parties. Some info is posted here.

To answer your question: POL won a community website award recently which is good fpr the community council, POL is regularly quoted in the EN and other publications and as you may know POL is currently involved in digitising all the back copies of The Porty Reporter. Which, would normally be a prohibitively expensive task to undertake. If PCC seperate from POL I don't know whether The Porty Reporter will still want this type of assocaition. So there are benefits. However, I question the need for the association with PCC. All they do for POL at the moment is fire bullets for the conspiracists.

In any case, I trust the team that run POL to do the right thing and I will support them whatever they decide to do.

tom nimmo wrote: If it's just down to lack of funds I would be prepared to chuck in a Pop Quiz and 70s/80s disco free of charge to get you on your way.

I don't think anyone will be turning that offer down anytime soon.

Talk Porty ~ Portobello

Portobello Online and the Community Council

Re: pol versus pcc