MERB and how we use it

[Just-ass-weet]

I liked what Canbest had - once a review was posted, the discussions came beneath that ladies title. So you would have a title (ie: Satin Dreams (sub)- the girls who work there (ie: Jessy) - the girls threads which contained a stream of reviews. You always could find info on the girl you were interested in. When the girl changed agencies, her thread followed her - uh, sometimes. Mind you, many might find that to be "free-advertising", but in essence, reviews, at least good ones, are just that.

Or, you could go the route of TER and have a database of reviews rather than have threads - but then there would be no add-on comments or questions because all necessary information would have to be included to be accepted (oh, sounds horrible! lol!)

xoxox
Anik

 

[breadman]

I believe that it is a personal choice where you spend your charity money but it is important to think and act for the less fortunate members out there.

GG

Think you meant 'people'. Members is a term for the alias's we use on the boards.

 

[General Gonad]

Think you meant 'people'. Members is a term for the alias's we use on the boards.

Yes, thanks for correcting me, I'll edit my post.

GG

 

[chowhound]

How I use MERB

My comments are directed to reply to the original post, and not so much as to the subsequent discussion.
I have been here for a few years now. I do not see that it has changed all that much. Actually, it may have been worse at the beginning. The moderation certainly is not perfect, but I remember obvious shilling going on at the beginning, which was reigned in a bit over the years. It still is not perfect.

Although I agree that the policy of honoring "no review" requests is a minus, rather than a plus, on a board, I understand the reasons for it, and the realities involved. I also believe that this is not a new policy here, it must be almost two years old by now. Just note who has that policy, and if it bothers you, then do not use their services.

I also recommend reading the section on suspensions and shills, and taking that information into account when making your purchasing decisions.

As to members leaving, members have always come and gone, some making sure that everyone knows they are leaving and why, only to return at a later date, or not. No big deal, the board survives.

As to the fighting, off-topic nonsense, and members who seem to live to inflate their post count, I recommend liberal use of the ignore function. I have found that adding a few choice members to the list makes the experience more enjoyable, and saves a great deal of time over the months. If you are not interested in the Yankees thread, or any other, don't read it.

 

[Gentle2her]

Many threads are degenerating in flame wars.

Like Ziggy said, Black Hole seems to have done a good job in identifying some of MERB`s main problems. Maybe one way to avoid some of the behavior we see here would be to have tighter rules, or Mods to be less permissive?

It`s interesting to see how things evolve sometimes, take this recent example (yesterday & today): Korbel`s comment that it takes two to tango. Then Ziggy`s apparently incorrect assumption about how Mods decide on their actions. Followed by Regnad`s point of view about antisocial behavior and where MERB is headed, and right below the usual replies by GG not "giving a rat`s ass" about some people and their "bullshit".

In this example, I wonder where could a line be drawn.

Suggestion: A "Forced Ignore List" feature. An Ignore list for members that is maintained by Mods and Admins. For example force Regnad, GG and Ziggy to not see one another`s posts and PMs. If some of those members could not see their antagonists` posts (both ways), do you think those flame wars would still happen?

PS: Sorry to the members highlighted in this post. I didn`t want to single you out, but you just happened to be the most recent example.

 

[korbel]

Lets remember

Being a silent lurker for a long time, I got to read and appreciate MERB on a regular basis. My first impression was that it was interesting to read with all its reviews and threads about our hobby. Unfortunately everything seems to have degraded in the last few months:

[*]There are less and less reviews on MERB, and the few members continuing to post reviews are challenged by white knights wanting to save the world. People like blonds, other like brunettes, some like quick services at $160/hr and others prefer extended dates with HDH ladies with more attributes than just physical ones. Not having the same taste doesn't mean one guy is better than another. Why fight?

[*]Speaking of that, many members are so opinionated it's almost as if they wanted to take control of other members' opinions and MERB content in general. Many threads are degenerating in flame wars.

Any opinion what we could do to make a better use of MERB? Or can we do anything?

Hello Black Hole,

I think there is little any monitor can do to change things. The best way to improve the board would be individual self-regulation; self-awareness of our own motives and preferences and the purpose of the board. That purpose is an exchange of useful information about SPs. All should remember that this information is going to be based on individual tastes and priorities for the service each one wants and the criteria of each individual has to measure satisfaction. Each individual may have slightly or widely different standards of satisfaction. It is therefor inevitable that there will be greatly different opinions on the same lady and no one should be faulted for seeing things differently through their honest opinions. Whether one lady is highly commended or harshly criticized, both are still justified opinions and only opinions. Taking personal offense is a weakness and a failure to remember the rights of others to have differing views...no matter how distasteful to another individual.

The many side trips away from reviews seems to motivate greater participation on the board. Though they may be irrelevant they do offer opportunities to fulfill the human need to express ideas on many subjects and build bonds with others. Unfortunately, the same human weaknesses and negative tendencies in review threads get transfered throughout the board and the opportunty to continue disputes and flames is often used.

So what can be done...I was going to say we should stop talking about being gentlemen and remember to act like gentlemen instead. BUT, this hobby is not exactly a gentlemanly pursuit. How about this. Remember that this hobby is ultimately about temporary sexual gratification. The ladies provide that but no lady is anyone's personal cause or crusade. She is not your mother, your wife, daughter, or your sister. She is a business woman. Even if you develop something a little more special...she is still a business woman as long as she conitnues in the hobby. Try to remember...SHE IS NOT YOURS! YOU...are a client, not her knight. Others still have the right to tell their story free from your...allegedly...redeeming lance. Move on and have fun.

Regards,

Korbel