Bristol Indymedia - What is it?

by Middle aged troll Fri May 22, 2009 20:25

I thought it was all about "The world we are seeking to create", you know, that fairer cleaner greener sutainably peaceful thingy.

by Middle aged troll 2 Sat May 23, 2009 00:13

It obviously isn't about avoiding age discrimination.

by Middle aged Troll 3 Sat May 23, 2009 06:02

What it is is a very useful way of getting news and views accross to a wider audience. Initially it seems clear that those with an anti-capitalist agenda saw it as a vehicle they and only they could use.

They even made up the idea that the vehicle itself was somehow Anti-capitalist.

It isn't, never was, never will be.

BIM itself does not show discrimination. Some on here would seem to like it be like that way though.

by UK Citizen Sat May 23, 2009 07:04

It appears that some opinions are more equal than others.

by Middle Aged troll 4 Sat May 23, 2009 08:04

If as an active participant in BIM you say you strive for " better fairer world "

How come you feel at ease saying this:-

"And please, I know all you trolls are champing at the bit to say what you think Bristol Indymedia SHOULD be, and how rubbish it is, and how deluded we all are, but please, shelve your middle-aged-male instinct to make yourself heard and listen to this one, at least until we get an answer."

What if I were to change the descriptions a bit :-

"And please, I know all you ni**ers are champing at the bit to say what you think Bristol Indymedia SHOULD be, and how rubbish it is, and how deluded we all are, but please, shelve your black culture instinct to make yourself heard and listen to this one, at least until we get an answer."

Apologies to all for even inferring the N word as I KNOW how offensive that is. But Boyd - I think you need to wake up and see how offensive your discrimination against others is.

by Occasional volunteer Sat May 23, 2009 08:07

I have volunteered for BIMC sporadically over the last couple of years. As far as I can tell everyone who has put actual energy into making it run is an Anarchist, or a Socialist with strong Anarchist tendencies.

Bristol Indymedia have signed up to the IMC principles of unity which are pretty clearly Anarchist in their intent.

Principles of Unity of IMCN (Independent Media Centre Network)

1. The Independent Media Center Network (IMCN) is based upon principles of equality, decentralization and local autonomy. The IMCN is not derived from a centralized bureaucratic process, but from the self-organization of autonomous collectives that recognize the importance in developing a union of networks.

2. All IMC's consider open exchange of and open access to information a prerequisite to the building of a more free and just society.

3. All IMC's respect the right of activists who choose not to be photographed or filmed.

4. All IMC's, based upon the trust of their contributors and readers, shall utilize open web based publishing, allowing individuals, groups and organizations to express their views, anonymously if desired.

5. The IMC Network and all local IMC collectives shall be not-for-profit.

6. All IMC's recognize the importance of process to social change and are committed to the development of non-hierarchical and anti-authoritarian relationships, from interpersonal relationships to group dynamics. Therefore, shall organize themselves collectively and be committed to the principle of consensus decision making and the development of a direct, participatory democratic process] that is transparent to its membership.

7. All IMC's recognize that a prerequisite for participation in the decision making process of each local group is the contribution of an individual's labor to the group.

8. All IMC's are committed to caring for one another and our respective communities both collectively and as individuals and will promote the sharing of resources including knowledge, skills and equipment.

9. All IMC's shall be committed to the use of free source code, whenever possible, in order to develop the digital infrastructure, and to increase the independence of the network by not relying on proprietary software.

10. All IMC's shall be committed to the principle of human equality, and shall not discriminate, including discrimination based upon race, gender, age, class or sexual orientation. Recognizing the vast cultural traditions within the network, we are committed to building [diversity] within our localities.

by A Sat May 23, 2009 08:10

I dont remember seeing any capitalists or denialists around when BIM was first knocked together, on the contrary actually.

by Anti capitalist - anarchist. Sat May 23, 2009 08:31

Bristol Indymedia is just one of many Independent Media Centres. They started with a vision for a global, open network of DIY journalists and alternative media activists. It was and remains closely associated with the anti-globalization movement, which criticizes neoliberalism, NAFTA and the World Trade Organization. The overall network is decentralized to the extent that the local IMC's operate independently once they are authenticated into the IMC network.

by Middle aged Troll Sat May 23, 2009 09:23

"10. All IMC's shall be committed to the principle of human equality, and shall not discriminate, including discrimination based upon race, gender, age, class or sexual orientation. Recognizing the vast cultural traditions within the network, we are committed to building [diversity] within our localities."

Amen to that. -

And yet so many so called "activists" on here use discriminatory terms such as "fukkwit capitalist" when all that is really happening is that others have a differing view.

BIM is not discriminatory, - but the evidence of discrimination by those who profess to want a better society against anyone who thinks diferently to how they do is laid out for all to see.

As for the entire 1 to 10 statements - just as I have always thought - these are not specifically anti capitalist - if anything they would be a better dscription of being anti ANY dictatorial regime - RIGHT or LEFT.

How dare one small group be so bloody arrogant to think that they and only they can be so, so, so right in their thinking that all other views are to be squashed.

If they really think that their discriminatory and dictatorial stance as stated by Boyd is somehow going to make the world a better fairer place, then they need to have a serious re-think about what it is that they are doing.

by First poster to use middle-aged troll tag. Sat May 23, 2009 13:12

I would just like to make clear the fact that I am not responsible for any comments by the troll.

I did think Boyds comment was just a tad out of order and unnecessarily provocative, which is why I posted my comment as 'middle-aged troll', I had hoped that my subtle hint would suffice to cause him to reflect a little on his unwise use of the troll word, especially on a potentially important topic such as this one could have been.

I do not agree one iota with anything the troll has written on this or on any other thread.

by Emma Sat May 23, 2009 16:14

BIM will be and is the sum total of the people who contribute articles and comments to the site blended with the policies of those to admin it.

So either contribute or get involved if you want to have a say.

by on the fence Sat May 23, 2009 16:15

It's a highly controlled left wing news resource with a very clear agenda that it promotes.

Dissent and discussion appear to be disouraged.

It is also often, sadly, the haunt of loons.

Blogging has taken it's place really and over the last few years im in the uk appears to have become less interesting to most people.

It was a brave experiemnt that has largely failed to impress anyone except it,s glitterati.

by Mell O Sat May 23, 2009 18:44

What do we NEED it to be for the future?

by Boyd Sat May 23, 2009 21:05

Calling someone a troll is the same as calling someone a nigger? Do you REALLY believe that??

Surely, as some of the anti-anti-capitalists on here would say, there is some 'hidden agenda' behind drawing such a comparison? Either that, or an incredibly naive example of glibness.

And, didn't the fact that all you middle-aged trolls couldn't resist making sure everyone knew your opinion straightaway (whether it was to clarify 'on behalf of everyone else' or to wither me with your punishing critical wit) sort of ......you know....well....... suppport what i was saying? ;-)

As a middle-aged man myself, isn't it amazing how I'm so perceptive about middle-aged men? I'd like to think that my face-to-face exposure to other groups in society helps me be aware of the negative natural traits created by my dominant role in a society my group largely controls. Think on.

I think i like your definition Emma. The nature of BIM has been created by those that use it, and by those that edit it. It has been full of cries of rage against capitalism, speciesism, consumerism, corporatism, gender bias, the mainstream media, racism and fascism of all genuine sources. It has also been full of cries of hope, for a new ecology, for a new set of human relationships, for a rebirth of community, for making a change and taking a chance.

If you just want to bait hippies, i suggest sticking to the Evening Post site or you run the risk of boring people. Seriously, old chap.

by Elf Sun May 24, 2009 09:10

This might have been an useful, inportant and valuable discussion if only it had not started out by calling people names.
Calling anybody a troll is pretty much guaranteed to start a bunfight, dont you think, Boyd?

by nickleberry Sun May 24, 2009 10:55

@Boyd, thanks for starting this discussion. I'll note some brief comments - I could write an essay but I'll rein myself in. The thoughts that follow are my own; I've participated in various IndyMedia collectives over the last six years and have a lot of opinions on the subject... but these are not necessarily representative of any given collective.

Bristol IMC is not a free-speech platform. It doesn't exist for anybody to say anything about any subject they want. The site is moderated, and the editorial guidelines quite explicitly ban certain points of view from being aired on the site.

Bristol IMC does promote a particular world view. In this sense it is like almost any other media organisation. The difference is that we explicitly state what our bias is in the editorial guidelines. Your average mainstream media organisation also has a view to peddle; the difference is that they pretend to be impartial when they're clearly not. We don't claim to be impartial; we claim to be on the side of the poor, of the oppressed, and of those working for a more equal and more just society.

That would seem to be pretty clear. However a tension arises for me here. Because my idea of a more equal and more just society also involves a society with low levels of censorship, and a greater freedom to express one's self. So, although Bristol IMC does promote a particular world view, integral to that world view is space for people to disagree.

This is a point that often causes confusion. People read comments on this site that seem to run counter to principles of equality and justice, and they want them to be censored. Sometimes they obviously have to be - if they're violating guidelines about racism for instance. But at other times they occupy a grey area of dissent that, it seems to me, need to be given space to be debated. I might disagree with what is written - indeed I often disagree to the point of some discomfort - but that is not necessarily reason enough for material to be hidden.

Thus Bristol IMC exists in a state of tension between (sometimes) incompatible principles. This is fine and good and healthy! The tension generally resolves itself into a vibrant and lively equilibrium. Sometimes, of course, it goes off the wall, but the fundamentals, I hope, remain sound...

by chris b Sun May 24, 2009 12:32

when the mainstream media censors virtually all non party politics, why should indymedia allow promote those views which get more than adequate airing in the bougeois media?

the whole reason for indymedia(s) is predicated on the unquestioning bias of the mainstream -

posters like uk citizen/spammond just mimick what goes on in spades on the "this is bristol" website.

indymedia is explicitly anti-capitalist: it was founded at seattle in 1999

if none of its condtions, spell this is out, than perhaps one should.

The defintions in the wikipedia entry highlight the tension from between a (presumed) anti-capitalist position and an open publishing newswire:

wikipedia:

The Independent Media Center (aka Indymedia or IMC) is a global participatory network of journalists that report on political and social issues. It originated during the anti-WTO protests worldwide in 1999 and remains closely associated with the global justice movement, which criticizes neo-liberalism, and its associated institutions. Indymedia uses an open publishing and democratic media process that allows anybody to contribute.

According to its homepage, "Indymedia is a collective of independent media organizations and hundreds of journalists offering grassroots, non-corporate coverage. Indymedia is a democratic media outlet for the creation of radical, accurate, and passionate tellings of truth."[1] Indymedia was founded as an alternative to government and mainstream media, and seeks to facilitate people being able to publish their media as directly as possible

".Local IMC collectives are expected to be open and inclusive of individuals from a variety of different local anti-capitalist points of view, whether or not these have any definite political philosophy, so that even those without internet access can participate in both content creation and in content consumption. Editorial policies, locally chosen by any Indymedia collective, generally involve removing articles which the Indymedia editors believe promote racism, sexism, hate speech, and homophobia. All Indymedia collectives are expected to have a locally chosen, thoroughly discussed and clearly stated editorial policy for posts to their website."

by Fourbyfourhater Sun May 24, 2009 21:32

I like this Indymedia thing because it is a refreshing alternative to the bilge and propaganda spewed out in such vast quantities by the mainstream media. As we know, the mainstream media likes to present itself as impartial -when most of the time it is blatantly biassed!

Articles on here are not impartial -but I think we can forgive ourselves for that because of the fact that we are so under resourced and outnumbered by the people biassed in the direction of the status quo. With luck people will read stuff from different sources and then decide for themselves.

It is also very accessable, with people able to publish stories/articles on here -so different to the evening post where all you can do (to my knowledge) is write them a letter and hope for the best -knowing that the odds are stacked against you being heard if you have a non-establishment point of view.

I'm middle aged, by the way, and like all people I'm sometimes a troll (to me meaning a lumbering unthinking beast) -especially first thing in the morning.

by Eco-Red Mon May 25, 2009 08:52

It is not a vehicle for pro-capitalist views as one or two on here would like it to be, it never was intended to be such a space, and it never shall be.

by For me Mon May 25, 2009 09:50

For me -

What its about -

Its about caring people sharing activism, ideas and energy for a better - non-capitalist future.

by Cherry Mon May 25, 2009 10:41

Bristol Indymedia is the best thing to happen to Brizzle since slavery was abolished.
You know what I mean, slavery, that bit of capitalism which made this town rich, well, the Merchant Venturers anyway!
And which Bristols capitalists dont like us to think or talk about.

by John Serpico Sat May 30, 2009 23:17

'Bristol Indymedia - What is it?' It's a good question actually, and one that should be asked probably on an annual basis. I was involved with the site at the start and initially I had high hopes for it. I quickly saw, however, that the site is only as good as the content to be found on it, which totally depended on who was contributing either through articles or comments. On the reverse, the site was only as bad as the content on it, depending again on who was (or who was not) contributing.
The good thing is that after all these years, trials and tribulations, BIM is still standing. Which is no small thing bearing in mind the number of people who wished to see it fail. Its not exactly how I envisioned it might be, to be honest, but when anything is run collectively its never going to be just how one person would like it to be.
Having said that, a better question to ask is: ‘Bristol Indymedia – What is it? What is it not? What might it be?’
The answer to the first question is basically what it says on the can. Its open resource publishing. When Bristol Indymedia was first started there wasn’t really any specific guidelines as far as I can recall, apart from it being anarchist leaning and to prevent it becoming a platform for the SWP, the BNP and the likes of Tony Gosling. A lot of time was spent making the site known to people and content-wise trying to set the tone by example of articles and subject matter. I think its quite important to state that while all of the people involved were what would be called ‘activists’, the site was never meant to be an ‘activist’ site only. It had far wider potential than just that. Over time, however, this is what BIM became known as and has forever since been held back by this label, in my opinion.
What BIM is not, is quite obvious. There is so much missing on this site that its almost sad. Even though it’s a site local to Bristol it is highly limited in its scope. Its not the site that you would go to if you want to read about Bristol news. Its probably simply down to the lack of people writing for it but there are some gaping holes in its coverage even of news that might fall within the ‘activist’ field. For two quick examples: there was a recent article regarding comedian Mark Thomas calling for a demo in Bristol. Did it happen? Did anyone go? You wouldn’t know it by reading BIM. Local green activist Pete Taylor has recently passed away. You wouldn’t know it from BIM. Why are there no respects being paid to him from here?
And another quick one: the government is in meltdown due to the expenses claims crimes. Politicians are despised. So why is this major issue not being pulled back locally to Bristol and being written about on BIM? Why are local fires not being stoked regarding major national issues?
So what might BIM be? Well, it could easily be a major player in the political, social and news arenas in the South West, I believe. It could not only be a source of entertainment and education but also a weapon at the people of Bristol’s disposal to spark, incite and encourage social change. Bristol Indymedia is and always has been a tool to be used, a ticket to ride. From here to…. Where? Who knows? Who can say? But wherever it is, it is a place that an awful lot of people are afraid of going which is why they attempt so badly to interrupt, control and denigrate it. And by this I not only mean some of the trolls but also some of the moderators.
Is Bristol Indymedia worth it? Its not the be all and end all by any means but yes. I think so.

by hallmark Mon Jun 01, 2009 09:33

"Local green activist Pete Taylor has recently passed away. You wouldn’t know it from BIM. Why are there no respects being paid to him from here?"

Because you didn't post it, when you had the information! If I had a pound for everytime time someone posts saying 'why wasn't this or that posted' when they had the information, and so should have just posted it, instead of posting asking why others didn't, I would probably have a good few hundred quid by now.

by John Serpico Tue Jun 02, 2009 13:34

I know this is the World Wide Web but it seems a bit odd to me to be posting news up on Bristol Indymedia as I don't even live in the UK. I come to BIM seeking news and information about my home town not particularly to contribute news and information. Being informed about what is going on in Bristol by somebody living in Amsterdam - meaning me - does really strike me as weird.
Not that this is the issue. The point that should be considered is why nobody is using BIM to the extent that it could be used? It seriously needs to be thought about.
But hey ho, if nobody thinks it strange for somebody in Amsterdam to be writing about Bristol, then I'll go for it once again.
I'm slightly curious too as to whom the above post is from? I suspect it may well be from a BIM monitor and if so, why not declare that? It would add a lot more weight to the posting, I feel, if a known name was put to it.

by Known name Tue Jun 02, 2009 15:27

It is clear that some "monitors" or moderators have in the past overstepped the rules and selected certain posts out thyat do not fit teir views. A quick review of "hidden comments" is all that is required to confirm this.

However, of late a far greater tolerance has been shown. This is to be welcomed.

BIM has a future - it just should not be in the hands of a small clique. It should stick to its founding principles.

by Spamalot Tue Jun 02, 2009 18:34

"BIM has a future - it just should not be in the hands of a small clique. It should stick to its founding principles."

Sorry I missed the part where you came up with a practical suggestion.

My take on it is there is a tyranny of those that can be bothered to turn up to meetings and put time and effort into something. BIM have publicized open meetings, I don't really see what else they can do to be more open.

If you can be bothered to turn up you get a voice, if you don't turn up then you don't.

by hallmark Tue Jun 02, 2009 19:28

I'm not a 'monitor' I'm just a regular reader and think it's weird how people will post to the site complaining of things which haven't been posted, when they could have posted it themselves, using that very post for it! So, you live in Amsterdam, but doesn't change that general weird disconnect so many people seem to have where they're always waiting for someone else to post what they themselves could have posted!

I'm also glad of that extra bit of control monitors have on the site nowadays, having watched this space for years it was once an infantile cesspit where any infantile troll could pretty much take over the entire site, and trash it into oblivion. From what i've seen over the years, it nearly died for lack of control, and has found a better balance between openess and between slowly trolled to death.

Trolls will also exploit the far greater openness on here than other places where ip addresses can be blocked, and will always scream that they have been censored, when posts aren't even deleted, and they can continue their petty trolling under different names, but i for one am thankful that the monitors took control, saved the site, without killing it's openness in the process.

Most people seem to want seem to want to return it to a trolls paradise, when the monitors should be given a bit more respect for the balance they've managed to walk like a tightrope. Personally, I would never become a monitor, because i'm a sensitive soul, and couldn't tolerate the complete lack of gratitude, and grotty insinuations and attacks all the time.

It's amazing they haven't walked away, because the abuse from the trolls is one thing, but the level of abuse from other contributors, who should give them more support, has been sickening to watch over the years.

by John Serpico Tue Jun 02, 2009 22:36

I actually agree that BIM needed to be taken control of because as 'Hallmark' writes, it was once being seriously trashed by trolls who for their own reasons seemed to want to destroy the site or to go on a weird Internet ego drive at the expense of BIM being in any way progressive. I think too that in the main the moderators do a good job although its pretty obvious that there are many occassions when they should just relax a little. Let the site be wild and free sometimes. Watch the comments, of course, but only clamp down when there is blatant abuse or if nothing is being added.
Its a difficult job, I can see, and its not helped when a lot of the people commenting are competing in the control stakes too.
I'm not sure if its relevant but not too long ago somebody posted up some photos of the view from his window and I thought it good that this was allowed to stay up. It wasn't a news item or anything and did not fit any usual BIM subject matter, it was just some photos but it was really nice, I thought.
But anyway, a clash about those doing the monitoring of the site isn't what I'm interested in. Im interested in why BIM isn't reaching even a fraction of its full potential.
As 'Hallmark' points out, one of the reasons is due to people not taking it upon themselves to post articles and expecting others to be doing it instead. BIM should be empowering and people should know that it is a site for just about everyone (apart from the SWP, BNP and Tony Gosling!). Why has this simple message not got through?
I can remember going out and flyposting BIM posters and painting up BIM stencils in a bid to publicise the existence of this potentially brilliant resource. Did a load of of curious types visit the site, take one look at it and never return? If so, why might that have been? Why did people not see that they too could post anything up and have access to a wide audience which at one time included local councillors, mainstream journalists and potentially their next door neighbour? The old Editor of The Evening Post used to be an avid BIM reader (not that this is of much note, particuarly as he was an old wanker) but I'd be surprised if even he would visit here now - because there is nothing for him. And there's not really very much for anyone else too. Why is this? That's what I'm interested in.

by Nonny mouse Wed Jun 03, 2009 09:32

You wrote "It is clear that some "monitors" or moderators have in the past overstepped the rules and selected certain posts out thyat do not fit teir views. A quick review of "hidden comments" is all that is required to confirm this"

They overstepped what rules exactly?

Posts get hidden for breaching guidelines only.

You also wrote "BIM has a future - it just should not be in the hands of a small clique. It should stick to its founding principles"

How many times have BIMVOLS publicised BIM meets inviting all and any to get involved, and why have you not attended any meetings?

If it is a small group, it is only because most people prefer to use it, while a tiny minority like you complain about it rather than improve it with their time, energy and ideas.

As to its "Founding Principles" .................. were you around when BIM was first put together?

Were you at the first public meeting in the Hatchet public house in August 2001 ?

Do please tell us what you think BIM's "Founding Principles are exactly"

by Dingle my dongle Wed Jun 03, 2009 18:59

Don't we often have some aged scribe stating that BIM is NOT about free speech?

The evidence is far more that it is:-

"With just 3 media monoliths (BBC, Granada who own HTV West, and Daily Mail & Trust who own the Evening Post, Venue, Metro and the Western Daily Press) dominating the 'free speech' in Bristol, how can democracy flourish?"

How indeed?

Only if posts that are valid but nevertheless are of a different viewpoint to the moderating "clique" are allowed to be posted. As soon as you allow censorship all the worthiness goes out of the window.

THAT is why I say that BIM should stick to its founding principles. Even if this means that mutual admiration society tries to dilute out what they do not like by Swamping.

The effect is already backfiring on them.

by nickleberry Fri Jun 05, 2009 11:01

@John Serpico makes many valid points. Particularly this:

Im interested in why BIM isn't reaching even a fraction of its full potential.
As 'Hallmark' points out, one of the reasons is due to people not taking it upon themselves to post articles and expecting others to be doing it instead. BIM should be empowering and people should know that it is a site for just about everyone

I heartily agree. It'd be great if people posted more, and better, news items to this site. There is heaps of potential for this, but it aint happening. On the other hand this comment really irritated me:

But wherever it is, it is a place that an awful lot of people are afraid of going which is why they attempt so badly to interrupt, control and denigrate it. And by this I not only mean some of the trolls but also some of the moderators.

Thanks for that, John! I'm a moderator of this site. I've been doing it fairly consistently for about three years. I know all of the other active moderators personally. We don't always agree about how to operate (which is good) but I don't doubt the good intentions of the other moderators working on this site.

To be lumped in with trolls is fucking annoying. Moderating this site is a privilege, but it is also time-consuming and at times bloody tedious. I read a lot of stuff posted by trolls that I'd rather my brain didn't have to consume. But it has to be done. Moderators are routinely abused (there was a little fad of referring to us as "the Stasi" a few months ago), and it is generally assumed that we hide stuff we don't like because we're small-minded cynical cunts out to promote our own world-view to the expense of everyone else.

Let me assure you that there'd be a hell of a lot less content on this site if I hid everything I disagree with. In fact if I disagree with something it makes it less likely that I'll hide it, because I feel that my own views are colouring my judgment.

So, perhaps you could give the moderators a break, eh? I really don't think that the moderators are the limiting factor on this site - instead your comments about unreached potential are much more apposite. We really need more people going out and finding good news stories, and posting them on this site. We really need more volunteers to help run the site, so that we can continue to innovate. There aren't many people in BIMC you know, and we really need more.

Which brings me to this comment by @name:

Someone of my views coming to a meeting where people like you try the entire verbal put down on here that you can muster because you don't like what I say?

If you think I have any desire to take that sort of crapp bullying on a personal face to face level you are very much mistaken.

Dude, I don't give a flying fuck what your views are. If you come to meetings, act respectfully, participate to the best of your ability, and abide by the collective decisions of BIMC, then you are welcome. End of story. If you were bullied as a result of attending BIMC meetings then I would be fucking pissed off, and I would personally work to ensure that this was stopped immediately.

If I hung out solely with people who agreed with my personal opinions then I'd be a very lonely person. You should at least try attending a meeting, rather than assuming that we won't listen to anything you say.

Unfortunately the fact of the matter is that very few people bother to come to meetings, very few people even bother to engage in email discussions about their criticisms of the IndyMedia project. It's a lot easier to sit back and write abusive comments, but that is very unlikely to change things... And there are certainly things that could do with changing...

by Emma Fri Jun 05, 2009 12:50

Well said.

by Mell O Fri Jun 05, 2009 16:34

There is nothing at all wrong with Bindymedia, it has evolved very well over the years in myhumble estimation.

All users and volunteers have learned loads, (except the trolls of couse) BIM is a seriously good thing, I read stuff here everyday, and I find the vast majority of its users to be good caring people!

The volunteers, (and by that I dont just mean the mods), do what they do for the common good, and I am grateful to each and every one of them for their valuable efforts and energy, talent and skills, and of course their time that they give so freely.

If only capitalists were half as principled and caring!

Any one can attend meets, and there is no hierachy, unlike in capitalistic 'enterprises' where the boss exploits everybody and makes most of the money at the workers and the planets expense.

Before anybody criticises something or somebody they should at least have the common sense do some basic research, and instead of slagging off volunteers blindly, get to know them first.

Know the thing before you judge it, opinions and assumptions are invariably wrong.

Thanks you lot!

by nickleberry Sat Jun 06, 2009 10:21

No time to write more just now but wanted to say that I really appreciate the positive feed back. Thanks heaps.

by londoner Mon Jun 08, 2009 14:51

an article on imc london worth reading which covers some similar ground to this thread...

http://london.indymedia.org/articles/1541

by Bored by the banal. Mon Jun 08, 2009 16:31

If I have one complaint about Bindymedia, it is that the mods too often allow posts from ANTI - anti - capitalists / denialists etc to remain visible when obviously such comments were posted only to wind other users up and to start a slagging match.

The word Respect of course means different things to different folk, it would be good if the mods could be more consistant and hide comments which are clearly and plainly dis-respectful.

Perhaps the BIMVOLs would care to clarify exactly what the word Respect means in order that those posters who come here mainly just to take the piss might come to understand that communication is supposed to be a two-way process, not some sort of macho moronic competion whereby the most irrational and hysteric loudmouth dominates?

I know the guidelines say 'Dont feed the troll' - but equally mods could improve the quality of content significantly if they were to hide the obvious troll-excrement more often than they currently do.