Sign of the times we live in?

[Arkless Electronics]

I created a discussion thread on one of the music discussion forums, and after a few interesting posts and comments, my thread was deleted by the admins. When I asked them why was the thread deleted, they replied that the thread got deleted because thread title contained the word 'worst', and that word is not allowed on their forum (sic!)

I then asked if the word 'best' is allowed, to which they replied 'of course, by all means'.

So we seem to be living in the age that I could label 'Terror of Positivism'. Only positive words and expressions are now allowed.

So my question is: what's next?

This does seem to be a major issue these days yes and it has become something of a bete noire for me. If one is REALLY critical of something, many forums really don't like it... the implication being that someone else who really likes the thing you are being critical of may be offended I guess. I am completely opposed to this personally but it seems the rot is set in and spreading.... On this very forum I have been forced to agree not to tell the truth about mains cables and "hi fi fuses" etc ie I'm not to join threads on the subject and pour cold water on the idea that they can even possibly have any effect.... On The Guardian site the other day I've been pretty much kicked off for suggesting (in a feminism thread) that women by and large have already achieved equality with men, that the jobs done, and much "beating of dead horses" is now going on. The no doubt "dungaree positive" moderators didn't like this! I wasn't allowed to make that argument, every such post was deleted. I would not shut up as I had a valid point which I was presenting in a polite manner and I refused to be censored.. so they kicked me off!

[magiccarpetride]

Even those of us who used to live there think the same I assure you! It's an interesting place to visit... provided you've plenty of money... but you would have to pay me a lot of money to live there!!

My friend, who is just a regular bloke, loves it there. I think he was born and raised there, so that may explain it.

[magiccarpetride]

This does seem to be a major issue these days yes and it has become something of a bete noire for me. If one is REALLY critical of something, many forums really don't like it... the implication being that someone else who really likes the thing you are being critical of may be offended I guess. I am completely opposed to this personally but it seems the rot is set in and spreading.... On this very forum I have been forced to agree not to tell the truth about mains cables and "hi fi fuses" etc ie I'm not to join threads on the subject and pour cold water on the idea that they can even possibly have any effect.... On The Guardian site the other day I've been pretty much kicked off for suggesting (in a feminism thread) that women by and large have already achieved equality with men, that the jobs done, and much "beating of dead horses" is now going on. The no doubt "dungaree positive" moderators didn't like this! I wasn't allowed to make that argument, every such post was deleted. I would not shut up as I had a valid point which I was presenting in a polite manner and I refused to be censored.. so they kicked me off!

That I find quite concerning. While I'm all for moderating rude, uncivilized behaviour and controlling the ad hominem patterns, banning someone for politely providing counter arguments is where we enter the slippery slope. The next thing on the horizon is totalitarianism where the biggest original sin is pointing out that the Emperor hasn't got any clothes on.

And we all know how that thing ends...

[Arkless Electronics]

I dare say I've been around quite a while, but I really do remember when many folk did not bother too much about locking their doors. Then a burglary made the front page in local papers and a murder was so rare it hit the front page of the national papers. All everyday occurrences now and homes are well locked with CCTV installed and still get robbed.

It's the inflated prices and casual rudeness and lack of concern for others that get to me.... The no speaking on the tube, the having to learn not to make eye contact with anyone, learning that if you ask someone for directions they will probably ignore you and speed up whilst checking their pockets or handbag are still intact!
Many a time when crossing London bridge I thought "I wonder how many people would step over me and do nothing if I had a heart attack right now?"

I know also from experience that most Londoners are as nice as any one else... but only once they are at home, relaxed in their local pub etc.. on the street it's a totally different matter.

[jollyfix]

It's the inflated prices and casual rudeness and lack of concern for others that get to me.... The no speaking on the tube, the having to learn not to make eye contact with anyone, learning that if you ask someone for directions they will probably ignore you and speed up whilst checking their pockets or handbag are still intact!
Many a time when crossing London bridge I thought "I wonder how many people would step over me and do nothing if I had a heart attack right now?"

I know also from experience that most Londoners are as nice as any one else... but only once they are at home, relaxed in their local pub etc.. on the street it's a totally different matter.

Seems to be the same most places these days Jez... one thing i found years ago is apart from rush hour ( no one would want to travel on the tube at that time), most people on the tube around central London are tourists. Prices , yes central expensive, go out a wee bit can be very cheap. Rudeness, unfortunately most places have rude people North and South UK, same with concern for others. A short while back in Taunton Somerset, there was a tramp/wino semi conscious bleeding head lying half on pavement half on road, with people not helping him , but filming him on their phones. I asked if an ambulance was called no said a thing, but when i lent down to help him, the vibe and insults i had was outrageous.
Years ago an American friend said to me how dirty London was , rubbish all over. I pointed out there were no bins, due to IRA bombs etc, but still no excuse to litter.

[Macca]

London was a dump 30 years ago but it isn't like that now.

[Barry]

My experience of London, as a frequent visitor, is that the people themselves ARE friendly and helpful. My girlfriend who lives there has no trouble getting someone to help her carry heavy bags up or down the stairs at her local overground railway station (which doesn't have a lift or ramp). And when it comes to asking directions, I have even had people stop and use an app on their mobile phone to help me; one even phoned up a local taxi company to ask for directions!

London is no different from any other capital city: they all have grafitii, litter, noisy traffic and (sadly) beggars and homeless people sleeping rough. They also have helpful and friendly people living there, who if you approach them properly, will readily help a visitor.

[walpurgis]

London was a dump 30 years ago but it isn't like that now.

You are kidding Martin. The 'touristy' bits may look reasonable, but look elsewhere and it's disgusting. Dave mentioned rubbish, it's totally out of control, filth everywhere. General littering is a way of life for most it seems and fly tipping is all over the place.

[struth]

THATS THE WAY I REMEMBER IT ALAS. doh caps again.. keyboard is goosed.

[Macca]

You are kidding Martin. The 'touristy' bits may look reasonable, but look elsewhere and it's disgusting. Dave mentioned rubbish, it's totally out of control, filth everywhere. General littering is a way of life for most it seems and fly tipping is all over the place.

In modern times I'm only familiar with the centre and Tulse Hill/Brixton. But it didn't strike me as particularly bad in any of those places. Where I live is much worse for litter, for example. Much fewer serious crimes per capita than London, though.