<Suspicious-looking woman, with distinct Southern drawl takes the stand--refusing to put her hand on the Bible, saying, "I won't swear on the Bible. If you want to bring in an Encyclopedia Brittanica, I won't put my hand on that, either. Its a silly practice. I will tell the truth, however."
The judge casts a despairing, pained look at the woman--nods to the bailiff--and signals the beginning of the proceedings.>
Sofia, were you at the scene of the thread in question?
S: Yes.
Were you among the last posters before the thread was locked?
S: Yes.
Did you see any inflammatory posts on the day of the thread closure, which were of a nature, as to lock a thread?
S: No. But, different strokes...
Did you see any posts on that day, that were deleted prior to the lock?
S: No. And I was pretty close to the thread. It could have happened, but I think it was unlikely, because I was looking for responses.
Do you know why the thread was closed?
S: No. But I have a theory. I think a mod or two saw the direction of the thread--and possibly took into account that two of the three participants had recently engaged in discussion, which resulted in the temporary exile of one of the members. I think the decision to lock the thread was pre-emptive, premature, but well-intentioned.
Objection!! Your Honor, I didn't ask for a theory! Objection!
S: Actually, before I logged out, I PMed one of the participants, who was on the opposing side (seemingly) of my comments, and told them I hoped we could complete the conversation without getting personally unhappy...
That is all! Objection!
.S: ..because I think adults should be able to discuss thorny issues without getting personal,...
Strike those comments from the record! Nobody asked for an editorial comment from the witness!
Exhibit #1--
My PM to one of the participants--the exact identity not revealed, as even though I wrote this, I don't think PMs should be revealed due to the other person's privacy. (But, this doesn't reveal anything about the recipient.)
--------------------
From: Sofia
To: ***
Posted: Wed Jul 16, 2003 4:41 pm
Subject: Uh-oh.
I'm getting off-line for a few, but I wanted to speak to you before I go.
I see a convo between you, ***--and me-- seems to be headed for deep water.
I wanted you to know I think the conversation can be had without negative, personal stuff-- And, I'm hoping that's what will happen. Your views are important to me, and probably many more people. I didn't want you to feel you were being 'piled on' or anything.
Just a positive line before my daughter knocks me away from my keyboard...
See ya.
-----------------
Butrflynet-- (Since you are the primary investigator)
Note the time of my PM. 4:41PM on the day in question.
I got off the board immediately after sending this PM.
Anybody could've posted anything after this time, and I wouldn't have known. But, I was watching the thread closely up until that time.
(PS--I am having fun. My content doesn't in any way mean I doubt the veracity of our mods, or that I am trying to circumvent them, or any such bad thing.) :wink:
Yore Honah, ah'm willin' to stip-you-late that the pree-vious witness is mentally unstable, in ordah to preh-serve that testimony . . .
(No, no, hush Miss Sofia, siddown, an' we'll keep this rollin' . . . )
Bart: Satan, Eat My Shorts!
I was a sinner, a real bad kid.
What thou shalt not, I shalt did.
Neighbours cat I tried to neuter,
took a whizz on the school computer.
Sherri & Terri: He took a whizz, oh yes he did!
Bart: But now I've changed, you can't deny,
come on up - and testify!
Sherri & Terri: Testify! Testify! Come on up and testify!
Mental stability is overrated.
A salient point . . . ah move for a dismissal yer honah . . .
