I don't see how it's a problem that people go to events for dating. Glocals is probably one of the best places to find other single people. Many events, like your dinner, are purely social events; people participate to get to know other people. If you're single that means you're there to look for a potential partner. 

But I don't think it's true for all Glocals members; there are lots of us here who have partners and are just looking to join fun events in an area that we like. 

I don't know why your event failed. Perhaps people thought a restaurant setting wasn't the best place to get to know people (because you're stuck to your seat). That would be my reason; I'd rather go to a drink or picnic, where you can walk around and talk to different people. Otherwise, try to organize an event where you do something specific, so that you meet people with the same interest, e.g. hiking, wine, etc.

Hi Randy, if you feel disturbed when members can see all info in your profile, you can just adjust your profile settings, so that nobody can see your age, your status, your contacts list and even you have a setting that only people in your contact list can have access to your profile - all other members cannot see.

About dating - well generally it is not allowed on this website, but all single and even non-single members are doing it online or live at the activities :-) : that point you cannot influence and there are no settings for it.

So Edward, you see nothing wrong with guys joining activity just because one or two attractive women sign up?  

I used to think that the internet will help reduce divorce rates because of the ability to virtually meet much larger numbers of people than by conventional dating.. But now I'm starting to think the opposite will be true because people can instantly compare how women look and quickly discard those who fall short in the looks department, likely passing up someone who would have been a perfect partner. I wonder how many divorces today are due to people making decisions based on external beauty over internal beauty.

Don't get over yourself man, it's not glocals, it's you. Randy C, 2 years on glocals, 8 posts, thanked two times (boths in this thread). The stats speak for themselves. Nobody knows you, why would they go to your events.

Randy, how far in advance did you post your dinner event?

Randy C, would you really tell a woman you met on this site, which came to your event and hit on you to bugger off?  I wouldn't.

Maybe dinner is not the most unique activity, be different, unique and do something outside the box.

If you want to meet people you will like, post an event that you enjoy, others will come regardless of who is on the guest list.

Personally I couldn’t be bothered to go to most dinner parties, but if I saw someone who I wanted to meet, I may reconsider.

Glocals.com may not be a dating website, but real life takes over in social situations, and you know full well what happens after that.

@Randy

this is human nature -in general the ONLY events/activities that have a LARGE take up are the drinks/partying things - people just basically like to get wasted - anything cerebral or cultural will have a LOW take up --- the ONLY exceptions to these are the 1 off day visit to Zurich/Annecy type things

Men will go to ANY event to pull if there are women there - and women will go to be pulled

Also bear in mind that the internet is NOT reality and this just exaggarates peoples inherant fake BS-ing nature

Well if a person chooses the activity based on the organiser then its quite revealing about the chooser rather than the organiser

I think only Scotdave has an established record of organising differnet NON boozy events consistently  all others are just subtle variations on the lets get pissed theme - not dismissing it  - just stating the reality of "socialising"

In real life, and on the internet people are more likely to go to events of whatever nature when they are organized by someone who has a both a large group of friends/acquintances and a track record of organizing successful events. Nir has organized countless times dinner parties with 70 people, and they are always sold out. QED

Not really. I think there are 2 kind of motivations for joining an event. Either the event itself is interesting or you look forward to meet the people who are coming. If someone decides to join only because there will be a few nice girls, that's their choice. It would be annoying if these people would harrass the girls or otherwise ruin the event, but that's a completely different matter.

If you want to avoid having these kind of people at your event, organize something related to something you're interested in. For example, my friend and I organized a wine picnic at the lake last year. Out of the 25 people we got for each event we may have had a few who were more interested in the girls than the wine, but overall it attracted the right people and it was a nice evening. 

By the way - I think catalin is incorrect; people don't choose the event because of the organizer and the number of posts you have on Glocals is irrelevant. But you could try to organize something more interesting than dinner, or possibly just start with joining some events that you like so people get to know you. 

It just proves that people are conservative and go with the known rather than the unknown

sorry i am calling bs on this but name 1 *cultural* thing that nir has pulled off

btw this is to do with the activities not the organiser - the musical chairs dinner thing IS a good idea which is why it works

Maybe dinner is not the most unique activity, be different, unique and do something outside the box.

If you want to meet people you will like, post an event that you enjoy, others will come regardless of who is on the guest list.

^ THIS

Sex sells.  When I open a mag and I see adverts for perfume/after shave, clothes etc its not usually ugly people in the ad.  People buy products that they see good looking people showing off.

some wild one off event might atract a broad range of people who would be interested in trying something, but dinner on a tuesday, its a toss up between tv and chilled night in or dinner on a tuesday, whats the selling point?

if 10 hot girls signed up im sure as many guys would sign up, equally if you advertised it with 30 franc buffet and free beer, im sure that would have sold it to the guys with out the girls attending.

As to why people view your events but dont reply. They want to see what this event is about so they open it. Then they decide that they either dont like it or they have other stuff to do that are more interesting. Or they may open it out of curiosity. No big deal.

Now, why guys sign up as soon as girls do, well its normal. If guys like your profile picture, they dont bother to read your profile to see if you are single or not, so they will take a chance anw

you guys are completely missing the point. I know how to create an activity that sells out in hours, not days. Ive done it before. And those who say nobody knows me in Basel is completely incorrect.  I'm using the dinner activity as an example to show that there a large number of men prowling for women to hook up with. And in the last hour I have received a number of emails from women who feel the same way. Really, I'm just calling a spade a spade and telling men that if they act like pigs, it will reduce interest in joining activities here.  Men, if you want to "hook up", go to Swissfriends.ch. If you want to meet people either for friendships or eventually relationships, then join activities here, but please don't sign up just because someone who looks like a supermodel has joined an activity.  Women aren't stupid. they can spot you a mile away and I'd rather have people that enjoy my events and not have to spend the entire time fighting off horndogs. Indeed, humans like all other animals are driving mainly by two things: food and sex. But there are appropriate avenues to access each and I'm arguing that glocals should not be one of those (for the former need). it turns people off..again, as i have confirmed by the "email applause" I have received by several women since posting this topic.

Men are pigs. Full stop.

Yes, there are lots of men prowling for women, and the opposite as well. I just don't understand why this is so bad. Life is like that since a long time.

It doesn't matter the kind of event, you will always find people that have things in common with you and people that doesn't have. It's not only in Glocals.

Deal with.

PS: Be aware with the "email applause" you are talking about, because on the past threads that glocals had about this exactly same topic, we always had some posts like: "I totally agree. Oh god, I don't know what to do. I just connect and then 10 guys start to harass me, and etc, etc".

Really?

It almost sounds as though your trying to get the girls on side.

Why is it only men?  Do the girls not do the same?  Had your event been full of the local football/rugby club, perhaps it would of drummed up femal attendance?

I prefered the statement about we care about food and sex, i think thats more accurate.  If I go to a pub and start a conversation with a girl I dont think I am a rude pig for doing so, I may even choose my location in the bar based on where a pretty girl is, but it has never crossed my mind I should sit in the corner and chat to those around me so as not to be called a pig.

I would expect your complaints from a woman ("fighting off horndogs"). To me it seems you are afraid of a bit of competition (and on the side you use this topic too get some messages in your inbox.)

...but I don`t blame you. 

We know. Women have been complaining about the exact same thing numerous times on the forum. Nothing has changed.

So now that a man complains about it it will change? Dont think so....

I agree with you 100% Maria. It's not rocket science - people see an event, open it, read it and decide if they want to go or not. It happens and is just human nature.

Yeah it`s incredibly sad. Depressing actually.

Yes and then you ran off with that woman Rich. What happened there, wasn`t I good enough Rich?!?

I guess not big boy! It happened - make your peace with it!

No, I don't think my post will change anything, but at least it started a healthy debate. most posts here don't generate this level of interest so quickly. I think that's a good sign. And it will also possibly make someone think twice about signing up just to chase down some poor girl who really just wanted to go hiking to get some fresh air. No, I'm not doing this to get girls on my side. I have that already. I'm doing to call people out who are behaving inappropriately. I'm not afraid of competition, because I'm not competing for anything. that shows where you mindset is!! 

"Pig" = any man who pulls more tail than you?

Enough with the shaming language.  It isn't funny and it isn't fun.

, because I'm not competing for anything. that shows where you mindset is!!

Definitely, where do you think all those girls dissapeared to during those "hiking trips". 

I don't think it's that strange... I think it would be weird and creepy if someone signs up specifically with the intent to "chase down some poor girl" but I see nothing wrong in checking out the event and checking out the profiles (if you're single) to see if the combination of err... "interests" is enough to initaite signing up for an activity. Surely all people (not just men) do that. I don't think it's just an issue for glocals??

I guess that makes me a pig, according to Randy C. Ham sandwich anyone? ;)

Time Out!!!!

Randy is hooting   "I'm doing to call people out who are behaving inappropriately" like he's Mr Perfect then calling half the population "pigs"

"Pigs" being those guys who go on glocals activities to meet "attractive ladies" then hoots "No, I'm not doing this to get girls on my side. I have that already".

Apart from the fact that Esperanza has just busted you Big Time - I think a little more humility and a little less hypocrisy wouldn't go astray.

IMHO.....

I think someone wrote a song about this very topic ages ago...

Yes Carolyn! Thanks for saying that!

To add: After reading all posts here and especially esperanzas (you go girl!), Randy seems to be somebody who is whining "Tell men to stop going on activities to meet girls because there is nothing left for me"

Also, Randy if you are happy with the amount of ladies you have on your side, why change things?

http://youtu.be/7T1E1aI95Ro

I think someone wrote a song about Randy ages ago.....

I check the lists before signing up...

...to see if there's anyone I want to avoid.

It sure would be nice to hear from these women, because I don't hear any applause here.

Randy, how many events have you held that "sold out in days" - what were the activities? I ask out of interest. I think whoever has organized an event in the Nyon group has had a pretty good turn out with one or two exceptions, probably due to bad day of week etc. The people that come along are a mix of singles, marrieds, couples and what a lovely way, in my opinion, for single people to hook up ! And what a nice way for "marrieds" to get off the ex-past dinner party circuit either together or out alone - it is not a crime. It's called being sociable and widening your group of friends.

If you arewell known in Basel, as you say you are, maybe no-one wanted to come to your dinner because you are dull with daft opinions .....just a thought.

I meant "ex-pat" dinner party circuit....

Randy, I'm pretty sure the mother of my grandmother would be glad in meet a man with your beliefs.

If you feels like, I can try to set a dinner between you both.

Let me know, have a good day mate!

"you guys are completely missing the point. I know how to create an activity that sells out in hours, not days. Ive done it before."

this it the biggest event you have ever posted.

"Saturday, May 21, 2011

Roll your own green stuff singles party!

And it was an event for singles... am I the only one who sees the irony in this?

Poor uptake for activities-- glocals being used as a dating site? / Roll your own green stuff singles party!

#iamapig

Hey mr. Jaz, look his comment on that activity:

"I think many guys are afraid of the kitchen or something. But I love to cook. (I also find ironing quite therapeutic). Just need to get these guys a little more domesticated ;)"

LOL.

What a player! If I had that skills without being that lame, I would have maybe 2 girlfriends! :D

Thanks Jaz!!! this makes my case. I was going to dig it up and show you (but some of us work during the day).  If I want to create an environment for singles to meet, I call it out specifically in the event, and don't disquise it as a hiking trip.  and yes, this event generated tremendous interest very quickly and if you ask anyone who joined they'll tell you they had a fabulous time.

what I find most interesting is why there is so much passion and energy around a such a bogus topic. :)   40 something replies in less than a few hours? is that normal for someone who has a silly point?  :)

Well dug out mr Jaz - unbelievable!!

Looking at his post though, having read the first paragraph, I would have read no more..... I quote Randy C:

"Let's try to keep the guy/girl ratio fairly even. I was going to set it up so that I have to approve all attendees but will just leave it to you all to help manage the ratio. I'm setting a limit of 15 people. I'm leaving a small buffer for non-glocals friends I'm inviting. So if we hit the limit and you still want to join, shoot me a message. I may be able to set up a station on the back patio and allow a few more in if the weather is nice."

why are folks getting so upset if my argument is so wrong?  hmm....

Believe me Randy. There are more people laughing from you than being upset with your comments.

You are not the first to resort to this "but some of us work during the day" - it is quite interesting how this pops up when someone realises they may not have a very strong argument.

The reson you got lots of posts in the thread is because, largely, in my opinion the fact that the vast majority of readers disagreed and felt that some of your observations or indeed, attempts at insulting the entire male readership, deserved a response. It is a "discussion forum" - bland and non-controversial posts rarely get much longevity....

I was sort-of supportive of you because others were attacking you personally, but that comment makes no sense whatsoever. 

Also, 

Pigs are smart—smarter than dogs and even 3-year-old children! And get this—they like playingcomputer games! It's true. But despite being just as intelligent and social as dogs and cats, in Australia pigs suffer terribly and don’t get the same legal protection as your family pet. Imagine if we had laws that only protected some people.

fair challenge. I should have said "Why are people getting so upset if my theory is untrue".  Becase if this indeed were no big deal and it's not a real problem, people would have blown it off and wouldn't go as far as they did...even mudslinging like I'm a presidential candidate :).  anyway, if the general consensus is that it's not a problem and all men and women are comfortable with the existing situation, then there's nothing more to say.

ooooooooohhh Randy C! you. have. been. busted!!!

creating singles events where you "approve" the attendees. seriously?? and you didn't check any of the profiles when you did this? hmmmmmmmmmmm....

i smell a rat... sorry, pig! :P

I don't believe you actually.  People are getting really fired up about something. resorting to personal attacks isn't laughing. it's not a normal response to someone making a stupid argument in my experience.

You got it right!

Randy – its not “passion and energy around such a bogus topic” or "People are getting really fired up about something".

It’s “ridicule” my friend, unadulterated ridicule and I regret to point out that the more you defend your very flimsy argument, the more you subject yourself to more ridicule.

Hence my previous suggestion of “Time Out”.

However,  talking of ridicule, if you think people sign up on hikes, because they “fancy” someone else, then I suggest you turn up at the end of one of OUR hikes ("our" being, myself, Julian T, Christophe B, Paul E, Levoyageur – et al) to observe our sweaty, make up-free, dirty, exhausted (but happy) state, and concur that your argument that they are thinly-veiled “dating” events, is little less than ridiculous.

"what I find most interesting is why there is so much passion and energy around a such a bogus topic. :)"

...that you bothered to write 15 lines about as a starting point.

don't get me wrong, it is annoying if you're just looking for a sports buddy with someone who turns out to be in it just to oogle at you in spandex, but hey, you just learn not to replan things with them specifically and move on- the world isn't perfect. but if events are more in the drinking nature (which remains a great way to meet people easily), you can't be surprised people make use of their liquid courage ;)

To second richardm: I look at lists to see if there's anyone i wish to avoid.

Natalie,

would you really feel comfortable to have 15 complete strangers in your flat? PLus,  I wanted to have an equal balance of men and women so it wasn't 2 girls and 15 guys or vice versa.  The only way I could ensure that was to approve of people before allowing them to join. Maybe there was a better way but I couldn't think of it at the time...in the future, I would do the same. In fact, I wouldn't post my address for everyone to see probably. that probably wasn't smart either as i had people so interested to join they told me they were going to show up anyone even after it was full!!  at my home!  scary...

I meant "show up anyway"

now this I can certainly understand!  We don't always "click" with everyone... that's a very fair point.

Personal attacks like "Men are pigs. full stop."? If you insult people and their behaviours without just cause then what kind of response do you really expect? Furthermore, you asked for opinions and you got them... it's just that no one agrees with you.

Perhaps you should just admit that your argument holds no water and, in fact, you are a perpetrator of exactly the kind of behaviour you are claiming to despise...

You've got one thing right though... women can see through a false attitude and I think your thinly veiled attempt to gain favour with some glocals girls has backfired rather spectacularly!

Also, if you don't want 15 complete strangers at your flat, don't create an event where this is inevitable. Just saying...

Im on here ONLY to meet people.

Preferably new people, and also to join activities friends are doing (but once theyre "friends" i tend to know what theyre gonna do before its on Glocals anyway)

The more gorgeous and/or fun people I can meet the better...

Its not a dating site, but if a date happens due to an attended event then so much the better...

C'mon who hasn't had a cheeky snog at the halloween party, or beach party, or disco party... thats what parties are for... not just getting blitzed and falling over (which I do quite often as well admittedly).

Lighten up everyone.... Glocals is FUN...and if fun includes gettin' some then so much the better...

just my 100 francs worth..

not to mention it's almost insulting to women as well for portraying them as being unable to tell a sleeze to take it elsewhere if such is the perceived case ;)

At this risk of being rude - I don't see you "clicking" with ANYone here, Randy, so I would hightail it and make for the hills whilst you still have a shred of dignity intact.

Just a suggestion, but as you don't seem the type to take advice, I expect, like everything that has been said to you on this entire thread - that it will fall on deaf ears.

I see your fees have gone up a bit, Charlie?

Randy, you aren't Hayes in disguise are you???

im working on a summer discount if anyones interested :-)))))))

@randy

ignore the naysayers on this thread - apart from the men are pigs comment - you are correct... the fact is that many people in life and on this board are full of BS - mainly women but thats life sadly

I had 13 at my flat (actually I knew 2 of them) for NY two years ago... worked very well.. so well in fact we missed NY altogether and were late for the club I had booked.... where another 10 or so waited...

A party is what you make of it...

Oh of course, nothing wrong with having a bunch of friendly randoms round for a knees up and I agree with your 100 francs worth! it's just our Randy was defending his decision to approve attendees for his singles event after he just called people out for viewing profiles before signing up for things.

pot. kettle. black is all.

everyone looks at the attendee list .. esp if its gonna be in your home, then its vetted and righty so... party in a club...no need to vet imho.. let the chips fall where they may, and may the horniest girl win...

(that one was for free) 

I really cannot understand a LOT of the female logic  (yes I know thats an oxymoron) on this thread READ HIS ORIGINAL POST YOU HALFWITS

Randy C, what is your damage anyway??  You open a forum bitching because nobody wants to eat dinner with you.  Are you really so self-conscience that the n° of views plays "how come nobody wants to come" music in your head?

Then you call all men, including yourself, pigs.

Then you try to be the patron saint for women’s rights on glocals.com, without very much public success.

Then you go on to talk about divorce rates??? Wait just one second... aren't you single?

99% of the people (men and women) that I introduce myself to and strike up a conversation with are good looking, and that is normal for all humans.

Looks to me like the most popular events in Basel are happy hours, just so you can meet people.

And the call a spade a spade comment...  hmmm,   that is racist FULL STOP!

This forum won't change one little thing about how men and women interact, in real life or on the web.

And who exactly gave you the authority to decide what inappropriate behavior between adults is anyway? I think this was a thin veiled attempt to get some empathetic women in your corner and come out fighting.

People were probably looking for something to do that night anyway, they just were not interested in what you were proposing, seems to me you are the one taking it a little too personal.

I think this is the mindset you showed us today is one of a 'why me' racist pig player wannabe, but that is just my opinion.

And when you got called out, you thanked me??? And you started this bogus topic in the 1st place!

I am not even remotely upset with you, quite the contrary, you make me laugh out loud, and then I have to explain it to my colleagues. The french expression is MDR!

Your theory is not untrue, in fact of point you are dead on, and you knew that when you started all this.

Anyone else loving the fact this guy is called Randy?

Lets get a few things into perspective. Randy C had probably had a few Miller Lites when at 00.30 (when he posted) he felt sorry for himself and took to his PC.

He probably realises now it wasn't the smartest of posts but can't just let it go admitting that it was a post pub whine (I said whine not "wine"...).

Since then it has probably occurred to him that other people have very valid points of view - especially women - the very ones he thought he was courting.

It may also have occurred to him that maybe he isn't the most interesting person in Basel and a fast food veggie joint isn't many peioples idea of a fun night out.

Randy, get over it, until you have another bright idea for opening a thread at 00.30 - I for one, look forward to it !

Randy C (well,the nickname could call forth all kinds of jokes but......)

I have organised several non-sporty walks.Almost all the participants were women - the men seem to like more "challenging" activities like climbing and getting lost in the glaciers,for some reason.

My fellow walkers and I had a great time on all the walks.We really didn't care if any men came or not - we were there for fun and good company,making new friends/acquaintances,being in beautiful surroundings,having a laugh.

None of us complained - and the rare men who did join were not jumping on the women.So....why are YOU so concerned about it?

I counted 11, but I can't remember if that was people or drinks?! And you knew at least 4. Of either.

wow

are you guys done yet?

Maybe my previous comment is only relevant for the Brits??

nope... with a bit of luck we can get to 350 posts...

MDR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you Nathalie, thank you.

Genius!

I geddit......

it was 13 mate for dinner... i counted the chairs round the table... and I knew you and Jen and Wa...first time meeting (face to face)  the others i think...

plus drinks were WAY more than 11 each.... esp if you include Java where you and I slowed down a little

Oh yes,and OF COURSE drinks events are very popular - as someone said above,a lot of us (especially Brits) will never miss an opportunity to get pissed(to Americans,that's "drunk" not "angry".)

nope youre right it was 4... still a  haze

Yep you knew Marc too.

Only because the glasses were bigger

Not even half way there, "done yet" Mr R/C - the night is still young but I'm going to bed so you have much bigger fish to fry than I - happy "frying"!

I leave it to the delightful Natalie M to support the women contingent in her eloquent manner and  Randy C (cough) and keith p (double cough) - to continue to denegrade the female contingent of this (now) pointless rant. My peace is made with Mr Randy C (another light hearted cough) and et al. 

Happy Wednesday one and all and time to stop giving Randy C air time???

This is getting interesting 

@Randy, there are some truth which are better not to be publicised as everyone knows them.  And if you think littile deep they are neither good nor bad but they are.

So putting ur perspective forward on those is OK, but we should not try to make perception and criticise others for a change the whole genesis based on such perception. 

Hey people!

Randy just have tried to bring some of his perspectives and probably the intent was good too...  We should appriciate his initiative and give him 3 cheers for the same!

It is good to see the women in the forum(and everyehre i guess) are with men and they also think Men are Men and not PIGs.

I Think Randy deserve an extra cheers for bringing this point out through this post. 

Keith P:

"- anything cerebral or cultural will have a LOW take up --- the ONLY exceptions to these are the 1 off day visit to Zurich/Annecy type thingsKeith P:"

I disagree with that very sweeping statement. Café Philo is always popular and sometimes we have trouble fitting everyone in the room.Sometimes we run over time because people are so into the discussion.

But,of course,we all like to get wasted too.....

And,maybe,after reading all this thread,that's what many of us will be needing to do!!

^ i am not knocking the cutltural stuff at all - at best ieach activityis a niche thing attracting about a dozen people - having been involved with the geneva scrabble group i realise that only a tiny amount of the expat community is interested and has never got into double figures- whereas the drinks things can range into the 100s - in the end qty is not that important - was the activity enjoyable? -were the people good?

Another aspect on all this is  -TIMING -  if you schedule an activity against a BIGGIE you can expect a low level of interest especially if its of  a similar vein

Hi folks,

I've been asked to remove this thread because of the high number of personal insults in it.

I know a lot of spent time formulating well thought out replies here, but overall, this thread did get very nasty very quickly.

My personal feeling is that the thread should be deleted.

What do you (the posters) think?

Thanks

Oded

I see absolutely no reason whatsoever why your censorship should come into force on this thread. The poster raised an issue that obviously he thought was valid, and the rest of the community have had the chance to respond - as has the poster. This is certainly no more personal or insulting than many other threads I have participated in in the past. I hope for the sake of openess that this is kept exactly as is.

Or has the poster finally lost his bottle and run to the "moderators" for protection?!

Maybe instead it would be helpful for posters to have the option to delete their on threads/replies. Most other forums have this option. Why not here?

Shaun - I agree with you that many of the threads you participate in get personal & insulting.  Might be some connection there no?

As much as I admire and respect your opinion, I'll wait for some more input as to whether or not my 'censorship should come into force' here before taking a desision.

Oded

keep the thread - i am not ashamed of anything I have written nor should anyone else be... PLUS it does have some interesting info and opinion in it

Hello!

If you feel the thread should be removed then I think your administrative authority should be respected.

However, please note that the initial personal insult was issued by the original poster, Randy C. This was followed by varying degrees of misogyny from Keith P, a few facetious jibes and a little bit of tongue in cheek (pole in orifice??!) humour from Carolyn C.

Personally, I have not been deeply wounded (mostly just amused) by any of the comments made and I hope none of my posts have caused undue distress.

That is all from me :)

I don't think the whole thread should be deleted but certainly some comments overstep your own "rules" where you ascertain the right to remove any content, which, quote:

 is patently offensive and promotes racism, bigotry, hatred or physical harm of any kind against any group or individual;

Some of the posts definitely fall into this category - I'm thinking Keith P at the top of the list for his usual mysoginist rants, shaun123, similar sentiments but more eloquently stated and Catalin being borderline insulting.

The rest of us are just throwing stones back at the man in the glass house, who threw the original one - and is taking quite a lot of it "on the chin" and behaving reasonably and polite (if appearing a little ridiculous at the same time).

So I'd vote for selective removal of any of the posts that fall short of the "rules" which you advertise on your own guidance pages.

Anything else would be the removal of free speech.

I dont see why it should be deleted. Yes it has insults it it but deleting it will make them magically go away. People forget easily when its the internet. Instead of deleting the whole thread, why not just ban people who insult others? Thats not censorship. Its just showing to some people that they cant behave like spoiled rich brats just because its the internet

It would be nice to know who asked for it to be deleted but i guess we wont ever find out.

This is one of the most amusing threads on glocals.....what a laugh!!!

All:

So you are all aware, I am the one who requested to the administrators that this thread be deleted. the reason I suggested (I know it's is a rare occurence on this and other forums but does happen) is that the tone of this discussion shifted abruptly from a debate to personal attacks on myself and those who supported some of my opinions. It reached the level of political mudslinging with people trying to dig up the past to discredit and insult me and others rather than debate the topic for what it was. It was just as highly unprofessional and inappropriate as some of the very comments I made that I was berated for (and rightfully so). But as Ghandi taught us, "an eye for an eye makes the whole world blind". Two wrongs don't make a right. Even the most highly judgmental comments I made (driven more by emotion than reason), did not justify the level of personal attack and ridicule that later ensued (also likely more emotionally based than rationally based). I think we all failed to underestimate the value of a "cooling off" period as one wise and thoughtful poster suggested.   I would hope there are some here who feel just as regretful for statements they made as I do.  We are only human after all and the one thing that distinguishes us from animals is our immense capacity for forgiveness and compassion.  I don't believe any experiences in life are bad. They are just that: experiences. They are an opportunity to grow as individuals and I personally believe that this is one that all of us can learn from--that the path to true enlightenment comes from love and compassion, not anger and ridicule. I hope you all understand why I have requested to have this thread deleted and can assume there are others here who would agree that this may not have been the most shining moment of our lives that we want captured indefinitely in this thread for others to read for years to come without appreciating the full context behind it.  I suspect many here would also agree that we should always treat others as we want to be treated. Many thanks again to all of those who offered their support and understanding both here and the personal messages I received, even when they did not agree with all of my opinions. Regardless of the decision I think it serves as a lesson to all of us (including myself) about judging others and the wisdom of Ghandis words. If there is any good that came out of this experience, it is that hopefully many will walk away from it as better people, with a great lesson on what it means to be forgiving, compassionate and understanding.

My 2 rappen
Randy

I can see no justification for any "censorship" here - and,believe me,I'm not known for my tolerance There seems to be nothing here that poses any serious threat to anyone,certainly nothing that deserves to be "censored"(I think I've seen nastier things on these forums - in fact I'm sure I have)

It's fascinating to see what and how people think

P.S. I of course will be supportive of whatever decision the site administrator decides since I was the one who started the thing to being with. no worries.

Oded, I will treat your slight with the attention it deserves.

In general, I only participate in threads that I have a strong opinion on. Many people cannot take a dose of hard standing black and white opinion - you included on past occassions. Given that I do not participate in mundane innocuous threads doesn't the fact I have been "thanked*l 143 times out of 226 posts say something?

Carolyn, I do not consider myself any more insulting than you, but thank you for the "eloquent" label.

I think the biggest problem I had here is that people made judgments and assumptions about me, but without having met me. Most here are from Geneva it seems (with a few scattered in other regions). the atmosphere wasn't exactly so inviting for people from basel who actually know me, to jump in to defend my character. Heck, I'm not sure I would have, for fear of getting included in the attack as some did unfortunately, who stepped up to support parts of my argument.  My guess is, if folks here had spent a few activities with me and had gotten to know me, they probably would have realized that most of the assumptions/insults are completely unfounded and based solely on a few words I wrote and would have realized it's pretty typical of me to challenge the status quo, to question everything and that I tend to make generalized statements that I don't truly mean with the depth they might confer. Hopefully it takes more than a few sentences on a page to judge someone's character esp on the same day (we all have bad days), especially someone who has never posted on this forum before (only once I think).  I just wanted to explain why I feel the context would get lost if this were read in the future and why I want to make a statement now for the record in case we do keep this, that nobody here knows Randy the person, just Randy the poster...and hence likely did not deserve some of the comments made (but did for some others). 

I think that we've all come to realise that these forums can often demonstrate childish,puerile behaviour - it's nothing new

.We get a curious window on the weird way adults can behave when given a screen and a keyboard,no?

I don't think anybody should get so upset about it 

Oww come on... now suddenly everybody stumbles over Shaun... It's called british Sarcasm... and even though I'm not from the UK I find it highly entertaining. (as the rest of this whole thread!)

first of all, thank you Randy C for posting this thread: it turned out to be a very interesting one. Thanks as well  to all Glocals that responded to this and made it a good laugh...

Question for all of you: when Randy C wrote "men are pigs" he wasn't just insultung all men on this planet but I bet he was also referring to George Orwell's "Animal farm" in which, at the end, the pigs look like humans up to the point that it was hard to tell the difference between men and pigs, no? And "men" is then used for both males and females, so for all mankind I guess. I sense pure genius in there and no one saw this before :-)

 I'm a pig!! I'm a pig! Yeah!!

oh and don't take my reply to serious...

You can call it childish, but I think it's simply - honest.

The word "honest" has in general a positive aura, but if you look at it closely, you could simply say "without any falsifying colouring", instead of "honest". 

The word "honest" shouldn't be seen as either negative nor positiv.

Children are honest, because they don't know the concept of a "white lie" yet.

And that's what we do here, in some threads, although we show our faces.

People still are strangers, whom we've never met. And though they know our faces - anything we write here will be forgotten in a few days.

So we dare write (nearly) what we think.

And the truth sometimes simply sucks ...

@Shaun - I think a person can have & can voice strong opinions without insulting people.  95% of your posts on this thread were indeed thoughtful & eloquent.  However, I assume (maybe I'm wrong) that when you meet people face to face, you usualy don't tell them they are 'dull with daft opinions' right away.  Yet on this thread, that's exactly what you said to Randy.
I don't think that makes you a bad person.  It just means you could take a few more seconds to think about the person on the other side before clicking the 'Post' button.

@Dominik - most of us filter what we say in the real world because that's the way societies function.  In a forum, those filters tend to be lowered.  That does result in some funny situations, but it can also create bad vibes & scare people away from posting in the future.

My point is that, when we post something on a forum, we should think about the fact that people read these posts, form opinions based on them, and take offense at some of the things written. 

Oded

Shaun - I was trying, in my various posts, not to be "insulting". 

However,  to make the statement "you're dull" or "he isn't the most interesting person in Basel" (your quotes, not mine) is, I think,  a judgement of character and one that I don't think is appropriate to make (on me or anyone else).

However, I do appreciate that I may have broken the house "rules" by saying that, he, Randy, having decried hiking as a "thinly veiled dating activity" was talking out his arse, and..... that I posted I would like to shove said hiking pole up said orifice may have been vaguely threatening.

Both guilty as charged, m'lud.

Yes,I get YOUR point - but you misunderstood my use of the word "childish".

Ooops- too quick.

I meant childish in the sense of immature and stupid

Oded,

Take a look at the following extracts from this thread:

1. Men are pigs – Randy C

2. If you are well known in Basel, as you say you are, maybe no-one wanted to come to your dinner because you are dull with daft opinions .....just a thought. – me

3. At this risk of being rude - I don't see you "clicking" with ANYone here, Randy – Carolyn C

4. many people in life and on this board are full of BS - mainly women but thats life sadly – keith p

5. I really cannot understand aLOTof the female logic  (yes I know thats an oxymoron) on this thread READ HIS ORIGINAL POST YOU HALFWITS – keith p

6. It may also have occurred to him that maybe he isn't the most interesting person in Basel and a fast food veggie joint isn't many peioples idea of a fun night out.- me

1 is a direct collective insult; 2 is an observation of possibility; 3 is a direct statement that could be construed as an insult; 4 is a direct collective insult; 5 is a direct collective insult; 6 is an observation of possibility.

You probably need to re-write your 'rules' to cover what you consider or deem acceptable on a discussion forum. As previously stated I do not personally see anything wrong with the thread. The poster has taken responsibility for some less than sensible comments but then he wants the thread removed to safeguard his personal reputation and that is where it sticks in my craw. Take responsibility for what you write. Lastly, I believe direct insults tend to eminate from frustration at being able to prove a point with eloquence and should be viewed in exactly that light.

HYPOCRISY, full stop

@Shaun:

Don't you see a clear difference between all the example you brought and between your direct insult of calling someone dull with daft opinions? I certainly do. And there's really no need for it, as this is just a forum where we discuss mundane topics. Don't get so frustrated and worked up and personal over it. Breathe, relax, and have a good day.

Oh really Mark - you must try harder. If you are going to jump on the self-righteous bandwagon, please do read carefully before posting. 

And please do not patronize " Don't get so frusatrated etc..." -  I post regularly in the most controversial of threads and I do not get frustrated ever - I leave that to others for my continued amusement.

I do dream of a day, some day, when the sun will shine, but it won't burn my pasty white skin, it will be warm with a breeze and no sweaty humidity. The goats will skip through the daisies, my wife will have flowers in her hair, a smile wide while she bakes cupcakes. I will sit on my porch with my pipe listening to Louis Armstrong on the wireless while reading Glocals. And what shall I read, I shall read a thread, that is light hearted, gentle thump in the shoulder banter, and we all have a nice cup of tea while we chuckle at Charlie’s latest post of his drunken endeavours, or Rich's one liners.

Can't we all just get along?

I check the guest list all the time, and I am trying to avoid events that consist of 20 women and 1 man (more common than the reverse in Glocals believe it or not), maybe because I'm newly married, maybe because I'm more comfortable being a chauvinist with other guys, maybe I'm afraid my stunning sex appeal will end in me being attacked by the women, and result in my eminent divorce. Whatever the reason I don't see a reason to censor your guest list, this promotes prejudice. We all review the guest list for whatever reason, this is simply human nature, and that’s the way it will always be.

 In respect to the comments that have caused controversy here. I don't think anything should be deleted, this is the world of forums. Yes there are rules, but to single out contributors is unjust, everyone has an opinion and a right to share it. We are all equal, we are all grownups, and should realize that in the world of forums and the typed word, one sentence can be interpreted 100 different ways, dependent on your own culture and mentality. I honestly think if people cannot understand when someone is trying to inspire and provoke responses in a non personal manner then they should not read these posts.

If your annoyed with an article in the Times, do you demand the editor retract?

Oh and by the way, I am a 'pig', 'Pretty in Green'

@Shaun:

There you go doing it again.

You're the one who said your insults come from frustration. Here's what YOU posted just an hour ago to explain your direct insults: "I believe direct insults tend to eminate from frustration at being able to prove a point with eloquence".

When I address your frustration, you post  "I don't get frustrated, ever", and go to attack me personally. 

Don't get frustrated Shaun, it's just a forum. Have a good day.

Once again Mark, please READ - they were not direct insults but observational possibilities. Believe me, once again, I do not get frustrated, so continue trying as you might.

Sorry something I will take issue with here - you say I go on to attack you personally - tell me the exact words I used to attack you personally.

As you have taken up the mantle of all things righteous, why do you not start a new thread based on the rights, wrongs and wherefores of forum behavious as this thread does appear to have gone off topic. However if you are going going to start your posts with @Shaun then I would be more than happy if you sent me private messages so we can have the one on one debate you so obviously desire.

Please leave this post 100% intact and online forever as an example to others to think before you post at mid-night to bitch, moan, whine and launch personal attacks against all of us grown-ups living here in Switzerland.

Nothing in any forum would ever offend me, I believe being offended is a choice, just like throwing out insults is a choice.

I regret nothing that I have posted or read on this site as a whole.

So quit your crying already!!

While there has certainly been some interesting debates here, I deeply regret starting this thread now, as much as some of the comments I made. Had I a clue about how it would have evolved, I would have kept my laptop shut and watched the news or something. Sincere apologies again to everyone who has been offended, both directly and indirectly, by my language or that of others. 

P.S. If we had the ability to edit posts, I think this would have gone in a bit different direction as I know I certainly would have edited several. maybe a suggestion for the future? (though I don't know if it's even possible with the IT platform being used here--I'm not an IT person).

you should never apologise - seriously - most of the posters JUMPED TO CONCLUSIONS about what you posted and didnt appear to have even read it 

the internet reveals the true nature of people - if people cannot back up their opinion, argument or point of view thats another thing

real life: smooth talking works - internet: good writing and solid logic works

being sociable irl is the art of not revealing yourself - on the net - who cares? personally i wish real life wasnt so self censored

but this is a whole different topic

Oh dear Randy C, I really wanted to come up with something more eloquent, spiritual, Ghandi-inspired, enlightening, just for you.

I really, really did......

but then I remembered this 

So my question about whether or not to delete the post has turned into a slug-fest again.

Thanks to the people that took the time to reply - I appreciate your views and will take them into consideration.

People make mistakes, and mistakes have consequences, but a bunch of insults online forever are, in my opinion, a bit too extreme - especialy if the person has appologized and maybe learned a lesson.

In the end, we want glocals to be a place where people feel comfortable posting and sharing - not a place where people have to fear bullying and ridicule.

Thanks again,

Oded

Yeah!