NationStates Jolt Archive


Goodbye from Zepp & Steph

Zeppistan
06-03-2005, 22:59
Political debate is dead on NS...and so are we. Stick a fork in us - we're done.

During the leadup to the election, there was much good debate here. Some of it got heated, some of it devolved into flame wars, but a lot of it was very, very good.

No longer.

NS has entered the sphere of dismissive tactics as witnessed by the recent threads on anti-americanism. That is the standard reaction now from virtually anyone on the right side of the political spectrum to anyone who dares to take issue with current policies. There are few threads where subjects of any value are discussed, those few that do attempt to do so almost immediately seem to sink into a lurid pit of personal attacks.

So why bother?

The short answer is, we won't.

This used to be a good place to test your intellect. Now it's a place to call people names and indulge in mastubatory fluffle-fests and popularity contests. I almost feel like my IQ lowers by ten points just by logging in here sometimes.

So we bid you adieu. Some fondly, some less so.

But go in peace,

Zepp & Steph.
Jamil
06-03-2005, 23:01
Political debate is dead on NS...and so are we. Stick a fork in us - we're done.

During the leadup to the election, there was much good debate here. Some of it got heated, some of it devolved into flame wars, but a lot of it was very, very good.

No longer.

NS has entered the sphere of dismissive tactics as witnessed by the recent threads on anti-americanism. That is the standard reaction now from virtually anyone on the right side of the political spectrum to anyone who dares to take issue with current policies. There are few threads where subjects of any value are discussed, those few that do attempt to do so almost immediately seem to sink into a lurid pit of personal attacks.

So why bother?

The short answer is, we won't.

This used to be a good place to test your intellect. Now it's a place to call people names and indulge in mastubatory fluffle-fests and popularity contests. I almost feel like my IQ lowers by ten points just by logging in here sometimes.

So we bid you adieu. Some fondly, some less so.

But go in peace,

Zepp & Steph.

Bye!
Naughty Bits
06-03-2005, 23:02
[Goes to PC and brings out a Wine Bottle.]
[drinks a toast in their Honor and in Their Memory]
New Sancrosanctia
06-03-2005, 23:02
i don't knwo either of you particularly well, but nevertheless, you will be missed.
Dakini
06-03-2005, 23:03
*gasp*

Don't go. :(
Passive Cookies
06-03-2005, 23:04
The lack of intellectual stimulation is rather upsetting, but for some reason I stick around.

It's truly sad to see you two leave, good luck with all your future endeavours.

Bye.
Evil Arch Conservative
06-03-2005, 23:08
The cold shadow of the Bush administration grows ever longer...
ProMonkians
06-03-2005, 23:08
Farewell, and good luck...
Omega the Black
06-03-2005, 23:09
The intelectual level has dropped but I just start ignoring those of the flamebaiting level and try to get my point across in the least offensive way. I have found you to be an enlightening and valuable debator and as such you will be VERY missed!
Fass
06-03-2005, 23:09
Thanks for all the fish!
Bunnyducks
06-03-2005, 23:10
Bye. See you two tomorrow.
(If not, it's a big loss)
Texan Hotrodders
06-03-2005, 23:10
Political debate is dead on NS...and so are we. Stick a fork in us - we're done.

During the leadup to the election, there was much good debate here. Some of it got heated, some of it devolved into flame wars, but a lot of it was very, very good.

No longer.

NS has entered the sphere of dismissive tactics as witnessed by the recent threads on anti-americanism. That is the standard reaction now from virtually anyone on the right side of the political spectrum to anyone who dares to take issue with current policies. There are few threads where subjects of any value are discussed, those few that do attempt to do so almost immediately seem to sink into a lurid pit of personal attacks.

So why bother?

The short answer is, we won't.

This used to be a good place to test your intellect. Now it's a place to call people names and indulge in mastubatory fluffle-fests and popularity contests. I almost feel like my IQ lowers by ten points just by logging in here sometimes.

So we bid you adieu. Some fondly, some less so.

But go in peace,

Zepp & Steph.

This used to be a place to test your intellect? Damn, I must have missed that phase. :D

Anyway, goodbye and best wishes!
Swimmingpool
06-03-2005, 23:12
Funny how people feel it necessary to dramatically "leave" the forum. Why not just cut down your surfing hours?
Cannot think of a name
06-03-2005, 23:13
sniffle

Damn it, all the good researchers are bailing. Unless someone discusses media I have to rely on you all for historical research and context. You're simply better at it than I am.

Part of the reason that this has been going to the dogs as of late is that all the quality debators have been leaving it to the dogs, Incertonia is gone and now you two. It's cyclical, you guys know that. When I came here there was Anacanu-somethin' or other and a group just like him and we weathered that. Eventually new crops move in and the quality of the debate increases with them.

The social threads are-alright I don't like them and thats whatever, but they've always been here and easy enough to ignore. Sometimes the less ridiculous ones aren't so bad to idle in waiting for something quality comes along.

I'm not a big internet guy, which contributes to the disproportionate time spent here-if you all leave I'll have to entertain myself because I'm not going to be the only one to counter this nonsense.

Besides, who else am I going to bug to adopt me so I can move to Canada even though I'm I think a year older than you two? Hmmm? Did you think of the children, and by them I mean me? Did you? DID YOU!!?!?

Fine. I'll miss ya.

Besides, Steph's camera's is never on........I'm just going to sulk for a while...
Gaeltach
06-03-2005, 23:15
:fluffle: 's for Steph. I'll miss ya...
Pure Metal
06-03-2005, 23:15
bye bye :(

http://images.tvnz.co.nz/tvnz_images/tv2/movies/wk18_gremlins_d.jpg
Kervoskia
06-03-2005, 23:20
Bye, in honor of you I shall try to start a good political thread.
Armed Bookworms
06-03-2005, 23:20
The cold shadow of the Bush administration grows ever longer...
Karl Rove's evil machinations grow ever more convoluted and nefarious.
CanuckHeaven
06-03-2005, 23:24
Political debate is dead on NS...and so are we. Stick a fork in us - we're done.

During the leadup to the election, there was much good debate here. Some of it got heated, some of it devolved into flame wars, but a lot of it was very, very good.

No longer.

NS has entered the sphere of dismissive tactics as witnessed by the recent threads on anti-americanism. That is the standard reaction now from virtually anyone on the right side of the political spectrum to anyone who dares to take issue with current policies. There are few threads where subjects of any value are discussed, those few that do attempt to do so almost immediately seem to sink into a lurid pit of personal attacks.

So why bother?

The short answer is, we won't.

This used to be a good place to test your intellect. Now it's a place to call people names and indulge in mastubatory fluffle-fests and popularity contests. I almost feel like my IQ lowers by ten points just by logging in here sometimes.

So we bid you adieu. Some fondly, some less so.

But go in peace,

Zepp & Steph.
Say it isn't so!!! :(

You two will be sorely missed, although I do agree with most of what you have stated here, and can understand your reluctance to continue the good fight.

I too am considering withdrawing from these boards for the same reasons you have stated. Many days, it is like :headbang: After awhile it begins to take its toll. Many other great posters have left these boards and their absence is definitely notable.

Thanks for all you have shared, good luck and...

Peace :)
Von Witzleben
06-03-2005, 23:27
Bye, in honor of you I shall try to start a good political thread.
I assist you. I'll even try to be nice.
Damn. I cant leave for a few days without some of the elite posters bailing.
The Emperor Fenix
06-03-2005, 23:30
So long as you come back some day guys... err and gal... guy and.. or whatever, just get your arses back here as soon as you forget why you left m'kay.
Crabcake Baba Ganoush
06-03-2005, 23:32
Bah, I noticed that trend long before we even moved to Jolt.
Jordaxia
06-03-2005, 23:33
So long as you come back some day guys... err and gal... guy and.. or whatever, just get your arses back here as soon as you forget why you left m'kay.

Concurrance. NS general won't be the same without you! It'll be lesser. A changed beast.
Kervoskia
06-03-2005, 23:35
I assist you. I'll even try to be nice.
Damn. I cant leave for a few days without some of the elite posters bailing.
You can help keep the Ward Churchill thread flame-free.
Texan Hotrodders
06-03-2005, 23:41
You can help keep the Ward Churchill thread flame-free.

Only you can prevent forum fires.
Kervoskia
06-03-2005, 23:41
Only you can prevent forum fires.
I see that now.
Myrth
06-03-2005, 23:54
http://www.1md.de/gif/cry.gif
The Emperor Fenix
06-03-2005, 23:56
http://www.1md.de/gif/cry.gif
Isn't that the truth :(
New Granada
06-03-2005, 23:57
Au revoir

Hats off to you, comrades.


Ave atque vale~
Takuma
07-03-2005, 00:02
Political debate is dead on NS...and so are we. Stick a fork in us - we're done.

During the leadup to the election, there was much good debate here. Some of it got heated, some of it devolved into flame wars, but a lot of it was very, very good.

No longer.

NS has entered the sphere of dismissive tactics as witnessed by the recent threads on anti-americanism. That is the standard reaction now from virtually anyone on the right side of the political spectrum to anyone who dares to take issue with current policies. There are few threads where subjects of any value are discussed, those few that do attempt to do so almost immediately seem to sink into a lurid pit of personal attacks.

So why bother?

The short answer is, we won't.

This used to be a good place to test your intellect. Now it's a place to call people names and indulge in mastubatory fluffle-fests and popularity contests. I almost feel like my IQ lowers by ten points just by logging in here sometimes.

So we bid you adieu. Some fondly, some less so.

But go in peace,

Zepp & Steph.

Au revoir, have fun!
Kervoskia
07-03-2005, 00:05
I feel this is partially my fault.... :(
Markreich
07-03-2005, 00:08
Good health and good fortune.
I'll certainly miss you.
Planners
07-03-2005, 00:10
This is pretty bad some more disillusioned canadians leaving. First it was Dobbs
Town and now Zepp and Steph. There is still a lot of us lefty canadians on here but those who have left, leave void a that will be tough to fill.
Markreich
07-03-2005, 00:15
This is pretty bad some more disillusioned canadians leaving. First it was Dobbs
Town and now Zepp and Steph. There is still a lot of us lefty canadians on here but those who have left, leave void a that will be tough to fill.

No offense, but DT was pretty beligerent, as least to me. Z&S have never been.
Kervoskia
07-03-2005, 00:17
A toast to debate and the preservation of political thinking.
Anarchic Conceptions
07-03-2005, 00:19
Only you can prevent forum fires.
Ha :D
Cannot think of a name
07-03-2005, 00:19
http://img81.exs.cx/img81/2430/cryinjen4yb.th.jpg
Deltaepsilon
07-03-2005, 00:21
Don't let the door hit you on the way out.
.
.
.
Just kidding, you guys are all right.
The Lightning Star
07-03-2005, 00:23
Uh, why don't you guys play on the actual game forums?
The Emperor Fenix
07-03-2005, 00:25
Uh, why don't you guys play on the actual game forums?
Cos theyre above that, now shut up and start worshipping their memories.
Niccolo Medici
07-03-2005, 00:39
...Many of the best and brightest minds seem to have left Nationstates, more and more I notice the absence of those who went before. Even among those induviduals, few defined NS as much as Zepp and Steph; few have held NS to the highest standards of discourse, cutting through both misinformaiton and hatred to reveal truths inside. Their contributions were immesurable, and the loss saddens me greatly. To their memory I write this...

To say you will be missed falls short of what needs to be said. Your presence here marked the era, it set the standard, it MADE NS what it was. What I found here those many months ago was a thriving intellectual community in a sea of meaningless drivel. A small ship of reason buffeted by waves of partisanship and the storms of punditry and idealogical zeal.

Now you say the seas are too high, the storm to great to weather, and you head to home. I cannot but feel moved to grieve, that feeling of hopeless loss overtakes my senses; my eyes burn, my mouth dry, I type out my saddness.

The first post I ever read on NS was from Zeppistan, and the second from Stephistan. I am still here because of those posts; otherwise I would have long since forgotten this place, moved on and abandoned my little nation. I question now if I should leave myself, to move on as they have; but once you have tasted the joy of such intellectual stimulation, it is hard to let go.

So many have left, but some still remain. I weep for the exodus, the "brain drain" on this board; but hope still remains. I hope all of those interested in reason and good government still follow in their path, still hold themselves to those high standards, still perfect their debate.
Kervoskia
07-03-2005, 00:41
...Many of the best and brightest minds seem to have left Nationstates, more and more I notice the absence of those who went before. Even among those induviduals, few defined NS as much as Zepp and Steph; few have held NS to the highest standards of discourse, cutting through both misinformaiton and hatred to reveal truths inside. Their contributions were immesurable, and the loss saddens me greatly. To their memory I write this...

To say you will be missed falls short of what needs to be said. Your presence here marked the era, it set the standard, it MADE NS what it was. What I found here those many months ago was a thriving intellectual community in a sea of meaningless drivel. A small ship of reason buffeted by waves of partisanship and the storms of punditry and idealogical zeal.

Now you say the seas are too high, the storm to great to weather, and you head to home. I cannot but feel moved to grieve, that feeling of hopeless loss overtakes my senses; my eyes burn, my mouth dry, I type out my saddness.

The first post I ever read on NS was from Zeppistan, and the second from Stephistan. I am still here because of those posts; otherwise I would have long since forgotten this place, moved on and abandoned my little nation. I question now if I should leave myself, to move on as they have; but once you have tasted the joy of such intellectual stimulation, it is hard to let go.

So many have left, but some still remain. I weep for the exodus, the "brain drain" on this board; but hope still remains. I hope all of those interested in reason and good government still follow in their path, still hold themselves to those high standards, still perfect their debate.
That was quite inspiring.
Eichen
07-03-2005, 00:41
Tip: Instead of whining, create some decent threads. It's much more productive than dramatics.

Instead of complaining about flamers, try to post something a little less partisan, for once (leaving out the words gay, Churchill, liberal, conservative, left, right, etc.). It's harder than most people think.
Unfortunately, most of these political conversations die quickly here.

Who cares? Shouldn't keep you from posting just because something didn't reach 10 pages. I never care if I get one reply or a thousand.

Even in your whinefest you blamed the state of the forums on the "right" posters. :rolleyes:
As if the "left" posters are all choirboys and intellectual giants.

This alone makes me quite glad to see you go, even though I've enjoyed some of your posts.
MuhOre
07-03-2005, 00:45
I have nothing to say to you Zepp...but if this is true then i am happy Steph is leaving.

Adios. :)
The Emperor Fenix
07-03-2005, 00:47
Well, you believe we have a problem (IE the lack of intellegent discourse and debate on the NS boards), and you believe yourselves largerly to be mentally and morally superior to perhaps even a slim majority of, if not the rest of the posters, the world at large. And so...

Get out there and do something about it. I'm not in the business of fixing your plroblems im afriad, merely needlessly pointing them out to you. But with the lose of two great posters, and many before them, should you, and perhaps we make an effort this time, to raise the standards in some small way, to make some kind of change for the better, be it simply more effective self moderation, or more responsible posting.

Just next time you post, bare in mind that these two have left because the general boards are no longer a place of truly intellectual debate, and try change that.

I apologise for the above post, but hope that it will help crystalise in some resolve.
Kervoskia
07-03-2005, 00:51
Well, you believe we have a problem (IE the lack of intellegent discourse and debate on the NS boards), and you believe yourselves largerly to be mentally and morally superior to perhaps even a slim majority of, if not the rest of the posters, the world at large. And so...

Get out there and do something about it. I'm not in the business of fixing your plroblems im afriad, merely needlessly pointing them out to you. But with the lose of two great posters, and many before them, should you, and perhaps we make an effort this time, to raise the standards in some small way, to make some kind of change for the better, be it simply more effective self moderation, or more responsible posting.

Just next time you post, bare in mind that these two have left because the general boards are no longer a place of truly intellectual debate, and try change that.

I apologise for the above post, but hope that it will help crystalise in some resolve.
Perhaps this will cause a wave of new, serious, threads.
Suto ri
07-03-2005, 00:53
Perhaps this will cause a wave of new, serious, threads.While I do hope so... I seriously doubt it.
Andaluciae
07-03-2005, 00:58
While I may have disagreed with you at times, you were good debaters. Toodles, good luck with life!
Sdaeriji
07-03-2005, 01:00
I am so sick of these good bye threads.
Pure Metal
07-03-2005, 01:13
Well, you believe we have a problem (IE the lack of intellegent discourse and debate on the NS boards), and you believe yourselves largerly to be mentally and morally superior to perhaps even a slim majority of, if not the rest of the posters, the world at large. And so...

Get out there and do something about it. I'm not in the business of fixing your plroblems im afriad, merely needlessly pointing them out to you. But with the lose of two great posters, and many before them, should you, and perhaps we make an effort this time, to raise the standards in some small way, to make some kind of change for the better, be it simply more effective self moderation, or more responsible posting.

Just next time you post, bare in mind that these two have left because the general boards are no longer a place of truly intellectual debate, and try change that.

I apologise for the above post, but hope that it will help crystalise in some resolve.
personally i say that there is room for both 'intellectual, serious debate' threads as well as more light-hearted, fun threads - the two are not mutually exclusive. i was drawn to NS because i wanted to engage in debate, and i did just that for some time, but more recently i've realsied its possible to both have fun and be sociable on these forums AND engage in (for me, nowadays, the occasional) serious debate.

so Zepp, Steph, leaving is your decision, but i would emplore you both that leaving is not the only option - as many have pointed out if you don't like the way this forum is heading, try to change it. besides, there's the whole 'not mutually exclusive thing' too - surely there's still room here to test your intellect and enjoy a good debate... you'll just have to put up with all the crap :p

if you're truly sick of the way things are, then, while i didn't know either of you too well, i'll be as sad to see you leave as anyone here :(
New Sancrosanctia
07-03-2005, 01:15
I am so sick of these good bye threads.
me too, if only because i've only been here a month or so and don't know half these people.
Eichen
07-03-2005, 02:05
I am so sick of these good bye threads.
Agreed. TG the people you want to say goodbye to, and leave without interrupting the rest of the forum.

Otherwise, you'll probably be remembered most for your last impression: As an attention whore.
Urantia II
07-03-2005, 02:10
Well, you believe we have a problem (IE the lack of intellegent discourse and debate on the NS boards), and you believe yourselves largerly to be mentally and morally superior to perhaps even a slim majority of, if not the rest of the posters, the world at large.

Funny, it would seem that Zepp and Steph feel this way themselves, and are tired of HAVING to confront the rest of us "idiots" around here...

Someone should tell them they don't actually HAVE to respond to all of the postings, if it isn't something they like to do. But something tells me there's a bit more to this, that they don’t like that many people challenge them on their "assertions and opinions".

It is also a bit funny to watch Steph "attack" others, just as she blames others for the same behavior.

Yes, I too have lost a bit of respect for them, since they don't seem to live by the same Morals they espouse on everyone else...

Regards,
Gaar
Anarchic Conceptions
07-03-2005, 02:12
I am so sick of these good bye threads.
Why. Do you not care about these people you have never met?

:eek: How callous.
Zooke
07-03-2005, 02:14
I hate to see you leave, especially on this note. I'm finding that there are several good debaters on NS on both sides of the political spectrum. I'm sorry to see that you think the intellect here is so inferior to yours, but, if it is, then you have to find a forum that will meet your challenge. I always thought that NS was a forum for all people...whether they prefer to debate politics, religion, morals, or whatever. I have also always thought it offered a place for people who like to socialize, RP, whatever...it was for everyone. I saw this coming during the "Most Respected" thread. You didn't seem to realize that being fun, or being outspoken in your family devotion, or just being helpful to others is as worthy of respect as being a good debater.

Most of us have never been formally trained in debate, as you appear to have been, and were often times out-matched by your skill, as much as your content. But, we didn't run away. I, for one, sat here at my computer one day, with every dining room chair loaded with books surrounding me, each book bristling with sticky notes, to take you on in a debate on Kerry's actions after Vietnam. Unfortunately, you took the kids somewhere that day. Oh well.

Again, I'm sorry to see you leave like this, but maybe you'll find people more at your intellectual level elsewhere.
Myrth
07-03-2005, 02:30
Locked at request of author.

Sheesh, you people never heard the little saying 'If you can't say anything nice...'?