Six Word Memoirs on Life Stories

I've got a whole list of adjectives. Some are even fit for publication.

Every day there are memoirs that are manic memoirs. If I want to read memoirs after being away from this site, I have to scroll through page after page of gibberish. Time consuming and I give up. I know I miss a lot of quality memoirs because of this. I really don't care what this memoir manic person writes, but it ruins my experience. I wish I could take up a Sunday collection for this site to have a blocking feature. There may be a sixes here. Sunday collection for blocking feature, wishing.

canadafreeze says,

I'm in, DD. I pledge six dollars (Canadian to US 1.168) towards the creation and maintenance of the SWM blocking feature. PLEDGE SIX TO BLOCK THE ______.

marymc says,

I'm in. Can't believe what it took to get me here.

I like it. Pledge six to stop the gibberish.

Bevvie says,

I'm in.

L2L3 says,

Will Larry take Visa/MC?

maryjane31 says,

I'm in as well. Starting to get on my nerves.

I sure hope Larry will take Visa/MC.

notjustagirlintheworld says,

agreed...anyone new to the site would turn and run. As it it my mouse finger is slightly sprained.

jl333 says,

Does Larry take IOU's?

Yes or just send him a loaf of bread.

jl333 says,

Maybe I'll send him 'half' a loaf.

Wench says,

Honestly, a blocking feature is the least confrontational or potentially offensive way to handle it. If someone's writing (or someone's random collection of words) is really getting to you, just block - they aren't restricted in what they write, you aren't put off by what you read. Everyone is happy!

L2L3 says,

The down side of just a blocking feature, as pointed out to me by a very wise friend, is that while it makes it more pleasant for the established users, the drivel or nastiness is still there and is or could be, really off-putting to people who are new to the site.

Old? Probably. Agreeable? Huh???:-}

ctgoods2 says,

be careful what is wished for - Smith is a welcoming, supportive and creative COMMUNITY. By virtue of being a manic activity - it is usually short lived.
Besides that, my feelings would be hurt if I was blocked - just being honests.

ctgoods2 says,

*honest.
I write garbage too sometimes.

Wench says,

Rabbithole, I think the issue most people, including myself, took with the 'Dhani-filter' was calling out a specific member. Also, I'm pretty sure L2L3 was just teasing and understood the tone of your self-deprecating humor. Ah, internet, with your frequent inability to convey intended emotions!!!

Wench says,

I think ctgoods2 makes a good point, though. I think that's why it hasn't been done yet. On the other hand, short of removing members from the site, which has been done very few times, considering how long this site has existed, there is no real way to force people not to write 'too much.' Unless there is a daily post limit. And that would be a shame for the people who do write copious well-thought and clever work. A block button would be available to new members, too.

Bevvie says,

Rabbit, I had no problem with supporting a "Dhani filter." I can scroll by his memoirs and not read them, but his comments cannot be avoided as easily. And he has written some vile and vulgar comments on my memoirs!

Steve__Anthony says,

ctgoods - I would NEVER block you. :o)

I was not referring to Dhanii but to the new pelagic who had 30 in a row. I agree with Wench that a polite way would be a blocking feature. I sent my $66.

tonyglim says,

Ditto both the comments above of ctgoods2. I'm against a blocking feature here on SMITH.

I have limited time. If I am at the doctor's office with an iPad and I spend several minutes scrolling through 5-6 pages of nonsense then it takes away from my enjoyment. The person doing this knows that it is annoying and several people have posted more subtle memoirs regarding the matter to which this person responded with a HA. Freedom of speech, freedom not to read the speech.

Bevvie says,

Amen, DDC.

I will delete this memoir in 48 hours.

While it is nice to be in the most commented section regarding memoirs, I think that this memoir is not a positive memoir. I made my point and I hope people send six for six even if they don't want a blocking feature. I am sure Larry would appreciate it. We all enjoy this website.

Dhani says,

(What's that's song -'Don't BLOCK me in...'?)

Or Charlie Brown, don't be a blockhead.

Dhani says,

You can never 'WASTE' your freedom of speech.

Loon says,

my check's in the mail

Dhani says,

(A memoirist doesn't know what she's missing until she's been called a 'blockhead'. Odd, but foe me, it's actually very comforting...and inspiring. Some of my best memoirs have been inspired by bouncing negative ping-pong balls...)

Dhani, that is a saying on Charlie Brown, "don't be a blockhead." Just continuing your theme of Block but going down a different path that may not have come off as I meant it, which was for pure silliness. Kisses were 5 cents on Charlie Brown, too.

I've long been an advocate of the blocking feature, but have it so the blockee can be unblocked (if so desired) at any time, as with Facebook. Let the revenge blocks begin!

sisterpoet says,

I would not use a blocking feature if one were created. Just my humble opinion. Of course I support the choice of those who would.
I would not censor what I read. I find "value" (and I use that term in a very loose way) in even the objectional. Whatever forces me to feel, is good even if the feeling is bad.

ctgoods2 says,

well said sisterpoet

e.towhee says,

A blocking feature would knock the UNITY out of COMMUNITY.

Wench says,

What about putting a cap on daily posts? No more than twenty or something?

Larry_D._Smith says,

The idea of a blocking feature has come up over the years and increasingly sense to me as an option SMITH. To review: Some people do what are now referred to as SPAMoirs; sometimes a classroom assigns Six-Word Memoirs to students and we get a six-word deluge that can be on the messy side; and of course there are some scribes whose sixes other community members would rather skip. That said, I think blocking is good feature for SMITH the same way it is on a place like Facebook. I've moved it up on the to do list, and will happily accept any donations to offset the tech expense as it does involve special coding that takes time to do (and that ain’t cheap). On that note, I've always wondered about putting up a "donate/support" button and DynamicDbytheC's impressive campaign efforts have been the nudge I needed to do it. It's here:
http://www.smithmag.net/support-smith/

Thank all,

Larry

ba_miracle says,

I would not likely use a blocking feature but would not mind if someone blocked me. If asked I wouldn't post in the comments section of someone else memoir but I can see how some people may not want to directly ask.

Bevvie says,

Thanks, Dynamic and Larry.

I can skip memoirs that I don't want to read, but I am interested in blocking those individuals who leave insulting and/or obscene comments on my memoirs. I should not have to be subjected to comments that violate the site's terms of service. I know the benign dictator will nuke them, but none of us should have to email him again and again to remove nasty comments. I personally find no "value" in vulgar comments.

Dhani says,

'Madame, I must ask you to stop looking at my pictures! I have always contended that evil people will see evil things.'

-TOULOUSE LAUTREC

(Part of my Backstory to 'Don't like me? Don't READ me.'

Dhani says,

(Dynamic One: ThanX for the education!)

ctgoods2 says,

Wow

Larry_D._Smith says,

I just want to add that I do think a blocking button should be used rarely, or at least carefully, or the experience on the site be less interesting. But who and how often one blocks others obviously an individual's personal choice. I trust that people will use it conservatively and am pretty sure we can design it so you can "unblock" someone at any time.

Now if we can just get our iPhone ap built...

L2L3 says,

Thanks wench. Seems some folks are far more interested in jumping on yet another opportunity to be hostile, than to consider possibilities. It's predictable and tiresome.

oopsalittle says,

Freedom of speech. Freedom to block.

Believe says,

I wish that it was not a need. I wish that adults would try just a little harder to not relive their middle school years. And on this of all sites, a site where we should be fostering each other's creativity. But no, there has to be those few that create problems wherever they go. A little extra personal accountability on a few people's parts and this thread of conversation would be nonsensicle. I highly doubt that spamming the site, using it as a plarform for arrogance, shoving other's beliefs down the toilet, and name calling is really part of what Larry had in mind when he created the site. Are the rules "don't be a jack ass, enjoy writing, and let others enjoy writing as well" just too hard of a concept?

Believe says,

And Dynamic, I don't necessarily believe you should take this memoir down. It has proven to be a nice stage for a much needed conversation thread. It has been constructive, and lacks the heat that this type of conversation is usually plagued with. You have been a lovely moderator.

Believe, I will leave it up a while longer. Mainly because I want people to send $6 for six to Larry. If not for blocking, for the website in general and a phone app!

I enjoyed reading the discourse as well, D. I think it's valuable. As a journalist, I squirm when censorship of any kind is mentioned, and yet I am as annoyed as the next person by the mindless twaddle. I grant that a blocking feature is not true censorship, in that it's a personal decision to choose not to read what some others may say....but I am unsure how it would affect comments. I almost think that the ability by an author to remove comments might serve better. However, in considering that, I disagree with myself...because if I'm going to commit my thoughts to comment, I should have to face the music if others take exception, and either defend my position intelligently or rethink and apologize.

Also, many of the SPAMoirs (love that term, BTW) are done by one-timers. So you get a day or so of drivel from XYZ123, and then he/she gets bored and goes away...with another to take his/her place. But when you are scrolling through on your phone or tablet, weeding out the garbage is annoying at best.

My two cents....at today's prices, worth about .0004. :)

Believe says,

Is that US currency??

Heh...anybody got a hacksaw to divvy up the pennies?

Dhani says,

(six) FREEDOM of Speech, 'block' by 'block'.

Backstory: (Raise your hands if you get it!)

L2L3 says,

Hey TestOne, ever meet a guy who goes by raised-by-wolves? I think the two of you might share some opinions...and other stuff. Hehehehe;-}

L2L3 says,

Bulls. They go right through both when they damn well want to.

Wench says,

Dear Test0ne. I am poor. That's why for the past year, I have almost exclusively been writing from my old, lame, pay-as-you-go phone and not from my computer, because paying for internet service has been outside the budget. No member dues, please!!!

"Raise your hands if you get it (Backstory). Dhani, what I did was send a donation for this website. It is a free website but does cost Larry to maintain. So I used an unpleasant situation, 6-7 pages of six word memoirs that made little sense, to find a positive solution. I think a lot of us can spare $6 for six/Smithmag. Even if Larry doesn't use it for a blocking feature, it can be used for a phone app or this website in general. I hope that helps.

tonyglim says,

I agree with Wench. No membership dues!

Tonyglim, ditto. Many can afford to send a donation of $6 for six.

canadafreeze says,

Done, done and done. Six is in the mail :-)

Dhani says,

(six) 'Can we reach freedom BLOCKING speech?'

Dhani says,

(six) 'BLOCKING speech is hardly Free Speech.'

canadafreeze says,

I'm sending six to support the site, not to promote blocking. We could each buy a few copies of a Six book, too. All in support of our favourite site:-)

Yes, I will be buying books for Christmas presents this year and I have received numerous messages that people are sending donations of $6 or $66 for six. Larry deserves it.

canadafreeze says,

Well done, DD.

I so love it when I can find a positive way to deal with a negative.

ba_miracle says,

Ohhh Dynamic, You can sign them with your own sixes and make them really special!

TheAngstyPoet says,

What if instead of a block/filter, there was an option to moderate memoirs? This moderator could be modeled (with permission or however that legally works) after sites like FML or pleaseblankdearblank.com. Memoirs could be voted on popular consensus like a certain amount of votes in which each member would only allowed vote for each one. Sounds complicated but I this would be better. I remember when I first started sixing all I write was crap or bad platitudes. The more I sixed and read others' memoirs the better at sixing I became. Maybe that's what some of the users who turn out nonsense are doing too. If we adopt Facebook's block feature, would it be a one way street or both ways. If I was blocked would I able to see the blocker's memoirs or?

Bevvie says,

don't forget the calendars! I bought books and the 2012 calendar this tear!

Bevvie says,

this year 2012!

canadafreeze says,

I second that emotion, rabbit:-)

Life is too short to read bad memoirs. I am still for blocking.

Dhani says,

RABBIT: I too enjoy having exchanges with you, but not just 'some', I enjoy them 'all', mate! -thanX.

(DYNAMIC: I in no way misinterpreted your comment(s)& I too enjoy exchanging thoughts.)

By the by, I agree with 'ANXIETY'(!) -one seems to get better creating more and more sixes. There are doubters on this board, but I firmly believe six words can MOVE the world!

Steve__Anthony says,

To block or not to block.

In the end, at a certain level everybody will be getting what they think they want.

Even "censorship" is one of those phrases that can be cut up anyway you want it.

For example as a former newsroom journalist, I can tell you that every writer controls or "censors" the information that the public reads. These self-motivated bias are just part of the human condition.

I recently realized that I already do a certain amount of filtering or "blocking." I have a bias toward writers who have a profile pix of some kind.

Why? Because I am a very, very shallow simple-minded visual-thinking person. It's who I am -- that's either right or wrong.

I think it's Bullshit to call "blocking" censorship.

BULLSHIT. BULLSHIT. BULLSHIT.

Larry Smith is giving you and me the right the say just about any damn thing we want or need to write. WE ARE LUCKY to have that privilege. YES privilege. This site is NOT a right. (SIX WORDS)

Personally I think some people amuse the site --- including myself. I'm sure I will be blocked by some of you --- and guess what, I totally respect and understand why. My feelings won't be hurt. Life goes on.

I will be sending Larry a check next week.

Respectfully

Steve

Amapola says,

I'd like to join the route 66 until we find a 'peace detonator' - I am sure that the contributions will be used wisely, for the benefit of all of us.

Meanwhile, I could use a 'personal filter' - which I think I'll only use when some members plague memoirs with disrespect and aggression.

Do you take Paypal Larry? That will make it easier for those who, like me, can't send a check from overseas.

Amapola says,

What about creating a 'sixer's fund?' - it can be used for many purposes mentioned here - books, apps, contests, events, creating sixes in other languages (I personally dream with a Spanish version and would be glad to contribute to it!) - all for perpetuating all the GREAT stuff that happens because SMITH exists.

Also, what about volunteering, or giving 'gifts'? There are so many talents here that could lead to great collaborations.

I'm particularly inspired by the book The Sacred Economics - A great inspiration - The video showed in this website, was a 'gift' of a video maker after he read the book.

http://sacred-economics.com/

Can we think more along these lines?

ba_miracle says,

Yes Ama, there is a link on our profiles to pay by paypal.

ba_miracle says,

When you click to edit or go to another page to contact a member :-)

Amapola says,

Great to know! Thank youuuu! :-))

Amapola says,

Done! feels great!

KharisJo says,

Another site I regularly contribute to has on its masthead a "new to this site, please read before posting" in a prominent place so that newbies are informed re copyright, originality and in the case of SMITH perhaps a suggested reasonable limit to the number of daily posts. The site owner and editors at this point have the ability to remove posts or warn trolls, so am not in favour of any further controls. (However if blocking features are introduced, maybe we could have a "Most blocked in seven days" line up?):)

KharisJo, for some reason you made me laugh. Instead of MOTD we could have the MBMW, Most Blocked Memoirs of the Week!

So many great ideas. I wonder if there is a web master near NY who could donate time to Larry and Smithmag.

Bottom line, I love this site unconditionally and if it stays the same, I will love you just the same.

Believe says,

Webmasters rarely need to be near a location to assist.

I guess it is obvious that I am not a webmaster candidate!

Believe says,

Neither am I!! I am soooo good at checking email and I am a fantastic google searcher. Other than that...

NumbrOneAunt says,

just made my membership donation. DD, many thanks for getting this started!
--i agree with steve that blocking is NOT censorship.
--i'm assuming that a blocking feature would work as follows: if i choose to block a certain person, their memoirs would be blocked from appearing on my account ONLY - they would still appear on the site in general; blocking information would not be revealed - if people have blocked me i wouldn't know who has done so and vice versa; not sure if the feature would be available for individual memoirs?; also assuming that people would be able to change their minds and unblock if they choose.
--personally, i don't care for the "most blocked memoir of the week" idea - to me it goes TOO far in the direction of making someone feel unwelcome and might be intimidating for new members who are testing the waters - let's not make them too cold!

KharisJo says,

"most blocked in seven days" idea was suggested with tongue firmly in cheek.

NumbrOneAunt says,

sorry for missing that, KJ! having one of my "blonde" moments, i guess. :)

Believe says,

I do. I do not like the idea of blocking. If there is a blocking feature, it is my right to use it just as it is my right to not use it. I do however believe that it may be nice to know if someone has blocked you. There are several reasons I believe this would be beneficial, none of which are malicious:

1. There will be times that the streams of comments will be affected. Knowing that certain individuals' comments are not appearing could make the conversation make more sense. That way, you may not m ow what you are missing, but you will be aware you are missing something.

2. Maybe, just maybe, it would help certain individuals adjust things in their own writing that cause them to be frequently blocked. I believe that most people want their writing to be read.

I like the site. The way it is. I'm not in favor of it changing too much, but the blocking aspect has been brought up many times. Those that want it could in fact be the ones that benefit from it. Those that don't want it will probably use it sparingly or not at all. But this isn't a freedom of speech thing. No one is limiting speech, just whether or not individuals have to read stuff they don't want to. Think of it as a magazine subscription. We all get ALL the magazines, until we choose to unsubscribe.

Steve__Anthony says,

Personally I don't see myself blocking any of the regular contributors to this site. Blocking isn't an attack on free speech. This site will give you all the rope you need to hang yourself. Blocking is about allowing each of us to have the product, entertainment, community, environment that each of us desire. If you want to block you choose your favorite of ice cream. If you don't then you may get a few nuts in your ice cream.

Dhani says,

Does BLOCKING speech lead to freedom? The obvious answer is 'no', but if you have another answer, please enlighten me (for all of the above answers leave this free spirit totally unsatisfied).

(Steve, if I firmly placed my hand over your mouth, maybe even steadying the back of your head in the process so you won't be jerking so much, can you honestly tell the public who's reading this you that you would be enjoying the full benefits of freedom of speech?)

Today is the 6th. Remember to consider donating $6, 66 or 666 , etc to Larry for this amazing site. I know $6 is so easy to part with and even more for some of the more fortunate memoirists. Six for this so sixy site.

canadafreeze says,

Thank you DDbytheC. This has been a forum worthy of the name. Six, six - horray!

Happy Canadian Holiday. Oh, Canada.

L2L3 says,

Hello Dhani. Thus far there has been much dancing around the heart of the matter. That would be you. Though these issues wind themsrlves up periodically, you are an original driving force behind the whole blocking matter. (I may be on the same short list n the minds of some.) Does this make you powerful? No, it again makes you the sad case of the annoying playground child who does anything he can for any kind of attention. Even your above comment contributes nothing worthwhile to the conversation. Have read all the philosophy suggestions for various levels of control from many members here. It's pretty simple and has been eloquently expressed for many, many years: One bad apple spoils the whole bunch. In fairness, there is occasionally more than one apple, but the old adage still applies. Perhaps the direct approach will satisfy your spirit.

L2L3 says,

I want what he's smoking.

Could be injecting...

L2L3 says,

Doesn't seem like the type.

e.towhee says,

All this talk of a blocking feature has given me writer's block.

That is a perfect six, Blocking talk giving me writer's block.

Dhani says,

SIX WORDS. 'Easy come/ easy go.'

Go for it, Wolfie! Sounds like you GOT SCROLLED! ('Scroll, scroll your anger...gently...)

Scrollers are similar to (determined) running hamsters.

Readers scroll me, so SCROLL YOU!

Word-Doctor's sign: 'Are you SCROLLED-UP?'

I used to BOWL/ now I scroll...(especially this memoir!)

Peace.

Dhani says,

(Mirror on the wall:) 'UTILIZING space, armed with clues, never dull, always polite (and) ENERGIZING!

You're must be describing someone else because that doesn't sound like you.

Oops. Took the bait AGAIN. :-(

Dhani says,

(Thank you, I EAT fish....)

Larry_D._Smith says,

Well, if I wait a few more moments Dhani will help me become the commentator #100, but who's got the time...

This is a really good discussion, one I do wish it was housed in QUESTIONS, a section that was added when a community discussion around having a SMITH Forum area arose and it ended in adding Six-Word Questions (a good solution, in seemed and still seems, to both add an area for conversation without creating a part of the site I don't have the capacity to run in a way it would require).

On the blocking question, as much as the point of view are interesting and most welcome, calling it censorship is non-starter -- it's more like freedom to choose. And of course if/when the feature is offered, we'll all have the freedom to un-block. My guess is that it won't be used much. That said, I wish it wasn't necessary to offer it as an option, and as Dhani and others know I have made personal appeals suggesting that writing fewer six-word somethings (after all, calling them Six-Word Memoirs is a stretch) would mean more people would read more of one's work (i.e. do less, do it better), and improve the overall experience of the community -- including that of this editor.

Many of the suggestions that have come up in this discussion are either already on the short list or are now after reading this thread. A long-time members know I try my best to improve the site slowly and surely. And as many of you can guess, this site costs money to run and we only run ads from places I think would appeal to this community. I indeed have a webmaster who works about quarter time (based in Florida, and he's great) and any and all of the so very appreciated donations will go directly to him and site improvements. A number of you have sent $66 (and you'll be getting a SMITH Tee). Any donation of support means a lot to me on many levels beyond the dollars. And like so many parts of SMITH, I love that this idea came from the community -- you are what make SMITH hum.

Dhani says,

Well said, Leader. Maybe it's just semantics, but if someday when this feature you mention is put in place & I decide to 'BLOCK' a memoirist, meaning I care not to read him or her (with the option of 'un-blocking' the writer later) you claim I'm not 'censoring' the memoirist, just CHOOSING not to read her? So what is true censorship?

Dhani, you are either seriously thick or just trying to cloud the issue. NO-ONE WOULD BE CENSORED. They will be free to say the same sorts of things they have said previously. If I were to block you, it is probably because I have found my experience of you on this website not to my liking. It's called "freedom of choice". It's being given to right to say "no", and having that right respected and honoured. The obvious conclusion I've drawn is that you are shit-scared that you will be blocked en masse; or is that a no-brainer?

sisterpoet says,

OMG...it is so simple!!!!

Blocking feature allows one to censor what they read which is not the same as censorship.

The freedom is in the hands of the person who elects to use or NOT use the blocking feature.

Keep it simple.

Dhani says,

Yes, let's continue to keep it 'simple', for there seems to exist (in at least my mind) 'a fine line' between 'blocking' & 'censoring' -the latter defined as 'to SUPPRESS anything objectionable'.

If you go to the library and choose to read one book and leave behind those that are available but don't interest you, is that censorship?

Dhani says,

Dynamic: 'No!', but that's not the same point.

READ my 'Love Letter' to Larry on this issue in the Backstory to my topical post: Desiring Life: 'I'm not BLOCKING anyone!'

sisterpoet says,

Who knows how to diagram a sentence? use words in context?

I will not censor what I read. I choose to read everything.

The school will not allow books to be pulled off the shelf because they do not believe in censorship.

I blocked my " friend " on facebook becasue she had objectionable behavoir towards me.

sisterpoet says,

CENSOR: A VERB... to examine in order to suppress or delete anything considered objectionable

I will not examine in order to surpress. I will not censor what I read. I will let the s#%t fly at me. Bob and weave as I see fit. Get pissed off. Smile. Laugh. Cry. Whatever!

BLOCK: A VERB....to stop

I want to stop my "friend" from having access to me on facebook because she was causing me harm in life.

OY!!!!

sisterpoet says,

When you use a block button, you censor yourself not others.

If you were in a position of power to examine and then surpress what others see/read, then you are engaged in the act of censorship.

This really is not that hard to grasp, is it?

Dhani says,

(If I look you straight in the eye, but I don't see 'CHRIST', then I don't truly SEE you.)