Sicy said:
As an admin and someone who's been doing this for 6 years, I think its safe to say that not many people realize how difficult these jobs are. Trying to be diplomatic, fair and equal with everyone is definately a challenge. I dont know Matt, nor do I visit atu2 but I am sure he must have had reason for whatever warnings he gave you. We may be more lenient here as far as swearing and such but just because some members may think you are 'funny' doesnt mean you arent breaking rules. We have our share of those types of members here.
As for other cool U2 sites, we're the only one
Or.. you could always check out the forums at www.u2.com.
Actually, I've noticed a definite bias. In the past I was reprimanded for going off-topic or talking politics in the non-Real World area. On at least one occasion I was discussing politics in the Real World forum and an admin member wrote that they hoped an admin would shut the thread down, I responded in anger to "screw off", and then was threatened. When a political thread opened up about Dick Cheney shooting someone, and people were eagerly discussing their opinions, Matt and company decided to erase it without explanation. I opened a thread about censorship and arbitrariness and was threatened with expulsion. I was relatively new to message board participation and was told that if I had just asked, someone would have told me what happened. That was over a year ago. Since then, the site runner and admin staff have waged numerous personal attacks against me and have abetted extremely pro-U2 members to do the same, and members have pointed out the hypocrisy. They let things escalate and when I respond angrily, they threaten me. When I have inquired about posts being deleted for being supposedly off-topic (like praising Jon Stewart or naturally making relevant political connections to non-Real World topics) or otherwise, I have never been answered.
Even in this latest incident, I have received no response. Again, I wasn't aware attacking powerful celebrities in passing or making fun of myself was construed as a violation. They weren't focussed subjects, but statements made in passing. The vast, vast majority of my posts have been relevant discussions that most members have enjoyed. When I criticize U2, they have always been detailed and relevant. Since the one "screw you" comment, I have ignored attacks at worst and been kind to most as many have been kind to me. My cardinal rule, which the admin and some staunchly pro-U2 members have rarely observed with me, is to discuss the ideas and people in question, but to never attack the participant.
For example,
http://forum.atu2.com/forum.src?Action=Posts&Subject=9796&Topic=18&SubjStart=125
So, I attacked Donald Trump in passing and joked I had a small penis (which I don't!) weeks later; I didn't know it was against rules, especially when the first offense was committed weeks before. My point is these rules are highly arbitrarily enforced; Matt never adheres to his "no flaming" policy or apologizes. This just seems an excuse to get rid of a member who questions U2 and has liberal politics. I've never had trouble on any other message board, but I really like many of the members there, and it's small enough that things are manageable and people respond to me.
I just think it's mean that the admin is always so rude to me and quite kind to others who don't question U2. My main problem is in threatening me with expulsion as though I am only there to cause trouble. Matt recently stated that the admins were sick of my threads questioning U2, and several members quickly butted in to say they valued my presence and my contributions, even if they disagreed with my opinions; not a single one said agreed with Matt.
http://forum.atu2.com/forum.src?Action=Posts&Subject=12355&Topic=14&SubjStart=
I have never repeated an offense once told not to do something, but I'm being treated like I intentionally violate the rules. I was told that at even the slightest offense, I would received no warning and would not be able to access my account. This sounds like petty revenge toward an unwanted participant and not fair treatment.
By the way I like U2; I just think they've opted for commercialism in their recent artistic direction and in their marketing. I'm a fan of U2 the way Bono is a fan of America; there are things that can be improved. I just want U2 to return to its roots.