Ridazz Community Meeting
Thread started by
snowcone at 06.17.09 - 5:04 pm
Attention all ridazz: I will be organizing a meeting to discuss priority issues of the ridazz; it will be open to all ridazz, and I encourage everyone to participate. The issues concern certain unacceptable behavior listed below. Please let me know if I have left something of the list or if you think there is something on the list which should not be there.
- Engaging in activity which threatens the community
- Disrespecting drivers and pedestrians
- Riding on the wrong side of the road
- Not allowing cars to safely pass
- Endangering the safety of others
- Unncessarily swerving
- Riding on sidewalks
- Unnecessarily running red lights
- Becoming too intoxicated to ride safely
- Disrespecting fellow ridazz
- Ignoring ride leaders
- Yelling/Name calling
- Negative attitudes
reply
add to item 2: yelling at drivers and/or pedestrians
snowcone06.17.09 - 5:05 pm
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LOL U GUYS SUCK!
the meeting should be on a saturday
palucha66 responding to a
comment by ruinedbyidiots
06.17.09 - 5:13 pm
reply
How does June 25th @ 7:00pm sound? I still have not decided on a location, but I'm guessing at a park or something would work best. If you have suggestions let me know.
snowcone responding to a
comment by Candy Cane
06.17.09 - 5:16 pm
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I want to be in that BAND@!@#!!!
Joe Borfo responding to a
comment by ruinedbyidiots
06.17.09 - 5:19 pm
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can you guys stay on topic just a little!
snowcone06.17.09 - 5:25 pm
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How exactly is this going to work?
Why not just organize your own ride where you set the rules and everyone is respectful and engages in good behavior, rather than organizing a meeting where you'll be preaching to the choir?
JB06.17.09 - 5:26 pm
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this thread was off topic before you finished typing the first post.
ruinedbyidiots responding to a
comment by snowcone
06.17.09 - 5:26 pm
reply
read this to understand why your proposed solution won't work:
tagging reported
i won't be doing any preaching, not at all!
we will be talking about solutions to the problems for one thing
i think a lot of ride organizers need the support of the whole community in order to stop people from doing the things listed above. coming together at this meeting will be a way to promote working together to resolve the problems.
snowcone responding to a
comment by JB
06.17.09 - 5:37 pm
reply
add to item 4: riding too fast/faster than the pace set by the ride leaders
snowcone06.17.09 - 5:38 pm
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june 27th sounds great
just saying a good place is CM Park or the fountain at Loz Feliz and Riverside Dr
palucha66 responding to a
comment by snowcone
06.17.09 - 5:42 pm
reply
It's worth a shot... but just realize that the people that will probably be attending already abide by the rules and have been urging the people doing the aforementioned stunts to cease and desist but to no avail. What will you do different than everyone else who has tried before you, on a ride or not on one? I wish you luck.
GodLovesUgly06.17.09 - 5:48 pm
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I want to keep it central and close to a metro rail station. i found this park:
Robert Burns Park
Beverly Blvd and Van Ness Ave
Mid Wilshire
snowcone06.17.09 - 5:53 pm
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HERE'S THE MEMO!
we should meet on Saturday @ 10pm - then we'll not only get the numbers of people who really need to hear about this, but we can socialize and drink, too!
and by Saturday, i mean, this Saturday!
bondink06.17.09 - 6:03 pm
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What a good idea, Shaddy! I'd love to go, but I hate when people come up to me and are like, "Hey, you're northernsoulbyrd." LOL.
northernsoulbyrd06.17.09 - 6:03 pm
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some of the people do, but not all of them. i think many ridazz are approaching people who tag/steal etc in a very negative way or they do it right, but nobody backs them up and they get ignored.
what we need more than anything is everyone working together.
however, if you go about solving a problem in the wrong way (by being an asshole to the person) then i'm not going to support you because i do not agree with that approach.
we need to come to agreements on how we should deal with these problems and stick to them, and talk about what works and what doesn't... start discussion that's open to all ridazz
i would hope that we do see some of the people who have been tagging/stealing coming to the meeting and sharing their opinions. maybe someone who used to do that stuff but has stopped. that would be really helpful
snowcone responding to a
comment by GodLovesUgly
06.17.09 - 6:03 pm
reply
i'll do my best to keep everyone civilized. this is not going to turn into some big argument/fight. people will have their chance to speak and i'm not going to be down with people hating on each other.
so come... plus, it's not that far away from you right? ;]
snowcone responding to a
comment by northernsoulbyrd
06.17.09 - 6:07 pm
reply
this should be fun...
where is the live webcam feed? i'd like to observe from a safe distance.
_iJunes responding to a
comment by snowcone
06.17.09 - 6:08 pm
reply
LOL, Yeah, not very far at all. I should probably just wear a pig mask the whole time though, cuz I REALLY REALLY hate when people come up to me and ask that... Hahahahahhahaa.
northernsoulbyrd responding to a
comment by snowcone
06.17.09 - 6:12 pm
reply
there is a lot going on this saturday. also, socializing and drinking isn't restricted to weekends my friend :D
i actually checked the dates to see when there is not very much going on and i made it early enough for people to come and still be able to ride afterward
snowcone responding to a
comment by bondink
06.17.09 - 6:12 pm
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haha! if there is internet in that park, i will broadcast that shit! hahaha
snowcone responding to a
comment by _iJunes
06.17.09 - 6:13 pm
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I actually approached about 6-8 of these taggers... last Friday and thought I had more riders walking behind me but once I got to the group I noticed I was by myself. Which didn't matter. First of all, I was a graffiti artist in my day, but for personal reasons stopped. I also knew the politics of my craft and when and where to go and create my art, not just throw up a toy tag here and there. So I had some knowledge that most riders don't and proceeded to ask the group who in their right mind decided to throw up the TOY tag on the bathroom. They were actually surprised that someone was coming upto them, much less one dude... another latino. When all of a sudden some other younger cat decides to come upto me and act tough as if he's going to do something, asking, "why you gotta disrespect my crew?" I got a little surrounded by them and was quick to back away as I know how these things can escalate and began to explain I didn't appreciate that TOY shit, not because it had no style but because it had no place where we were chillin at. We were allowed to be there, and do what we do (whatever it is you like to do on the rides and the stops in between) and doing that shit was jeopardizing, not only everyone else's fun, but their very own sake. I also made it clear that if they want to enjoy themselves and drink their beer and smoke their herbs and not get hassled by the cops that shit needed to stop and I wouldnt put up with it. I know a lot of old heads from the old school and I know about some things non-graff heads wouldn't necessarily understand. Luckily nothing happened, but I believe had it been someone else and not one of their kind, a latino, that things could have gotten worse.
Sometimes you've just gotta put things into perspective to these kids, because really, that's all they are. We gotta explain to them how awesome this community really is and if they'd like to continue to have a good time on these rides that this shit needs to be cut out. That it's upto them to decide whether they want the cops to fuck with us or not.
GodLovesUgly06.17.09 - 6:21 pm
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This is the second time you've mention it within the last 5 posts or so, maybe less.
Get over yourself.
People don't like you because of your online persona.
GodLovesUgly responding to a
comment by northernsoulbyrd
06.17.09 - 6:22 pm
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I called out a couple of taggers at my ride last Sunday. They were all, "Why you gotta put us on blast like that?" Foo, I made it VERY CLEAR to EVERYONE that we DO NOT tolerate tagging! If you're not happy with it, then dip the fuck out. Our ride, our fucking rules.
northernsoulbyrd responding to a
comment by GodLovesUgly
06.17.09 - 6:23 pm
reply
"What a good idea, Shaddy! I'd love to go, but I hate when people come up to me and are like, "Hey, you're northernsoulbyrd." LOL."
No diss.... but you're not a celebrity. Not even a ridazz celebrity, like a Borfo, or Dak or a Fuzzbeast.
GodLovesUgly06.17.09 - 6:24 pm
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Ha, what? Calm down... People are sarcastic witty assholes on here all the time. I think they/I are taken way too seriously. Stop getting hurt and try to actually get to know people.
northernsoulbyrd responding to a
comment by GodLovesUgly
06.17.09 - 6:25 pm
reply
Pardon me, did I say I was? I wasn't being completely serious... It was supposed to be a joke...
northernsoulbyrd responding to a
comment by GodLovesUgly
06.17.09 - 6:26 pm
reply
I don't follow you. How or why would I be getting hurt? This isn't about me. Process what's being said before you respond. Thanks.
GodLovesUgly responding to a
comment by northernsoulbyrd
06.17.09 - 6:26 pm
reply
"People are sarcastic witty assholes on here all the time. I think they/I are taken way too seriously."
I don't believe you're one of the sarcastic or witty ones. Sorry. I'm done.
GodLovesUgly responding to a
comment by northernsoulbyrd
06.17.09 - 6:27 pm
reply
i agree with you completely... this is the sort of thing people need to hear at the meeting.
everyone wants to have a good time, we don't want people to do the things on the list because it jeopardizes everyone's ability to have a good time. it's not a bad thing that you were by yourself, they may have felt threatened if a big group of people came up to them. when i say support, i don't necessarily mean teaming up on people, but it could mean that if you see something and no one else does, you say something. we need to feel a responsibility for keeping people from ruining F.U.N. for everyone else.
snowcone responding to a
comment by GodLovesUgly
06.17.09 - 6:27 pm
reply
I think this is a GREAT IDEA.
And to be honest I think it really needs to be an ongoing effort.
Might I humbly suggest that this (or these) meetings not just be about "negative" issues but focused on the future of Midnight Ridazz in general or maybe lay the groundwork for a larger gathering, a Ridazz Summit if you will, to discuss and work toward a brighter future for Midnight Ridazz.
I think it will draw a different demographic and have a different vibe if this is more than a "crisis meeting" to deal with perceived negativity.
I 100% support this effort and if you want any help for feedback please feel free to call or email me.
trickmilla
at
aol
dot
calm
trickmilla06.17.09 - 6:28 pm
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A group of about 2-3 is a better idea. Again, I was getting surrounded and had I not known how to navigate around the situation I would have most certainly been involved in some shit. 2-3 people is not as threatening as say, 6-9 people.
GodLovesUgly responding to a
comment by snowcone
06.17.09 - 6:29 pm
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comon man, that's not cool. she was not trying to piss anyone off here.
snowcone responding to a
comment by GodLovesUgly
06.17.09 - 6:30 pm
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cool, i agree. when i was putting it together i realized that it was focused on the negative factors, and i wasn't too thrilled about that. I would love to talk about the future of the ridazz, but I don't feel like i've been around long enough yet to head that up. I would love if roadblock wanted to address the future of the ridazz since he has put the most effort into creating what we have.
snowcone responding to a
comment by trickmilla
06.17.09 - 6:33 pm
reply
Shaddy's met me before, he should know. I'm actually really nice. Stop being so self-righteous. Let's just squash this now.
northernsoulbyrd responding to a
comment by snowcone
06.17.09 - 6:34 pm
reply
word!
feel free to hit me up for and kind of help and I'll do my best to help out.
trickmilla responding to a
comment by snowcone
06.17.09 - 6:38 pm
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hey dude,
that park is litterally down the street from me. It's gated and I think it has a specific open/close time. I'm not 100% sure though. I'd double check if I were you.
Gizzard06.17.09 - 6:39 pm
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+1 hahahaha, your cold as ice. yet completley right.
Debut213 responding to a
comment by GodLovesUgly
06.17.09 - 6:39 pm
reply
p.s. I'd check for you but I'm still really fucking sick... I aint goin no where :P
Gizzard06.17.09 - 6:39 pm
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ahh, sick? i'm sorry.. thanks for the heads up, i'll check it out right now!
the meeting is set for june 25... let me know if that doesn't work for any of you asap.
snowcone responding to a
comment by Gizzard
06.17.09 - 6:44 pm
reply
you should bring me soup :D jk....
i think it was all them damn cigarettes and sharing germs with half of the ridazz on friday.....ughhh.....
Gizzard responding to a
comment by snowcone
06.17.09 - 6:47 pm
reply
Ahh, noooo! Shaddy! On a Thursday? Really? What time? I'll do my best to show up. =T
northernsoulbyrd responding to a
comment by snowcone
06.17.09 - 6:52 pm
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7:00! it's early, don't worry, you will still be able to do your ride afterward
snowcone responding to a
comment by northernsoulbyrd
06.17.09 - 6:55 pm
reply
i also want us to talk about operation safe streets. we can talk about forming some groups and encourage anyone who can to donate to the cause.
snowcone06.17.09 - 9:26 pm
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Is it too late to add a couple of talking points? I would like to add,
stabbing other ridazz
advertising exclusive rides for a select group (race) on MR
Thanks
User106.17.09 - 10:03 pm
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is the stabbing in reference to the matt/eddie incident?
i only heard part of the story. i don't know if i want to get people starting to talk about it on this thread, but what if we expand this to fighting/violence in general?
snowcone responding to a
comment by User1
06.17.09 - 10:09 pm
reply
i will not be able to make the meeting. it would be cool of someone to post the "meeting notes" or have someone shoot a video or web-cast it like LAUSD board meetings.
just a thought.
Adrian_The_BEAST06.17.09 - 10:33 pm
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i'll see what i can do... this is not going to be super formal, but i will definitely at least take notes and put together a summary of what was said.
snowcone responding to a
comment by Adrian_The_BEAST
06.17.09 - 10:42 pm
reply
Yeah something like that would be fine. what about the second point made?
User1 responding to a
comment by snowcone
06.17.09 - 11:49 pm
reply
i added the second point to the list but i'm not exactly sure to what you are referring. can you link me?
snowcone responding to a
comment by User1
06.18.09 - 1:05 am
reply
awwww how cute, its realicide in high school!!!!
i actually didnt technically go on tour with them. i was on tour with another band in EU and we ran into our friends in the other worst/best band ever: Captain Ahab, who were touring with them.
don't hate, i love those guys. :)
Candy Cane responding to a
comment by ruinedbyidiots
06.18.09 - 2:57 am
reply
Uh, every ride is a meeting. All these things get discussed on rides and it continues to get discussed while we sit, eat, drink and party.
A formal meeting won't work, because the only people that will show up will be the choir, and you know, the whole preaching to the choir thing happens.
the reverend dak06.18.09 - 12:03 pm
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sorry rev. i totally disagree
I sit down meeting is sometimes a great way to work through ideas.
I love hanging out and socializing and sharing ideas on rides but it's not the same as sitting down in one place and having a serious discussion.
and preaching to the choir?
if you look over some of the more controversial threads a lot of the "choir" heartily disagree about how to handle these things. Sincere well meaning ridazz have very diverse opinions about what the best course is for improving things, sharing those differences in a thoughtful and productive way (as opposed to thread sniping) does have the potential to lead to some agreement and cooperation.
furthermore, I think that there are some people here who understand the perspectives of some of the people who are "causing trouble" very well and would be very helpful in helping to enlighten others on how best to deal with them.
A lot of what we experience here is information that is piecemeal, out of context, and muddled with jokes, sarcasm, and attention seeking.
There is something to be said for sitting down and listening to people's experiences and their proposed solutions. Then thinking about those things and offering a thoughtful response.
Besides, what do we have to lose but a couple of hours.
I must have lost 100 hours of my life standing around in liquor store parking lots waiting for a ride to get moving, certainly this has the potential to be more productive than that.
much love and respect,
trickmillz
trickmilla responding to a
comment by the reverend dak
06.18.09 - 1:35 pm
reply
User1,
once again I think you are stirring up shit of no reason other than to stir up shit.
Do you feel excluded from the Blaxican ride? what is a blaxican?
Besides the ride says nothing about excluding non-blaxicans.
The freedom ride also states that THEY WILL NOT TURN AWAY ANYBODY WHO SHOWS UP AND IS READY TO RIDE.
We have rides that are designed for people who are women, gays, meat-eaters, vegans, left or right-wingers, and people who are fast, have lots of endurance , or ride expensive bikes.
People are free to associate with whomever they like.
Not much information is given about the blaxican ride but the freedom ride clearly states that it is not about hate or exculsion but about creating an opportunity for people with some similar experiences to come and meet and get together in a small group ride environment.
Get over it.
If you wanna help M.R. think about ways of being productive instead of just trying to sir up shit for the sake of stirring up shit.
trickmilla responding to a
comment by User1
06.18.09 - 1:51 pm
reply
Trickmilla would make a good moderator.
Joe Borfo06.18.09 - 1:58 pm
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Trickmilla,
To answer your question, yes I do feel unwelcome to join their ride cause they aren't welcoming everyone. They are welcoming a certain race and reluctantly accepting other races, at least in the Freedom Ride. I don't see anything that saids I'm welcomed in the blaxican ride. Let's substitute white for black in both of those postings. Would you and others find that acceptable?
And the heading of this thread clearly states.........
Attention all ridazz: I will be organizing a meeting to discuss priority issues of the ridazz; it will be open to all ridazz, and I encourage everyone to participate. The issues concern certain unacceptable behavior listed below. Please let me know if I have left something of the list or if you think there is something on the list which should not be there.
See where it states "unacceptable behavior"? Or where he solicits to post up if he missed something? This is what I'm doing! As long as you don't have a problem if a white group coming in and posting a similar ride, then I can see where you maybe thinking I'm stirring up the pot. I'm betting you have a problem with white groups doing the same thing. If you don't and no body else does, then I'll retract my request.
And what's with the hostile tone in post? I thought you were all about brotherhood, family and inclusiveness? Are you saying I'm off base and these two posts are about all the things you stand for?
User1 responding to a
comment by trickmilla
06.18.09 - 2:20 pm
reply
what's wrong with the blaxican/freedom ride? i don't think their intention was to single out members of any other races. just encourage MORE people within their community to ride. i'd do an asian ridazz ride, but that's pretty wack... lol.
northernsoulbyrd responding to a
comment by User1
06.18.09 - 2:21 pm
reply
People should do what they want within the boundaries of common sense and not have to be told what to do.
I understand and support that there are issues that some people want to address and solve together in a meeting. That's fine. Go for it. I hope it all goes well.
Try not to lose hold of the fact that this is all about having fun and riding our bikes.
Joe Borfo06.18.09 - 2:34 pm
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if i tag with invisible markets, is it still tagging?
_iJunes06.18.09 - 2:58 pm
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OK so I move that "
advertising exclusive rides for a select group (race) on MR" be added to the agenda if there's no objections.
User106.18.09 - 4:11 pm
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Sorry, Rev. Yuser Whon.
You can't be here.
Joe Borfo responding to a
comment by User1
06.18.09 - 4:15 pm
reply
"Judge not ye for ye walks in thy valley yah coveted upon all thy within ye self"
Reverend Yuser Whon
User1 responding to a
comment by Joe Borfo
06.18.09 - 4:37 pm
reply
Welcome to the 1990s
"White" and "Black" do not mean the same thing they are not interchangeable in every sentence.
I would be just as absurd to assume that this ride is racist against white people as it would be to assume that this ride is racist against black people because it "excludes" most black people by seeking "black kids who have similar interests outside of the black mainstream."
And why is it any weirder that anybody would want to primarily INCLUDE members of a particular "ethnic identity" than to say organize a ride that is primarily directed to members of a certain subculture, class level, gender, sexual identification, political or philosophical belief system?
If you wanted to have a ride specifically for aged itallians I woudn't have problem with that either.
If somebody was having a ride based on arbitrarily excluding a group of people because they hate them I would have a problem with that. If the advertisements were hateful in nature and made broad negative generalizations about "others" i would have a problem with that.
The Freedom ride is about none of these things.
It is an attempt for people who have a unique shared experience to meet and socialize and bond over bike riding.
People are always seeking out people that they can relate to based on their experiences.
One of the reason i spend time with bikers who i otherwise have little in common with is that as a cyclist i have experinced amazing excitement, anger, fear, sadness, pain, and joy. When I meet people who ride bikes they usually relate to some or all of these experiences. The ways they deal with those feelings helps me understand my own life.
The Freedom Ride expresses nothing to make me think that they are hateful or negative toward anyone. They are clearly just looking to connect to other people with shared experience.
If your first response is to assume that they are doing something negative and hateful without even trying to understand where they are coming from, makes me think that you are more interested in "stirring up shit" than dealing with the real issues that affect us and the future of our rides. That is not intended to be hostility but rather a critique of somebody who is smart enough to know better but is more interested in attention-getting than solving real problems.
Watch this fine documentary and let me know if it elucidates anything for you.
xoxo
trickmillz
trickmilla responding to a
comment by User1
06.18.09 - 4:38 pm
reply
I object based on the aforementioned reasons.
I move that we squash this non-issue and move on to topics that are more relevant.
trickmilla responding to a
comment by User1
06.18.09 - 4:55 pm
reply
I move we smoke a bowl and start break dancing.
Joe Borfo responding to a
comment by trickmilla
06.18.09 - 5:10 pm
reply
all in favor AYE!
all opposed [cough]
The motion of the Honorable Rev. Joe Borfo of the Trenway District is passed unanimously.
trickmilla responding to a
comment by Joe Borfo
06.18.09 - 5:15 pm
reply
Easy solution for all of these problems...... Someone fucks up, you hurt them.. It's like training a dog, after getting your nose rubbed in shit a couple times, you stop going on the carpet.. You catch someone spraypainting, you spraypaint them or their bike...They won't do it again. You catch someone stealing, you take whatever they stole and beat them with it.. Simple psychology really.
Darko06.18.09 - 5:18 pm
reply
Unfortunately a little too simple.
Works great in an authoritarian state, not so well in an open community with no desire for a hierarchy or power structure.
trickmilla responding to a
comment by Darko
06.18.09 - 5:21 pm
reply
Basically this is a people problem. Once you have figured out how to deal with these people you will have solved the world's problems and I will vote for you for Ruler of the Known Universe. Good luck.
Ranger Brad responding to a
comment by Joe Borfo
06.18.09 - 5:21 pm
reply
nose in shit my people....nose in shit
Darko06.18.09 - 5:22 pm
reply
Focus here Trickmilla. I'm not asking you if black and white have the same meaning or not. I'm asking if you're OK if a white group came in and posted pretty much the same thing. Substituting black and the references of being black for references of a white group? That's all, nothing more, nothing less. If you're OK with that, then the debate is over.
I'm not talking about ethnic identity, or any other subclasses you mention above. I'm talking about groups identifying themselves based on RACE. They're basing this ride on their race, understand? Deal with that and then you can expand upon your argument.
Regarding your video, I've seen it. I watch almost exclusively docs. And if you think I need to expand my circle of friends, you're wrong there too. I've had black friends longer than you've been alive.
Now remember, focus.
oh yeah, xoxoxoxoxox ~8)
User1 responding to a
comment by trickmilla
06.18.09 - 5:25 pm
reply
its not about "these" people its about "we" people and figuring out how we come to a mutual understanding about acceptable behavior within the group and communicate our shared values to new/ uninitiated in a way that is effective and encourages people to be crazy and have fun but respect the established boundaries of the group.
trickmilla responding to a
comment by Ranger Brad
06.18.09 - 5:27 pm
reply
Exactly. It's a people problem and as soon as someone figures out how to deal with an infinite number of different of attitudes then they will have solved all the world's problems.
Good luck.
Ranger Brad responding to a
comment by trickmilla
06.18.09 - 5:32 pm
reply
And it's not a matter of becoming an authoritarian figure, It's about growing the balls to do something about it. It would be a common concensus that nobody is enjoying the *whoooooo* Tagging... And I personally am rather bothered by the shoplifting, so you know what I do. I.E. a couple weeks ago, when some kid jacked a tall can from House of Spirits, I walked up, took it and smashed the fucking thing on the ground. Guess what. He hasen't been back to a tuesday ride since. funny how that worked out huh? Nobody wants to be a nazi about it, but on the same token, Doing nothing about it makes you just as guilty.They did this, they did that...What did you do, thats the real question.
Darko06.18.09 - 5:32 pm
reply
exactly borfo, exactly
Darko06.18.09 - 5:40 pm
reply
"the debate is over"
you would know that if you read my post more carefully.
have a ride with your fellow itiallians.
it will be a "white ride", nobody will care.
We all hope you have fun with them and want to hear all about it.
Pix or it didn't happen.
white on.
trickmilla responding to a
comment by User1
06.18.09 - 6:15 pm
reply
did you pay for that beer that he stole / that you smashed on the ground?
ruinedbyidiots responding to a
comment by Darko
06.18.09 - 6:46 pm
reply
I understand that this is all done with the best of intentions, but...
sigh.
nathansnider06.18.09 - 6:47 pm
reply
Yeah, that kid never comes back.
I less ridaa. I'm not sure what it solve except that he stops coming to that particular ride.
On the other hand we have seen the young and stupid get talked to, and come to their senses.Some learn a lesson, stick around, and become solid ridazz. Instead of going back to their friends and talking shit about how they got bullied.
At some point, we may need to ask people not to come back but, but that is not a decision for one person to make by defacto, by making somebody else feel unsafe or disrespected.
trickmilla responding to a
comment by Darko
06.18.09 - 7:18 pm
reply
Take an chill pill man,
God loves you.
madmike responding to a
comment by GodLovesUgly
06.18.09 - 8:28 pm
reply
hahahahha, fucking mike...
LOL, HAHAHAHAHAHA.
LMFAO...
HAHAHAHHAAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHA.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAA.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH.
OH GEEZE MIKE...
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAA.
HAHAHAHAHA.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!111111111111
pdoggs for 25cents?
northernsoulbyrd responding to a
comment by madmike
06.18.09 - 8:36 pm
reply
Naw you can keep the 25cents and I'll stick hook it up with a p-dogg,can you digg it?
Hhahahahahahahah lmaoooooo h a h a
madmike06.18.09 - 8:43 pm
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gone for a couple of days and bam! hahaha
first of all, metric is a great band!!!! no talking shit!
@darko if we piss people off in our attempts to persuade them to discontinue some behavior, they will just have more reason to continue or do other things. it all depends on how bad it is. if the person is just causing a little trouble it would be handled differently than if the person was getting aggressive.
i would like to put together some information that we can add to the ridazz wiki that will eventually be a part of this site. that will provide ridazz and new organizers with resources on how to deal with problems as well as discussion about the different methods.
as for the point that user1 contributed. i thought you were referring to rides that advertised exclusivity. if they are just rides centered around a certain group/race, i don't think that would be a priority issue to discuss. i think rides should welcome everyone, but i don't think it's a big enough problem that we need to bring it up at the meeting.
about the effectiveness of meetings and that we have meetings at every ride. i have never discussed these problems in any meaningful way, and if anyone has, i was not informed nor invited to talk. i hope that nobody is going to get drunk or stoned prior to the meeting. also, about preaching to the choir... trickmilla responded to that and i would like to add that this is a meeting to talk about problems and solutions, we won't be trying to solve the problems at the meeting. we just want to talk about the different methods, pros and cons, experiences with using the methods, etc. and i would like to make this information available to everyone so that they can be more prepared when faced with one of these problems.
the point of this meeting is to promote LOVE and FUN. i hope everyone can come! i will post more details on the agenda in the next few days.
snowcone06.19.09 - 1:32 pm
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Someone should address the lame dudes that feel emboldened by crowd familiarity and demonstrate their own insecurities and inability to see past herd-mentality.
Every ride I go on, there is some dork telling me how to ride. There's no reason why someone should ever endanger other riders; it's not cool. But, a skilled rider can identify a squirrel and make the appropriate decision--don't ride by him.
On the other hand, if a rider swerves to avoid a road hazard and gets chewed out by some virgin who is trying to act like a cop, that kind of goes against what some of us are here to do, which is ride in a communal safe-haven.
The imaginary hierarchy some people try to impose on other riders can only ruin a beautiful thing, not to mention get somebody slapped.
The tagging and destruction of drivers' property and disrespect toward pedestrians is totally weak, and frankly, a class issue. The best thing anyone can do is model good behavior. Yelling at people only encourages their token acts of rebellion. Your microcosm of society is affected by the ills of macro-society. You can't fix it by acting like a douche. You can't claim nonconformity and then act like a bitchy little nun when people don't conform to your view of things.
Maybe, RIDING is the answer? Like, less drinking and shot-calling and more emphasis on biking? Less scene, more shred? I don't know. It's just a thought.
Pedalphile06.20.09 - 4:27 pm
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Midnight Ridazz died, is dead, and is dying.
This meeting is a huge sign of desperation. The Single Speed died, and so did Critical Mass. Sorry, but we killed it; And YOU killed it. It is DEAD.
I don't care if johnny come lately disagrees.
Good luck with your futile attempts. If you think talking down to others, or curbing your rides will do the trick -- you're wrong.
Just do your own private rides? Why not just obey ALL the laws and not do critical mass at all? Why encourage a ride you know involves drinking and smoking? I didnt see you policing those points!!!
Let critical mass rest in peace. Start something new.
Midnight Ridazz in particular died sometime before the following email was sent out:
8/7/06
Dear Midnight Ridazz,
It's time for a change. We have grown immensely from 8 people 2.5 years ago, to about 1,350 last month. While that is exciting, and most ridazz have a great time, there are incidents on every ride that have some people very concerned: accidents, fights, police involvement. This is unnecessary. We can debate all day about whether we should the streets or share them, but Ridazz has one mission: to have fun on bikes. Getting arrested or hurt? No, not fun. Sure, there are agro drivers and asshole cops. But it is possible to do what we do without conflict.
What we ask of you: MAKE THIS RIDE YOURS.
1. Participate in keeping the ride safe. We have to police ourselves. Remind others to keep to the right and let at least one lane of traffic get by. Don’t encourage driver hostility. Wear white or tie something white to your bike to show solidarity for keeping this ride going safely.
2. See someone with a flat? Stop and help them. Call for others to stop with you. That’s what “NO RIDA LEFT BEHIND” means. Stay together and try to catch up to the group. Future rides should have more planned stops that allow for that.
3. Go slow in front and stop at lights to let the ride catch up. If you like going fast, then stop to cork and speed up to the front again.
4. Cork at the intersections. The safest way for us to get through the lights is to have several people on each side holding traffic. When the ride thins out, stop corking. Stragglers should stick together and stop at lights for their own safety.
5. Plan a ride. Want to lead a Midnight Ridazz? Just email us. Or start your own Midnight Ridazz in another part of town! We’ll post it on the web site. Those who were around 2 years ago know that a smaller ride is even more fun.
And some changes we’re trying:
* The ride will start at a different location each month.
* No more emails. You gotta check the web site the week of the ride. www.midnightridazz.com.
* We’ll be handing out flyers that have 1) guidelines for riders, and 2) info for drivers. Read the first side, then hand it to a driver. It tells them who we are and why they should chill.
Think that’s too much information? Have other ideas? Email us with your input. Get involved.
Alright, here’s what you’ve been waiting for: http://midnightridazz.com/viewStory.php?storyId=23
"the point of this meeting is to promote LOVE and FUN. i hope everyone can come!"
md2 responding to a
comment by snowcone
06.20.09 - 4:59 pm
reply
Great, now we've got two bitter exes parked across the street.
PC responding to a
comment by md2
06.20.09 - 5:03 pm
reply
just ask dingo, I gave up trying to learn that handshake that all the hip and cool people use, or do they still use that?
Anyway, if I zone out on the ridazz again, somebody send me an email when I gots to get a membership card and read and sign the bylaws before I can go on a ride. I know it'll be for my own good and the good of the community if I comply. And if there's a number I should call to report unseemly behavior, please put it up on the home page.
Anybody have a feeling for when the current crop of ridazz mightl mature before the next group of fresh ridazz kicks in? There might be a sweet spot in there where I could grab a couple of rides before the shit hits the fan again.
thanks.
dave responding to a
comment by PC
06.20.09 - 5:29 pm
reply
be sure to talk about things like this at the meeting.
http://midnightridazz.com/forums.php?topicId=10138&pgnum=1
ruinedbyidiots06.20.09 - 5:34 pm
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Not bitter, just not stupid enough to believe in a meeting like the one proposed.
But one poster was right, at most you'll waste a couple of hours.
Waste away.
Look at the points you want to curb, solve, do away with, and if you can solve them -- publish a fucking book, you'll make millions.
The orginal organizers gave "the community" this website because they were being hassled by the authorities.
Snowball might have other intentions for organizing this meeting, which sound much more productive:
"the point of this meeting is to promote LOVE and FUN. i hope everyone can come!"
shit, i was negative to another rider.. (what a stupid agenda topic)
md2 responding to a
comment by PC
06.20.09 - 5:48 pm
reply
uh, never mind, I just took a look at the latest SUS pics. have fun.
dave06.20.09 - 5:51 pm
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Please post this up as a ride, cause I'll forget. :-(
User106.20.09 - 5:55 pm
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maybe the Armadillos can police rides?
Sort of like when Hell's Angels policed The Altamont Speedway Free Festival.
Do the Armadillos still ride critical mass, or did they finally see its death too?
We need another good ol Rain Ride. When people just rode... Taggers just tagged (toys or not)... and Animal gets smacked by a car in Echo Park. Those were much more fun.
Now a bunch of weird fucks are trying to make something magical out of something others already kicked to the curb.
We (ALL OF US), stole CM from others cities, and like other cities, we took it, blew it up, and trashed it.
IT IS DEAD.
md2 responding to a
comment by dave
06.20.09 - 5:57 pm
reply
Ah. Well, thanks again for taking time out of your busy schedule to stop by. Can I get your coat for you, or...?
PC responding to a
comment by md2
06.20.09 - 6:04 pm
reply
Oh how about not being able to ride your fixed gear?
So we should look out for:
people being mean
tagging
stealing
becoming "too" intoxicated -- awesome!!! Dont want to "too" vague do we?
Not allowing cars to pass safely -- hmmmm, yeah, dont do Critical Mass then. Remember when they first tried to implement "dont cork".... turned out to be unsafe.
Unnecessarily swerving -- Hey Snowball, that guy swerved. Joe Barfo, it was "necessary". But that guy -- totally unneccesary. GET HIM!!.... Hey swerver -- youre bad, get off the ride!! No? How dare you, you're definitely not a vegan.
"Unnecessarily" running red light -- see a trend yet???? This thing is doomed at the start... Hey, Snowball, shit, did anyone see that -- we ran a red light. Dude, it was necessary.
Ignoring Ride leaders -- this is my favorite. How do you even come up with something so retarded? Hey ride leaders -- we ignore you for a reason. Hey, ride leaders -- youre no leaders.
Yelling/ name calling -- no yelling, hmmmmm, no name calling... hmmmmm. Half your forum names are a kind of name calling. This is getting worse.
Drum roll please....
NO NEGATIVE ATTITUDES -- Snowball, tackle some real problems. I suggest you just swallow that moral load you have and just ride.
md206.20.09 - 6:19 pm
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@milla, you're one of the few I will spend a few minutes addressing. I think it's kind of funny because we disagree with so many things ONLINE, but in the end we want the same things for the rides and MR, the same exact things, but we believe in different methods to reach those ends. That's a good thing.
Have the meeting, or did I miss it? I'll make it if I can find two hours, to waste or not, if I can find those two hours. I've participated in too many meetings and see very little results from them. But it _may_ be these multitude of meetings needed to get the little things we fight for, I'll buy that.
That's cool, respect yo.
the reverend dak responding to a
comment by trickmilla
06.20.09 - 6:36 pm
reply
nah, its never dead, just a new crew, maybe reinventing the wheel but somebodies got to do it and if its interesting enough, somebody will do it.
shit happens, you deal with it and you move on. no big deal. Its just a bike ride. If you let things get to you too much, bad things happen, but I need some more merlot about now.
dave responding to a
comment by md2
06.20.09 - 7:16 pm
reply
i like malbec. anyways, will there be refreshements at this meeting? how about smores?
profoscurity06.21.09 - 10:45 am
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M.R. is just over 5 years old...try to look at this in hindsight.....in 6 months, 2 years, .....even 5 years from now, we will all look back on this meeting, whether it will be productive or not.....at least we'll have tried something to make change for the better and to all be on the same page. . ....hi five to snowcone for organizing this......I'll be there and hopefully all of you will too.......
barleye06.21.09 - 1:03 pm
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Eff all you gaise.
In yer mouf.
Dot Com
Joe Borfo06.21.09 - 8:48 pm
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Hoping md2 is there.
User1 responding to a
comment by Joe Borfo
06.21.09 - 9:10 pm
reply
It doesn't look dead to me.
It doesn't look dead to me.
It doesn't look dead to me.
It doesn't look dead to me.
It doesn't look dead to me.
It doesn't look dead to me.
It doesn't look dead to me.
? responding to a
comment by md2
06.21.09 - 11:40 pm
reply
i'm happy to see a lot of interest in the meeting. for everyone who is coming.. remember to bring stories to share with everyone about your experiences dealing with these problems.
snowcone06.21.09 - 11:52 pm
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and labels which read "Hi my name is: _________"
seriously, prima facie this resembles group therapy.
wish I could attend.
tivu06.21.09 - 11:58 pm
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it's like an AA meeting, but with alcohol
snowcone responding to a
comment by tivu
06.22.09 - 12:01 am
reply
meh, even if I were able to attend, those who know me personally are aware that I'm literally incapable of consuming beverages anyway.
double-edged evolution.
tivu06.22.09 - 12:03 am
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Let me add:
No tuneless annoying music played at loud volume (whoops, that's most of it).
No parking lot breaks over 15 minutes at businesses who want us gone.
No Rydazzzzz without front and rear lights.
Leadazzzz must ride faster then an average run.
With all those rules and the previous rules we'll shut down most of the rides!
epic06.22.09 - 1:44 am
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no snorting either yea thats right cough* cough* borfo*
palucha6606.22.09 - 1:52 am
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So when fights start to break out because were trying to play policemen are we going to have a meetjng about that too.
crossbones06.22.09 - 7:24 am
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"I think md2 needs a hug".
If you're offering, it depends on what you like.
Anyhow, your agenda topics are so vague, you'll spend two hours just trying to explicate what anyone of your topics really means. Hint: eliminate "necessary" from the topics, and you'll gain ground quicker. Its just like your lack of try to eliminate drinking or smoking on rides--you want to justify some behavior (that suits your fancies) but not others--good luck--like i said publish a book after--it will make you famous
It would be more useful to flush out a more precise "kind" of behavior you're looking to deal with, and speak only to that... you should also just eliminate some useless topic all together.
The problem overall with your meeting, is that none of you really know what you want Midnight Ridazz to "be". My point of it being dead, is that Midnight Ridazz cannot be anything more than what it "is", with its faults and all. Your arguments about--at least we're trying to make a change/difference, is laughable because the change/difference you pose is not real change.
How much tagging really occurs?
How much stealing really occurs?
These are the only two real problems, which critical mass can do without. All others are pretty much the natural byproduct of such a "public" mass ride. Sorry, I'm going to name call if I want.
To be honest, I think stealing is the only "real" problem. Guess how to eliminate it: dont have stops at markets, liquors which are open. Problem solved.
Guess why this simple solution wont take place: because you "leaders" are torn between your own vices, and wanting Midnight Ridazz to be a social/drinking/party on wheels, but cant figure out why it goes wrong. it goes wrong, because you're encouraging--implicitly or not--drinking, partying, disobeying law(s). You get people excited about not listening to police as they say to stop at red lights, or obeying general traffic laws... shit, this isnt a group of progressive cutting edge minds like all of you leaders... these are knuckleheads, kids, and the like.
you know what you should be happy about: You have an event where a diverse group can unite over the simple fun of riding a bike.
you want this to be so much more, but its really just about riding bikes and having fun. If you want a different ride -- do private rides with your moral laws, and let it trickle from there if people are interested.
Look just stop doing public rides!!! Why do you insist on having public rides? Just let it die, and see what happens. But some nobody wants to be leader--well lead then, no one needs a lecturer or kid on a mic talking down to you.
it doesnt matter that your so hung up on ride leaders being ignored. Post the route, end of story--if people dont want to stay on route--let them get lost. If people cant look up the route or ride in the middle, we're not their babysitters. This isnt a fucking daycare.
Your issue with tagging is really stupid. Why? The kids tagging are nothing important. Yes, they are not the graff artists youall drool over. they are young and immature, looking for a way to express what they think is "cool' or "cool" behavior. Deal with it. Its a problem you'll have so long as all of you support and drool over graffitti in general. as long as graffitit is perceived as such and such, you're going to have this problem. Sorry, its the truth.
Snowball, i'll be looking for my hug, but post pics of yourself first.
md2 responding to a
comment by snowcone
06.22.09 - 12:21 pm
reply
I agree with keeping the meeting on point, specific, and enforceable. Even if y'all agree something is wrong, what can you do to enforce the rules? Whose task will it be to police the rides?
Will it be like Sins and Sprokets where the people policing the ride were easily identifiable? I guess in the end, it will take a very strong leadership. The meeting is a start but the commitment to change things is a full time thing.
sc_nomad responding to a
comment by md2
06.22.09 - 12:45 pm
reply
You make some very good points. I especially like:
you want this to be so much more, but its really just about riding bikes and having fun. If you want a different ride -- do private rides with your moral laws, and let it trickle from there if people are interested.
on the other hand what's so wrong with wanting a bit more? Like support from your fellow Ridazz?
Gizzard responding to a
comment by md2
06.22.09 - 12:51 pm
reply
where's borfo when you need him?
md2, thank you for your comments. if you think you can do a better job with a meeting, i suggest that you organize one yourself.
i will give you a hug as long as you stop calling me snowball. also, there is a picture on my profile.
snowcone06.22.09 - 1:16 pm
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i've said it before, and i'll say it again
no one is making rules or laws or anything like that... if you read that somewhere let me know because i thought i made that clear.
snowcone06.22.09 - 1:18 pm
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I think I know who md2 is. :-)
User106.22.09 - 5:45 pm
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so is this meeting still gonna happen?
palucha6606.24.09 - 11:05 pm
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Huh? What did I do now? It wasn't me.
Have a good meeting. I don't think I can make it. I'm sure you'll gain a bunch of good things from it. Nothing wrong with getting together and sharing ideas.
Later.
Joe Borfo responding to a
comment by snowcone
06.24.09 - 11:56 pm
reply
OHHHHH SHITTT!!!!! i set the wrong date on the event!!!! i'm so sorry ;[ did people show up today?
snowcone06.25.09 - 9:35 pm
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i fixed the date and moved the location to pan pacific park at the amphitheater.
if people thought the meeting was today and went to the park, i can understand if you don't come. i'm really sorry ;/
snowcone06.25.09 - 9:58 pm
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Meh, it was a good ride and I met some cool ppl.
Can't make it Saturday, though: moving into my new place.
BMFW responding to a
comment by snowcone
06.25.09 - 10:34 pm
reply
i think it was amusing anyways.
we discussed everything from borgnine to how to handle situations.
good group. props to those that showed.
revolutionary responding to a
comment by snowcone
06.25.09 - 11:05 pm
reply
all right, i'm just going to cancel it then.. seems pointless now
snowcone06.25.09 - 11:08 pm
reply
seriously, we know you're not real.
coldcut responding to a
comment by palucha66
06.25.09 - 11:09 pm
reply
Interesting meeting. At the very least I finally had the opportunity to try Jollibee's on my ride home. Thanks for keeping the magic alive, you know who you are. :)
tivu06.26.09 - 9:51 am
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aww i like jollybee
:(
I think the meeting should still go on. It's an important topic that we should all learn to handle in a constructive manner. So when the time does come around when we must school someone, we can do it in a proper fashion.
P.S. sorry i hulked your rad tool. It will become a windchime in the near future.
revolutionary responding to a
comment by tivu
06.26.09 - 10:34 am
reply
i don't know how many people showed up or thought it was thursday and i'm fairly sure most of them would not come on saturday if i kept it on. so if only a few people show up, it won't be very effective at accomplishing anything. it doesn't seem there is very much interest in trying again.
snowcone responding to a
comment by revolutionary
06.26.09 - 10:58 am
reply
I think it could be beneficial if you gathered email addresses and started a discussion with "reply all" so people can share ideas....that could be a starting point....
barleye responding to a
comment by snowcone
06.26.09 - 11:36 am
reply
Few months ago LACM ride, I saw few guys smashing beer bottles to the side walk. That was scary. Can we make them stop? Also, public urination among riders, is that OK? Can you (guys who urinated in in public) not do that? Can we include a restroom stop in route instead?
Tricia H06.26.09 - 3:43 pm
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eff the meeting. lets have a circle jerk!
Joe Borfo06.26.09 - 3:52 pm
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if there is a meeting, then it's subject to who's available at that particular time... I like to think of this forum as a meeting where the discussion take place, is recorded and can be reviewed anytime and commented on anytime.... wouldnt it be great if City Council meetings were run like this? we could all weigh in without having to go to city hall and get on the mike.
Roadblock responding to a
comment by Joe Borfo
06.26.09 - 6:15 pm
reply
people behave differently behind the protection of their monitor, and things move along much more slowly or not at all
snowcone responding to a
comment by Roadblock
07.2.09 - 2:43 am
reply
I agree.
Yet there is something that is just different about meeting in person in "real time".
Its not like anybody is going to make any definitive decisions, but to hear people's honest opinions with out the snark, sarcasim, and poop references that normally make their way into threads.
Its a chance to hear the ideas of fellow concerned and commited people, with out all the background noise.
I think an email list is great.
I think the forum is great.
And I think that having some in person meetings can be really helpful as well.
I would just say, in general, that we should support what ever positive steps people want to take to help make the culture of rides reflect the ethos of Midnight Ridazz ... as we expand further and further from our original core it is going to take a bit more of an effort to maintain.
trickmilla responding to a
comment by Roadblock
07.2.09 - 11:04 am
reply
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Ridazz Roulette!
Where's PC? 