December 11th 2007, the start of this blog. It was intended to replace the short-lived llnlthefinalstory blog and as a step up from llnltherealstory one.
As llnltherealstory sank into a period of virulent insults among LANL employees and inflammatory remarks towards LLNL's, it was time to begin a new blog that encourages intelligent debate.
The torch was lit and LANL readers saw it and hopped on fast. Participation shot up and moderation was challenging despite clear blog rules.
On the 1st anniversary, I asked for a volunteer to take it over. I heard the echo of my own voice.
Since then, I had brief help from "Doobydew" whose nickname I still use today. Thanks Doobydew! whoever you are. I also hard help from a tech-savvy guy named "TheEvil Eye". Thank you.
With some exceptions, LANL dominated this blog negatively and disregarded civility and the call for intelligent debate. That made moderation that much difficult.
13 years later, many have questioned the relevance of this platform. I believe there is a need to have a place where issues are brought up, abuse is reported, important information is passed.
What does everyone think?
Julian/Scooby/Doobydew
14 comments:
Just a thought. The blog should be moderated, and not by vague "rules" but by strict moderation for every post, or should be completely unmoderated (install a profanity filter if you wish). Anything in between leaves open the possibility of, and charges of, political or other bias when posts are deleted for no apparent reason.
Could you suggest what a clear rule is? What makes the current rules vague?
What constitutes "inflammatory language"? What constitutes "put downs"? Leaves you a lot of space to delete what you don't like the tone of, or even disagree with or feel upset by. Prohibit profanity, threatening language (not "put downs"), and pornography. Let all the rest of the idiots post what they want. Or, restrict subjects to specific LLNL (include LANL if you wish) subjects based on laboratory mission and programs. Your choice - it's your blog. Just please restrict all the political, non-lab related, doofus crap that wastes megabits on social issues.
I updated the rules with your input.
Thank you. One may argue that even the rule you proposed leaves room for interpretation.
Well Happy Birthday to the True Story. Scooby, thanks for keeping it going. While it may not be entertaining as the LANL forum was (we are boring in Livermore), it still is a small window into the place, and that is valuable to me. Yes, the trains of thought get sidetracked by Los Alamos (It always is about them) and now the political discussions which quickly dive into the deep end of a very dirty pool. Even with all of those distractions, I am grateful that you still are willing to run the three ring circus.
"Just please restrict all the political, non-lab related, doofus crap that wastes megabits on social issues."
Like it or not the labs are indeed connected to social issues. This could be how on how politics will determine funding, who controls the labs, pro war versus anti war sentiment, if testing could occur again, directions in basic and energy science. This is on top of the other issues like diversity, profit versus non-profit and ethical issues of war and so on. If something is completely off topic then Scooby does a good job and not posting it or steering to something that is related. It sort makes sense that labs that are related to nuclear weapons have to have some connections social issues or political issues by definition.
Thank you for letting LANL share some screen time.
Well, I for one think the new rules are an improvement, although not a big one, We'll see what happens, As with all "rules," the proof is with compliance/enforcement. Good luck!
Hello 12/14/2020 12:50 PM
Thank you for being appreciative !
Re: LLNL vs LANL, in a sinking boat it helps if all are willing to bail, and row in unison.
The labs now are mainly job programs, guaranteed basic plus income. I’ve had a bunch of colleagues, including myself, leave for private industry, academics, or defense contractors. I’ve met people going to the labs who are washouts, c students, or have non-technical degrees from third-rate universities. I’m sure there is a core group keep the place afloat, but the major expansion is from unqualified people.
Thanks Scooby. I've read the blog since the beginning. You are doing a very needed service to the folks at LLNL (and LANL).
Happy birthday, blog. It's been a heck of a ride getting here and looks like it'll be even less smooth in the years to come.
It was an honor to co-admin with Scooby. He is a very nice person in real life and so very dedicated to maintaining an active source of good information on the two labs for employees and retirees of those facilities. And like any admin Scooby has endured his critics, you never can satisfy everyone. I was glad to help shoulder that load for Scooby and let some of the heat come my way instead of all on him. Hopefully someday other folks will find a way to help Scooby.
Meanwhile a deep and heartfelt THANK YOU for all the work Scooby does for us all.
Thanks buddy! I hope you are doing well!
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