Forums Vs Forums

In recent weeks a couple of Free Radio forums one long established the other less so have been acting rather strange. On the older forum a number of articles began to appear that cast doubt on the origins of Radio Caroline being as previously understood. The reaction was something to behold. It was like the 2019 Storm in a Teacup Final had moved into sudden death mode. Individuals demanded censorship - this just had to stop! New names appeared (just like magic) demanded proof on every aspect, some going into meltdown, typing furiously just like our classic old friend Angry Of Tunbridge Wells. Anyone who agreed or concurred there might be something to this were countered as if the Gestapo had turned up demanding to see their papers! 

The newer forum became a refugee centre for escaping contributors eager to get away from the melee taking place.  Here they were safe to go back to chatting about days of old, their rose tinted glasses safe in the knowledge that they new the true story and nobody could ever change that. Well sort of. Instead they seemed compelled to carry on discussing the other boards goings on, and lobbing insult grenades at the perpetrator of this heresy of questioning Saint Ronan and his historical words of wisdom. One even made physical threats. Now bearing in mind the age of those who frequent these two boards (those with memories of the sixties are not exactly children now) and I have to wonder quite what prompted all of this. One aspect is clear, the approach of the heretic was abrupt to say the least, and this ruffled a good few feathers. Another one was the fact he doggedly stood his ground and hit back with more information, sending one or two into turmoil as they struggled to respond.

A number declared this was all going to end in pain, the original board was heading into oblivion, all this excitement was just to much, ominous warnings continued, the end was nigh! Then calmness returned. The agitator was unceremoniously erased from all history, his threads all deleted, new guidelines issued, and the two forums could now rest with the knowledge that nobodies long held views would be challenged again. Of course none of this was censorship, my goodness how could freedom loving pirates even consider such a thing, no this was merely reaffirming that you were free to post anything radio related as long as it was according to the doctrine of Saint Ronan or didn't cause any glare on any contributors rose tinted glasses. 

Nothing to see here, move along please, no that's not irony, no that's not a pot calling the kettle black, this is free speech 1984, sorry 2019 style.

Andy M - 1st Contribution

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