Recently, in another thread, there was a statement about me posting in The Olympian again.  I'll confess.  I'm guilty.

Now, before I lose my Olyblog card and decoder ring, allow me to explain a few things.

While it's true that The Olympian still has a rather "liberal" policy on the quality of some of the posts, I have to hand it to the webmaster(s) for allowing discourse on a wide variety of subject matter.  It has become the venue for discussion on subjects of interest on national politics and other issues. I've learned to recognize subject matter that won't interest me or that I know will contain some of the more ignorant posts, so I avoid them.  If I see a thread heading down that road, I'm welcome to stop anytime I want.

Toxic?  At times, and yet, remembering what a friend shared with me long ago, in a conversation about racism - "words can't harm me".  I guess I'm adopting the theory that if I'm not part of the solution, I'm part of the problem.  My posts can add a bit of sanity to an insane world, as long as I control me and don't fall prey into the games of others.  It's an art called "ignoring" and I've found that it can be exercised on Olyblog also.  Of course, AOL perfected the art with their ignore feature, which removed offensive posters from your screen, leaving only those with which you want to converse.

When I came to Olyblog, last spring, I was stinging from the hurt of being set up and suspended by someone on The Olympian threads.  Of course, I'm the only one in control of me.  Someone (I'm thinking the same person) tried again to agitate me into negative action and I just laughed it off.  Other posters that wanted some quality to the communication told this person in no uncertain terms that their harassment wasn't enjoyed.  The agitator tucked tail between legs and wandered off.

There will always be a few that are on forums for shock.  I've come to accept that.  I comment on what has to do with the thread and leave the rest.  Remember, words can't hurt me.

I believe in fairness and balance.  I've criticized The Olympian in the past and probably will in the future, but fairness says praise where praise is due, so here goes:

"Your discussion forums are not perfect.  None are.  My involvement can either improve or make them worse.  The choice is up to me.  Thanks for providing the space."

I'll close this blog with a plea.  Please, let's not try to figure out how this isn't hyperlocal.  I'm not really interested in that discussion.  Other opinions and thoughts about our local daily are welcome - pro and con.