[lily.]

Regarding all the drama of last night… here’s my take on things.

A while back in MSN, Lance and I were discussing how it would be funny if it turned out that I actually knew James in real life because we live quite near each other and I do know a few people from his town. Then we started joking around that maybe I had even gone out with him in the past, as I had also been out with one or two people from his area. Then Lance began to create this elaborate lie about a sordid affair. We were laughing and obviously weren’t being serious. Shortly after, Tanser got in on the joke as well, then it seemed to spread via small comments on MSN and in TiBB.

Now, everyone was well aware that this was obviously a joke and there was no malice or ill intent. However, if anyone had been offended or upset by it, then I would obviously have stopped. Nobody seemed to be upset or offended. James didn’t seem to be taking it any more seriously than anyone else, so I didn’t actually see the harm in it.

Then we had the “snippets” thread. And, of course, that was a perfect opportunity for our more creative members to use the “fake rumour” to create humorous news stories. Again, I didn’t see the harm, as I wasn’t aware of anyone who was upset or offended by it.

Now, after last night, it seems that Sasha has taken all this a tad personally. It was never my intention to get into a fight with anyone, especially over something that is clearly tongue-in-cheek. Things turned sour rather quickly last night, and it’s now blown way out of proportion.

I really do not have any interest in James and Sasha’s relationship. They are both consenting adults and it’s none of my concern. I wasn’t attempting to sabotage the relationship (as has been implied). Nor was Markus (who incidentally is not my “hobbit” and is perfectly capable of making his own decisions).

It’s sad that things got nasty. Sasha obviously presumed that she could say and do anything regardless of Forum Rules because of her online relationship with Forum Admin. I might point out that Kizwiz has an actual relationship with a Moderator, yet she doesn’t abuse this situation to her advantage.

Sasha and I were getting along rather well up until last night. Things have taken a dramatic downturn, which is pathetic, because after all, this is only the internet.

I don’t come here to fight with people. I come here for a laugh and a bit of light-hearted banter. If things have to be taken so seriously all the time, then it’s a sad reflection of what this forum has become.

I’m done.