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I don't mind attempts at humor but that wasn't that funny a year ago. If you disagree with me then have a debate with me. I don't run and hide. And I listen to whatever you have to say. Don't use my name to post senseless drivel. It's just insulting to me. Obviously someone doesn't like what I have to say about Brokeback Mountain. I'm over it. I don't mind sharing my opinion and I don't care who likes it or not.

On Martin Luther King Day I would like to believe that the people preaching tolerance and kindness and defending a movie that has those values at its core would be the practitioners of that. First and foremost.

The first rule of good parody. Be funny!! All other rules? Out the window.

James Leer posted a while back: "It's one dude. Each of those names shares an IP address and he only posts here and at patrickruffini.com."

Mr. Poland, I truly hope you straighten this out so we can talk about movies again and not ideological vitriol. It's one thing to be uninformed or wrong. It's another to attack, impersonate, and flat out hijack the discussion.

It's funny how someone gets so upset over someones views that they can't handle it. Relax already.

Aw, how come nobody impersonated me and said how much I detest Brokeback? I want to be impersonated!!!

Be careful waterbucket. It's not all fun and games. They're evil people. One more joke at BBM and you make THE list.

haha The only black list that I'm on is David Poland's for being a die-hard BBM fan.

Now that is a list you should be proud of being on. Whats wrong with that???

Oh baby, you know I'm proud to be on that list. Annoying David and touting Brokeback is my mission in life.

u got the touting right at least. is it numero uno on ur all time list now?

Differing views on BBM aren't tolerated by some posters. You all better love it or there will be a price to pay. You know you can't force people to like something. BBM supporters should know that better than anyone.

I don't know if it's my #1 all time but it dominates my life right now. I sincerely love it. After I saw the movie, I had this empty sadness for a week.

Still today, whenever I see the movie's poster or pictures, I have a sinking feeling in my stomach. People say movement and all these bs, not realizing that many truly love the movie.

Stand By Me and Wild Reeds are some of my favorite too.

Trust me. We get your love for it. Now I know how people feel when I gush about Star Wars.

Ugh, Star Wars geek.

j/k

I can't fault anyone for wanting to be me.

Especially blustealer, Terence D, Bruce, Josh, LesterFreed and the rest of your aliases, huh?

The name's Bruce. I don't have to go by some character in an average Michael Douglas movie, buddy. I bet you and Jeff are the same person. Seems like you go right back to back everytime. Interesting.

So it's just coincidental that you and joefitz and the others post from the same place, sound exactly the same, and only post on the same two messageboards (here and patrickruffini.com)?

And that last time you were called out on this, none of your aliases ever responded? I mean, you'd have thought ONE would have...but maybe they were all taking an inopportune vacation at the same time, right?

Just pick one name and stick with it, kid.

I find it hilarious that a guy who uses "James Leer" accuses anyone of not being themselves.

Pot calling the....kettle....

Okay, what's your full name, Sanchez?

Raymond Sanchez. Born in Mexico City, Mexico. 6lbs and 6 oz. A very handsome boy as they have told me.

I don't see a need to hide behind any fictional character. Right, mcm?

Fair enough. Since you did so, I'm Jeff McMahon. Not that it matters.

You don't know Leer? He's about 5'6. Slim. Looks like Tobey Maguire. You have to know him. He's shy. A weird kid. Probably attracted to older men.

You sure he's not Peter Parker too????

Poland, let me just get out of the way that I hold great respect for you and your work. Your columns and Movie City News have always been very knowledgeable and interesting, and broaden at least my understanding of how the movie industry works.

But I, and I think many others, find it very hard to take the discussions here on your blog seriously. And this is almost exclusively due to the presence of these two or three people hiding behind numerous aliases.

Now, I don't know if Josh, joefitz84 and blustealer etc. are different aliases for one person, but it feels like it to me. Perhaps I am wrong. Right now I think of them as one person and can't take whatever opinion they may have seriously.

If they are indeed different people, that is unfair to them and their opinions, but if not, it lowers the level of discourse that one guy can post the same reaction under different names, albeit with the same lamentable sense of grammar.

I've been guilty of this myself, it's not something I am proud of, and it only goes to show how it is easy to do.

Now you, being the owner of this blog, must know who is posting from which ip address. Right? I'm not asking you to divulge peoples identities. I'm only asking that we know that every one posts under ONE alias, not several.

That said, may I suggest a simple solution?

Post a list of the aliases who have used the same IP address.

This way, those of us who believe that this is just one or two guys will have our prejudices thrown in our faces. Or answered, whatever the case may be.

It is easy, and it is fair. Some may be against it, but I think it might raise the respect for this forum over time.

Poland, let me just get out of the way that I hold great respect for you and your work. Your columns and Movie City News have always been very knowledgeable and interesting, and broaden at least my understanding of how the movie industry works.

But I, and I think many others, find it very hard to take the discussions here on your blog seriously. And this is almost exclusively due to the presence of these two or three people hiding behind numerous aliases.

Now, I don't know if Josh, joefitz84 and blustealer etc. are different aliases for one person, but it feels like it to me. Perhaps I am wrong. Right now I think of them as one person and can't take whatever opinion they may have seriously.

If they are indeed different people, that is unfair to them and their opinions, but if not, it lowers the level of discourse that one guy can post the same reaction under different names, albeit with the same lamentable sense of grammar.

I've been guilty of this myself, it's not something I am proud of, and it only goes to show how it is easy to do.

Now you, being the owner of this blog, must know who is posting from which ip address. Right? I'm not asking you to divulge peoples identities. I'm only asking that we know that every one posts under ONE alias, not several.

That said, may I suggest a simple solution?

Post a list of the aliases who have used the same IP address.

This way, those of us who believe that this is just one or two guys will have our prejudices thrown in our faces. Or answered, whatever the case may be.

It is easy, and it is fair. Some may be against it, but I think it might raise the respect for this forum over time.

sorry for the doubleposting

Kockum, isn't the issue less that people are using multiple aliases as that they are using *other* people's aliases?

Frankly, any blog that's set up so that people can assume usernames *already in use* is asking for exactly this kind of thing to happen. The solution is not some appeal for courtesy but fixing the bug or the design flaw that permits it in the first place.

It's a lot more difficult to keep posters from assuming multiple identities, but it should be trivial to keep them from masquerading as other registered users.

Both problems are of equal concern, non?

Yeah, I'm sorry, the issue that Poland raised initially was about the "identity theft." And while I agree that that is annoying, I don't find nearly as annoying as being constantly reminded that a dozen aliases may just be one person.

I mean, because of this constantly nagging suspicion, how can anyone take anything said by joefitz84, Terence D, Josh, bicycle bob, blustealer, LesterFreed, Bruce et al, seriously? And it's an accusation these numerous aliases don't even come here, or to the V for Vendetta-thread, to deny. For that matter, how the hell can you take any aliases opinions seriously? Knowing who is who would really help with that.

If Poland wants this blog to be an area for good discussion then he has to do something about these suspicions/accusations. Otherwise this blog becomes nothing more than a joke.

Maybe you're right that at its core the whole problem lies in a design flaw in the blog, but acting against those who abuse this would be a good step forward.

All I am asking for is the possibility for some fair debate. No more. I like reading people's opinions here. Just make me sure that it's several peoples opinions, not one hiding behind several aliases.

- Kockum

I don't like people posting comments through an alias that they don't have to be vested in. Someone will drop a bomb practically anonymously. Then we have to spend time to explore topics that there is no point to debate, but must be defended for fear of complicity through silence.

I don't need everyone to agree with me, but I hope they disagree with a certain amount of respect, especially if they are presented with evidence but respond with a personal attack. There is no need for that, except if it's done with comraderie (I wish I could say that was true).

I'm just speaking as a person who likes to read and post to this blog. Mr. Poland, I'd like to hear what you're doing or think should be done about it.

Thank you palmtree,

What I don't understand is; why is Poland condoning it? Whatever small bonus there is to people being able to write under these numerous aliases, is clearly upset by this blatant abuse.

Is he afraid that 'comment count' is going to go way down? I think a lot of people are going to be happy if all suspicions are vented. Over time it would probably raise it.

Is he afraid of looking like some sort of tyrant, and that this will scare off many would be posters? I doubt anyone would look at it that way. It will actually look like he gives a damn about making this forums discussions worthwhile.

After all, Mr Poland, you divulged Chesters ip-address. Is it only okay to react when the 'alias' is annoying you, questioning you, and not sucking up to you? I'm sorry, that is what this is coming off as.

Poland, please respond, why are you not even trying to give a small response to this? Just so we can understand your thinking behind this.

He is in Sundance, so no doubt he has other priorities now.
In the past, he has always stated that he doesn't want to 'police the blog' and thinks that people should be able to fend for themselves and behave like adults without his interference. Which is often not the case.

Kockum is Jeff. Funny how the guy only posts on this thread. Makes you go hmmmmmmm.

Thanks Jeff, I didn't know that.

But he's really let it slide for too long. I truly hope, for the sake of us who read, and post in, this column that he will do something about this in the near future.

I actually really respect most of you guys here, and the reason I'm, probably in vain, posting here now is that I find it a shame that while you guys play along nicely, trying to have some civil discourse, this one guy flounces it and trolls around.

Or is it two guys? Or three?

Sigh.

I would just like to get confirmation/denial of this being one guy or several, and who is who, just so this blog can become a proper forum, not an occasional circus. It deserves better.

Maybe it's you. Who are you? You have never even posted here before and you go flaunting accusations? My guess is you're Chester/Jeff. Bitter as always. Now go steal more identities and be a jerk.

Get a life.

Thy Name Is Legion finally posts. And he uses the same attack as ever. How adorable.

I really do love you in a way, Thy Name Is Legion. My problem is; how do I know you are you? I feel like Roxanne in Cyrano de Bergerac. Your words of poetry rend my heart, yet I feel that it is not you who writes them, but someone else. Several else, in fact. Love, show thy true face!

And it's not true that I only post in this thread! I also posted in the V for Vendetta thread.

And just so we get this clear. I like Wells. Problem (and why should it be?) is that I like reading Poland as well. Which I is why I want the best for this blog.

I understand if Poland is unwilling to 'police the blog' but this guy is no minor nuisance. He ruins discussions for everyone, and thereby for the whole blog. Sometimes you have to react, for everyone's sake.

Sorry Chester/Jeff. Getting a tad defensive are we?

Maybe it is, Sanchez, but how would we know unless Poland showed who was using the same aliases? People who read this exchange might assume that I am you, Sanchez. In fact, I could be you, with a little work.

You see the benefits of posting such a list as I suggested? You could finally show yourself to be the Sanchez you claim you are, without suffering the constant claims that you are indeed just one of several.

So, do you agree that Poland should put up a list of who uses the same ip-addresses? Just so everyone can move on?

By the way, I wasn't the one who stole the identities over at The Thin New World thread.

Why do you really care? Seriously. What is the big deal to you? Does it effect your day in any way? Like you said you have only posted in two threads so why is it such a huge deal to you? I just really don't get it. If you're Chester/Jeff than it makes sense to me. I'm not that bright so your going to have to explain it to me. How are you letting it effect your daily travels? Myself, I know who I am and I told you earlier in here. After that you can say whatever you want. I just like movies.

I think using a parody of someone is funny. Stealing the name someone uses on a daily basis isn't that funny. I'm a big fan of satire. That's why I am one of the five people left who still watch SNL.

I still TIVO SNL. It's not bad for lazy sundays between football games. It has actually gotten better lately. Just when you think it's down for the count.....

I agree. There can't be this many people who are infatuated and in love with Brokeback Mountain. Just not possible.

Anyone download that SNL skit that is making the net rounds? Rapping Jewish guys I think? I heard it was really funny. I have to check it out.

Me too! And I like reading the discussions here. It's just that I think it spoils them, this fact that one guy could be trolling around casting unfound accusations left and right, supported by all kinds of aliases.

And really, who is getting defensive here?

This is a big deal to me because the discussions here can be really fun and interesting, once they are allowed to be so. But very often they are sidetracked by all this trolling. Don't you get annoyed by it?

Sanchez, I am not Chester. I thought Chester got very rude towards the end, and I understand why Poland cast him out.

So, are you with me? Let's get out into the open who is posting under which aliases, so everyone can move on.

Anyone else think this is a good idea? Come on guys, I think we all have an interest in this.

I guess I really just don't care. It doesn't bother me and no one really gets to me. It's an internet blog and a nice distraction for me. I don't let it get to me if someone doesn't like the fact that I hate black and white movies or whatever. This happend and I got screamed at for like a week. I got a nice laugh from it. But this is what I expect when I air out my views. Don't be afraid to air yours out, Kockum. I haven't heard from you before so i really don't know you but the more the merrier.

This guy says he has posted on the one V for Vendetta thread and knows who Chester is who posted here six months ago?

Sketchy stuff. I'm going to go out on a limb and guess he liked "Syriana".

No offense but who cares? Everyone gets shot down here at one time or another. How do you let it get to you? Have some thicker skin than that or start your own blog. Be a trailblazer. I'll be there if its semi-interesting.

You haven't seen the SNL Narnia rap????

Here it is.

http://www.youtube.com/watch.php?v=zLElfJ9YCh0

ENJOY!

It's not a question of thicker skin, Mark, it's a question of having the blog have as fair discussions as possible. I doubt anyone is crying in front of their monitors after Bruce, pandabear and Terence D etc. called them 'Wells', but it is annoying. And the fact that it might be one guy is even more so.

I mean, do you think the suggestion of having such a list is crazy? And then why? It's not an invasion of privacy, exactly.

I am sorry if I have undeservedly lumped you into a group, Sanchez. But if one can post under several aliases, it just makes it really hard to separate one guy from the next, since it's so easy to do the suspicion of this being the same guy is always there. And I think Poland needs to address this.

I mean you don't want to be lumped in one big assumption of aliases, right? I'm guessing no one does. So clearing out who is who would remedy that.

I mean, it's gotten to the point where I see Bruce and pandabear posting non sequiturs in this thread as some kind of a diversionary tactic. Crazy, huh?

And yes, I liked Syriana, am I that transparent? Could've used some trimming though.

You got a problem with me take it up with me. Don't post about me without confronting me. I have no problem discussing things like they should be handled.

It's really not that surprising. Considering you're Chester/Jeff. But whatever floats that boat of yours. You're just very predictable.

Sorry, Bruce.

So do you agree that a list should be posted, so that this misunderstanding is set to right?

Will it makes you feel better "Whatever your name is"????? Will it help you sleep at night??? Do whatever you want. But don't call me out and talk about me without asking me first. Act like a mature adult.

But, Mark, you're disappointing me. I thought we were past the Chester/Jeff accusations?

And you still haven't answered whether the idea of a list is a good idea or not, btw.

Kockum my advice to you is post for awhile and enjoy the surroundings. Have a good time. Say what is on your mind. Don't worry about things and let people get to you. It doesn't become of you. If you still dont like things and your angry and pissed than why stay around? I know if I felt that way I would just leave and find a new site where I can say whats on my mind.

Yes, Bruce, since I am up in the middle of the night writing this, it actually might make me sleep better.

So?

I'm not past them since I pretty much know you are one and the same. Just come out and say it already. What's it matter anyway?

It may be a non sequitur to you but not to me. So very selfish.

I like to have discussions. Sorry if it doesn't involve you.

If you need a blog to make you sleep better you might want to try a shrink.

Seriously.

The Saturday Night Live skit is hilarious.

To think they almost fired Chris Parnell a few yrs ago.

But why aren't any of you saying whether you're for the list or not? It's like you're scared of it.

Bruce, this is cheaper.

Now you have to be Jeff by not reading what I post.

Come on Bruce, that's like me saying all of you must be one guy because all of you respond to accusations by saying the guy must be Chester/Jeff.

Why aren't you answering my question?

Why are so antagonistic towards people?

If you took the time to actually READ my earlier post you would see I did answer your query, mate. I feel like I'm dealing with a needy ex girlfriend here.

He's a guy who posted once before yet knows who Chester is from over six months ago. Yeah. Sure. Can you give it a rest, Jefster? Don't feel bad you got yourself called out and banned.

How am I being antagonistic, Fades to Black? I am simply answering questions and trying to get some answers for my questions in return.

Somehow this is seen like a slap in the face by some people. Why? Do you know?

Kockum I wish you would take my advice on it. Now you just seem like a fella with an agenda and an axe to grind. Don't fall into that.

Let me take this one.

You're on a thread yelling questions at people. Apparently not listening to answers. And not caring at what anyone else has to say.

I would say that's being antagonistic. Actually I would say its being a jerk.

How did I fall into this argument??? I just said I liked SNL. I step in dog poo sometimes. I have to find all the nuts here???? Do I have a magnet on me?

I gaze and wonder where Jeffmcm is during Chesters rantings. He posts every hour on the hour and disappears for all of Chesters?

Too bad I'm not a fan of Syriana or I'd be thinking some things right about now.

"Kockum",
I've asked you three times now. How do you know who Chester is and Jeff if you're new here? Or will you continue to avoid the question?

Like I said before. This is half the fun here. Throw in 25% of BBM love and the rest is just pure gravy. Movies. You got to love it.

Yelling? Don't you need to use caps to do that?

And I think you guys are the ones being rude. What answers have you given me? Just accusations of me being Chester/Jeff and calling me a jerk. Isn't that being rude?

My only agenda, Sanchez, is getting a simple answer here from Poland.

Besides how can anyone 'enjoy the surroundings' when they always get accused of being 'leftists', 'elitists', 'Chester/Jeff' from these many aliases?

And I don't which is which! Is Mark Ziegler also Bruce? Are Josh and Terence D the same person? Does bicycle bob have any other aliases he posts under? This is unfair to them. I want to know who I am talking to.

This list would help with that.

All I want is to level the playing field a little. As soon as that is done, I will leave. I promise.

Sorry Mark, I missed answering that one. I know who Chester is because you are always referring to jeffmcm as him. So I did a search through the archives. Ta-da.

(And now I'm jeffmcm? this is kind of amusing)

Searching archives??? Now you're just making yourself sound foolish. Like who would know to go looking for Chester? Face it. You're caught. Again. You're embarrassing yourself. It's really sad.

Sometimes acceptance is a bitter pill to swallow.

You're right. I can only blame myself for getting myself into this with this guy. So dumb. So dumb!
I really have to know better.

Mark, please, why all this anger? Can't you be civil?
Now you're embarrassing yourself.

What you posted isn't really making any sense. I just said that I knew how to look for Chester because you mentioned him, yes?

Why aren't you answering my question?

Kockum I did try and help you out but you don't want to take any help. Your only goal seems to get at people. I wish you could have taken my advice. The more people talking movies and the industry the better. I didn't realize you had this much of an axe to grind with the site.

You got my answer on how I feel about you, Chester. I think you're a bitter phony. You can't even admit to it and you go on lying. It's semi insulting.

But really, you guys aren't making me any less certain that you are one or two guys. Don't you want your online identitites cleared?

Mark, I wasn't asking for your answer on how you feel about me. I wanted your answer on how you feel about a list detailing who writes from the same ip-address.

Sanchez, why is it wrong of me to ask for this list? Or how people feel about it?

Another poster who doesn't seem to care anything about film.

Why even come here besides to cause trouble?

I'm sorry, Rufus, if that's how it comes across. I do care about film. But I really don't care about unfounded arguments.

I suppose I knew it was going to cause trouble even suggesting it, but I really believe this forum needs to have these accusations proven/disproven.

Don't you agree that it might benefit the blog?

Hi guys, I just wanted to chime in with three points after being away for a few hours.

1) I am not Kockum.
2) I am not Chester. He has been gone for a very long time. Also, I recall discussions with him where he and I did not agree.
3) I'm so glad you all could have another big stupid fight, and without me! It really shows where the anger on the blog is, no matter how much spin you might try to apply.

It's meaningless drivel. In no way related to any movie discussion. You have a personal problem talk with the person in private like a big boy. It's not hard to act your ages.

I have asked (and the invitation is still open) to talk to people in private off the blog, but they declined.

"I'm so glad you all could have another big stupid fight, and without me! It really shows where the anger on the blog is, no matter how much spin you might try to apply."

I mean, can I get a witness!

All I want is an answer to one question, and suddenly I'm being called a jerk? And Chester? For no reason.

I'm sorry if my questions regarding the online aliases are naive, I really don't want a fight, but as I continually point out, there is a very simple solution.

And am I the only one who finds it ironic that the guy who whenever he gets questioned accuses people of hiding behind an alias, is doing the exact the same thing, only multiplied? None of the 'guys' have after all denied it, as far as I know.

Simple solution, simple solution, simple solution.

Fades to Black; can't see how the thread itself, headline and all, is related to any movie discussion. Wasn't that sort of the initial point of the thread?

And how do I talk to the person in private?

And jeffmcm, you poor bastard, you have stand this every day?

Some days he/they aren't around, and the blog is quite pleasant. The only way to talk in private is to openly exchange email addresses, as far as I can tell, and when I tried before he said something to the effect of "no, why should I waste my time talking to you anywhere else" and other uncivil stuff.

Amazing. That is rude. I've got nothing to hide, so mine is kockum@gmail.com.

Hey, and if I'm annoying, like I said before, I promise to go away if someone gives me a good reason such a list should not be posted.

Anyway, after all my hard work, I have to ask; are you for or against listing the people who post from the same ip-address? If against, why?

My god, so much anger on this thread. Let me help you out by re-directing all your anger back to a more important subject. BBM!!!

That's right. BBM rocked your world so hard last night at the Globes that you all can put your hate into a little box and smoke it. Yup, smoke it!

Show BBM the love. Show it.

Jeff,
Why would I want to exchange emails with you? I know you kept asking me. But isn't that why we have a board? What do you need to tell me in private?

Like I said before. Useless. Senseless drivel. That brings nothing to the discussions or thoughts. Why would anyone want that? But good luck in your attacking of people and posters.

I guess Jeff thinks we got short memories. He was confirmed as Chester which was really funny. So, I'll take whatever he says with a huge grain of salt and continue to ignore his baiting and ridiculing.

Kockum,
You seem to be doing what it is you say you're against. You are just causing problems for no reason. I can't even tell what it is. But from your postings you have a ton of issues with the site and its creator and its posters. I could see if you were acting mature and civil but you're not.

I hope everyone can tune people like this out and not listen to this kind of juvenile discourse.

I'm sorry, Mark, when did that happen? I would be happy to see any and all evidence of what you say.

Joe: I would like to reach an understanding wherein we can agree to get along. The invitation is still open, although I do not expect you to be interested.

Like I said at the time. It doesn't matter to me. I'm here about other things from you I guess. Not into a personal correspondence with someone I don't care to chat with. I'm not in 1st grade. But thanks for your appeal. Maybe if we ever have an issue we'll talk it out but I don't see why we would. But thank you.

*sigh* Can't we all just get along?

If there's anything Brokeback has taught me, it's that we men need to relax, get along, and go fishing together.

Now who's with me?

Ok, Jefster, this will be the last time I ever refer to you or this because you bore me and you're a waste of my time. Your "buddy" Chester was found by Dave to have the same IP address as you. Now you forget this? Just wanted to be clear. I wish you well on your arguing.

No, that didn't happen. I would like to ask you to dig up the old blog thread with Dave Poland's comment that you speak of, but you're not going to because (a) it doesn't exist, and (b) you'll claim it's beneath you to do the legwork.

You may be confusing me with someone else, since I do recall someone as being outed as using two names on one IP. Everyone makes mistakes.

Brokeback taught me the same lesson.

Jeff I'll appeal to you like I did Kockum, Bruce, and Mark. You seem to be a sensible guy. Can we talk and discuss movies? Why is there a need for personal attacks? We can discuss film like adults even though we act 13? And don't say you don't do attacks cause I see it all over even this thread. Everyone does. A few won't kill anyone. But let''s keep it civil. Can we end it now? In honor of Brokeback?? Deal?

Joe, we have a huge issue, and I would welcome a way to address it with you in such a way that doesn't waste peoples' time as it does every day that you post. I can be reached at jeff@sleepinheavenlypeace.com.

The answer to me is simple. Why even waste time here if you refuse to talk film?

I just don't comprehend it.

If Brokeback Mountain taught me anything it was to not put anything off. Wasting time is a sin.

Sanchez, we're discussing movies on every other thread. Plus, I only come here to discuss movies. I merely get drawn into arguments, which is bad enough, but I never start them.

"I guess Jeff thinks we got short memories. He was confirmed as Chester which was really funny. So, I'll take whatever he says with a huge grain of salt and continue to ignore his baiting and ridiculing."

Mark, seriously, you're the one baiting and ridiculing here.

I really don't understand why Poland condones these frequently unfounded ad hominem attacks on other people on his blog.

Take Fades to Black for example. What is the problem I am causing exactly, FTB? That my suggestion might turn out that you've been posting under more than one alias? I mean, you can still post under those aliases, so I think it's okay. No biggie.

I'm only doing this because I see a number of intelligent posters, all having to suffer and be annoyed because of these one or two guys.

But maybe I am wrong. Then, Fades to Black, wouldn't it be nice to clear these suspicions from my mind? So I know what you're really just you?

My only issue is trying to level the playing field. For everyone.

Chester, Dave dealt with your petty ways six months ago. Does it really stick in your craw like this? Let it go.

Mark, you can repeat the lie all you want, but that doesn't make it true.

Jeff, you're answering to Chester now too? Kockum/Jeff/Chester whoever you are.

Mark: I will give you $1,000 if you can dig up the proof of your Chester story. Swear to god, cross my heart and hope to die, god strike me down if I'm lying.

If anyone wants to compare "Kockum" to old Chester just check back to the August 05 blogs. Eerily similiar in every way. Right down to the antagonism and hatred of this blog.

But, in the grand tradition of making accusations and then refusing to back them up by anything, you will not be able to do so.

Kokcum stop acting like an ass. You come here to ramble on about nothing. No one cares. Your only issue is to be a jerk.

Fishing, people! Think of fishing.

Nevermind, I give up. G'nite boys.

I don't have a hatred for this blog! I wouldn't even be here if I hated it. I just think it can be better.

I'm with you Bucket. Later.

You were never here. How do you know how it is????

My God. This is getting ridiculous.

It'll get better and stay just as good as long you leave and we don't have to sit thru any of this crap anymore. Do us all a favor and if you want to help and make it better do that for us and leave.

I did try my best here. I'm proud of myself and what I learned from Brokeback. I put it to good use.

You know, Rufus, I might take you seriously. It's just that I have this nagging suspicion that you're Mark or Bruce or Fades To Black. Can't really decide which. Probably all of them. Am I wrong?

You can remedy this solution. Like me, you can just say "I want a list of the people posting under the same ip-address". It's easy.

But you won't will you? And why is that?

Nah. You just a troublemaker. I don't take troublemakers seriously. You said you wanted to help. Now help out and leave.

And what makes you think I care what you think? Really? I'm a grown man. I don't care what some guy who calls himself "Kochum" who is a troublemaker and who enjoys rattling cagses thinks.

Unlike you I post under my real name. Whats yours troublemaker? I don't play games.

Rufus, I'm going to give you the same advice I gave everyone else. Just leave it be. Some people don't want to be nice and friendly and want to get under peoples skins. I hope you take it.

Aren't we a little defensive today, Rufus? You got something to hide?

If such a list would be published, I promise, I would be out of your hair *snap* like that. And then this blog could start to have some REALLY good discussions.

And Sanchez, I thought I was being nice and friendly with you? When did I insult you?

Rufus, Kockum really is my last name. It's one of dem foreign names.

For that matter, when I have been unfriendly? I really do try to be civil.

So now people are trying to run each other away? That's what you do when you can't take the heat and don't want to talk the talk, to use some macho cliches.

Everything Kockum has said is perfectly rational and reasonable. The only people who should be worried are those with something to hide. I think everyone's words speak quite clearly for themselves.

I got lucky and found these posts from Dave Poland from August:

"Wait... new information... Chester and BofR, if not the same person, are posting from the same computer.

Try harder next time, Jeff/Chet/BofR" (Aug. 13, 1:29am)

So I can see why you got confused. The Jeff referred to here is Jeff Wells. Not me. As per another blog entry:

"I'm now close to 90% sure that you are Jeffrey Wells... really." (Aug. 12, 7:59am)

Followed by,
"For the record, I no longer think you are Jeff Wells. I have never known him to be this desperate." (Aug. 13, 9:29am)

Sorry but I needed to clear up this issue and the accompanying cloud of stupidity.

Oh, and let me blunt the inevitable:
I am not Jeff Wells. He would not be up at 4am working a night-shift job like I am.

I demand a gov't investigation. This reaches the highest offices and no one in safe. No one.

--Oliver Stone

I remember noticing awhile back (a month or so, I think) there was a thread in which Jeff Wells's name kept coming up. Several of the posters--the usual suspects--kept referring to him as "Well's" with an apostophe inserted before the S for no reason. It wasn't done to indicate a possessive, either, it was just an error.

Everyone makes typos, but what's interesting is that they ALL made this particularly odd one, one after another. Most typos consist of omitting a letter, substituting a letter, mispelling a word...you know, typical stuff.

Found it:

http://www.mcnblogs.com/thehotblog/archives/2005/11/jeff_wells_lose.html

Counselor 440 did it first (his punctuation is off, but you can see what he intended) but after that, notice who they are. It's either the same guy, or they all flunked the second grade together. Same odd mistake, same tone, same attitude.

Our friend may be sneaky enough most of the time to vary his approach--using all lower case letters for one identity, saying he's a woman or an ethnic minority for another--but this was unconscious and he obviously didn't realize he was giving himself away.

(Hey, if a million bloggers can babble on about superscript, I can talk about apostrophes.)

Note also that every trick in the book is being used here in the current entry to divert attention away from the IP issue. Accusing the accuser, calling him angry, trying desperately to change the subject, mock-outrage, trying to make a joke of the whole thing...you name it. And look who's doing it.

I'm for Dave banning whoever hijacked the addresses. Stuff like that is just not cool. However, he should also look into the multiple identities issue. Both are wrong. If anything, the latter hurts this blog more, because it's constant.

Of course, they'll now accuse me of being Jeffmcm, but Dave knows where I'm posting from, and we've exchanged e-mail in the past. I have no problem with him checking my IP address--I wish he would. He can consider this written permission.

I'd hate to think he's not acting on this because he wants it to appear that this blog gets more traffic than it does.

If you want Dave to look into this, don't just complain about it here. Send him a private e-mail. As for the objectors, why all the noise? Methinks the lady doth protest too much.

Hear hear, Frank. I wish we could at least get a statement from DP as to why he is letting this dude hijack every discussion. I actually think the blog would get more traffic over the long run if this guy was gone, because the rest of the discussion is very measured and intelligent. People would feel more encouraged to post.

The problem with your argument up there, Frank, is that I think Sanchez is the real thing. Probably even Lester too, although I think there's a lesser chance of probability for him.

I've told you my views on the subject. Enjoy the movie talk and get over anything else. If you can't you really should find better ways to spend your time than getting angry over nothing.

(I don't really understand what Sanchez is angry about.)

Thanks frank. I was hoping you'd show up. You've had an interest in the truth of who is posting under several aliases coming out as well. Something I think ALL posters - excepting those who have abused their anonymity, of course - on this blog should have an interest in.

Maybe I'm wrong, I hope so, but it looks like Poland is ignoring this issue. I posted my initial message on this thread almost three days ago. I know that Mr Poland is busy with all things Sundance, but if he can post about the weather up there, then he can respond to these few questions. I doubt that posting a list of the abusers would take more than ten minutes. Poland knows who they are. We don't. And until we know who they are, many people are suffering, or at least annoyed.

Take jeffmcm, for example, who is taking constant harrassment from this/these guys. In a previous thread one of them (Rufus Masters) called him a 'racist jerk', when all jeffmcm had said was he thought two black people looked alike. Stupid mistake, but I mean, what?! Poland doesn't even like being even insinuated of being a homophobe (which I am very sure he is not). How do you think jeffmcm feels? And this goes on, again and again.

And telling them/him off isn't going to help. They/him go back to it one week or two. They need to be shown for being who they say they are. Mostly so everyone knows who is who. Right now, a guy like Sanchez is being put under the 'many aliases'-umbrella. Perhaps unfairly. We don't know, Mr Poland! And it's clogging up the discussions.

I understand Mr Polands unwillingness to 'police the blog'. But hasn't he already done that on numerous occassions - this last time with the Name Faking thread - by rectifying deplorable behaviour, like Chesters in August? How is this different?

Let me state again; I don't want this guy or guys, to be banned. I want him/them to play a fair game, like I believe most of you guys do. I don't see why that is unreasonable.

If we are wrong, then for god's sake, let the records show!

And hey, if anyone wants to accuse me of being someone else, ask that Poland post the list! I'm not hiding behind several aliases. And if you have nothing to hide, then what is the problem with such a list?

jeffmcm: LesterFreed and Sanchez are definitely two of the aliases. And they are all coming from the same dude...not even one or two. The SAME guy. Who is apparently black, Mexican, Puerto Rican, female, and white all at the same time. But definitely a Republican.

Sigh. Some people don't learn and can't get over things. Oh well. Takes a little more to ruin my day. I'm me, "James". For better or worse. Then again the weird thing is you're going and on and on and on accusing people and you use the name "James Leer". Makes a lot of sense to me.

I don't quite understand what you mean, Sanchez, when you say "some people can't get over things"? What is there to get over? We just want a simple answer.

James Leer, pardon a maybe stupid question, but how do you KNOW it's just one guy?

I have a suspicion it might be just a few, instead of the many they claim to be, but people here keep saying just one, so I'm inclined to reserve myself for that possibility. I don't know if Josh, for example, is one of the aliases. Or Sanchez.

How many aliases for one guy are there and do you have any straight off proof? Or just the sensation of it always being one guy, like the rest of us have? frankbooth has some good evidence of it, but it won't be enough until Poland steps in to handle this.

I'm going to have somewhat of a hard time taking the blog seriously, right now, if that entire discussion on the Thursday, 4:51p, Utah Time thread is one guy bantering with himself.

Only one person can do anything and it's Mr. Poland. Where are you? (Yes, I know you're at Sundance).

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&safe=off&c2coff=1&q=%22LesterFreed+%5BTypeKey+Profile+Page%5D%22&btnG=Search

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&safe=off&c2coff=1&q=%22joefitz84+%5BTypeKey+Profile+Page%5D%22&btnG=Search

http://www.google.com/search?q=%22bruce+%5BTypeKey+Profile+Page%5D%22&hl=en&lr=&c2coff=1&safe=off&start=10&sa=N

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&safe=off&c2coff=1&q=%22blustealer+%5BTypeKey+Profile+Page%5D%22&btnG=Search

Let me know if you start to see a pattern.

I've posted before about the fact that they're all on the blog at the same time, all neglected to address the "V is for Vendetta" thread where they were originally called out, all sound the same, all have the same opinions, misspell the same things, etc. And Frankbooth enumerated several more reasons very clearly in his post.

Of course, the final ribbon on the package would be DP posting all the names that have used that same IP, but he has so far neglected to even address this so I'm not expecting much. My only hope is that the rest of us come to an agreement to not even address this dude and his attempts to drag down the level of discourse in every single thread.

"Of course, the final ribbon on the package would be DP posting all the names that have used that same IP, but he has so far neglected to even address this so I'm not expecting much. My only hope is that the rest of us come to an agreement to not even address this dude and his attempts to drag down the level of discourse in every single thread."

No, I firmly believe that Poland is a reasonable man, and that he will come to the reasonable decision. Why else would we all be here if we didn't think it was so?

Ignoring this guy is condoning him.

But thanks a lot for all the hard work, Leer. That's a pattern, all right.

Hey, Sanchez, what do you think?

Ignoring the guy doesn't work (or, for me at least, requires a herculean effort) because any discussion inevitably devolves into bullying and name-calling. I still hold out the possibility of Sanchez being real, because he actually posted a name online when pressed to, something none of the others have.
I also am particularly galled at the notion of being called a 'racist' by someone who, when adopting a 'black' identity, chose 'Rufus' as his fake name. What, was Watermelon Jones taken?

[I apologize for that above, but only to _actual_ African-Americans.]

Yeah, but Sanchez routinely forgets whether he's Puerto Rican or Mexican, so...

"The problem with your argument up there, Frank, is that I think Sanchez is the real thing. Probably even Lester too, although I think there's a lesser chance of probability for him."

It's not a problem. I actually wrote something addressing this, but then cut it for length before I posted:

"It could be that this guy is posting under several names and is duping one or two actual, gullible posters who tend to agree with him, which muddies the waters. Or maybe there are a couple of friends with six or seven identities between them."

If Sanchez, for example, is real (I say if because anyone can say my name is Joe Blow and I'm from Iowa City) he would be one of the duped. Maybe he just came out of the same pod and thinks and writes exactly like the other guy(s) and would rather not know the truth because he likes the company.
If he's not one of them, he deserves to be exonerated. Only one way to know for sure. I'm sure he's in favor of having his IP checked just like the rest of us.

As for ignoring them, that's my thought. Unless the real folks want to abandon this blog (which would be funny--think of how boring it would get with this guy saying "You're right." "No, YOU'RE right," to himself all day) we could just refuse to acknowledge the suspects. This blog would become two parallel blogs occupying the same space. We'd talk to each other and our friend would talk to himself and anyone dumb enough to answer.

This would mean NO FEEDING THE TROLL, whatever bait is offered. I know, it's hard. Just scroll on by his comments as if they're spam, including any under new IDs that fit the profile: short, choppy sentences, bad grammar, proud ignorance of film history and obvious lack of love for movies in general (but plenty of concern for showbiz gossip) obnoxious political trolling...not too hard to spot.

"I know I'm human. And if you were all these things, then you'd just attack me right now, so some of you are still human. This thing doesn't want to show itself, it wants to hide inside an imitation. It'll fight if it has to, but it's vulnerable out in the open. If it takes us over, then it has no more enemies, nobody left to kill it. And then it's won. "

John Carpenter's The Thing

The thing with that tactic, frankbooth, is that it would mean that David Poland will do nothing about it. And I am still hoping Poland is going to do something about it. He is an intelligent man, after all. Right?

Because we might freeze out people undeservedly, and that is not fair to them.

When he's not picking fights, his statements tend to be so bland and superfluous that ignoring them is almost feasible.

Frank, I'd ignore the trolls, but they tend to say things that are so easily refuted with real hard evidence that, while a waste of time, it would also just help to weed them out early on instead of letting it fester. Of course, if Poland helped us out once in a while (I sense that he's sick of it as well), it could be easier.

"And I am still hoping Poland is going to do something about it. He is an intelligent man, after all. Right?"

Right. But he also said "The level of discourse is usually pretty reasonable on The Hot Blog" which makes me wonder if he realizes how bad it's become. Engaging this guy (or these couple of guys) is no longer fun. It's just a waste of everyone's energy. Honest debate, even when it's heated--that's one thing. This is a nuiscance.

There are at least four of us (unless you are just my other personalities). We need to keep at it. Dave's email address is posted. I've already sent him a note, and if everyone else does the same it might help. A polite request to look into this after he's back, nothing strident or demanding.

Jeff hit on something interesting: ..."his statements tend to be so bland and superfluous that ignoring them is almost feasible." It's true--when he isn't being obnoxious, he has nothing much to say. It's just a desire for attention, and we don't have to give it to him.

There is one other weapon at our disposal. I think I'll refrain from talking about it just yet.

Someone mentioned private messages. How do you do that on this site?

You don't, you just have to post your email address and communicate thusly.
I don't think an email from me will have much sway with Poland. Based on my most recent communications with him, I got the impression that he thinks I'm a nuisance as well. Possibly because I accused him of tolerating the bad behavior on the site out of misguided liberal guilt.

I gather from your comments upthread that you've posted yours in the past. Did this create any problems?

Could be he'll think we're a collective pain. Then we need to go to plan B or just walk away and leave this blog to Curly, Moe Larry, Moe and Curly.

BTW, for the record, I've previously posted here as atthesoundofthefallingtree. I left for awhile (three guesses why) forgot my password and had to create a new ID. Since then I've been frankbooth. I've never posted under both names on the same thread. If anyone can prove I did, Karl Rove will lick your balls in Mexico City, Puerto Rico. Just thought I'd mention this in advance, in case Dave ever does post a list and someone tries to make an issue of it.

No, here it is again, why not:
jeff@sleepinheavenlypeace.com

I have now sent Poland an email, like you suggested. I hope it works. And, in all honesty, if we are a nuisance, what kind of discussions does Poland want on this blog?

I have posted before as Boris. Twice. THEN I was a nuisance, mostly towards jeffmcm. It made me feel annoying, and nothing I'm proud of.

And I think there are more than four of us. Everyone else is just in silent agreement. But maybe I'm wrong.

You bastard! I'm going to tear you a new one! Ratsafrackin....
Sorry. I don't remember you.

But that's the whole point: I HATE spending all my time bickering pointlessly. I'm no Gandhi, and when provoked I will fight back. But it makes me a less happy person to have to do so.

Everyone else agrees, because nobody else cares enough to chime in. It's called the Silent Majority.

Glad you don't. Like I said, they were pointless postings.

Anyhow, we are not so few. Including James Leer, we are five. KamikazeCamel was the guy who first gave the inspiration for wanting to know who posts from the same ip-addresses (as far as I'm aware), so I think we can say he's with us (right, K-Camel?).

I think if Stella's Boy - who IS a respected film journalist - was still around he'd want to know as well. But maybe he's been chased out of the blog by these guys for good, another reason that Poland might want to consider our suggestion.

That makes at least half a dozen people. Need any more?

Uhm...

This from previous posts on this thread:

It's meaningless drivel. In no way related to any movie discussion. You have a personal problem talk with the person in private like a big boy. It's not hard to act your ages.

Posted by: Fades To Black [TypeKey Profile Page] at January 17, 2006 08:09 PM

Like I said before. Useless. Senseless drivel. That brings nothing to the discussions or thoughts. Why would anyone want that? But good luck in your attacking of people and posters.

Posted by: Rufus Masters [TypeKey Profile Page] at January 17, 2006 09:02 PM

It's a strange thing, having to constantly put up with this.

To be fair, when Rufus said drivel the first time, "Like I said before", he could have been thinking of when he was Lester, and not when he was Fades to Black.

Ah, true enough.

"I don't mind attempts at humor but that wasn't that funny a year ago. If you disagree with me then have a debate with me. I don't run and hide. And I listen to whatever you have to say. Don't use my name to post senseless drivel. It's just insulting to me. Obviously someone doesn't like what I have to say about Brokeback Mountain. I'm over it. I don't mind sharing my opinion and I don't care who likes it or not.

Posted by: LesterFreed [TypeKey Profile Page] at January 16, 2006 11:21 AM

I like the "I don't run and hide."-thing he says. Rufus Masters and Bruce use that one as well.

Oh yeah, who is Stella's Boy? A.O Scott or the ghost of Pauline Kael-turned-into-a-guy?

Nah, he's good ol' Paul Doro of The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. When I say respected, I mean he actually gets paid for his views on movies. That's more than most of us here can say, I wager. You can find his stuff on jsonline.com.

Hope he doesn't mind if you out him here.

He outed himself on this blog a long time ago. I don't think he minds. Or, I mean, I hope he doesn't.