A message for Ralph and Farewell SDF

**dba** · 09-24-2015, 01:41 PM

Hi Ralph, I came to this forum several years ago and have always enjoyed the fountain of knowledge displayed by many of the members. During that time I have made some new friends notably Andy Skurow and John Perrone.

The forum has always had it's negative posts and negative people [[but the good folks always took the day. Lately, however it has been hijacked by a few individuals [[to name their names would do the other members of this forum and you the moderator a disservice) who have turned this forum into mud slinging and negativity.
This I cannot abide and will get my Motown news from folks I have met on the Forum who I am friends with on FB [[including you Ralph).

If the negative posters disappear, I would be more than happy to return.

Many thanks to you Ralph and others for keeping the music alive!!!!

**Sotosound** · 09-24-2015, 05:09 PM

Understandable.

There's a thread going at the moment wherein one poster seems determined to be as nasty as they can about a female singer. This same person was equally nasty about the same female singer on another thread that then got deleted a couple of days ago.

Would it not be easier to just remove the poster from SDF and thence, perhaps, save Ralph having to ask the last person who leaves to shut the door behind them?

I'm currently looking at that door and wondering whether or not to step through into cleaner air since I didn't join SDF for this kind of unfettered nastiness.

**RobertZ** · 09-24-2015, 07:33 PM

Originally Posted by dba

Hi Ralph, I came to this forum several years ago and have always enjoyed the fountain of knowledge displayed by many of the members. During that time I have made some new friends notably Andy Skurow and John Perrone.

The forum has always had it's negative posts and negative people [[but the good folks always took the day. Lately, however it has been hijacked by a few individuals [[to name their names would do the other members of this forum and you the moderator a disservice) who have turned this forum into mud slinging and negativity.
This I cannot abide and will get my Motown news from folks I have met on the Forum who I am friends with on FB [[including you Ralph).

If the negative posters disappear, I would be more than happy to return.

Many thanks to you Ralph and others for keeping the music alive!!!!

Members leave in droves because of the same individual. I hang on by largely ignoring posts by that member. I' m sorry to see you go and request that you not give up. I don't like the idea of surrendering to one person. It's Ralph T's site so he gets to make the rules, but I'm on your side!

**longtimefan** · 09-24-2015, 07:43 PM

Evidence of this undesirable behavior by more than one poster is clear.

1. The participation rate [[new posts, replies, views) has greatly diminished over the last couple of years.
2. MANY of the veteran, knowledgable posters have left. We could all name several.
3. Few of the current posts are about MUSIC, but rather insignificant views about artists' personalities.

While we all like and respect Ralph, it's still sad to see this forum crumble. Agree?

**blackguy69** · 09-24-2015, 08:27 PM

Originally Posted by longtimefan

Evidence of this undesirable behavior by more than one poster is clear.

1. The participation rate [[new posts, replies, views) has greatly diminished over the last couple of years.
2. MANY of the veteran, knowledgable posters have left. We could all name several.
3. Few of the current posts are about MUSIC, but rather insignificant views about artists' personalities.

While we all like and respect Ralph, it's still sad to see this forum crumble. Agree?

have to agree. it took me a while before i signed up. now im wondering was it worth it, while this isnt as bad as the youtube posters, some on here need to chill out and just be friendly. also it isnt fair just to single out one poster when more than one poster on here needs to check themselves

**midnightman** · 09-24-2015, 08:32 PM

^ Yeah it ain't just one person. I came here to discuss music and my favorite Motown artists, not to get it all drowned out by posts of unnecessary drama by some posters.

**marv2** · 09-24-2015, 08:35 PM

Originally Posted by midnightman

^ Yeah it ain't just one person. I came here to discuss music and my favorite Motown artists, not to get it all drowned out by posts of unnecessary drama by some posters.

Yeah me too. I've had people make nasty personal comments to me several times. But I will not let them infringe on my freedom of speech even though I don't respond back to them by name calling. I am here because I enjoy the music and discussing it along with the artists that made it!

**ralpht** · 09-24-2015, 08:45 PM

Sorry to read this. I do the best I can but it is impossible for me to read every thread, I rely on email complaints from members to make me aware of a problem. When I receive complaints I look into the problem immediately. In all honesty, in all the years I have been moderating this forum, I have seen problems from many differing areas of membership. There are many times I think complaints are registered too quickly, for when I check the thread out I don't find anything overly objectionable. So from my perspective I find many of you guilty of creating turmoil when it is not necessary. And why certain things posted couldn't simply be ignored and perhaps a problem is diverted.

So dba, sorry to see you go. I do what I can and apologize if I fall short.

**marv2** · 09-24-2015, 08:54 PM

Originally Posted by ralpht

Sorry to read this. I do the best I can but it is impossible for me to read every thread, I rely on email complaints from members to make me aware of a problem. When I receive complaints I look into the problem immediately. In all honesty, in all the years I have been moderating this forum, I have seen problems from many differing areas of membership. There are many times I think complaints are registered too quickly, for when I check the thread out I don't find anything overly objectionable. So from my perspective I find many of you guilty of creating turmoil when it is not necessary. And why certain things posted couldn't simply be ignored and perhaps a problem is diverted.

So dba, sorry to see you go. I do what I can and apologize if I fall short.

Ralph, you have nothing at all to apologize for. None of us would be here if it were not for YOU! Thank you for all that you do!

Marv

**soulster** · 09-25-2015, 12:07 AM

Ralph, there have been times that I, and other members had sent you both emails and private messages about a certain member, yet absolutely nothing was ever done. That person is still here, doing the same things. This member seems to have no fear of you because nothing is ever done to them.

Telling everyone to "just play nice" does not work on these people. You can, of course, run this place any way you want. But, it is obvious you need some help moderating this place.

On the other hand, maybe FB and Twitter is the place to be now. I don't like FB because Mr. Zuckerberg wants everyone to interact with everyone else, and I don't want to do that. Mr. Zuckerberg makes it very difficult to use his place and isolate yourself to only those you want to interact with. Someone needs to tell him that Facebook has long outgrown the little college community that spawned it.

**Bluebrock** · 09-25-2015, 07:13 AM

Originally Posted by soulster

Ralph, there have been times that I, and other members had sent you both emails and private messages about a certain member, yet absolutely nothing was ever done. That person is still here, doing the same things. This member seems to have no fear of you because nothing is ever done to them.

Telling everyone to "just play nice" does not work on these people. You can, of course, run this place any way you want. But, it is obvious you need some help moderating this place.

On the other hand, maybe FB and Twitter is the place to be now. I don't like FB because Mr. Zuckerberg wants everyone to interact with everyone else, and I don't want to do that. Mr. Zuckerberg makes it very difficult to use his place and isolate yourself to only those you want to interact with. Someone needs to tell him that Facebook has long outgrown the little college community that spawned it.

I do hope you change your mind and return. This forum needs people such as yourself. Maybe after a cooling off period you will maybe return? Take care my friend.

**florence** · 09-25-2015, 01:49 PM

Originally Posted by soulster

Ralph, there have been times that I, and other members had sent you both emails and private messages about a certain member, yet absolutely nothing was ever done. That person is still here, doing the same things. This member seems to have no fear of you because nothing is ever done to them.

Telling everyone to "just play nice" does not work on these people. You can, of course, run this place any way you want. But, it is obvious you need some help moderating this place.

On the other hand, maybe FB and Twitter is the place to be now. I don't like FB because Mr. Zuckerberg wants everyone to interact with everyone else, and I don't want to do that. Mr. Zuckerberg makes it very difficult to use his place and isolate yourself to only those you want to interact with. Someone needs to tell him that Facebook has long outgrown the little college community that spawned it.

Sorry, Ralph but I have to agree with Soulster.

I'm not a prolific contributor but I've been biting my tongue now for the last couple of weeks.

The best way would of course be for everyone to ignore any spurious or provocative posts, unfortunately a number of members have been drawn in to responding particularly in the past few days allowing the perpetrator to try to claim "moral high ground".

I take your point that there are many "guilty" posters but in my humble opinion much of this is in response to the person that Soulster refers to.

I appreciate that your word is final but I am at a loss to know why this one person is allowed again and again to continue the shenanigans without impunity.

**jobucats** · 09-25-2015, 08:37 AM

I find it ironic that some of the members who, in my humble opinion, post the most slanderous comments are the ones who are commenting on this thread as if they are part of the saintly ones who are always civil. There, I said it.

**vgalindo** · 09-25-2015, 12:05 PM

Originally Posted by jobucats

I find it ironic that some of the members who, in my humble opinion, post the most slanderous comments are the ones who are commenting on this thread as if they are part of the saintly ones who are always civil. There, I said it.

So true. I was just about to say the same thing!

**juicefree20** · 10-01-2015, 06:16 PM

Agreed & I have said this on numerous occasions & even posted links which proved it.

**kenneth** · 09-25-2015, 12:09 PM

It seems the "Could Diana Have Pulled it Off?" thread was blasted into oblivion as a result of the usual suspect provoking others into a somewhat nasty back and forth regarding Diane Ross. It's too bad as the thread itself was very interesting and the discussion at least in the latter entries was civil.

It's too bad the only solution is to "disappear" the offending thread in order to censure the inappropriate poster[[s). Maybe a better way would be to just freeze the thread so no more updates but at least then we could see what it was that was offensive but still at least be able to read the interesting posts in the discussion. I think just nuking the thread neither lets the offenders know they were offenders and punishes those of us who are enjoying the discussion in spite of the usual vitriol which inevitably occurs when the discussion turns [[or is steered) towards Diana Ross.

**RobertZ** · 09-25-2015, 12:35 PM

Originally Posted by kenneth

It seems the "Could Diana Have Pulled it Off?" thread was blasted into oblivion as a result of the usual suspect provoking others into a somewhat nasty back and forth regarding Diane Ross. It's too bad as the thread itself was very interesting and the discussion at least in the latter entries was civil.

It's too bad the only solution is to "disappear" the offending thread in order to censure the inappropriate poster[[s). Maybe a better way would be to just freeze the thread so no more updates but at least then we could see what it was that was offensive but still at least be able to read the interesting posts in the discussion. I think just nuking the thread neither lets the offenders know they were offenders and punishes those of us who are enjoying the discussion in spite of the usual vitriol which inevitably occurs when the discussion turns [[or is steered) towards Diana Ross.

An interesting experiment would be to ban said individual for, say, a week, and see how the conversation flow goes. My guess would be: smoothly. When Diana Ross is brought into [[by the usual) an Ike Turner thread, well, 'ya know something's wrong.

**kenneth** · 09-25-2015, 01:20 PM

@RobertZ, Exactly...she gets blamed for everything from Florence's fall to global warming...

**mysterysinger** · 09-25-2015, 01:25 PM

Very sad. Ralph does do a good job and life without SDF would be all the poorer. In other circumstances many of the comments could be seen as good banter but there's a vitriolic streak in some folks who post and then it's nasty. The Freda Payne thread went west.

So some appropriate songs for the occasion?
I'm "Leaving Here", "Giving Up"
"Because of You" and "The Way You Do The Things You Do"
"I've Gotta Get Away"
"It's A Shame" as "Farewell Is A Lonely Sound"
"It's So Hard For Me To Say Goodbye" but, well, "Bye Bye Baby"

**kenneth** · 09-25-2015, 01:39 PM

Bravo, mystersinger!

How about:

"Sorry is a Sorry Word" [[though we never hear "I'm sorry" from the chief architects of the problem)

Or for banned members:

"Loneliness Is a Lonely Feeling"
or
"Living in a World I Created for Myself"

**motown01** · 09-25-2015, 01:46 PM

I'm very thankful for this forum and I think that Ralph does the best he can in 'policing' some of the threads here. Unfortunately I think it would be impossible to stay on top of everything that goes on here.

I usually just gloss over the silly posts and try to avoid reading them whenever possible. I think the mental stability of some of the participants is questionable, and it's best to not 'fan the flame' by participating or responding. I'm just here to talk about the music.

As much as I love The Supremes, I generally try to avoid topics about them here. It usually descends into insanity very quickly.

**RobertZ** · 09-25-2015, 01:50 PM

Now that I've discovered the "ignore" feature, I recommend it to all. I'm confident that the site will, for me, be a great experience once again.

**BayouMotownMan** · 09-25-2015, 02:17 PM

Originally Posted by RobertZ

Now that I've discovered the "ignore" feature, I recommend it to all. I'm confident that the site will, for me, be a great experience once again.

The problem with the IGNORE feature is that inevitably someone will cut and paste the offensive comment and there it is.

I have emailed Ralph one more time to try and reason with him about this individual. I encourage anyone wanting to vacate the boards to give it one more try.

I am prepared to send the offensive post about Ross and Richie to both Diana Ross's attorney and Richie's secretary.

**soulster** · 09-25-2015, 02:46 PM

Originally Posted by BayouMotownMan

The problem with the IGNORE feature is that inevitably someone will cut and paste the offensive comment and there it is.

I have emailed Ralph one more time to try and reason with him about this individual. I encourage anyone wanting to vacate the boards to give it one more try.

I am prepared to send the offensive post about Ross and Richie to both Diana Ross's attorney and Richie's secretary.

I don't know what the post was, but i'd just do it!

**BayouMotownMan** · 09-25-2015, 02:52 PM

No in respect to Ralph I will give him an opportunity to truly address the issue. Ralph does work hard on this site and I truly don't believe he knows of the disturbed mind he is dealing with. I feel he is trying to be fair or perhaps there is some other ulterior motive. We'll see.

**woodward** · 09-25-2015, 03:31 PM

Not being a technological saavy expert, how about something like this. Why not have a button "inappropriate" and if another member felt that the posting was inappropriate they could click on this button and the poster would be notified that another member felt their posting was inappropriate. There could also be a notification to Ralph of the feeling that it was inappropriate and if Ralph say got ten notifications within a two week period against a poster he could terminate the bad guy. Also by a member hitting the inappropriate key, the posting should be easy to remove. That way the poster would not be surprised that others felt a dislike for the posting. I don't know if something like this could be instituted, but it would cut down on some of the sarcasm and negative comments about the artists. What do others think?

**ralpht** · 09-25-2015, 03:27 PM

There are no ulterior motives. I'm sure the individual you tacitly refer to is Marv. Well, guess what...there are others that like to try and push buttons here. It seems to me, Marv just gets singled out for everything by some that simply don't like the guy. I wish those that complain the loudest would bring to the table what Marv does on an almost daily basis. And because this is a FORUM, Marv is entitled to an opinion just as everyone is here. So...I wish some of you would quit complaining and ignore what you may not agree with. I really don't have time for all of this right now. I'm up to my neck in moving issues. If those of you that feel there is some problem I'm not addressing, I'm sorry. Maybe its best you go elsewhere and look for a forum that is free of charge that suits your needs better.

**thanxal** · 09-25-2015, 05:32 PM

Originally Posted by ralpht

There are no ulterior motives. I'm sure the individual you tacitly refer to is Marv. Well, guess what...there are others that like to try and push buttons here. It seems to me, Marv just gets singled out for everything by some that simply don't like the guy. I wish those that complain the loudest would bring to the table what Marv does on an almost daily basis. And because this is a FORUM, Marv is entitled to an opinion just as everyone is here. So...I wish some of you would quit complaining and ignore what you may not agree with. I really don't have time for all of this right now. I'm up to my neck in moving issues. If those of you that feel there is some problem I'm not addressing, I'm sorry. Maybe its best you go elsewhere and look for a forum that is free of charge that suits your needs better.

Ralph, with great respect, as I admire you for keeping this forum running...

I have stayed clear of all of these threads and actively boycott any of the nasty ones, but I can not stay silent about this. I have no personal grudge against Marv or anyone else. I have never engaged him in an argument and kept clear of all the drama [[check my posts), but there is a pattern of behavior here that should be unacceptable.

We are not talking about someone expressing an opinion. We're not even talking about someone who holds a negative opinion about a Motown star . We are talking about someone who actively derails non-Supremes/Ross threads, pushes them toward inflammatory and derogatory statements about Diana Ross and then actively baits others into an argument in what I can only assume is an attempt to get them banned. And God forbid the contributor who posts anything, and I do mean anything, at all that has to do with the Supremes. Just go back and read for yourself. Some people have gotten banned because they couldn't hold back. Fine. They said things and deserved to be banned. I encourage you to go back and look at those threads. Do you see any pattern regarding who was involved?

So no. We're not talking about freedom of speech or "this is the internet". We're talking about an observable, documented and repeated pattern of behavior. All people are asking is to stop the bile and vitriolic posts about Diana Ross that now appear in almost every single thread. That's it. Have a negative opinion of her, fine. But stop the derailing of nearly every single post into a Diana Ross bashing festival.

Of course, this is your forum and your rules and I respect that. But there should be no surprises when even the die-hards who love Motown more than they abhor such behavior finally call it quits and give up.

And that would be a sad, sad outcome.

**imnokid** · 09-29-2015, 04:30 PM

Originally Posted by ralpht

There are no ulterior motives. I'm sure the individual you tacitly refer to is Marv. Well, guess what...there are others that like to try and push buttons here. It seems to me, Marv just gets singled out for everything by some that simply don't like the guy. I wish those that complain the loudest would bring to the table what Marv does on an almost daily basis. And because this is a FORUM, Marv is entitled to an opinion just as everyone is here. So...I wish some of you would quit complaining and ignore what you may not agree with. I really don't have time for all of this right now. I'm up to my neck in moving issues. If those of you that feel there is some problem I'm not addressing, I'm sorry. Maybe its best you go elsewhere and look for a forum that is free of charge that suits your needs better.

Well said Ralph. I don't say a lot around here, but I do know when I look about a bit, Marv is far from the only one who pushes his opinions. I say that this is a forum, open to all, and that no thread should ever be deleted and no one banned. If you read something you don't like, you have the choice of engaging or ignoring. OR, leave the Forum.

When I joined the forum years ago, there were many industry people who engaged here, which made it interesting to me. These days, it's the fans vs. the fans. Not so much fun.

**woodward** · 09-30-2015, 12:48 PM

QUOTE: When I joined the forum years ago, there were many industry people who engaged here, which made it interesting to me. These days, it's the fans vs. the fans. Not so much fun.QUOTE.

We should all be grateful for Keith Hughes as he is still with us. He takes a lot of interest in the forum and I sometimes don't think members appreciate him as much as they should. He is a link to the past and our promise for the future. Thanks, Keith, for all you do for the Motown Forum. You are "simply the best."

**soulster** · 09-30-2015, 01:29 PM

Originally Posted by woodward

We should all be grateful for Keith Hughes as he is still with us. He takes a lot of interest in the forum and I sometimes don't think members appreciate him as much as they should. He is a link to the past and our promise for the future. Thanks, Keith, for all you do for the Motown Forum. You are "simply the best."

And more of us would probably know who Keith Hughes is if there wasn't so much noise from the Diana Ross Tea Party.

**MIKEW-UK** · 09-25-2015, 03:30 PM

Having known Ralph in person as well as on the forum, he is genuinely the nicest, positive and warmest person you could wish for. Furthermore, he has the stamina, judgement and dedication that makes this forum work. In my opinion, he demonstrates good judgement, pragmatism and a whole lot of wisdom. By the way, he doesn't get paid for making this a part of his life. His personal contributions have been fundamental to this forum. He also lived the whole Motown Detroit experience so who better placed. His role is not to provide adult supervision to this forum, but to try and exercise judgement where instances are brought to his attention when outrageous statements are made. He endeavours to balance freedom of speech against unpleasant comments. I haven't encountered anyone who could begin to do this job better, including some who offer to take on the role. Ralph has been an absolute gem for this forum. Some time ago, I decided to take the best of the forum from those who are passionate about the music, and blank out the negatives, as one does in every day life. This forum has given me an awful lot of pleasure over the years, and I know that so many of you like minded moderates feel equally passionate about the forum as a meeting point to share our thoughts about the music we have been passionate about throughout our lives. Again, thanks Ralph.

Oh, and dba, I was once in the very same place. I much prefer you stay with us, as I did.

supremester · 09-25-2015, 03:37 PM

Perhaps keeping said individual prohibited from a certain topic would be the best way.

**soulster** · 09-26-2015, 12:22 AM

Originally Posted by supremester

Perhaps keeping said individual prohibited from a certain topic would be the best way.

You can't realistically do that. If you start down that road, you have to start doing that for each member. I don't even know if this software offers that feature. I know some of them do.

My complaint isn't about Marv, though, it's about another member.

**BayouMotownMan** · 09-25-2015, 03:43 PM

Ralph, you posted this over a year ago:

I've been reading your comments regarding the problems that arise from all things Supreme. When valued members talk of leaving Soulful Detroit because of the stupidity of some of these threads, then it is time for me to act.

Here is my proposal: Since I can't and won't ban any threads relating to all of the fine and talented women who are, or once were, part of the Supremes, I can play a little hard ball with anyone who creates a problem. Even the slightest. I will immediately delete the thread and PERMANENTLY ban the instigator.

Sorry Ralph but where one person is concerned you have not enforced this.

It's time to go to Lowell again.

**Roberta75** · 09-25-2015, 04:42 PM

07-31-2014, 07:58 AM #1

ralpht
Okay gang, here is the new deal..... I've been reading your comments regarding the problems that arise from all things Supreme. When valued members talk of leaving Soulful Detroit because of the stupidity of some of these threads, then it is time for me to act. Here is my proposal: Since I can't and won't ban any threads relating to all of the fine and talented women who are, or once were, part of the Supremes, I can play a little hard ball with anyone who creates a problem. Even the slightest. I will immediately delete the thread and PERMANENTLY ban the instigator. I'm tired of the constant and senseless bickering that arises from these threads. Why this happens is beyond my understanding. I may not be able to understand it, but I can most certainly stop it. So from this point on, any Supreme, Mary, Diana threads are to be interesting, informative and RESPECTFULL.

For the good of this here forum I respectfully think you need to start enforcing this for ALL members Ralph.

Yours, with every good wish.

Roberta

**RobertZ** · 09-25-2015, 03:58 PM

Lots of the recent ideas are good, but maybe a bit complicated. I have, today, discovered the "ignore" option and have used it. I anticipate smooth sailing with the site from now on because there was only really 1 problem poster. I recommend everyone make use of the ignore option for anyone they find troublesome. It's really a great option to have -

**BayouMotownMan** · 09-25-2015, 04:07 PM

Guys from the post Ralph has made, once again empowering ****** it is clear to me that Ralph shares Marvin's opinions of Diana Ross, which is sad to me, because like her or not she is the face of Motown.

This will no longer be a Motown appreciation forum. Now Marvin will run with this ball and make it purely a Diana Ross bashing site, or a bashing of anyone who doesn't feel the way he does about Mary.

Have fun Ralph and Marvin.

**marv2** · 09-25-2015, 08:48 PM

Originally Posted by BayouMotownMan

Guys from the post Ralph has made, once again empowering ****** it is clear to me that Ralph shares Marvin's opinions of Diana Ross, which is sad to me, because like her or not she is the face of Motown.

This will no longer be a Motown appreciation forum. Now Marvin will run with this ball and make it purely a Diana Ross bashing site, or a bashing of anyone who doesn't feel the way he does about Mary.

Have fun Ralph and Marvin.

I am going to say this once. Do not project your sins onto me! Also do not use my full name on this or any forum without my permission. I know your full name but I know it is not appropriate to use it here or anywhere else without permission.

**detmotownguy** · 09-26-2015, 08:30 AM

Originally Posted by marv2

I am going to say this once. Do not project your sins onto me! Also do not use my full name on this or any forum without my permission. I know your full name but I know it is not appropriate to use it here or anywhere else without permission.

Hey Marv hope all is well! Check you in box please as I have some information for you about this issue.
Thanks

**antceleb12** · 09-27-2015, 01:21 PM

Originally Posted by BayouMotownMan

Guys from the post Ralph has made, once again empowering ****** it is clear to me that Ralph shares Marvin's opinions of Diana Ross, which is sad to me, because like her or not she is the face of Motown.

This will no longer be a Motown appreciation forum. Now Marvin will run with this ball and make it purely a Diana Ross bashing site, or a bashing of anyone who doesn't feel the way he does about Mary.

Have fun Ralph and Marvin.

This is beyond out of line. It is infuriating to see so many people whine and bad-mouth each other when they could instead just leave. If you really have that big of a problem with Ralph or any of the members, why are you here? I've had it out with a few members here, but that was that. We resolved whatever disagreement there was between us and moved on with our lives. I didn't go badmouthing them and tattle to Ralph. There are some members with whom I prefer not to discuss certain topics because our ideas and personalities don't mesh. Avoid the problem. Don't go chasing it.

**soulster** · 09-27-2015, 01:54 PM

Originally Posted by BayouMotownMan

Guys from the post Ralph has made, once again empowering ****** it is clear to me that Ralph shares Marvin's opinions of Diana Ross, which is sad to me, because like her or not she is the face of Motown.

This will no longer be a Motown appreciation forum. Now Marvin will run with this ball and make it purely a Diana Ross bashing site, or a bashing of anyone who doesn't feel the way he does about Mary.

Have fun Ralph and Marvin.

Ralph doesn't share opinions with anyone. He's just tired of all the Marv bashing on this forum. If you don't like the guy, just don't address him. Don't mention him. Ignore him. That's all ya gotta do! Move on with your life!

The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Commodores, The Four Tops, Rick James, Lionel Richie, The Jackson 5, and many others are also very prominent, if not dominant faces of Motown. This is not specifically a Diana Ross appreciation forum, it's a Detroit Soul Music appreciation forum. That means we can talk about Hot Wax/Invictus, Parliament/Funkadelic, Eddie Hazel, Aretha Franklin, Bob Seger, Dennis Coffey, The Dramatics, Johnnie Taylor, and even that moron Ted Nugent if you must. And, Ralph has made it clear that we can even talk about music that is not specific to Detroit or Motown. It's about music, so we can talk about audio, songwriting, engineering, and other music-related stuff. And you can even talk about you sequined gowns. You can be 100% sure that i'll never, ever participate in those kinds of threads!

All you Ross freaks can talk about Diana Ross all you want. Just be respectful, don't introduce her into threads that have nothing to do with her, and leave Marv out of it! [[BTW, when I use the word "freaks", I do not mean that in a disparaging manner.)

And, for all of you guys that have been bashing Marv, there is one member that has not yet been mentioned that should be: Roberta 75!

**Roberta75** · 09-27-2015, 02:17 PM

Originally Posted by soulster

Ralph doesn't share opinions with anyone. He's just tired of all the Marv bashing on this forum. If you don't like the guy, just don't address him. Don't mention him. Ignore him. That's all ya gotta do! Move on with your life!

The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Commodores, The Four Tops, Rick James, Lionel Richie, The Jackson 5, and many others are also very prominent, if not dominant faces of Motown. This is not specifically a Diana Ross appreciation forum, it's a Detroit Soul Music appreciation forum. That means we can talk about Hot Wax/Invictus, Parliament/Funkadelic, Eddie Hazel, Aretha Franklin, Bob Seger, Dennis Coffey, The Dramatics, Johnnie Taylor, and even that moron Ted Nugent if you must. And, Ralph has made it clear that we can even talk about music that is not specific to Detroit or Motown. It's about music, so we can talk about audio, songwriting, engineering, and other music-related stuff. And you can even talk about you sequined gowns. You can be 100% sure that i'll never, ever participate in those kinds of threads!

All you Ross freaks can talk about Diana Ross all you want. Just be respectful, don't introduce her into threads that have nothing to do with her, and leave Marv out of it! [[BTW, when I use the word "freaks", I do not mean that in a disparaging manner.)

And, for all of you guys that have been bashing Marv, there is one member that has not yet been mentioned that should be: Roberta 75!

If you want to address me Soulster then man up stop being so passive aggressive. You can address me directly in this here forum or you can send me a private message and I will be happy to adress your issues with me. You can also contact me via private message at Facebook.

Or or you could take your own advice youve been real quick to tell everyone else to follow. "If you don't like the girl, just don't address her. Don't mention her. Ignore her. That's all ya gotta do! Move on with your life!"

**soulster** · 09-27-2015, 02:28 PM

Originally Posted by Roberta75

If you want to address me Soulster then man up stop being so passive aggressive. You can address me directly in this here forum or you can send me a private message and I will be happy to adress your issues with me. You can also contact me via private message at Facebook.

I'll do it right here: You and I don't have any issues. We seem to agree on a lot of things, especially politics. But, honestly, from what I see, you are one of the chief Marv bashers here. If you end it, you could be a leader for others in stopping it too.

Marv isn't going anywhere any more than you or me, so, it does no good to keep bashing him. I'm no fan of Marv, but i'm not an enemy, either. I just get tired of seeing this Marv bashing at every turn. Again, it isn't really just you, but several of the Ross fans here. So what if he doesn't care for Diana Ross? A lot of people don't. A lot of people have said nasty things about her on other places on the internet. I'm sure Diana Ross isn't upset about it, so why should any of you be upset?

I get my little digs in too once in a while. I freely admit it. But, it's only because I feel like this forum is overrun with unchecked Ross idol worship. It's because of all the constant bickering I see. It's because the bickering has chased the industry people, and a lot of longtime members away from this forum. I was here back in 2002, even though my screen name and account changed several years ago. I remember how it once was before the Ross/Supremes fanatics came in here.

If I had to choose my favorite female Motown singers, it would be both Brenda Holloway and Teena Marie. And, yes, I do have quite a bit of Supremes/Ross music in my collection.

I am not the enemy. No one is.

**Roberta75** · 09-27-2015, 02:52 PM

Originally Posted by soulster

I'll do it right here: You and I don't have any issues. We seem to agree on a lot of things, especially politics. But, honestly, from what I see, you are one of the chief Marv bashers here. If you end it, you could be a leader for others in stopping it too.

Marv isn't going anywhere any more than you or me, so, it does no good to keep bashing him. I'm no fan of Marv, but i'm not an enemy, either. I just get tired of seeing this Marv bashing at every turn. Again, it isn't really just you, but several of the Ross fans here. So what if he doesn't care for Diana Ross? A lot of people don't. A lot of people have said nasty things about on other places on the internet. I'm sure Diana Ross isn't upset about it, so why should any of you be upset?

If Marv stopped ruining every darned Diane Ross thread with negative comments day after day after day youd never See me adress him. Its real tired and we all get it that he doesnt like Diane. So stop entering her threads with horrible comments. I dont care for Gladys Knight but you wont find me in Gladys Knight threads trashing her. Why? Because she doesnt mean anything to me so Im not going to spend my energy on the woman. I wish Miss Knight well but Id never spend a nickel on her concerts or albums.

Ralph Sid the following in August of 2014 in this here forum

"Since I can't and won't ban any threads relating to all of the fine and talented women who are, or once were, part of the Supremes, I can play a little hard ball with anyone who creates a problem. Even the slightest. I will immediately delete the thread and PERMANENTLY ban the instigatorSo from this point on, any Supreme, Mary, Diana threads are to be interesting, informative and RESPECTFULL"

i dont see this happening and the main culprit who all but ruins every Diane Ross thread is given a free pass over and over and over again. Oh well its not my forum but it sure seems odd IMO that the rules above get bent to protect some members.

i than you for your comment to me.

yours, with every good wish.

Roberta

**juicefree20** · 10-01-2015, 06:26 PM

This is EXACTLY what I meant when I responded to your last message.

Now Ralph doesn't respond as you'd like for him to, then you make this great leap & accusation, accusing him of also bring a "Ross-hater". which is a pretty nasty & very unfair tactic for you to attempt to employ.

And sadly, as is the case just about everywhere these days, is par for the course.

Personally, I believe that you owe Ralph an apology.

**jobucats** · 09-25-2015, 04:41 PM

Where is this "ignore" feature some of you are talking about.

**REDHOT** · 09-25-2015, 06:10 PM

I agree with you Ralph,if you don't like it,move on,Ralph has nothing to apologize about ,it's these people,[[some are on this post)They are the ones,that keep up the mess,and drama,and now some is trying to play nice,keep on doing what your doing Ralph,if they don't know how to ignore,maybe it's time for them to move on,i'v seen it,a lot of people,[[not all)gang up on Marv,because hes not a Diana Ross fan,to each his own.Don't come up with idea's,when you are the one,who keeps up the mess and drama going,Keep on doing what your doing Ralph.

**vgalindo** · 09-25-2015, 06:48 PM

I really don't care that he is not a Diana Ross fan. The point is he is obsessed with trashing her constantly. I have nothing against him voicing his opinion but he goes over board with calling her demeaning names talking always about her looks and weight. If he was truly voicing his opinion he would criticize other Motown ladies who are obviously over weight and not perfect. It's only his hate towards Diana and it gets very annoying. He bates people into saying not nice things about his love Mary Wilson. It is really very sad!

**kenneth** · 09-25-2015, 06:58 PM

I agree that Ralph seems to give a pass to Marv regardless of the way he turns as many threads as possible into a Diane bashing. I think the reason is Marv's most vitriolic posts have been on other sites, such as YouTube, and he's kept the nasty gay baiting and other stuff off of here. So although we know about the other trending stuff, Ralph is sticking to the rules for his site only. That's appropriate.

I don't mind the differences of opinion. Actually, I thought the discussion Marv and i were having about the Diane singing Jean songs was interesting. Of course, I know that Marv's bias keeps him from ever admitting fault or changing his mind, so it's more or less a lesson in futility, but he was civil throughout that discussion [[unless something happened that I didn't see later).