Our Apology
By PonyBox
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20th Sep 2010 •
9,165 views
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41 comments
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I guess its that time of year again, more letters from our fans. I typically don't post these for everyone to see, but they wanted to be notified once the article comments were removed. So here is your notification.
The email below was received a few weeks ago. I only copied a few excerpts from the email, since it was extremely long, but I think you will get the point.
To whom it may concern,
My child recently submitted a personal news article to you which you quickly displayed on the site. The article was writen completely by my daughter and has since received alot of rude comments that criticize her riding and the way she handles her horse. These comments have brought severe strain on our family and have consumed our lives of late.
I demand you remove the negative comments immediately or more action will be taken. My daughter has been attending one of the top riding programs in our district, which costs us alot of money. We will not stand for inappropriate comments that criticize and influence the training she is receiving from professionals. I expect to be notified once these comments are removed.
Below is my response and your notification that not only the comments, but the entire article was removed:
Hello,
The article of concern has been removed along with all associated comments. Please keep in mind that 100% of the news comments are reviewed by us. I did not recognize any rude comments associated with the article you mentioned, except for a few comments strongly disagreeing with the methods used in the article. I hope the complete removal of the article and comments meet your satisfaction.
Ponybox
Ponyboxers: Starting today, if you leave a comment you must be in agreement with the article author. Ponybox will no longer approve comments that disagree with the author, they will be considered rude and in violation of our terms of service. Ponybox strongly encourages you to not go against the grain. Independent thinking will not be tolerated! You know who you are, so behave guys. |
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klb111
are you serious? is this for real?
are you serious? is this for real?
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Sep 20, 2010
• 3,630 views
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ImaCoolCowgirl
Really?? Like you are totally serious? This person had the choice to put THEIR article on here. If they didn't expect to have some negative comment than they might have some trouble in the real world. Does anyone else know where to post an article where you will get tru opinions? Cause I am so done here if this is real.
Really?? Like you are totally serious? This person had the choice to put THEIR article on here. If they didn't expect to have some negative comment than they might have some trouble in the real world. Does anyone else know where to post an article where you will get tru opinions? Cause I am so done here if this is real.
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Sep 20, 2010
• 3,485 views
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Strawberry Kiwi Equine
This is a joke. They had go agree to the terms of service to post the article in the first place. And so does every comment that s accepted. So how could it have been so bad? It's a part of freedom of speech to be able to disagree with things and post an honest opinion..
This is a joke. They had go agree to the terms of service to post the article in the first place. And so does every comment that s accepted. So how could it have been so bad? It's a part of freedom of speech to be able to disagree with things and post an honest opinion..
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Sep 20, 2010
• 3,618 views
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Happy Stables
MOD
That's to bad it caused so much strain. I'm sure the comments where meant to help her.
That's to bad it caused so much strain. I'm sure the comments where meant to help her.
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Sep 20, 2010
• 3,550 views
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Fiagai
MOD
I'm sorry, Jeff, but I have to say I don't agree with the new policy.
If you looked over the article and saw no rude comments or anything that violated the rules, then I don't see how the mother of the player who posted the original article can take further action.
Punishing the players who take the time to read and to comment on the articles displayed on the front page of the website by removing their right to post honest opinions on a subject just doesn't seem right.
Whatever anyone puts on an internet forum is going to have a a percentage of people for and against the topic. If they don't like the criticism - positive or otherwise - then they shouldn't post the article on an 'open' forum.
I'm sorry, Jeff, but I have to say I don't agree with the new policy.
If you looked over the article and saw no rude comments or anything that violated the rules, then I don't see how the mother of the player who posted the original article can take further action.
Punishing the players who take the time to read and to comment on the articles displayed on the front page of the website by removing their right to post honest opinions on a subject just doesn't seem right.
Whatever anyone puts on an internet forum is going to have a a percentage of people for and against the topic. If they don't like the criticism - positive or otherwise - then they shouldn't post the article on an 'open' forum.
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Sep 20, 2010
• 3,578 views
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RemRu
I think that there is a difference between voicing your opinion, and arguing with the author. I think this policy is a bit too strict
I think that there is a difference between voicing your opinion, and arguing with the author. I think this policy is a bit too strict
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Sep 20, 2010
• 3,521 views
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T W I
If I may quote one of your recent articles: "If you submit news be prepared to get a different opinions. ...as a news contributor, if you are not prepared for this, you may want to consider not submitting your news article."
Not being able to deal with critism, especially if it is well intended is the author's problem.
Withot any lively discussion or debating, I've got to say the news section of Ponybox will become a lot less interesting and fun.
I sincerely hope this is a joke.
If I may quote one of your recent articles: "If you submit news be prepared to get a different opinions. ...as a news contributor, if you are not prepared for this, you may want to consider not submitting your news article."
Not being able to deal with critism, especially if it is well intended is the author's problem.
Withot any lively discussion or debating, I've got to say the news section of Ponybox will become a lot less interesting and fun.
I sincerely hope this is a joke.
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Sep 20, 2010
• 3,510 views
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Signature Farms Int
A sad decision, yet I'm sure it will be beneficial in the long run- I suppose.
A sad decision, yet I'm sure it will be beneficial in the long run- I suppose.
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Sep 20, 2010
• 3,534 views
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DejaVu
MOD
Guys, I'm pretty sure he is being sarcastic. Of course you can voice your opinion.
Guys, I'm pretty sure he is being sarcastic. Of course you can voice your opinion.
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Sep 20, 2010
• 3,567 views
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C and W Ranch
I'm sorry, but this seems a little much. I believe that if the so mentioned "child" didn' want comments, whether they be agreeing or disagreeing, they shouln't have submitted an article. Creative criticism and different opinions are apart of life. They are setting their child up for extreme failure if they are complaining about a few comments that didn't agree with their daughter. Gee, what has America come to if we cannot even practice our own freedom of speech by voicing our opinion about a subject or matter. It seems a bit ridiculous and far fetched to let it come to this. They are simply ruining any chance we have of giving our own opinion because they didn't like their daughter being disagreed with. Sorry if this is going to be reported for disagreement, but it is my honest opinion and my mother ALWAYS taught me to be honest.
I'm sorry, but this seems a little much. I believe that if the so mentioned "child" didn' want comments, whether they be agreeing or disagreeing, they shouln't have submitted an article. Creative criticism and different opinions are apart of life. They are setting their child up for extreme failure if they are complaining about a few comments that didn't agree with their daughter. Gee, what has America come to if we cannot even practice our own freedom of speech by voicing our opinion about a subject or matter. It seems a bit ridiculous and far fetched to let it come to this. They are simply ruining any chance we have of giving our own opinion because they didn't like their daughter being disagreed with. Sorry if this is going to be reported for disagreement, but it is my honest opinion and my mother ALWAYS taught me to be honest.
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Sep 20, 2010
• 3,532 views
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Dark Star
Lets hope, Deja. I mean, I've read alot of the 'rude' comments, and I see them as voicing opinion, or constructive criticism. I havn't ever seen someone on here say something mean or 'rude' just to hurt someone's feelings. I think this rule is taking away our right to freedom of speech.
'If you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen' goes really good right here.
Lets hope, Deja. I mean, I've read alot of the 'rude' comments, and I see them as voicing opinion, or constructive criticism. I havn't ever seen someone on here say something mean or 'rude' just to hurt someone's feelings. I think this rule is taking away our right to freedom of speech.
'If you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen' goes really good right here.
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Sep 20, 2010
• 3,515 views
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toffeelola
I think that this is good, it is a better way to keep ponybox safe, keep up the good work Jeff!
I think that this is good, it is a better way to keep ponybox safe, keep up the good work Jeff!
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Sep 20, 2010
• 3,549 views
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Spyricale
I think this rule is way too strict concerning the mother and daughter in this situation. Comments cannot put a strain on their lives, or consume them, and I really hope she exaggerated when she wrote that. Her daughter set herself up for different opinions when she submitted an article, and her mother needs to come to terms with that. I don't care if you're being trained by the best show jumper or dressage queen in the entire country, you're going to get critisism no matter what. Yes, this is taking away our freedom of speech. I don't think I need to copy the sixteen Rights of Americans here, do I? If you hadn't noticed, one of them is a right to free speech and press. Being an owner of the site doesn't give anyone the right to make such a decision as this.
Say a girl posts an article, showing pictures of her horse tied up in many knots and loops to a fence post by the bridle instead of a halter. I'm sure a few people are going to disagree with doing so. Instead, everyone must agre
I think this rule is way too strict concerning the mother and daughter in this situation. Comments cannot put a strain on their lives, or consume them, and I really hope she exaggerated when she wrote that. Her daughter set herself up for different opinions when she submitted an article, and her mother needs to come to terms with that. I don't care if you're being trained by the best show jumper or dressage queen in the entire country, you're going to get critisism no matter what. Yes, this is taking away our freedom of speech. I don't think I need to copy the sixteen Rights of Americans here, do I? If you hadn't noticed, one of them is a right to free speech and press. Being an owner of the site doesn't give anyone the right to make such a decision as this.
Say a girl posts an article, showing pictures of her horse tied up in many knots and loops to a fence post by the bridle instead of a halter. I'm sure a few people are going to disagree with doing so. Instead, everyone must agree and post cheesy comments and stroke the young person's ego and not by will. This particular mother and daughter need a fresh reality check of the real world. Not everyone's going to agree with them, or think Princess Sally is a perfected rider. I could go on and on about this matter, but if you didn't see anything wrong with the comments when it comes to violating Ponybox's rules, then I don't see how the "mother" can take action. There was no need to allow the mother the upper hand. Delete her daughter's article, and it's over with. Seriously. I am very disappointed in Ponybox all together, and the latest decision.
The girl had to agree to take critisism, or had to have read that. How else is she going to submit an article? Young girls who run to their parents about every disagreeing comment over the Internet really do have issues. Once again, I am very disappointed....of course, my disappointment and the disappointment of others wouldn't matter, anyway.
Strike me, punish me, or delete my comment for not strongly agreeing with you.
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Sep 20, 2010
• 3,795 views
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No Walkin Farms9
"Independent thinking will not be tolerated!" I have no doubt Jeff is being sarcastic with that comment.
"Independent thinking will not be tolerated!" I have no doubt Jeff is being sarcastic with that comment.
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Sep 20, 2010
• 3,791 views
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Spyricale
If he is being sarcastic, I really do not appreciate it. I'm sure everyone thought this was serious since it was coming from Jeff. Everyone's going to refrain from posting their honest opinions on articles because of this.
If he is being sarcastic, I really do not appreciate it. I'm sure everyone thought this was serious since it was coming from Jeff. Everyone's going to refrain from posting their honest opinions on articles because of this.
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Sep 20, 2010
• 3,795 views
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L u n a r
"Independent thinking will not be tolerated! You know who you are, so behave guys."
Are you serious right now? Thats just wrong. So basically your telling us not to think for ourselves and let others know our opinion? Wow. Just wow. I really hope your being sarcastic.
"Independent thinking will not be tolerated! You know who you are, so behave guys."
Are you serious right now? Thats just wrong. So basically your telling us not to think for ourselves and let others know our opinion? Wow. Just wow. I really hope your being sarcastic.
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Sep 20, 2010
• 3,803 views
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Rosemont Hill
Ok, I'm pretty sure he's being sarcastic guys. Why would he not have us writing articles if he doesn't want us thinking independently or having a voice in this world. I'm really sorry if it's not a joke, but it really has to be. Not thinking independently is absolutely the worst thing anyone has told me. If he really means this, I'm quitting. No point staying if this is the way it's gotta be.
Ok, I'm pretty sure he's being sarcastic guys. Why would he not have us writing articles if he doesn't want us thinking independently or having a voice in this world. I'm really sorry if it's not a joke, but it really has to be. Not thinking independently is absolutely the worst thing anyone has told me. If he really means this, I'm quitting. No point staying if this is the way it's gotta be.
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Sep 20, 2010
• 4,010 views
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klb111
are you serious toffelola? if you,or anyone, cant handle 'rude' comments online then how on earth can you possibly survive the real world? if this isnt a joke then i will have to consider quitting, as that rule would be violating the free speach part of the united states! and it would confirm my thinking that this site is turning into a site for babies! unreal!
are you serious toffelola? if you,or anyone, cant handle 'rude' comments online then how on earth can you possibly survive the real world? if this isnt a joke then i will have to consider quitting, as that rule would be violating the free speach part of the united states! and it would confirm my thinking that this site is turning into a site for babies! unreal!
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Sep 20, 2010
• 4,096 views
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Fourtrees
You...you are being sarcastic right?
You...you are being sarcastic right?
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Sep 20, 2010
• 4,043 views
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Fourtrees
Oh, it seems very rude to post someone's email on the internet like that, however rude they may be.
Oh, it seems very rude to post someone's email on the internet like that, however rude they may be.
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Sep 20, 2010
• 4,043 views
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Fourtrees
Oh, it seems very rude to post someone's email on the internet like that, however rude they may be.
Oh, it seems very rude to post someone's email on the internet like that, however rude they may be.
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Sep 20, 2010
• 4,043 views
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Brave Star
I think .. You have to do.. what you have to do . To keep everyone happy, and to many people are looking to deep into the title and not the article itsef !
I think .. You have to do.. what you have to do . To keep everyone happy, and to many people are looking to deep into the title and not the article itsef !
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Sep 20, 2010
• 4,004 views
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City on the Hill
Must I say this? Shut up and be happy. Even if this is sarcasm. I just had to say that. I don't care if its sarcasm or for real.
Must I say this? Shut up and be happy. Even if this is sarcasm. I just had to say that. I don't care if its sarcasm or for real.
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Sep 20, 2010
• 4,115 views
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Wysper
I think if this person doesn't want their child to ever experience criticism they need to lock them away in a single padded room. .
Letting them be online in any capacity is just asking for criticism. lol
I think if this person doesn't want their child to ever experience criticism they need to lock them away in a single padded room. .
Letting them be online in any capacity is just asking for criticism. lol
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Sep 21, 2010
• 4,034 views
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Spyricale
Twilight, like Deja said, we can post our opinion. We do not all need to "shut up and be happy". You can if you want, of course.
Twilight, like Deja said, we can post our opinion. We do not all need to "shut up and be happy". You can if you want, of course.
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Sep 21, 2010
• 3,604 views
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halfbrokehorses
i think we should still be allowed to say our opinion. but i do agree, people need to definately be less harsh, and not criticize people and their riding
i think we should still be allowed to say our opinion. but i do agree, people need to definately be less harsh, and not criticize people and their riding
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Sep 21, 2010
• 3,645 views
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Fantasy Farms
Its such a shame that the person and the persons mother who emailed you can't take other peoples opinions. I love ponybox because I can submit articles and I love to hear other peoples opinions!
Its such a shame that the person and the persons mother who emailed you can't take other peoples opinions. I love ponybox because I can submit articles and I love to hear other peoples opinions!
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Sep 21, 2010
• 3,616 views
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Santa Ana Ranch
MOD
*falls down laughing*
HAHA I love you Jeff!!
How dare we have our own thoughts and ideas!
I'm terribly sorry for thinking on my own. I will try harder to be a robot.
*flips switch to ModBot Mode*
*falls down laughing*
HAHA I love you Jeff!!
How dare we have our own thoughts and ideas!
I'm terribly sorry for thinking on my own. I will try harder to be a robot.
*flips switch to ModBot Mode*
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Sep 21, 2010
• 3,660 views
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Santa Ana Ranch
MOD
*falls down laughing* HAHA I love you Jeff!!How dare we have our own thoughts and ideas!I'm terribly sorry for thinking on my own. I will try harder to be a robot. *flips switch to ModBot Mode*
*falls down laughing* HAHA I love you Jeff!!How dare we have our own thoughts and ideas!I'm terribly sorry for thinking on my own. I will try harder to be a robot. *flips switch to ModBot Mode*
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Sep 21, 2010
• 3,740 views
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PonyBox
MOD
*falls down laughing* HAHA I love you Jeff!!How dare we have our own thoughts and ideas!I'm terribly sorry for thinking on my own. I will try harder to be a robot. *flips switch to ModBot Mode*
*falls down laughing* HAHA I love you Jeff!!How dare we have our own thoughts and ideas!I'm terribly sorry for thinking on my own. I will try harder to be a robot. *flips switch to ModBot Mode*
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Sep 21, 2010
• 3,683 views
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