I have a question to ask, because there seems to be a lot of negativity going around, little participation in the discussion forums (compared to the past), and because of posts like "A dieing leftist messageboard".

It is a simple one. I'll spare the details of the amount of time, money and effort that has been expended to create and operate this site for a small town in Montana, one that I'm proud of, for more than the last 16 years.

My question is simply this.

---

Should MilesCity.com continue to operate or should it shut down and go away?

Of the following two responses, pick the one you agree with, and then click LIKE or DISLIKE to register your opinion.

To vote: YES, MilesCity.com should continue - CLICK LIKE.

To vote: NO, MilesCity.com should quit and go away - CLICK DISLIKE.

---

I'm interested in seeing how the public, that this site serves, feels. Thanks.

As a long time poster, I will weigh in.

For whatever reason, some people freak out over the voting system. I wouldn't begin to guess what their issues are, but maybe make that go away?

I would like to see it continue, but felt my views were discounted by some vocal folks and one very active participant on the site. This last one even said I should not be commenting as I was not from Miles City. I and my siblings lived in MC during HS and college, worked as a reporter for the Star, and value my connections to Miles City and friends there. My sister married a local boy and we visit often -- twice this year. I realize that without a moderator no one can monitor this type of behavior. I think I have been away from the site for nearly 6 months.

[Edited by Dr Mac (11/16/2016 9:15:43 PM)]

You nailed it mac. +10

mtgman wrote:

"I'll tell you where its going.Steve and dave are a couple of nerds that have nothing to do but run their pie holes.If they have a problem with that I would be glad to meet them and shut them up."

http://milescity.com/foru...584#204257

procreateing nerds, how do they find this stuff?

Larry, if you are up for spending what it takes and you haven’t burnt out on the b.s. keep it running. If you feel it best to pull the plug, then let it go.

Either way, many thanks for having provided this service as long as you have.

My guess is that a lot of folks are just recharging their batteries after the tension generated by the elections. In the coming days things will likely get back to what passes for normal here.

I may seem to be a vocal opponent of this web site at times, as well as the views of both the "ultra leftist" like amoretti and the "moderate left" like the web master. However I like this site. It is a lot of work to get a site up and even more to keep it up.

I like the design and layout of all the information. I even like the debates that take place on here. However I am an ALT-RIGHT guy myself, so I really come here to get the other perspective. Not to argue, but to debate a social policy that I think is BS. A little more debating and a little less name calling would help. You allow the leftist donators to say some pretty vial stuff as long as its directed towards a right leaning person.

One thing that ultra leftist and moderate leftist are seeming to agree on is atheism, They are leaving God behind in their world plan. This will further the divide and move moderates "web master" towards their polar ultra counterparts "Weather Underground". I know that the web master will surrender his moderate stance over time and give in to the ultra's as his perception changes. As he sees the moderate right "RINO'S" join its more ultra faction "NATIONALISM", he will do the same. Protectionism is with-in us all, and we all respond about the same to a perceived threat to our form of righteousness or progress. With anger.

This is why I don't really care if this message board goes the way of the dinosaur. Ultra left and moderate left are joined at the hip, as are ultra right and moderate right.

One downside of free speech is free speech! Hence, one gets a huge variety of opinions and some not expressed too kindly!

I like to stick to facts and I usually post articles that are not published in the local newspaper from reputable and trusted sources.

Whether someone likes or dislikes what I post is of no concern to me. What matters to me are facts and information -- not misinformation.

However, each of us varies in how we discern truth. For example, the slave owners in the South thought truth was on their side! The abolitionists in the North thought truth was on their side.

In the United States, politically, we are involved in a struggle for hearts and minds while adhering to the rights of people as expressed in the U.S. Constitution. The process gets real messy at times. What is most important is non-violent expressions of ideas and adhering to the rule of law.

By the way, how does one "like" or "Dislike" something on this website? I don't know how to do that.

If the nasty political stuff went away, I'd be back in a heartbeat but being called a "libtard" over and over by Nazis is annoying. I still love the local chats and historic stuff but it got SO nasty I had to take an extended break.

Mary Catherine Dunphy wrote:

By the way, how does one "like" or "Dislike" something on this website? I don't know how to do that.

You need to be logged in, then you have to click one of the little faded thumbs-up or thumbs-down buttons on the lower right corner of a post. You can't vote on your own post. And you can't vote on super old posts (from before voting was added).

Interesting to see, that as of now, 4 people took the time to come to this site and vote in the question above - yet don't think it should exist.

I'd really like to know how that thought process comes about.

I think you have done an excellent job. Although I don't post much, I read miles city.com every day!

I was marveling at "Dr Mac's" luck; she hasn't been here in 6 months but happened to show up just in time to complain about the lack of civility on the anonymous Internet.

I would echo Hal's comments. I appreciate the Website and all you have done for the community. You have done more than most people realize. If it's in your best interests for MC.com to go away, I understand.

I have honestly put myself in a social media "timeout" as all of the anger I observe online and in conversations is more than I can process right now. Maybe this is still here when I regain my sanity.

-Later

[Edited by Richard Bonine, Jr. (11/17/2016 1:48:20 PM)]

I have always liked milescity.com. Working with the public for years, I have felt the bitterness of some folks but, they really did not know me so it was obvious it was something happening in their lives. You just can't take that to heart. I kind of feel the same about negative "stuff" on milescity.com. A strong belief is not such a bad thing. And..where better to "spout" it than right here?

I have utilized the Classifieds and we are so lucky to have that available.

Thank you milescity.com

You are doing a great service to all. As far as politics everyone can never be pleased. That's the beauty of this country. Kiss and make up. Imagine if you will if social media or all the present day media options were available only as far back as JFK. Please keep up the good work.

Mr. Webmaster,
I clicked on the yes button earlier, after signing in. I don't comment much but like to look at the posts.

Webmaster:

As one who makes it a deliberate effort to not use "likes" or "dislikes" in any forum and for the most part, ignores what goes on here with them, I will make an exception in this case to vote a yes. Frankly, I am somewhat surprised that you have persevered over the years to maintain this site in light of some of the abuse you take for it. You have to be either a long-suffering, saintly man or a glutton for punishment. Whichever it is, I appreciate your efforts and support you in whatever decision you may make concerning the disposition of the site.

In view of the fact that most of the regulars here and I will never agree on much, if anything, I do try to keep it somewhat civil. I also take note of the fact that I'm not called a racist, bigot or a moran nearly as much as it used to happen. Ordinarily I would attribute that to some degree of maturity, but in reality I think it has more to do with the fact that I will dish it when I get it.

You want respect, you give respect.

In keeping with that, somethings are just impossible to ignore and here is a perfectly fresh example:

Amorette says:

"If the nasty political stuff went away, I'd be back in a heartbeat but being called a "libtard" over and over by Nazis is annoying."

I hope I am not the only one who relishes the delicious irony of that statement.

"Oddjob", you're just getting soft in your old age.

I do appreciate all the hard work and effort. I seldom post, because of the ignorant people that are always willing to take a shot a you. I do like the classified side of it.

Webmaster, I know the feeling. (Smile)

I do enjoy the website and I thank you for your hard work.

Walt

[Edited by Walt Meredith (11/17/2016 8:03:05 PM)]

[Edited by Walt Meredith (11/17/2016 8:04:02 PM)]

I almost never post, but read this site regularly. I only lived in Miles for a year, a long time ago, but loved it and follow the goings on here. My favorite part is all of the Class A football stats.

I don't read, post or comment on here as much as I used to, either, but I still enjoy the site nonetheless. I voted to keep it/gave a thumbs-up, but understand that it is ultimately Larry's decision on whether it stays.

I very rarely come here anymore. But that is because I don't have a job where I sit at a computer for 9 hours a day with lots of free time. I come here if I want to find out something about MC, like if something happens that I hear about. I got to this post today because I follow MC.com on FB and saw this pop up.

As far as how crappy people are to each other on here, I think that this is a microcosm of society. We are looking at what the world is like. Larry has done a great job of being a good president and not a dictator in his leadership on here. I'm sure he's tired of it, but I think this site is a very valuable asset to the community of Miles City.

Good question, Larry. Thanks for the ask. I voted "YES". This forum has always had the potential to serve as a hub of democratic pluralism for Miles City. At times, it has risen to that potential. When it hasn't, it wasn't due to you or the platform. It was due entirely to our own lack of discernment.

I'd liken this forum to a dinner or cocktail party where certain manners are to be observed if good conversation is to be had and guests are inclined to return. To the degree that conversations are engaging, coherent, and broadly shared the forum expands its potential to build community and I'll remain engaged. When they're neither of these things, I'm inclined to drift. And if it's been too painful for you to witness the thoughtless abuse of your worthwhile project over the past few years, in particular, then not one of us could honestly think any less you for pulling the plug.

Thank you for your many years of service to the area.

OddJob--You have proved that conservatives DO have a sense of humor! Nobody got my BLM joke but at least you got the libtard, Nazi joke! Yay.

I loved the history and the "You're from Miles City when...." stuff. I also loved satirizing and following the drama as it happened.

I personally will not discuss and get very bored reading political debate. Except for Richard, I have never seen anyone change their mind and it immediately dissolves into personal attacks anyway.

I have LOVED the site and tried to support it financially and actively, but as times change in my life, my involvement seems to have done the same.

It's like a great class reunion when you finally realize it's probably time to leave after the 12th time you reminisce about the great visits you had at the Penguin.

It is comforting to know it's here though. To check back and review from time to time.


FH

I don't post much because I'm not from Miles City, but I visit there a lot (most recently: yesterday).

I find this site an interesting read, but the political and religious jabber, which has been pointed out, changes nobody's opinion and just results in personal attacks, is what ruins this site. I

More than once I've popped in here after seeing some event or construction going on in MC and hoped to find out more about it, but instead just find a bunch of name-calling and nastiness. So I leave.

Bottom line, if this site goes away I'll miss it a little, but that's just because "little" is the amount of useful information it's had lately. It has great potential, so I vote to keep it going, but make the focus on Miles City and all it has to offer.

Thank you Larry for all your effort putting this site together. I have stopped in occasionally to catch up on local events and the classifieds.
I have avoided the political and religious discussions as I cringe at the personal attacks.
I voted yes, but you are in control of your site, do as you feel best.

Honestly I check milescity.Com almost daily. I check the classifieds, as it's a great alternative to Facebooks classifieds. The site can be really helpful to those who are missing lost pets or looking for local information. A few interesting articles are posted. I think the annoying political posts will start to wane a few months into Hitler jr's presidency and the site will start to return to a more normal usage.

I wasn't going to check back in until the glory of inauguration day 2017 but I thought I'd weigh in on this subject since one of my posts was mentioned as a factor in considering shutting the site down.

I voted that the Milescity.com should continue to operate. I really have enjoyed the history and photo gallery portions of the site as well as the general for sale ads. I want to apologize to the Milescity.com Webmaster for a statement in the "A dieing leftist message board" thread. In it I referred to him as a "speech censuring leftist" I was mistaken about the speech censuring part. I have no evidence that any speech has been censured here and so I apologize to you, Milecity.com Webmaster, for that. I still think you are a leftist though, but the website is great! And it's not dieing anymore since Trump was elected. More folks like me are checking in and giving opinions too.

About the negativity lately. There is no more negativity here than there was on Nov 7. You liberals are just on the receiving end of it now, it's a new experience for you. Get used to it, it's going to continue for the next 8 years at least.

I'm just a bit of a lurker here, went 12-13 yrs without posting, but I read it fairly often. I like the site, I like the classifieds (I don't use facebook). I voted a upvote. I hope it all goes well for you.

Gotta be worth a couple

Thanks everyone. I appreciate all the feedback. I really didn't think there was going to be so many upvotes. The site will stick around. Please feel free to continue to add feedback, no matter if positive or negative. Your thoughts are important and I do try to implement your suggestions into the site.

Regards, Larry

That's good news. Well said Thank you.

Your hard work and significant contributions are appreciated. The site's architecture is sensible and easy to navigate. I now live in Silicon Valley, and I am awed by the programming sophistication and administrative expertise required to keep the site running. And, running smoothly. Wow.

As someone with a new-found interest in area history, I now visit at least occasionally. I particularly appreciate your search function: It really works. Awesome.

I appreciate the ability to find historical information about the Miles City area that is sometimes impossible to find elsewhere. Your site's content is uniquely important because the Yellowstone Newspapers offer no online access to early newspaper content.

I do wish that more people from rural areas and outlying communities posted to discuss community and historical topics. Much of what makes the Miles City area unique is a history that is based largely on an agricultural and ranching heritage.

I extend a grateful tip of the hat to this superb site and to those who post.

Best wishes to all from San Jose, CA.

I very much appreciate this site. I visit it daily several times just to see what it denizens are up to. I am glad it is to continue. It is nice to find out what is going on in the old hometown.
There are a lot of misplaced Miles Citians on Facebook that I never see on here. I wonder if they know about this site. Maybe they should be made aware.
I really like Gary Coffrin's historical postings on FB. I would think they would be welcome here and draw some interest.
Good job webmaster and his elves.