Look it up.


Perhaps this is a tentative first step to-ward a new future. Just as likely, I suppose, that it will come to the same profit that did all such attempts before-- that is, none at all. But irrespective of this, it is too good not to make at least one more token attempt to revivify the fading relic. It is almost ironic, it seems, to say that, being only three or four years old. But this is the Internet, the Brave New World, and time seems to pass much more quickly in this virtual world. Trying to maintain anything sincere in DAmn is difficult enough, even more so when those who would be attracted to such a place are in the minority on this site.

Regardless, now that the original members, save for the founders themselves, are gone away and no longer associated with the Club, and having been inactive for several months to a year, there is no stigma attached, it is as good a time as any to try again.

I am not in a position to speak for the two other Founders, and so I speak only for myself, and indeed they both have every right and ability to edit this journal so as to show their thoughts on the matter. As for me, I believe that The Red-Headed League was created with the purpose of wiping the slate clean, and beginning anew. As far as I am able to tell, it was successful in this respect.

However, I believe also, that TRHL's mission, and TDC's original stated purpose, are not very different, if at all, and as such both should be renewed in their bleak mission to provide the intelligent and true free-thinking individuals on DA with a place to discuss thoughts, ideas, concepts and philosophies without reservation, or the stifling trammel that Political Correctness has placed upon our society, to the extent that people are afraid to speak their mind for fear of offending. This is the crux of the problem: The Truth may be offensive. Live with it.

I suppose that should be Rule #1:

The Truth may be offensive, live with it. Where there are honest disagreements, they are to be handled with maturity and respect. But Political Correctness, particular when it prevents honest discussion, is a limiting and irresponsible force, the cudgel of tyrants with which to make one group feel guilty and another to feel misused, and thus entitled. If you believe in something, be willing to defend it with logical argument and not an appeal to an arbitrary social custom based more in victim politics than reality. If someone says something you disagree with or that offends, deal with it yourself.

This brings us to Rule #2

Do not be stupid. No internet shorthand in excess. I wish that was all I needed to say as regards that matter, but I expect it will need to be modified in the future.
Likewise, excessive cursing and/or vulgar 'speech' is not befitting of a place of quiet contemplation and respectful discussion. Repeat offenders may be demoted or banned.

Rule #3

Do not ask another visitor's age. This is something of a holdover from the original rules, because I personally believe it is a good rule. To quote the "Club Rules" from 2005, "Members to Founders are equals in this room, and knowledge of age adds an unnecessary label on other users, no matter how small. Take my word for it -- knowing how old another user is WILL effect your opinion of them.
We prefer to let one's personality speak for them."


This is a preliminary groundwork to build upon. As I said, I can only speak for myself, and my thought is that TDC and TRHL are two sides of the same coin, and should both be implemented in the spirit with which they were created-- that of maturity, dignity, and mutual respect.

--WanderingOisin