I've just got banned from KFC!

[Beat TG]

I always wondered what happened to you, Mark. Good to know that you're still here with us. No wonder KFC is dying at the moment, we keep seeing crucial and great contributors getting banned for nothing at the hands of one lousy mod... Shame, it used to be a great place to frequently discuss and share things passionately without having to worry about censorship and getting into heated arguments that will have you banned at all.

Shout-outs to TWC and Masterofoneinchpunch as well. Always enjoy reading your posts at KFC.

[RetroRobot]

Thanks, man.

[Markgway]

Excellent post by OAB, who accurately sums up the problems KFC has developed. Of course, he's welcome over here and can post as much Kung Fu Cinema conversation in the Asian forum as he chooses. Bullets, when it had many more members, used to be one of the best Asian Cinema forums out there. I know little about Japanese Cinema, but we have HungFist here who's an expert on that. The more knowledgeable members the merrier, I say...

And thanks, Beat.

[Markgway]

Decided to take a look at the relevant thread on KFC...

A few thoughts...

TEAKO: "Second, as for the recent banning of a member., As one member stated, you are only aware of his side and it goes well beyond a mere photograph (I've read B&B)."

Really? What was it about then, Teako? Because I only remember complaining about the removal of a sexy photo and draconian censorship rules. I never threatened anyone, CHEATED anyone (but I guess that's OK if you're a mod?) or abused anyone (I probably did use infrequent profanity, but anyone that knows me knows that's just my tone of argument). If I've missed anything please enlighten me/us; I'd really love to hear Teako's side of "the story".

"Sorry but the subject is water under the bridge so I won't comment further on it."

Sound familiar...?

"Oh, and a BIG P.S. here: Anyone wants to further discuss this member's ban, please do it via private means or elsewhere. Its not that I have a problem with folks voicing their opinion however I do take issue (and will act quickly) with someone trying to "rock the boat" and stir up dissension amongst the ranks. Please find another forum for that cyber-drama. We're here to talk fu. Leave that whining stuff for B&B. Thank you."

Ha-ha. I can't be the only one who finds this ironic. This is exactly the sort of 'I'm in charge' guff that Teako told me... before he banned me when I pointed out it was not the right way to run a forum. You've heard it from his own trap, guys... be careful what you post. Mutiny will not be tolerated, dammit!

[Markgway]

Just read Kung Fu Bob's post and I'm very disappointed that he's chosen to support Teako's harsh position without having heard what Teako's side of the story actually is (unless they've communicated via PM or e-mail, in which case I've no idea what was said). I at least had the decency to respond to Bob's e-mail and point him to this forum where I explain everything that went down (yes, as I see it) so that no one is in the dark. KFC members are entitled to know. It's their forum. If they disagree with me, that's fine. I'm a big boy, I can take it. But I don't believe this is a private matter for I have no recourse. Teako is the only one (of us two) with any power at KFC, thus he also has a responsibility to the truth and to all forum members. If I hadn't posted here, you would never have known anything was awry. It was initially swept under the proverbial rug. Would my detractors have preferred that? Teako's "private business" stance is a nonsense. I'm openly telling you guys what happened. If you think I'm wrong.... fine. If you guys want a stricter KFC... fine. Seriously, I hold no grudge against anyone disagreeing with me. But to accuse me of looking for a fight is absurd - why would I do that? I voiced my opinion. That's it. I never said to Teako 'waaah, I hate you.... I wanna argue for arguments sake....' I have better things to do that piss off mods. But there seems to be this assumption that something else MUST HAVE happened because Teako is such a super bloke - well, if it did I've no idea what that might be. I don't recall Teako messaging me on any other matter (at least not recently). So if he wants to reveal my other transgressions I'm more than happy for that to happen so they can't be discussed... oh, wait, discussion isn't allowed.

KFB: "I'd imagine that it's done this way to avoid embarrassing an individual when they're warned about the matter, which is a private matter."

No, it's done to maintain control. If no one knows what was said/what Teako did then no one can argue about it. Even if Teako came out and said why he banned me (which he didn't) you would only have had his word for it. I'm not embarrassed at all... if Teako has something to embarrass me by all means share it. I need a good laugh.

"Though it was not uncommon for him to act like an angry dick on the forum (I often shook my head in annoyed disbelief at his antagonistic comments)"

I wasn't aware I was acting like an angry dick (better than some other kinds of dick, I suppose) but it's nice to have that information. Apologies to anyone who felt like I'd been a dick toward them. I'll try to reign in my penis-like tendencies from now on.

"As far as the suggestion/possibility that Teako may have acted in any way based on his personal feelings toward Mark, I'd say there's zero chance of that. I know him, and he's not that kind of guy. No way that's what happened."

I don't know Teako. I'm not sure what you mean by "personal feelings" as I doubt Teako felt one way or the other about me. It's not like we had a relationship... What I've no doubt he objected to was anyone questioning his autonomy - it happened to be me because that's my nature. I'm sure he'd have been more than willing to ban you or anyone else who 'crossed him'. And why are we basing this on personality anyways? 'oh, Teako would never...' etc. How about evidence? I've nothing to hide. I don't believe I did anything wrong (certainly nothing to warrant a ban).

"Though I agree that for me personally Mark's photo was no big deal, that is entirely besides the point. If the mods choose to delete it, then it's not allowed. Just move on. What is with this whole "that rule doesn't apply to me" bullshit?"

OK, let's clear up something else. I don't/never have expect(ed) a different set of rules apply to me - where on earth did you get that idea? My complaint would have been exactly the same for ANY forum member. Had Bob posted that sexy pic and complained about Teako's moderation I would've backed him just the same. It's absurd to plant a selfish motive on me.

"9. Please do not post inappropriate material. Use common sense. If you would not feel comfortable viewing it at work, or in front of children or parents, then don't post it."

Subjective, isn't it? As far as I'm concerned my picture contained NO NUDITY and did NOT contravene that rule. I've had Xmas cards like that! You see much stronger images in daily papers in the UK. I used 'common sense' judgement and look where it got me!

[RetroRobot]

People obviously have very different views and opinions on this matter, that much is clear. Look, this was never my fight, and despite what some people think, not the reason I left, only a contributing factor. But people can believe what they want, I can't do nothing about that. i haven't changed my mind on anything concerning this whole thing, and stand by everything I wrote. What was made clear to me though, from the exchange on KFC yesterday, is that I made the right decision. KFC is just not for me anymore, and that's fine. No hard feelings, no anger. I'll still check in from time to time, as I do on many forums where I am merely an observer, but that's it. Oh and props to those people who had nice things to say about me. If you read this, they were appreciated.

[Masterofoneinchpunch]

That is awesome. Rear entry related reference there. Great pic.

[Masterofoneinchpunch]

...Shout-outs to TWC and Masterofoneinchpunch as well. Always enjoy reading your posts at KFC.

Thanks Beat, shout outs are always appreciated. Sometimes you write and write and you wonder if anyone is reading your material. EDIT: warning serious off-the-topic blather here: Seriously though don't sometimes you want even a negative reply over no-reply (yeah sometimes the negative reply sucks your energy though; I've had people harp on one point only and then say your review or essay sucks; I have some great examples on this; though I'm sure all who do full length reviews get this; I have no issue with someone getting upset with one point since I do that all the time, but I do not denigrate a full review for that one point.)

[HungFist]

...Shout-outs to TWC and Masterofoneinchpunch as well. Always enjoy reading your posts at KFC.

Thanks Beat, shout outs are always appreciated. Sometimes you write and write and you wonder if anyone is reading your material. EDIT: warning serious off-the-topic blather here: Seriously though don't sometimes you want even a negative reply over no-reply (yeah sometimes the negative reply sucks your energy though; I've had people harp on one point only and then say your review or essay sucks; I have some great examples on this; though I'm sure all who do full length reviews get this; I have no issue with someone getting upset with one point since I do that all the time, but I do not denigrate a full review for that one point.)

I have faith that someone is reading my stuff even if no one ever commented. I'm not aiming at masses anyway. I'm more happy if my Sukeban Deka articles (or other stuff like that) are helpful to 5 anomymous readers, than if I get 10 000 views for a Tom Cruise review. There's a million sources for Tom Cruise reviews. It makes me much more pround if I can help a small handful of people with the kind of info they cannot easily find elsewhere.

[RetroRobot]

Wouldn't say I want a straight up negative reply, but a different perspective or constructive critisism is always welcome in my book. I've taken a lot of shots over my reviews in the past, especially on the now defunct HKflix site. And those were only really superficial mini reviews, but still drew the ire of other posters.

like when I proclaimed my fave Bruce Lee flick to be Way of the Dragon, which it is, some people were outraged, and if I couldn't see that FOF or ETD were way better I clearly knew nothing about kung fu cinema and should just go die somewhere.

If people are just talking out of their ass, with no knowledge behind it, i'll call them out, sure. But if you know your shit, but just so happens to have a different opinion than mine... fine. I might chime in with my personal perspective, but certainly not berate the person for theirs.

[RetroRobot]

Kudos is always nice, but I never aimed for the masses with any of my writings either. I write cuz I like to write, and spread the gospel on flicks I like and so forth. And if one or two people find that helpful, great. As some of you might know, I am slowly but steadily working my way towards my own review site, focusing mostly on genre cinema from Asia and Europe, but also some Hollywood stuff from the last century. And I know there are plenty of sites like that out there, and some by people who are no doubt way more knowledgable and better writers than me, but so what. I still feel I can bring something, and if for nothing else, im doing it for me.

Oh, and I read a lot of your posts on Japanese cinema, HF, and learning something with every read, even if I dont comment, because im not well versed in that area. And I always enjoy MOOIP's posts and reviews as well, and have for a long time.

[Masterofoneinchpunch]

...Oh, and I read a lot of your posts on Japanese cinema, HF, and learning something with every read, even if I dont comment, because im not well versed in that area.

I read them as well. My strength in Japanese cinema is in a few directors like Kurosawa or Ozu (some Mizoguchi with what Criterion/Eclipse puts out) and older cinema not newer films.

I don't think any of us tries for the masses . We are too much into particular types of cinema. Now however if we can convert people and/or get them to watch new movies we love than that is a win (I lend movies all-the-time which I expect you guys do as well.)

Back to the topic: I read every post on KFC on this topic that was posted in the past few days. My eyes hurt. That inspired a lot of writing there . I have some disagreements with what was wrote, but it has already been covered here. I might chime in, but really the only thing I want to say is about the use of suspensions versus outright banning. I always think you should suspend first, let cooler heads prevail and then give the person another chance. All of these forums are usually built in with support for suspension (even if for a few minutes.) I usually use the three strikes rule (two suspensions first, not counting advertising bots those get removed right away before banning) at my forum -- this forum has died down quite a bit; I have been admin/mods at about four forums now, two no longer around, so I have gotten to learn the software. Also I implement talking with the other mods first before banning.

[makone]

I wondered where you had disappeared to. Glad to see that you are ok.

[Markgway]

I'd imagine that there are plenty of fans of Asian Cinema who check out the reviews here but simply don't post or aren't members and prefer to remain anonymous; like Hung says, someone is reading....

[Markgway]

Since it's clear that several KFC members are reading what I'm posting here... I'll continue to post my thoughts. Not because I'm obsessed with the sound of my own typing but because I'm being seriously misrepresented and have no means of stating my case at the source of the problem. Bans tend to do that.

God Almighty, I really thought that Kung Fu Bob’s moderate Sunday Evening adress could help to put a lid on this overheated debate, help people to see the scenario from different angles and also impart some mature insights to Mark and make him understand that not everyone here believes that his ousting was an irrational, totally untenable move by a totalitarian mod who’s gloating over his “draconian censorship rules”. To no avail, it seems. Instead Mark expresses his disappointment over at ‘Bullets & Babes’ with not being “backed” by KFB and just rambles on. And on...

Unless Teako has told you his side of the story (has he?) I don't see how you can deem my removal rational. It seems my worst crime on KFC was being argumentative. Oh noes! If I've posted anything here (or there) that makes you think I deserved to be banned... well, that's your opinion and you're welcome to it. But I've not read a single justification for my ban and yet many members I thought were friends have been quick to support it. Vociferously so. You would honestly think that I'd been mean to Sheng in some way when, in fact, I've been nothing but pleasant toward him. It's funny - I never felt I was the victim of anything when Teako banned me. It was just one mod's overreaction that I could do nothing about. It pissed me off, sure, but I never hated Teako for it. Now though, with several KFC members queuing up to put the boot in, I am feeling hard done by. I feel almost as though I were reading about someone else. Who is this obnoxious character who abuses people and expects special treatment? It's certainly not me. I'm not sure if it's worth 'rambling on' here but at least my side can be heard.

At least he hints to the argument with the mod being somewhat acerbic, stating he might have used “infrequent profanity”, but hastens to add that “anyone who knows me knows that’s just my tone of argument”... Does that mean that he expects a free ride to fling profane remarks at a mod because, well... he’s Mark and that’s just the tone of his way to argue? Can he not at least try to tone down for once?

Jeez, man. I used the f-word once or twice, I didn't threaten to anally rape someone's granny! If I'd known Teako was that sensitive I may well have toned down my PM language - I realise some people aren't big on swearing. But I wasn't warned about swearing at all. I'm not even sure if it was an issue? Or what the real issue was - other than the innocuous pic. You make it sound like I have Tourette's! I wasn't saying it's OK for me to swear because I'm Scots - how absurd would that be? Just that that's the way I talk and that it's not designed to offend. If Teako was offended why didn't he tell me instead of a straight ban? And is it OK to ban someone simply for using the f-word?

I mean, this whole drama started over a stupid-ass picture of a ‘half-nude’ (well, Mark didn’t think of it as ‘half-nude’, to him its classifiable as a “sexy pic”, whatever...) and as I had suspected (and Teako confirmed) it went waaay deeper than that.

Two points:

1. The pic wasn't half-nude. There were no nipples, buttocks or vagina (pubic hair) on show. Go look again. I chose that image very carefully so as NOT to upset certain sensibilities.

2. 'Waaay' deeper. Hmm... can you please elaborate on that because I'd dearly love to know what 'waaay' deeper is. Clearly Teako has been giving you info on the QT., but I'd appreciate it if you'd share so I can at least confirm or refute rather than have you (and several others) accept it at face value and paint me as some loose cannon randomly attacking innocent mods. This is the most insidious kind of whispering campaign. What is being said about me behind my back, I wonder? You know, if I still had access to my PMs I'd post them in full so you guys could read them and decide for yourselves.

I said it in my first post on the matter and I say it again: Why fight over some bullshit picture being deleted that has nothing whatsoever to do with the content this forum stands for???

Because I felt it was wrong and wanted to voice my opinion. Freedom of speech, you know? - a concept you may have heard of and a cornerstone of the American constitution lest all you guys think I hate America. (Apparently criticizing lax gun laws makes you anti-American, which means that nearly half of AMERICA is Anti-American - I'm in good company it would seem).

It wasn't 'a fight' at all. It was a complaint (which I first made on the forum for everyone to see) -- until Teako threatened to ban me for voicing dissent. When I complained about the threat of a ban, guess what happened...?

I sent only TWO PMs. This was not some long running street fight full of bile and vitriol. It never even had a chance to 'spiral out of control'.

[Markgway]

Well I won't lie and say I miss him as he always came off as an obnoxious, smug knowitall that always had to be right, at least to me. Didn't appreciate his smack talk about America either. Really didn't understand his love for this genre either when it seemed like 99% of what he watched he claimed he hated lol. Dude had like a gazillion posts on here though and I kinda feel sorry for him, what's he gonna do with all his time now?

Is this about me? If so, I'm disappointed. If people felt this way about me I would've preferred it if they'd PM'd me about it - I don't recall any specific argument with Chinatown Kid - rather than wait until I was gone and then have a laugh at my expense. Not classy. I don't hate 99% of martial arts movies.... I just don't LOVE 99% of martial arts movies and am critical where I feel it's warranted. 'Smack talk' about America - surely you're confusing me with Yi-Long? All I criticized was your gun laws. Oh, and since it was mentioned earlier somewhere... when I said 'I knew that the mod who banned me would be an American' that was intended to mean that Americans are far stricter (too strict, IMO) when it comes to nudity in comparison with violence (in Europe it's the other way around).

[Silver & Gold Dragon]

Because I felt it was wrong and wanted to voice my opinion. Freedom of speech, you know? - a concept you may have heard of and a cornerstone of the American constitution lest all you guys think I hate America. (Apparently criticizing lax gun laws makes you anti-American, which means that nearly half of AMERICA is Anti-American - I'm in good company it would seem).

Mark how dare you say anything bad against America you terrorist jk.

[RetroRobot]

Some of the guys on KFC are fucking douchebag clowns, and some are really cool people. It's like that everywhere. I know it must be ass not being able to defend yourself when every Tom, Dick and Harry comes out of the woodwork to give their unique perspective on you and your personality. But honestly, I would just let it go now, and not pay them no more mind. If anything, we got to see a lot people's true colors in this matter, and while I was surprised by some, others just confirmed my already low opinion of them. Fuck it, move on.

[Markgway]

Mark how dare you say anything bad against America you terrorist jk.

That probably accurately represents the feelings of some on KFC!

Believe it or not, on this forum I've been branded right-wing!

[Markgway]

I know it must be ass not being able to defend yourself when every Tom, Dick and Harry comes out of the woodwork to give their unique perspective on you and your personality. But honestly, I would just let it go now, and not pay them no more mind.

I know you're right... but it's not the opinions that bother me deep down, it's the bullshit. People essentially saying I got what I deserved without knowing all the facts. Backstabbing I hate. And you have people saying 'I'm not taking sides' and then taking sides... 'I like you, BUT... here's a bunch of reasons why you're a dick'. With friends like that, eh...? Frankly, if I'd known this before, I would've quit and saved Teako the trouble. Life's too short to waste on people who have little or no respect for you. My arguments are robust, my language occasionally fruity, but in all other respects I'm an honest, decent guy who was treated unfairly. Period.

[RetroRobot]

Yeah, some of that shit was right out of Kafka's The Trial I had expected a few more supporters... even for an ornery Scottish bastard like you And while plenty of people over there thought I was a dick too, at least most of them had the decency to say it to my face.... well, to the screen.

[RetroRobot]

OK, this one made me laugh....

From Silver Fox

"The Silver Fox ' KFC Crisis Rap'


It was Jan '14 when Markgway was banished
All over a photo that seemed to have vanished

Murmurs from the crowd trippin' bout the story
- a profanity laced tirade upset the hunky dory

Long time members jumpin' ship like rats
Goin' to Bullets'n' Babes, raisin' the stats

HAZ gone missin' after fleecing the bro-thers
Gone undercover, hidin' at his Mo-ther's

The word on the street is that KFC is goin down'
But we're gonna save it-I'm gonna show you how

Every one of you send me a fi-ver
just like that time with Massacre Sur-vi-vor!

Peace out"

[HungFist]

Mark how dare you say anything bad against America you terrorist jk.

Did you just call Mark JK?



JK = short for joshikousei = high school girl

[HungFist]

Never mind, I found Mark's picture

[Silver & Gold Dragon]

Never mind, I found Mark's picture

Yeah that's what I imagine Mark looks like lol. I Actually meant JK as in Just Kidding. But it's very funny you thought I was calling him a school girl lol