I think that people have the right to defend others based on harsh criticism just as much as people have a right to hand it out. When Freebase gave his feedback about me many people defended me and there was no stink kicked up. Because it's Urban suddenly he's not allowed to be defended? That's a double standard.

Do you have a link to when Freebase did that? I remember it vaguely but I don't remember many people stepping in on your behalf

Yes. I'm wondering where you're coming from and I'm having the decency to ask, before just assuming it.

I mean the up-in-arms reaction kind of speaks for itself, disagreeing is one thing but spite towards the member is another. He gave his opinion and judging by his subsequent reaction he wasn't out to stir the pit or take on Goliath, he was following the concept of the thread, the response to which was "gtfo" and "if he's offended you, you just don't get his sense of humor"

They were valid criticisms that I once had, I've since warmed up to Urban and his style (I also think there's a bit of he makes you earn his respect). That every newbie should understand that Urban is joking when he says he's going to **** their mother is a tad unrealistic. But any slight comment on his demeanor and get out the flame shield, as there's a pervasive "he insulted my friend" mentality when really it's just spilling your guts. There's no wrong perspective despite your insistence that the guy comb through Urban's history, and to reiterate this is not an uncommon reaction from newer members to Urban

I'm mobile, probably some errors in there, oh well

Me personally, I don't give two sh*ts about Urban, but I do recognize his importance here in terms of his contribution. It's not a friend thing. I don't even talk to the guy on a personal level behind closed doors in the mod cave. Him and I barely ever interact. In fact, I can't even remember a moment where him and I exchanged words beyond required interaction at a very minimal basis. But I'm observant enough to know that while he IS rather abrasive at times, it's not a show-stopper, and his contribution here is far more valuable than the negative bits.

As to whether his personality is right or wrong for this forum, I'm not in the position to impose that on any of you. But I think that for the ultimate goal of this place, he is fulfilling the actual important part, even though a couple people may get sand in their vaginas over it.
That's just my opinion. It has nothing to do with fanboyism. I don't particularly care for Urban one iota except for his obvious contribution to the point of this place. To me, that's more important than my own irrelevant feelings about his personality, and I think more people should think that way.

This isn't "make me feel good about myself banter".

If people stopped their own ridiculous idolization of forum members and actually viewed their contributions objectively, we wouldn't even be having this conversation. And that's my whole argument.
And if we can't get past how other people insult our own sensibilities, we really need to not be doing things on the internet.

This was my thought exactly. Urban's an asshole but he's an asshole of the best variety - that doesn't mean that he doesn't take some getting used to and that doesn't mean that everyone should have to get used to him. I find it continuously amusing how people feel the need to defend his honor, a behavior I don't see replicated as feverishly in regards to other members.

I'm reminded here of my coworker Susanne. She's an old crotchety German woman with a feeling of entitlement because she's worked at our shop for ages. She is intelligent and witty and I enjoy being around her most of the time - as a person she has a lot to offer and is wholly interesting. She is hilariously rude to new employees and annoyingly rude to her superiors (myself included), but she gets away with it because "oh, that's just Susanne, you have to get used to her." She's good at what she does and the shop wouldn't be the same without her, but that doesn't change the fact that sometimes she's a fucking bitch.

Susanne is to my shop as Urban is to MB. He contributes to the forum immensely. It doesn't make him any less of a cunt.

I think most MB members are sexy and deserve a wholly satisfying love life.

But this is the spill your guts thread... Of course feelings and personality are going to take center stage. I don't think anyone was suggesting he doesn't contribute. At most maybe the guy was hoping he'd get reassurance that it's normal Urban behavior and he shouldn't put much stock into it. At worst he thought his post would get Urban to see the light and change his ways. And we both know Urban doesn't need a defense as deep as the Pittsburgh Steelers to keep doing what he does


As far as the topic goes, I don't see how people finding Urban rude and abrasive is any less valid than your considering Burning Down to be boring or generic, I forget which. Beyond that I agree with everything else you said

No, it's somewhere in this thread but I can't seem to find it. Burning Down was one of the defenders.

I post on MB in quiet desperation... it's the English way.