Site Notes

Discussion Guidelines

Please read this article before posting messages on the RTH discussion.

By Ryan McGreal
Published December 14, 2004

Any communication among people requires that certain basic premises be understood and accepted by all parties, and the RTH discussion is no different. Please take a few minutes to read the following guidelines so that you are clear on the premises that underlie the RTH discussion.

Note that repeated violators will be warned first, and then have their accounts revoked if the violations don't stop. We don't want to do this, so be respectful and keep it civil.

Comment Voting

RTH has implemented a system of community moderation via comment voting. You can read about it here:

Text Formatting

We have disabled all HTML markup in posts to the RTH discussion. If you have created an account, you can format your comment using Markdown syntax. If you are posting anonymously, you can only post plain-text comments with no URLs.

Tone of voice

WRITING IN ALL CAPS IS EQUIVALENT TO SHOUTING - so don't do it; no one wants to be shouted at. Also, keep in mind that it's easy to recognize irony, facetiousness, and sarcasm from a speaker, via accompanying facial expressions and tone of voice. It's a lot harder when you're reading something written (probably) by a stranger. The judicious use of emoticons (small text glyphs that indicate emotion) when writing can help to prevent misunderstandings.

Net Lingo

Not everyone was posting to newsgroups in the mid-1980s, so don't assume readers will automatically understand what AFAIK, IMHO, or ROFLMAO mean.

Be Polite

The RTH discussion is no place for world-rending battles and flame wars. If you're too annoyed to write respectfully and politely, then don't write until you calm down.

Be Sensitive

Online discussions generally bring diverse people together, and misunderstandings are common when the discussion consists of casually written messages on a public forum. While we normally eschew double standards, this is one case when a double standard is exactly what everyone needs: write your messages as conservatively as possible, and read other people's messages as liberally as possible.

If the meaning or intent of a post is ambiguous, try to give the writer the benefit of the doubt. As always, write your reply with respect and sensitivity, and do not be accusatory. If you suspect a particular meaning, don't write, "How dare you suggest xxx!?" Instead, write, "I'm not sure I understand this message. Could you please explain what you meant?"

Be Tolerant

Finally, exercise tolerance. You won't agree with everything you read, but argue respectfully, and agree to disagree before taking an argument personally and attacking the one who wrote it.

Spam is Evil

If RTH readers want longevity tinctures, enlarged sex organs, university degrees or low interest mortgages, they can check their inbox like everyone else. Please do not post spam to the RTH discussion - it will be deleted.

No Sock Puppets

So-called "sock puppet" accounts - multiple user accounts for the same person - that are used to abuse comment voting will be deleted without notice.

Ryan McGreal, the editor of Raise the Hammer, lives in Hamilton with his family and works as a programmer, writer and consultant. Ryan volunteers with Hamilton Light Rail, a citizen group dedicated to bringing light rail transit to Hamilton. Ryan wrote a city affairs column in Hamilton Magazine, and several of his articles have been published in the Hamilton Spectator. His articles have also been published in The Walrus, HuffPost and Behind the Numbers. He maintains a personal website, has been known to share passing thoughts on Twitter and Facebook, and posts the occasional cat photo on Instagram.

19 Comments

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By ranallig (registered) | Posted None at

Ryan, With respect to your item: 'Scenic View', Jackson Square Plaza, might I respectfully submit that you change the name of your publication, with all due haste, to 'Raze the Hammer'. Grant Ranalli

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By Baustin703 (registered) | Posted None at

Thought your article was so good I printed all five pages. I am a founding member of a grassroots community group here in the East end called Community Action Parkdale East. 2004 was our 10th year. You are so right, volunteering can be overwhelming especially when your compassionate about a certain issue. The research which is also time consuming is the key to success when winning any particular battle. We jumped into a bunch of issues starting with the use of Woodward Ave for the Redhill Exp., then discovering the leachate coming out of Brampton and Rennie dumps and the Sewage Treatment Plant is in our neighbourhood and the list goes on. You know it was a form of entertainment, I would get a glee of satisfaction when catching a consultant in a complete contradiction or making a Beurocrats face turn red, the homemaker verses the suits,better than real TV. We had successes, The Expressway didn't come down Woodward, the creek instead, sigh. One day after we received documents from the M.O.E on the stack failures at the S.T.P. the incinerater was shut down. And the city was forsed to clean up the toxic landfills. I think there just aren't enough people who care, or people who cared and got stung and gave up. The solution to burn-out I think is to tackle the things that you might have a chance of change, and the things that are a go....go with the flow and get the best possible outcome. I live by this, "New things cannot come where there is no room. Keep up the good work, Ben, I look forward to your next article Burke

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By Emily Green (registered) - website | Posted None at

I must admit to being a bit of a "bloody Leftie" I do feel Very Strongly about the HSR, and also about downtown, I just moved back to the downtown area after a 7 year hiatus in Dundas. Bus service was in fact one of the reasons for moving, good luck and Hello to Matt Jelly.

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By johntobey (registered) - website | Posted None at

I've never been to Hamilton, but your article helps me understand what I miss about Cambridge, Massachusetts, a city with good street walls. Thanks!

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By tonyryan28 (registered) - website | Posted None at

Ryan RTH, and your articles in particular, are among the most concise and cogent I have encountered. So that I might contextualise local geo-references, is your Hamilton in Cambridge, near Boston? If so, what a coincidence; I am Ryan and was born in Hamilton near Cambridge... NZ. Departing from trivia; for an entirely new perception of distribution of power, in terms of the approaching collision between democracy and elitism; may I recommend Delusions of Democracy (ISBN 1-9210-0517-3). Congratulations and kindest regards Tony Ryan, Australia

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By debbledo (registered) | Posted None at

We,meaning my husband and I,intend to try at least 30 % of the restaurants Jason rated as good ,great and excellant.Duartes sandwiches are fantastic.We intend to try room 41 this week so will report back.I love Hamilton.I was born and raised here and have always been a supporter of this great city.Thanks for the positive comments on my fav city.

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By Rahmatoola (registered) | Posted None at

Dominant world powers have always resorted to military options when they percieve a threat to their hegemony. As pointed out in the article, the setting-up of a trading machanism rivalling the Dollar based London and New York exchanges will seriously affect the American currency and hence its economy -- already weakened at the present. With the U.S. bogged down in Afghanistan and Iraq, stretched thin militarily and financially will it be able to follow through on threats it has expressed to Iran and come out victorious? I believe we are stepping into very uncertain and dangerous times. The world would be better if we had leaders that are wiser.

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By hellrider (registered) - website | Posted None at

erm.... i am new. can anyone help me?

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By polly139 (registered) | Posted September 02, 2006 at 20:47:14

Starting a subject close to this nieghbourhoods heart.Has anyone heard any news about the demolition of our centre mall?Lots of my friends and nieghbours work there and we have not heard anything since early spring.

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By bigbri (registered) | Posted January 12, 2007 at 23:02:05

xxx

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By Anderson (registered) | Posted October 24, 2007 at 05:34:47

My first post as the new kid on the block. I am a former Hamiltonian retired now and living in Victoria, BC. Hope this does not disqualify me from commenting on issues from the Hamilton I remember.

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By mrmartin (registered) - website | Posted November 13, 2007 at 10:31:33

Nice read for the new people. Do we have to mention the fact that a lot of the acronyms were made in the mid 80's? I do believe I tripped over a few of them at one time or another.

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By Jim Day (anonymous) | Posted April 14, 2008 at 14:52:16

Make Money Fast by Transforming 6 Dollars into Thousands of Dollars

Here's a legal way to supplement your income by earning thousands of dollars using the standard mail delivery service.
IT WAS PROVEN on Oprah and is COMPLETELY LEGAL!

You Can Laugh at Money Worries if You Follow This Simple Plan!
This is an opportunity for people who would like to work at home, and is an opportunity for them to invest time to get the lifestyle they have been wanting!

READ ON: Read this entire message carefully! (Print it out or download it.)
I found this on a bulletin board, and decided to try it.

Step 1: Get 6 separate one dollar bills, get 6 pieces of paper and write the following on the paper PLEASE PUT ME ON YOUR MAILING LIST. Wrap each dollar bill in each note, and include your name and address. Next mail the envelopes to the six people on the list.
Step 2: Now take the number 1 name off the list below, and move the other names up (6 becomes 5, 5 becomes 4, 2 becomes 1, etc.) Make sure to add your name as number 6 on the list.
Step 3: Now post your article to at least 200 newsgroups and message boards. The more you post the more responses you’ll get, and the more money you’ll make!
DIRECTIONS TO POST: (1)=open a blank word processor file(MS Word, Notepad, etc.), and place your cursor at the top of the blank page. From the edit menu select paste. Past a copy of this letter onto the word processor document so you can add your name to the list. (2)=save your new word processor file as text file. (3)=Log on to search engines like yahoo.com, google.com, altavista.com, excite.com, etc. then you search with the subject “money making message board”, “millionaire message board” or “money making forum” etc. (4)=Visit these message boards and post this article as a new message by highlighting the text of the letter and selecting paste from the edit menu, paste it. Fill in the subject, this will be the header that everyone will see as they scroll through the list of the posted groups. Click the post button, submit button, etc. You are done with the first one! Just copy and paste the same letter to the other groups. It will take about 30 seconds for each group. Remember the more newsgroups or message boards you post the more money you will make! You have to post a minimum of 200. That’s it! You will be soon be receiving money from all over the world, you may eventually need to rent a P.O. Box due to the large amount of mail you will be receiving. If you want to stay anonymous, you can make up a name to use, as long as the postman will deliver it. Just make sure all addresses are correct. When your money begins to come in, give it the first 10 percent to charity with spirit and share a good fortune!

The List:

1.Nichlas St. Lawrence, 689A Victory Hwy., West Greenwich RI 02817
2.Ryan Joseph, 338 N.College St., Newcomerstown OH 43832
3.Meg Nunn, 528 17th Place, Snohomish WA 98290
4.Benjamin Richards, 1587 Moonbeam LN, Chula Vista CA 91915
5.Ryan Miller, 588 Railroad St., Newcomerstown OH 43832
6.Robert McLeod, PO Box 496, Oxon Hill MD 20750

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By BR Pepperell (registered) - website | Posted June 10, 2008 at 21:32:47

Peak Oil

The age of human energy has begun and we face the biggest challenge the planet has known in the last 100 years. What we must now do is take a great leap backwards. Golbalisation along with cheap energy is an aberration. We must now concentrate on equality as a new paradigm. We do this or we perish. We cannot embrace such a change without acceptance of a univerally acceptable moral code. We need absolutes in every sphere of human activity . Humanity has proven its need for moral guidance. Global law based on a fair and just society must now be our ruler. This is our biggest challange, a challenge that Plato wrestled with and we must too.

Bryan Pepperell

Wellington (NZ)

Comment edited by administrator Ryan on 2010-05-25 07:17:21

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By sylvander (registered) | Posted April 08, 2009 at 17:33:12

This is my first post and since I am about to identify my true self I may have to change my pseudonym. My name is Harry Greenwood and my daughter who is a reader of Raise the Hammer informs me that quite often she has noticed some reference to me in the Comments. I googled and found this to be the case and the question of my being and my whereabouts was raised on a few of those comments. For the interested few, I am well and living on the beautiful west coast, West Vancouver to be precise. I am still actively involved in many aspects of social, educational and political life. I am a Library Board Trustee, Arts Festival Board member, often facilitate a Philosophers Cafe and belong to Simon Fraser U. Lifelong Learning Society. Still have some active involvement with the Trade Union and my political party. I am a Royal Canadian Legion Member and as a D-Day veteren I will be returning to Normandy on June 6th for the 65th Anniversary of that event. I am still physically active and do Tai Chi twice a week and I am looking forward to having a Happy 84th birthday nexy week. Hamilton will always be a part of my life as Labour Council Chair, Mohawk College Governor, McMaster Advisory on Continuing Education, United Way and of course as a Negotiator for Local 1005 and too many other involvements to list. For those of you kind enough to enquire this is my life!

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By artistridesbents (anonymous) | Posted May 23, 2009 at 21:43:11

Ok, I had to re register forget my pass and etc.

Anyway, My name is Richard Dominick an avid cyclist and actually an artist by profession. art for me has been way down over a yr but I do bicycle repairs and sell parts but near non profit. I work with or help out recycle Cycles and accept hpv donations. I frequent at Mac Cycle and all this is a great help.

I am trying hard to show my art work and fortunately have displayed my art at Bad Dog cafe. I lowered my paintings substanstially(sp?)price wise...

but more interested in getting recognition.

I was shocked that Transit gallery showing abstract that many people I know can't understand how one piece was sold for $3500 (no comment!)

I have had lots of great compliments for my art at Bad dog but no sales yet!

I am planning to cause a stir just for the fun of it! No rules for art so I plan on covering the prices with a strip.

Presently my lowest is $250. Others are more.

Yes I have a sense of humour, hope others do too!

Anyway, show on til May 31st and flyers posted here and there.

Richard


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By A Smith (anonymous) | Posted May 23, 2009 at 22:24:37

artistridesbents >> I lowered my paintings substanstially(sp?)price wise...

Don't be stupid, nobody wants cheap art, they want expensive art, therefore keep raising the prices until people start buying it up. If you don't believe in the value of your art, why should anyone else? Jack the prices up and you will be shocked at how people start embracing your creations.

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By THE REAL MISS APRIL DAYE (anonymous) | Posted September 08, 2009 at 19:26:22

Who Can Sue for Unlawful Use of Name or Likeness
Only human beings, and not corporations or other organizations, have rights of publicity and privacy interests that can be invaded by misappropriation of name or likeness. Thus, only individuals can sue for unlawful use of name or likeness, unless a human being has transferred his or her rights to an organization. Note that companies may sue you for trademark infringement and unfair competition if you exploit their brand names for commercial purposes. See the Trademark section for details.

In some states, celebrities cannot sue for misappropriation of name and likeness (on the theory that they have no privacy interest to protect), and non-celebrities may not sue for violation of the right of publicity (on the theory that their personalities have no commercial value). The growing trend, however, is to permit both celebrities and non-celebrities two sue for both misappropriation and violation of the right of publicity, as long as they can establish the relevant kind of harm.

You cannot invade the privacy of a dead person, so you generally cannot be sued for misappropriation of the name or likeness of a dead person, unless the misappropriation took place before the person in question died. However, in many states the right of publicity survives after death, so you could be sued for violating the publicity rights of a dead person. This is most likely to come up with dead celebrities.

Elements of a Claim for Unlawful Use of Name or Likeness
A plaintiff must establish three elements to hold someone liable for unlawful use of name or likeness:

1. Use of a Protected Attribute: The plaintiff must show that the defendant used an aspect of his or her identity that is protected by the law. This ordinarily means a plaintiff's name or likeness, but the law protects certain other personal attributes as well.
2. For an Exploitative Purpose: The plaintiff must show that the defendant used his name, likeness, or other personal attributes for commercial or other exploitative purposes. Use of someone's name or likeness for news reporting and other expressive purposes is not exploitative, so long as there is a reasonable relationship between the use of the plaintiff's identity and a matter of legitimate public interest.
3. No Consent: The plaintiff must establish that he or she did not give permission for the offending use.

ADVISING FRINGE PRODUCERS, VENUES SUPORTING JUNE MORROW SKIT KNOWN AS MISS APRIL DAY'S SCHOOL OF BURLESQUE.
THIS IS A CLEAR CASE OF INFRINGEMENT BY USING MY NAME AND OCCUPATION IN A VULGAR STAGE PRESENTATION WITHOUT MY CONSENT And after notification to cease.
sincerely
april daye /april day. the real miss april daye.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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By billocean (registered) - website | Posted November 15, 2009 at 09:34:57

The California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) is charged with monitoring and managing the ocean and freshwater fisheries and game habitats. With respect to our Oceans, they're not doing their job......................! Actually, they're not even close to successfully managing the offshore fisheries along our 1000 plus miles of California Coastline. The only accomplishment the DFG can celebrate is over- selling commercial and sport-fishing permits, writing citations for fishing without a license and in doing this, ensuring their paychecks. * As for monitoring the Ocean fisheries first hand, during the 45 years I’ve fished the So-Cal waters I have yet to see a DFG patrol boat leave it’s slip, much less observed it on the open water. Managing a fishery isn't rocket science. The basic requirement is simply the application of common sense. Here's the situation we're facing and bear in mind, this is not fiction.. !

The DFG places limits (number of fish) and size restrictions on a Sport Fishermen's catch and 99% of (us) adhere to these restrictions because we care about the marine habitants. If one of us hooks a California Halibut that's less than 22" long we'll return it, and we will not take more than the legal limit of any species. However, there are no limits or size restrictions placed on Commercial Fishermen who target Halibut, which explains why you're likely to find cold cases with 8" or 12" Halibut in fish markets. It’s easy to see why our Ocean suffers an adverse situation. A sport boat with 30 guys takes approximate 3 pounds of fish per rod on a one-day trip and returns all undersized fish. A commercial boat, capable of boating a ton of fish, keeps everything. The state of our fishery is bleak and it's not the fault of sport fishermen, and Commercial guys are just trying to make a living. Yet the DGF continues to sell permits that allow access to miles of California fishing grounds that only occasionally show quality fish. I recently received a reply to my concerns from a member of NOAA and was told the necessary changes will not come about through legislation, because we already have Marine Protection Acts. True. Unfortunately these Acts don’t protect our Ocean from the DFG's practices. The marine environment will recover and the fish will proliferate if they are given a chance, and in nature, this equates to one thing. Time. We need to close areas, which is relatively easy for the DGF to do, and has done. The problem is monitoring those areas for poachers and intruders. This requires two things. One, the incentive – genuine concern - to create a positive effect and two, the equipment and manpower - which can only be made available through private funding, i.e. Investors. Recently the DGF website posted info regarding their acquisition of 4 new high-speed patrol boats. I'll ask, what effect will 4 boats, managed by the DFG have upon 100 plus miles of coastline? Maybe some, but they’d have to leave their moorings first.

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