Thursday, May 8, 2008

clear as a window

I guess I could have been more clear.
But they did do a major shift between Monday and Tuesday.

Some people just like to criticize and will find fault with anything.
Its a beautiful day today. So tell me what is wrong with it while im out enjoying it.
I am thinking about moderating comments. Is there any reason that those of us who are interested in being progressive about the town should have to listen to the boo birds?

Anyway. This thing might work.
From this point forward, all windows that have to be replaced must be replaced with glass - or a hard transparent substance. Or they can be filled in to look like the rest of the building.

This applies to the downtown too. They were not real clear about that Tuesday night, so Im sorry if i didnt get that just right. The replacing windows with glass from this point forward also applies to the downtown area immediately. It becomes official whenever the legal ad comes out in the paper, probably this week.

The new twist is that they plan to rezone the downtown area so that tin and plywood will not be acceptable.
I think the city has a plan that it is giving the planning commission - or at least suggestions - .
It is not like the planning commission is going to be starting from scratch.

The city commission can also reject it and send it back to them.

21 comments:

Anonymous said...

It is a beautiful day, but there are some boo birds and that is annoying. ;)

I never can tell if the boo birds are the people who are negative and insist that the window coverings in downtown remain, therefore making the town look bad, presumably a negative thing, or if the boo birds are the ones who are saying that the Commission should do something other than cave in to these demands, delay the decisions and eventually accommodate the wishes of the businesses to not maintain their storefronts.

Or maybe the boo bird is the one who says that opposing viewpoints should be stricken from the thread, so I guess everybody on the thread would be a boo bird.

Spiro Agnew used to call people "nattering nabobs of negativism", but that was only because he was an intellectual lightweight who couldn't come up with any reasons for his opinions, didn't want to recognize opposition (to the Viet Nam war) and didn't want to possibly make changes for the betterment of the U.S.

Therefore, "nattering nabobs of negativism". He used it to call people with opposing viewpoints a name.

From what I can tell the results of all of the discussion on this blog hasn't amounted to a hill of beans and very few people do anything in AC other than blindly accept the actions of the Commission, no matter how, well, ... whatever.

My post was the original one to complain about how the downtown looked crappy and the windows should be fixed. I guess that was a negative comment, but it may have a possibility of actually bearing fruit and improving the town. But with the Commission's actions, I scratch my head and wonder.

It will probably turn into another Lowes fiasco, where all things point to one thing, but the fix is in and in the end, it is a paper tiger.

In any case, I can't tell if my original post was negative because it complained about something that was wrong, or if it was a positive thing because it leads to the improvement in downtown.

On other threads, I have been called negative as a called name, and been told that that was just the way my reputation is, kind of like the Agnew thing, by posters who really had no opinion of their own other than the interest to call me a name.

So, on the question of whether negative means complaining about problems and identifying issues to change or if negative is sitting on one's hands and letting the town deteriorate, I will leave these decisions and issues to others.

And have a nice day.

Anonymous said...

instead of negatively questioning what the commissions thoughts and plans are, is there anyone that can find out the real scoop?

I don't mind suggesting all of the stupid things they might or could do, I would rather know what is really going on. Is it possible to find out, or shall we listen to idle speculation from people who insist it can only get worse?

Traveler Editor said...

>>>>>>whether negative means complaining about problems and identifying issues to change >>>>

Negative is like where someone posted earlier about how the paper never gets anything right . What does that mean?
Negative is pointing fingers but offering no solutions.
Negative is always finding something wrong and never having anything good to say.
its really not that complicated. ":)



<<<< is there anyone that can find out the real scoop?>>>>

we have told you - i have told you - what the real deal is.
today i was just clarifying that the ordinance applies to downtown buildings immediately.
the zoning issue is now a separate issue.

>>>>>>it possible to find out, or shall we listen to idle speculation from people who insist it can only get worse?>>>>

I really dont see a conspiracy here.
its rather simple.
you gotta replace windows - from now forward - with glass, all over town regardless of where the building is.


they are also going to re-zone the historical area to require glass - or some other hard transparent substance -
This is to help fend off a lawsuit that might come.

a lawsuit could keep everything tied up for years, whether it won or lost wouldnt even matter.

Thats the real deal.
believe it or not :)

Am i an a mood today?
hmmmmm
guess im just feeling grouchy.
:)

Anonymous said...

So does your story in the paper indicate they have a plan they want to puch through the planning board, or do they want the planning board to come up with a plan? I'm not sure how to read it.

Is there any indication what it is or how it might work other than zoning? Will it make them replace the metal and wood immediately, within a specified time, or only as it falls out?

Since it is already an historic district isn't it already zoned for specific repairs?

These are questions I'd like to see answered publicly, but if the details are not woth printing, who would I contact to find out for myself?

Anonymous said...

You worry too much about negativity.
The mere fact that this blog exists, breeds negative feedback.
People would have no reason to read this if it weren't for those who question the valadity, and the accuracy of the drivel we get crammed down our throats under the guise of news.

If the folks who are in charge of this blog, and the news would pull their heads out of Oklahoma, and other things that have no bearing on the life or death of this city, would channel their energies here, then maybe, just maybe the negativity would decrease.

Maybe if the facts were presented as they are, without the all the editorial rhetoric, people could get a clear picture of what is going on, and not have to respond in a negative manner to get you to present a clear concise picture of what is actually happening.

Focus your energies here, use one of the most powerful and influencal medias at hand to inform and educate the people who rely on your paper to get the accurate and unbiased local news, the news which we use to base a large part of our decisons, and some of the negative responses posted here.

Don't be afraid to be accurate, and don't be afraid to step on some toes,don't be afraid to ask questions. I was taught that was what journalism was all about.
That was a long time ago, maybe things have changed that much, that you just mindlessly publish whatever comes across your desk, without any investigation in to the validity, or the completness of the news. Half truths, and incomplete information, are worse than no informtion at all.

If this is the best that you can do, the best that we can hope for, then I am sorry for you, me, the people that you work for and our city.

Like I said before, negativity is bred by the quality of the information that is presented.

Anonymous said...

"I am thinking about moderating comments. Is there any reason that those of us who are interested in being progressive about the town should have to listen to the boo birds?"

Well, I can guarantee you that readership of this blog will drop off immensely if and when you start censoring people's opinions. The only reason people come here is to express their opinions, and if the only opinion represented here is yours, then why bother. Your's is not the only opinion that counts, but it is your blog, so do what you will... just don't expect us to read it if we aren't able to respond to it or criticize it.

Anonymous said...

But since the majority of responders seem to be here just to push their negative opinions, wouldn't it be just as well to lose those people?

Anonymous said...

How boring would it be to just get one side of every opinion or event?

Here's how it could go:

James: The supreme court today said that it is the right of all Americans to keep and bear arms. I disagree. Guns kill people. Only police should be allowed to carry guns.

Anonymous #1: You are so right James. Last week a gun jumped off the counter at a gun store and killed 12 people before it ran out of bullets.

Anonymous #2: James, you are so brilliant. I agree with everything you say. Keep up the good work.

Anonymous #3, 4, 5 & 6: Oh James, you are so smart. I just love coming here to read your blog

Is that really what you want? Censorship is never a good thing.

Anonymous said...

sg , that is fantastic , made me laugh out loud , thank you

Traveler Editor said...

Ok, here are some legitimate questions someone posted.
This is how to question things without being negative.
I will say that you have a right to be negative, but do i not also have a right to have an opinion about that as well?

see below

So does your story in the paper indicate they have a plan they want to puch through the planning board, or do they want the planning board to come up with a plan? I'm not sure how to read it.
>>>>
i really thought it was obvious, i guess it could have been clearer. They have been working on a plan for months, its been in the paper for months .
yes, they are going to send their plan to the planning commission..
Sorry if that wasnt clear.
...........
>>>>>>>

Is there any indication what it is or how it might work other than zoning?

It is the same plan they have been working on from the beginning. make people put windows up instea of plywood or tin.
The point of zoning is to get around potential lawsuists= = that was in the paper.
THey feel zoning gives them a stronger legal footing.
The zoning really is a separate issue
>>>>>>>>


Will it make them replace the metal and wood immediately, within a specified time, or only as it falls out?

All over town, when something falls out, it has to be replaced with glass.. period.
In the historial area, the same applies now.
with zoning, they will likely have a year to get it fixed.
that time frame could be adjusted.
>>>>>>




Since it is already an historic district isn't it already zoned for specific repairs?

This is a complicated issue. the simple answer is "no"





These are questions I'd like to see answered publicly, but if the details are not woth printing, who would I contact to find out for myself?

Good questions.
did this clear them up.
the last one is really more complicated than a simple yes or no, and involves a lot of things.
i could find out if you like

Traveler Editor said...

Ok, here are some legitimate questions someone posted.
This is how to question things without being negative.
I will say that you have a right to be negative, but do i not also have a right to have an opinion about that as well?

see below

So does your story in the paper indicate they have a plan they want to puch through the planning board, or do they want the planning board to come up with a plan? I'm not sure how to read it.
>>>>
i really thought it was obvious, i guess it could have been clearer. They have been working on a plan for months, its been in the paper for months .
yes, they are going to send their plan to the planning commission..
Sorry if that wasnt clear.
...........
>>>>>>>

Is there any indication what it is or how it might work other than zoning?

It is the same plan they have been working on from the beginning. make people put windows up instea of plywood or tin.
The point of zoning is to get around potential lawsuists= = that was in the paper.
THey feel zoning gives them a stronger legal footing.
The zoning really is a separate issue
>>>>>>>>


Will it make them replace the metal and wood immediately, within a specified time, or only as it falls out?

All over town, when something falls out, it has to be replaced with glass.. period.
In the historial area, the same applies now.
with zoning, they will likely have a year to get it fixed.
that time frame could be adjusted.
>>>>>>




Since it is already an historic district isn't it already zoned for specific repairs?

This is a complicated issue. the simple answer is "no"





These are questions I'd like to see answered publicly, but if the details are not woth printing, who would I contact to find out for myself?

Good questions.
did this clear them up.
the last one is really more complicated than a simple yes or no, and involves a lot of things.
i could find out if you like

Traveler Editor said...

Im in a better mood today.
Camped out on the river last night, stayed dry even with the thunderstorm.

Anyways, You guys know what negativity is.
It gets to people sometimes.

But if a person has a right to be negative, dont i have a right to point out that they are being negative? and to even be negative back :)

Disagreeing - or pointing out problems - is not negativity necessarily.
But some people just do it to be doing it. THey are not interested in actually solving anything.
I can tell the difference and I think most of you can too :)

Anonymous said...

I'm tired of reading the incorrect information here and in the paper. Here is real story as I've taken the time to check.

The ordinance in a nutshell says glass from this day forward for every opening in town. Not good enough for you Lagonda?

The zoning is a specific plan developed by the commission that needs to go through the planning commission in order to be adopted. It will apply to the downtown. It is what will go retro and require people like sybrant to take out the junk in their window openings and replace with glass.

Clear enough?

Anonymous said...

is lagonda french for blowhard or italian for butthole?

Anonymous said...

Lagonda is short for Lagonda Pot. They are washed up. A has been. They think they know a lot. But they sit in their coffee meetings at bricks or browns and pretend to know a lot. They draw on their vast knowledge of having lived here for 50 years and cite old facts about insignificant things. They should give it up and go back to having their nose up the aci hnb butt.

Anonymous said...

No, I think Lagonda just likes to debate and get people fired up on topics. Maybe that IS what our town needs. Someone that will get things stirred up!

Anonymous said...

Sounds like it's about time for some folks to meet at the Hogan.

SoJames, let me get this straight... negative opinions have no place on your board, but some people calling other people "buttholes" or "blowhards", or saying how they are "washed up" and "has beens" is perfectly okay?

I guess it depends on which side of your opinion they land on, huh James!?

Keep givin' em hell Lagonda... It's no fun to have only one sided opinions (even when I'm on the other side).

-SG23246G

Traveler Editor said...

I guess it depends on which side of your opinion they land on, huh James!?


Ive explained what i meant by negativity.
You're twisting things around here.

Am i the only one who cannot respond to personal attacks?

:)

Anonymous said...

My question is, how will the city know what windows will apply? How will they be able to tell the difference between a window which was boarded up before or after the ordinance was passed?

I'd bet that if someone reports a window (not talking about downtown here), the owner will be ordered to repair it (whether it was retro or not).

Am I wrong, or just completely missing the point?

Traveler Editor said...

I'd bet that if someone reports a window (not talking about downtown here), the owner will be ordered to repair it (whether it was retro or not).
>>>>
perhaps they should :)
>>>

Am I wrong, or just completely missing the point?


I think you are correct, but there will always be a way around things.
If they agree to retro - there will be lots of complaints, if they say no retro, there will be lots of complaints.

They are trying to do something. Those that dont take care of their stuff would complain either way.

How will they know ?
It will be the building inspector's call.

Anonymous said...

It doesn't matter when the repair took place if they go retro. Do you know what retro means and how it works?

By the way, Lagonda is the name of the building across the street from the Courier in Winfield. Me thinks someone at the Courier is blogging on their sister paper's site and thinks they are very clever because they are "stirring things up" to create traffic on their own blog. Ooooh how sneaky. Too bad it doesn't sell any more papers.