Over the last few days, I have gotten some flack from people angry with me for not approving their comments to posts on Instant Tea. Let me just clarify the situation.
There are terms of use you have to agree to to post a comment. If you violate those terms of service, I will not approve your post. If you name specific people and accuse them of knowingly engaging in illegal activity — without any proof that what you are saying is true — I will not approve your post. (And no, “So-and-so said that they heard…” is not proof enough for me.)
Most people who post comments on this blog do not use their real name, or they use only a first name. So if some of you get on here and get in a name-calling fight, I have no problem with that. But if it goes too far, I will delete the posts.
Trust me, whether a comment gets approved has nothing whatsoever with whether I agree with it, or whether I have some bias toward one opinion or another. It is instead all about whether I feel the comment could cause problems for my company or that it goes too far beyond the bounds of civil discourse. And yes, I am the one who gets to decide.
And it is a difficult job. I have helped to “police” blogs before myself and people think that something is in their head then has a proper right to be posted.
Keep up the good work.
and BTW — that is my real name! I am out and proud.
Got ya. Let’s put it this way. Anyone who is a regular at the Eagle, knows about the restroom activity. I suspect the Dallas police and TABC also know about it and just look the other way. So no, they are not trying to close down the Eagle or they would have done it a long time ago. Does that meet the criteria for you Tammye?
Tammye,
As I have said under previous postings as Daddy Oz… You are great at getting the information out and you are doing a fanaastic job! It is not about agreeing or disagreeing it is about being thoughtful, civil and contributing to the discussion rather than being sensationalistic and petty. If there are people who feel slighted then they can alway go to the open mic nght at Buzz Brews on Lemmon and voice their opinion…Which in a bit of irony is sponsored by the Dallas Voice. Keep up the good work…
One more thing… Anyone who is a regular at the Eagle knows how much money is raised for the community every year, close to $100,000 last year…
And restroom activity, unfortunately goes on everywhere, even straight bars…
You are absolutely correct that restroom activity goes on everywhere. My point was, TABC and the Dallas police could have used that at any time if they were really out to “get” the Eagle. By the way, the Eagle did not raise close to $100,000 last year, the customers that attended the events did, and that does not give you a get out of jail free card. I will not argue that it is not a good thing, it clearly is. But one could argue that if a criminal donated $100,000 to charity that we should just look the other way on their criminal activity. It’s not a valid argument.
Guy,
I was not excusing behavior I was just stating a fact. Also,the Eagle has taken huge steps in recent years to clean up its act…And yes, the people do raise the money but The Eagle provides the venue and the owners do contribute alot of money personally.. Also, I do not think the Eagle should be let off the hook if it turns out that they were in the wrong… I am not on here to be an apologist for The Eagle nor do I have any personal stake in this event I was just trying to make the point that when it comes to being gay in Texas my experience is that things are nver as they appear and it is usually discrimination towards our community. I guess we are just looking at this from to different viewpoints… I am also willing to give my gay brothers the benefit of the doubt and stand by them even if I am wrong this time… Respectfully…
Just so you know, legally you are not responsible for what people comment on your blogs, and censorship will get you no where. Just my 2 cents of course 🙂
@ Guy if you are going to make the comment “the Eagle did not raise close to $100,000 last year, the customers that attended the events did” then that would go for any group or venue that raises money for charitable organizations or events. Obviously people would have to attend and make donations for $$ to be given to these Charities.. And Police state did not say that the EAGLE solely raises the money or donated out of pocket the money. You should comment only on what was stated and not make a comment on what your interpretation was.. Here it is again for those who also may have misread……One more thing… Anyone who is a regular at the Eagle knows how much money is raised for the community every year, close to $100,000 last year…
I have some questions for TABC
Why cant they go to Establishments during the day when bars are setting up for the evening? If its truly a licensing Issue? Why wait til lthe bar is full and people are celebrating? If the bar has issues at 10PM I am sure those issues were existent earlier in the day?
Why do they have to use RAID tactics and have drawn guns and wear NINJA masks?
Why would TABC allow a bar to open if they know that the licensing is not valid? Isn’t that irresponsible on their part? I am sure TABC has this knowledge ahead of time and are not just siting around waiting to RAID bars or are they????
JimmyZ, read John Wright’s story covering this story. TABC went because they received a call with a complaint about them opening without a license at the new location. As to the $100,000 issue, allegedly raised at the Eagle for charity, let’s not forget that it is to the benefit of all bar/clubs to host these events since it increases their liquor sales. Just my two cents.
@carl smith – TO use youre reasoning regarding fund raising, then EVERY business or organization is guilty of this as they get their name out there when hosting or donating services or product to any charity event whether it be auction, dinner or entertainment. It is a norm in the practice of fund raising to promote your business as well. It gets you coverage and exposure which normally would cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. I myself am in the process of taking advantage of this outlet as I have donated my services a number of times now to causes which I believe to help out in raising money but also to gain that exposure needed to promote a fledgling business. Now, if the case is that the sales of said alcoholic beverages are not donated as well or at least a portion of them, then that may be another case for argument. But I can tell you, I donate 100% of my services with no expectation of payment, just the exposure and mention on any publicity material.
You people have WAY to much time on you’re hands.
What’s done is done.
Wait till the next “RAID”.
Has anyone seen Bruno????
@Bill Nickols, I do not know if the Eagle donated alll or a portion of the liquor sales. That is something you would have to ask them. I do know it is not standard practice for a bar/club to give a portion of the sales, but do usually make a generous donation. I speak as someone who owned a large gay club in Dallas for 12 years and hosted more charity events than I could count and made more donations than your average Joe could earn in a lifetime at events held in my club, other clubs, and other venues.
@Carl Exactly my point though. While we can point out the increase in bar sales, it is still commendable to hold such events and to donate to a charitable organization money they would normally not have. Just didn’t want a negative light put on the bar just because they had an increase in sales which might down play the original intent – which would be to raise funds for a charity.