Ever watch Keith Olbermann? Ever seen his Special Comments? I’m ripping it off.

When the votes tab first came online, I think everyone expected there to be controversy. But the fact that it has enveloped theLwerd, a noted member of the site, has become quite a divisive issue. She has become the poster girl for vote-bombing, and things that were long left in the past have come back to surface.

The sides might seem similar – Nags, the Mongs, and others on one side; Lwerd, Vi, and others on the opposite – yet this has also attracted unwilling participants. Leet4A1, a member notorious for his laid back personality, was roped in. Logical-Master, another member known for rising above the fray, is also involved. Accusations fly. Ad hominems are prevalent. AskBob, administrator of this site, and perennially banned member of DDO, is playing the part of “the voice of reason/DDO” – emphasis on “playing.” Its chaos, as much as chaos can be within an online community.

In the midst of all of this, no one seems to have realized the effect it has on the ‘community.’ It might seem like just another ripple, but its a ripple that has inflamed old wounds. Its animosity that is being let out in a very sustained manner – and it doesn’t look like it will let up too soon.

Lwerd will continue to claim her right to do as she did, on the basis of suspected vote-bombing against her, and it is an excuse that will continue to fall short. Mongeese will press the issue ad nauseum, attempting to correct the bombing and trying to take the moral high road, and yet I don’t think anyone really takes it at face value. And people will continue to mediate; to call an end to the fighting; to express their views on how absurd it is; yet their cries will be almost pointless, and sometimes, even hollow.

So as this ‘ripple’ takes its toll on the members of DDO, maybe we should all take a pause, and look at what is happening. Maybe we should start addressing the issues that start up these fights. Maybe we should learn to have a little respect, and a little integrity, and not pray that Phil continues his half-assed administration of the site. Maybe people should start treating DDO like a real community, as we constantly say it is – and not the dustbin for our pent-up hatred and anger.

I won’t claim to speak for DDO, but I’m willing to bet that no one wants this bullshit to continue.