The Dump

The Dump is:
For posting comments that don’t get up at the Drum, and for having a pleasant, mirthful or enlightening off-topic discussion.
It’s not for personal abuse of other commenters.
Please do that somewhere else if you must.
Play nicely or piss off.
However, why doesn’t a poster add a link for us to read and comment on here, much quicker. Maybe we can do a bit more bagging here, not that I speak for the moderators, yet.

NB: Being tiresome and boring, racist, sexist or just plain creepy is not playing nicely.

give a crap

———-

The Pig’s Arms exists because a dozen or so years ago our other favourite playpen – the ABC’s Unleashed blogsphere started to go off.  Like a sack of prawn heads  in the sun.  Something had to be done.

Moderation was taking forever.  Comments seemed to be rejected randomly – outrageous ones appeared and reasoned ones were pinged.   When they released the Drum / Unleashed ….. things actually got worse !

So many pieces from professional writers appear with no obvious merit.  And the moderation has become, to put it frankly, appalling.

As a former contributor and a commenter, I was deeply disappointed at the plummeting quality from our pre-eminent media empire.  And I resented so many challenging or dare I say, witty or funny posts in which we’ve invested seconds of our precious time – getting the chop.

So here, for all our benefit – is an open slather blog.  Copy and paste your best rejected comments here for posterity.  Does not matter whether you’re posting on the Guardian, First Dog on the Moon or wherever else.

And sprinkle pointers to the Pig’s Arms amongst your comments.  Let’s try to rescue some of the old faithful.

Cheers,

Emm.

15242 thoughts on “The Dump”

  1. Mick Gooda and Margaret White are now leading the Royal Commission. That looks a hell of a lot better now.

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  2. With all those videos of kids being assaulted repeatedly and mercilessly; has anyone been charged yet? I mean chucking kids on the concrete and pulling their pants down. Isn’t that child abuse?

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  3. Is it alright to assume anyone who gets tortured will be sued by the Government from now on? What about those on pensions, the disabled or those elderly folk in care or in the Blue-Haven retirement homes? Could they be next on the list?

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    • Only those carelessly overusing hearing aid batteries and incontinence pads.

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    • vivienne29's avatar vivienne29 said:

      Just goes from bad to worse to horrific. Weak as piss Turnbull.

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      • Can’t believe the stupidity. Turnbull could have endorsed Rudd who would then have been passed-over by the UN in favour of someone else. (Possibly Helen Clark of NZ)

        Liked by 1 person

        • vivienne29's avatar vivienne29 said:

          Yes and yes. On the international stage we are not only sadistic and beat children in detention, we also don’t have the guts to nominate an Aussie to the UN position. The world must think we are piss poor and we are thanks to gutless pathetic judgment free zone Turnbull. Imagine how things would be on the Drum – the place would be on fire with comments.

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        • vivienne29's avatar vivienne29 said:

          And while I’m at it – the Drum and no comments anywhere on anything on ABC. The Libs go on about their love of freedom of speech and how they hate being shut down and all that bull they complained about. Well we have no voice at all ! Liberals are all bastards.

          Liked by 1 person

        • Yes, It’s the Libs that should be in detention and hosed down. Could not think of anything more cheerful to contemplate than to get the whole mob’s pants pulled off and given a good lesson in freedom of expression.

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      • algernon1's avatar algernon1 said:

        All that Turnbull has demonstrated here is that he’s a lame duck PM. Compare Rudd for all his faults has strong diplomatic skills especially in the Asia Pacific region to Hockey the failed everything and the fascist right pick, being Australia’s Ambassador to Washington. The reality is that Rudd won’t get the job anyway.

        Weak and gutless, a failure and beholden. This week seems to reinforce that we’ll be back at the polls very soon and that the LNP is about to rip itself apart. Even the RC in the NT is an exercise in damage control rather than doing anything of value. Its terms of reference are too narrow. Strong leadership would see the NT Mayor dismissed and an Administrator installed.

        Liked by 1 person

        • vivienne29's avatar vivienne29 said:

          The first thing to do was to sack the NT government – just a big overgrown local council with a bunch of lib/nat thugs running the show. Absorb the territory back into South Australia. My first words were sack em and install adminstrators. We are as one Algy. We need some very cheery music !

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        • algernon1's avatar algernon1 said:

          Alas I haven’t had the time this week vivienne. Yep the NT is a glorified LGA and should be run from somewhere else apart from Darwin. Bit like Tasmania where it took just 26090 to elect a Senator. They should be absorbed into something else as well.

          Liked by 1 person

  4. vivienne29's avatar vivienne29 said:

    Am I correct in saying that our ABC is now the only on lines news service which does not allow any comments? Outrageous? Liberal meddling?

    Liked by 1 person

    • Sea Monster's avatar Sea Monster said:

      Maybe it’s a temporary resource thing. Maybe someone’s off sick. Maybe it’s permanent.

      It seems a bit lonely without the comments.

      But if you’re desperate to comment, you can comment on the stories on their Facebook page.

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  5. Elferink: “You want a ride back into town now or what?”

    Hanna: “I have my own ride, thanks. Thank you very much, Minister.”

    Elferink: “I thought you wanted to have a go on the bike, that’s all.”

    …….
    Hahaha he thought he was going to get a freebie from Caro Meldrum-Hanna.
    He would make a great SS officer — Funning psychopath

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    • algernon1's avatar algernon1 said:

      And the Territory wants statehood. Yet they let animals treat children like that. The minister I mean what a joke he is, yet he has many ministries. Listening to the excuses from people who are positions of authority is sickening. One wonders what Pantsdown might think or say soon.

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    • Yes, Elferink is rewarded by taking a break from the corrections portfolio, but stays of as attorney General. All functioning well in NT.

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    • vivienne29's avatar vivienne29 said:

      The NT government should be sacked. Put in an administrator – they do that to councils. Idiots and thugs running the show – end it. Selling the port to Chinese was appalling and proof they are brainless bruts.

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    • After watching these video images, it’s normal human reaction to blame people. I prefer to blame ‘the system.’ These children may be described as ratbags and criminals by people who are effected by their petty (or otherwise) criminal activities but the reality is, most of these children have severe mental health problems. This is not just a ‘law & order’ issue. What we are seeing in these images is pure U.S. style “three strikes, you are out” punishment and torture. There should be a more humane way to rehabilitate these children; first, by use of our Universal Health Care system, and second, by examining ‘our way of life’ to identify the conditions that create mental health problems in our society. Demonising one section of the society and focussing on a child hooded and strapped to a chair in a prison cell and then setting up a royal commission is not the way to go. Alcoholism, gambling, drugs, right wing individualism and free choice, lack of parenting, teachers are not allowed to say (or teach) what is right and what is wrong to children anymore; these are some of the problems.

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  6. vivienne29's avatar vivienne29 said:

    Apparently Brandis appointed himself chief scrutineer at the Herbert recount.

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  7. algernon1's avatar algernon1 said:

    Ivanka Trump delivers Michelle Obama’s speech grom 2008 and thought no one would notice. If Donald gets up it wil be a case a of dumb and dumber. Looks like the Republicans could teach the Liberals a thing or two about putting lipstick on a pig.

    Liked by 1 person

  8. algernon1's avatar algernon1 said:

    So good to see Pauline Pantsdowns be shat upon from a great height on Q&A. She vomits ignorance. She is revolting utterly revolting.

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  9. vivienne29's avatar vivienne29 said:

    In the Coalition it seems if you are not a Minister you are an Assistant Minister. Ridiculous!

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  10. vivienne29's avatar vivienne29 said:

    Not open to comment. Verrender does a good piece today.

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  11. vivienne29's avatar vivienne29 said:

    ABC analysis and opinion. Now all are pontificating on world news/affairs. Silly buggers not even aware May appointed a Brexit Minister – not Boris’ job !

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    • algernon1's avatar algernon1 said:

      Well they are all experts on many subjects. The Murdoch toady has wrecked the place.

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      • vivienne29's avatar vivienne29 said:

        Aren’t they just. Wild speculations and when I was in England half a life time ago and blah blah blah. splerkkk

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        • algernon1's avatar algernon1 said:

          I was speaking with some friends just after the Brexit vote. One of them English who’s a Professor at one of the universities and had been in England as well who would have grown up through the Thatcher years. The other who hadn’t been there. Like you I lived there for a period. The one who hadn’t been there waxed on about her, The English born and myself looked at on another and both said well it depends which side of Watford Gap you live. He worked in Durham and spoke of the miners who would march on a particular day complete with bands yet the mine had been closed down for years.

          We all agreed though we don’t know what it will mean going forward.

          Can you imagine though. Boris rising to the occasion. Trump as President and Adolf rolling Turnbull. The boofheads of the world rise up!

          Liked by 1 person

    • signing in.

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  12. vivienne29's avatar vivienne29 said:

    Last night’s Q & A was a ripper.

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  13. algernon1's avatar algernon1 said:

    Why the brouhaha about closing the drum last week. There’s a post up for comments.

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    • Yes, saw that 30 minutes ago. No explanation at all.

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    • Sea Monster's avatar Sea Monster said:

      In-house author and on normal ABC News site with ABC News staff. They’re the changes they flagged.

      I”m interested to see if they stick with the in-house author thing.

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      • algernon1's avatar algernon1 said:

        To a certain extent that’s what most of them were. I agree If this is the new world how long before they change

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      • vivienne29's avatar vivienne29 said:

        Fascinating, but now they’ve got this : This article was originally published in The Conversation. Read the original article.

        Victoria Honeyman is Lecturer in British Politics, University of Leeds.
        …..who is not an ABC staffer.

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        • The ABC has links with TC. When Factchecks was stopped, TC took over, but probaby academics doing it for free. Likewise plenty of Conversation articles have been republished on the Drum. Likewise, they are probably free!!

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        • vivienne29's avatar vivienne29 said:

          Yes, that’d be it.

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        • This is from their website:

          “The Conversation is a collaboration between editors and academics to provide informed news analysis and commentary that’s free to read and republish.”

          “We are committed to knowledge-based, ethical and responsible journalism. You can republish our articles for free. We have no paywall.”

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    • vivienne29's avatar vivienne29 said:

      WTF?

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  14. vivienne29's avatar vivienne29 said:

    Lehan gone. Very sad to hear. I was worried out her state of mind and I just didn’t know what to say on her last contribution. She often wrote things of great insight on the Drum but was ignored.

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  15. algernon1's avatar algernon1 said:

    Closed for the last time. Vale

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    • Vale the Drum. The Drum is dead, long live the Dump.

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      • algernon1's avatar algernon1 said:

        :):)

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      • Yes, long live the Dump. The Drum has been headijg down the pan for a long while, I guess it was inevitable.

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        • A real shame Big, nearly a decade I reckon.

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        • algernon1's avatar algernon1 said:

          I thought I started at Unleashed in October 2007. from memory it had only been going about two weeks then. It was the lead up to the 2007 election. I found that often I’d spend time there when I should have been working. At least they kept the posts open for two weeks instead of the day. The early days were fun. Nowaday the political staffers and party member mushrooms pollute the place. Much of the fun and camaraderie of the place had gone as a result.

          At least the Pigs Arms is still going.

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        • vivienne29's avatar vivienne29 said:

          That’s my recollection too Algy. I remember one on climate change and two or three chaps debated for days on end with amazing information and detail.

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  16. vivienne29's avatar vivienne29 said:

    Chip has just written his first and last piece for the Drum. Farewell etc.

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  17. All the best Algernon, see you over at the Pigs Arms. BTW I voted Labor as I’m now in a marginal seat and for the first time in my voting career felt as though my vote counted. Labor lost the seat but it did go down to the wire. The Liberal candidate won, Ann Invisible her name is.

    Just posted this, can’t see it getting up. I did get to kick off one of the Iraq war pieces, pretty amazing that I beat the yank.

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  18. algernon1's avatar algernon1 said:

    WSDD:
    08 Jul 2016 8:03:59am
    Shorten, has said, ” Turnbull’s” problems are just beginning!
    Hardly a conciliatory opening, to help the $15 m voters.

    Reply Alert moderator

    Sea Monster:
    08 Jul 2016 8:49:03am
    Who are these fifteen million dollar voters and why do they need help?

    Reply Alert moderator

    WSDD:
    08 Jul 2016 10:12:23am
    Ha ha. Too used to putting dollar signs in my iPhone, Sea.

    I ll take this opportunity to correct my post, too.

    Shorten used the word, nightmare, as if he intends to haunt Turnbull and thwart him from functional government.

    Reply Alert moderator

    Algernon:
    08 Jul 2016 10:52:04am
    Yes I agree SM where’s my $15m.

    Reply Alert moderator

    Alfie:
    08 Jul 2016 11:48:24am
    “where’s my $15m.”

    Typical leftard Algernon – always after someone else’s money.

    Reply Alert moderator

    You’ve got to wonder about the little turd brain Alfie. No humour in him at all. One won’t miss the manure he writes.

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  19. algernon1's avatar algernon1 said:

    Gee there is some pure unadulterated shit been written there at the Drum today. Strike rate of 1;5. Lets hope the final hurrah is a good one.

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    • algernon1's avatar algernon1 said:

    • algernon1's avatar algernon1 said:

      Last day, bst register at The Guardian. I’ve put in a plug for the Pigs as well

      Liked by 1 person

      • algernon1's avatar algernon1 said:

        The only one not getting up though today is the ad for the Pigs. Need to have another go.

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        • algernon1's avatar algernon1 said:

          It got up!

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        • vivienne29's avatar vivienne29 said:

          You’ve scored big time today Algy. Well done.

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          • Algernon:

            08 Jul 2016 12:23:58pm

            What nonsense FF. You are using two two separate arguments and conflating them.

            The government is trying to privatise Medicare by stealth. Try this for example. I saw a specialist today as I have for a few years. They charged the same as they have for those few years. The difference is that I get $37 back now where it was double that two years ago.

            Yes perhaps some things need to change but that doesn’t mean privatisation. Perhaps the medicare levy could be raised 1%, but we can’t do that the Liberals would scream a great big new tax!

            The point I make about a co payment is that I can afford it. there are those I know where its the difference between eating or seeing someone about a medical condition.

            Reply Alert moderator

            [Spot on Ace, 100% agree]

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        • algernon1's avatar algernon1 said:

          All but two up. One with the Pigs http in it and the other in reply to the idiot Alfie. pointing out he should lighten up with the thread I posted here. Even the walker saw the humour of his own making.

          Nice to go out a winner. I’m AlgernonBennelong at the Guardian.

          Freddy is a twit, He doesn’t get that forcing people to pay even a small amount will stop them from seeking help, has no idea what universal health care means. Seems hed prefer the system of 50 years ago when people died of preventable illnesses rather than see a Doctor. What a sad excuse they are.

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        • Is the Guardian free? Looked at it today and thought would blog as Sir Hung

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        • algernon1's avatar algernon1 said:

          Well I got this email with a list for commenting. I guess it is. Viv might be able to tell us more.

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        • algernon1's avatar algernon1 said:

          I see Freddy was a f%@kwit to the last Hung

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        • vivienne29's avatar vivienne29 said:

          Guardian is free and easy to sign up to comment on anything where comments are open. I comment occasionally and sometimes often on one thing. VJOliver at the Guardian.

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        • vivienne29's avatar vivienne29 said:

          At Independent Australia I am Stuffed Olive. I comment on and off depending on the article. You’ll generally find you’re in company with a lot of like minds. Optional to pay to become a member. I’ve paid.

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        • algernon1's avatar algernon1 said:

          The comments are instant at the Guardian unlike the Drum where you were at the whim of the moderators.

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  20. Katter is going to back the LNP, can you believe that!!

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  21. Therese, is it legal to provide a link to an article on another website and ask people to discuss it on this site?

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  22. Sir Hung One On OCD:

    06 Jul 2016 3:15:31pm

    I agree with everything you say and have said SoZ and yes I’m insane. I even have a doctors certificate to prove it. All the best.

    Reply Alert moderator
    Big M:

    06 Jul 2016 3:37:06pm

    Yes,SoZ, thanks for being one of a handful at the Drum who make a useful contribution.

    Reply Alert moderator
    [Hey, a sister act, yo 🙂 ]

    Liked by 1 person

    • It would be nice to be able to say a cheerio to those funny/useful/intelligent folk, and a fuck off/kick up the anus for the others, before it’s shut down!

      Liked by 2 people

      • I agree Big. SoZ had the right qualities to transfer here to the Arms but many at the Drum would struggle with the quirkiness of the Arms, maybe not serious enough.
        V would be a great article writer however Zing would get ringed as we are to left wing for it.

        Liked by 1 person

      • algernon1's avatar algernon1 said:

        Ben, Alfie, Claidius, Albo to name a few. Not to mention the man of many pseudo’s.

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        • Yes, Algy, moderating those f-wits would be extremely time consuming. I would put my hand up to help, but, as you probably notice from my posts, I work 12.5 hour shifts, so am out of the house for over 14 hours at a stretch.

          I did get lambasted for reposting someone else’s witty reply to some of the walker of dogs trolling, here at the PA.

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        • Moderating here at the Arms carries a certain amount of trust. Once your initial comment is accepted then you can comment at your own desire.

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  23. vivienne29's avatar vivienne29 said:

    The sods have put new You Said It up. Algy gone. Shit, the last YSI was there for most of the year and now they update it !

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    • Just notice that myself Viv. I have become invisible at the moment, nothing getting through.

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      • vivienne29's avatar vivienne29 said:

        I think in fact only one moderator at the Drum and she/he is thinking WTF.
        I got a few up but elsewhere a big blank. See Hung scored a couple of one liners.
        There’s been some quality comments today some from old foes.

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  24. Here’s an opportunity. If WE – that is us, not just Hung and myself, want to publicise that we are open for business, provided that we do some preparation, for an onslaught, we can advertise the pub’s existence on the Drum before it goes.
    And (I apologise, but I’m really short of cash) we might sell some modest advertising along the way.
    Biggest problem is me not getting sued.
    Bit hilarious that we might outlive the ABC !
    What say you, PA regulars ?

    Like

    • Splendid idea Therese. I was thinking the same 🙂

      (gotta go out now, see you tonight)

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    • Certainly

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    • algernon1's avatar algernon1 said:

      I put up a music list once a week Emm. 😦

      Liked by 1 person

      • Sorry, Algy. Your regular playlists are very much appreciated. And I know how much time and care it takes to put one together.

        I should have been a bit more precise – I was talking about moderation – which becomes a big job when you have mass transit through a site. See below Viv’s cautionary comment below.

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        • algernon1's avatar algernon1 said:

          It wasn’t a criticism Emm, more tongue in cheek. I’m with you regarding the moderation though. Whilst It would be nice if more people commented here you’d have to wonder who might come. There are some complete nutters at the Drum, serious issues for some of them.

          I would also not like to see what happened here a few years ago either where one ended up being banned and reference to them seeing comments sent elsewhere.

          If we could encourage a few though and get then to post an article well. It’s amazing that the Pigs has lasted some 7.5 years. Unleased/The Drum is almost 9. What a pity an ex Murdoch is playing to the Murdoch tune. Guess one will need to play elsewhere on the odd occasion

          Liked by 2 people

      • You carried the Arms at times Ace. I guess this site could work if we were able to get a wide range of contributors. The Drum is very political, you’re musical and have a great sense of combining artists, I can write an occasional funny story but often go for long periods where nothing comes to mind. Big M is the same and MJ has to earn a living first. I’m not sure as what to do.

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  25. Breaking News:
    *****************
    “The ABC has axed its opinion website The Drum in a cost-saving move which is the first significant decision taken by new managing director Michelle Guthrie.”

    Well, I was expecting something like this from Michelle Guthrie – an ex-employee of Merd-ock .

    Don’t say I didn’t warn you before. I was right.

    Adieu Drum

    Like

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