Hahahahaa, yes I agree 100%. You know what, I have no idea what any of that means, and really, I don’t want to. 
As everyone knows, I have no idea as far as how the “internet of things” works. Likes, Clicks, Followers can be bought, Feeders to sponsors, Posers as posters can be bought. Monetizing, marketing, branding, yeesh it makes my head hurt.
This having been said, and remembering how cynical I can be when it comes to business, well I’m fairly satisfied with the mods. They have been quite responsive to my flags calling out some stealth marketers. I have a pet peeve with people putting a blog link on a post or profile. Blogs are revenue generating products in my mind , no matter what. They can also be used for Branding, I have heard. So someone puts a link in for a blog, guess what, free advertisement, my view anyway. I don’t care if it is not blatant at this time, it will be. But the Robot Elders allow it as long as it is not clearly a violation of the terms. No problem, just a different view.
As far as the “Copy Pasters”, that is a minor irritation for me, I don’t like it, and I think it’s stupid, but not a deal breaker. Some of Ya’ll work in digital media, so the issue of copy-write infringement is near and dear to you, so, you are more vocal than most. Don’t get me wrong now, it is wrong, and shows disregard for decency and honesty. But to a majority of folks, its not a big deal, remember Napster?
Also the phrase “trader community”, honestly, means nothing to me. I know it sounds antisocial and sociopathic, but there it is. There are certain people I enjoy and have enjoyed interacting with here and ET over the years. Many of those from the past are gone, blown up, found they could not trade, and or moved on to other endeavors. It happens, and will continue to happen. The concept of online community is in my opinion, well overstated most of the time, not just here but everywhere. Most trading sites are 1. a business, 2. a corporation with, I assume, directors. It is not based on lofty standards and goals. Just the pursuit of Alpha. More clicks, mo’ money.
Now the key to dealing with this is to ignore, report, ridicule the most egregious of the weirdos/trolls/scammers. I know, a lot of contradictions there. But that is how I approach the situation. Some I ignore, some I report, some I bite. For example making outrageous claims, prove it, prove it, prove it, rinse and repeat.
Now someone wanted to build a community online, well, put up the money, open a free site, and then hammer all suspicious posters. I think you will find, that you have narrowed it down to maybe 10-20 people. Seriously, people in general do not want to hear the realities about trading. When I post a minimum of people are truly interested, now compare that to ICT, you can see the difference. He offers them salvation, while I teach. Most boards, no strike that, all boards have guru leaders, telling folks, its easy, follow me. Ya’ll know this, I’m not telling you anything new.
As far as Lexys, well seemed like a nice enough person, but I think she thought she was more than what she was. Quite honestly she seemed a bit demanding for someone who had no “skin” in the game. Remember none of us here are indispensable, and when we come here, we have no “rights”. Here in the states people confuse the constitution with business. " Congress shall make no law respecting… or abridging the freedom of speech"…
Note, Congress, not The Internet Forums, work, private property, etc, these folks still can limit speech. Bottom line, if you argue enough with your boss, the bartender, the Robot Elders, you will be shown the door. I heard about the emoji, and a vendor etc etc etc, seems like a lot of emotion for a trader in all honesty. Maybe it’s all just my different viewpoint that makes it hard for me to relate to that level of emotion, over well a molehill. .
Also, I have at times been disgruntled with the Robot Elders in the past, but I calm down, and think about, if I can save a few from having to be burned, well then it is worth it to me. So my suggestion is, those of us who site at the outsiders table in the cafeteria, just continue to enjoy each others company for as long as it lasts, it beats sitting alone.
The Ever Outsider VIPER