Re: Politics, bashing, flaming, and baiting

[Ron Pond]

But its dismal that radios don't take precedence. Why not Guys?

Maybe it's because there more important issues going on in the world to consider at this point in time than radios.

I would suggest that if anybody does not like which topics are allowed here, they should return to the increasingly cloistered world of ARF and its overzealous moderation.

I don't see anything remotely related to flame wars on members here, so what is the problem?

The owner of this site sees fit to allow political discussion, just as Alan at ARF does not, and I am sure if anything untoward occurs here, it will be moderated accordingly.

Ron.

[mikeinkcmo]

There are a number of ways to handle the "political problem". Some boards specifically prohibit it, banning anyone who speaks up, many such boards simply become little clicks with few participants; Constantly monitoring and chastizing, a real headache for everyone, including the bystanders; or simply create a form for such persuits.

I suggest the latter. A specific forum for political affectionados and general "misfits" . Doing so seems to keep it volentarily well confined, and those also participating in other forums on the board have little problem keeping to the subject at hand. Many boards I visit have a specific forum for said prupose. I generally don't participate but sometimes find the topics interesting.

They are pretty freewheeling and seem minimally monitored, BUT, they keep the social, or anti-social if you prefer, traffic off the other forums. Looking around at the other forums on each site, one can see they are free of political and other extranious banter


The First Example This is a "catchall" type forum as described here;

As the name implies, this is the place to ramble on about anything (well...just about anything) that has absolutely nothing to do with woodworking. Also known as "the Basement." Rules of conduct: 1. Be nice, especially to newbies. 2. No personal attacks. 3. No graphical swearing, nudity, explicit sexual language. No linking to sites with any of those items. First offense gets a 30 day timeout. 4. Political post titles will have the Capitol Building icon in front of the title. Any political post without that icon will be deleted.


The Second Example This one seems strictly political, and the "rules of engagement" are very short.

[Bill Cahill]

Here's one from our board owner:

http://tuberadio.heavenforum.com/the-clubhouse-f1/al-gore-his-green-t104.htm

And from ARF when he was telling that he had opened this board:

Lets hope you are not right... I don't care if folks vent their anger/opinions whatever... as long as it does not get vulgar, stabbing, racial or discriminative it should be ok... If one speaks their mind and gets flames for a reason... It's a different story... I will try to leave the thread open with a warning, and lock it if it gets out of hand... No disappearing posts

I am confident my moderators will do an exemplary job as they are good folk...

Robert

Ps, BDM, I couldn't agree more with you about the catlin thing...

Here is what i am trying to get across here... I will have the forum moderated, But not smothering or over-moded... It is my first anything on computer... I hope more of you guys will come... How do you think it should be conducted... Opnions are needed,

Thanks
Robert

The point is, Robert has established rules, but he was trying to make it so that you don't have a mod breathing down your neck on every post, ready to pounce. And yet we have thread like the pirate standoff thread where there was some political discussion, but not over the top. People just voicing an opinion. And what happened? Bill jumps in a calls it a flame war, and locks the thread.

The problem as I see it, is the mods are trying to apply all of Alan's rules here. Everyone says that we should be posting radio items as it's a radio forum. But the clubhouse is for NON RADIO postings. I think as long as there isn't cussing, racism, etc, that everyone needs to grow up, realize that you are big boys and girls (old enough to hold a hot soldering iron for God's sake) and relax.

Excuse me, but, I said it was turning into a flame war. By the way, I'm co-owner, so, if you don't like it, complain to Robert.
I am just as free about it as he, but, as Robert, I will NOT tolerate bashing. Bashing of the President had started.
Bill Cahill

[Resistance is Futile]

But the clubhouse is for NON RADIO postings

Well yes and no, ( Just being the Devils advocate for a moment.)

Yes, but radio discussions as well as non-radio discussion's can take place inside the clubhouse.

Just a general guide for allowing ALL Points of civil discussion. I think the words to limit to non-radio should not be held as a club over anyone, If its of a peculiar interest and related to another topic it may get moved, just to keep some semblance of order.


It started as a poll on this thread and we've seen that some think theres a conspiracy's afloat behind it. But so far just Apposing views on both side of the isle and even some are neutral on the subject.



The clubhouse is open to ALL civil Discussions, and even encouraged IF there are no PERSONAL attacks against anyone. However if you have formed a apposing viewpoint that has substance and research or experience and evidence that shows that that person could be wrong, and the consequences of that action or opinion could change an opinion of an apposing viewpoint. Go ahead get on a stump here and persuade listeners to your hearts content, just be aware there are those that dislike, circular reasoning, and fallacious arguments, and evidence that can't be supported. Just don't come here and think that every one is out to attack you. If you feel offended, let that person know, so they can clarify if they so wish. And yes I have had some try to make me out to be a censor, well so be it. But I won't retaliate as a moderator. I'll just keep score. LOL

[radiowizard]

If by bashing we mean pointing out the dangerous legislation he supports, or the radical friends he has, past and present, the attempts to nationalize banks, the automakers, wall street, force costly, job killing cap and trade policy and the like, his use of tactics promulgated by a known communist, Saul Alinsky, bash on. If we mean by bashing making crude remarks about him, his wife or children, family lineage, his inability to speak smoothly off-Tele-Promp-Ter, then no.
Next comment is not meant as a "flame" but, as far as moderates go, please name the Great Moderates of Our Time.
Now, is calling the president Obummer bashing? Or other discriptive terms? Inquiring mind want to know.

[Uffda]

For those who feel Obummer or the Obamanation are too dis-respectful or offensive, try to remember the kind terms applied to Bush and Cheney. I am not that upset when those disgusted by the ideology use disgusting labels for those promoting them. Just keep in mind that the more out-there the term, the fewer that will agree with you. "Bushitler" popped up a lot in the last eight years, but I doubt most mainstream liberals identify with that. Saddam Hussein Obama will turn off most conservatives too.

Or so it seems to me.


-Phil

[tpaairman]

Excuse me, but, I said it was turning into a flame war. By the way, I'm co-owner, so, if you don't like it, complain to Robert.
I am just as free about it as he, but, as Robert, I will NOT tolerate bashing. Bashing of the President had started.
Bill Cahill

Because he made a comment about Obama? You've got to be kidding me.

And by the way, who cares if 38% of the postings are clubhouse? ARF has a pretty high number of Clubhouse postings as well.

The point is that whether you like it or not, many people on ARF are tired or Alan's rules. Yes there need to be some rules, but you can't flipping breath over there without breaking some rule it seems. So some see this as one way to kind of have a way to post without having to worry about threads getting locked, deleted, etc. If you start throwing in the same rules as Alan, then what's the point? Why would people want to bother coming here in the first place? And Bill, you may be co-owner of the board. That's great. But Robert is the one who started this, and he had a good basic idea. My point is that we should keep that in mind, not transform this to ARF#2.

[Bill Cahill]

So, now you want to bash me, thinking I'm the big bad wolf? I only locked one post. That remains, unless Robert tells me why it shouldn't be.
I don't agree that Alan has a choke hold, but, he could be a little more flexible.
Now, as to my beliefs, I already have made it clear. I feel the same way as Robert. No bashing. Otherwise, what's the problem?
But, how about doing more radio related postings.?
This is more, and, more like a political board. I hardly see any other postings that aren't political.

Bill Cahill

[Resistance is Futile]

I think the poll has run its course. I think the discourse has run its time. It seems almost evenly split, and that was my intention, as to find out what the general consensus was.
I agree with Bill and will stand behind Him. And since we have discussed the issue with Oldsmobile, behind the scenes, it is very clear of his intent. To keep it civil. Period. The rules are not changing, as long as the boat isn't rocked. But I too, wish for more radio related postings. Even if isn't of a technical nature.

Just discuss your radio interests, be it childhood or adult introduction to the wonderful world of radio.

I think this posting (which I started) has now come to an end, I will not remove this, but will now lock it,

Thank you all for your input. Your opinions are all considered, and taken to heart.

You can start another topic if you wish, but I see no further reason to do so. This will be left up for reference issues.