Politics and religion are off-limits, unless you opt in

[kindlekitten]

Originally Posted by Lady Fitzgerald

I think the whole idea is ridiculous! Are we children who need protecting and have to go crying to the moderators just because we don't like something that is posted? Grow up, people. If you don't like something in a thread, ignore it. If really bothers so much you can't ignore it, don't click on the thread. Mechanisms were already in place to deal with this so I feel the idea of segregating certain threads to a place that is invisible unless you opt in just because a thread strays into a certain topic is overreacting. Yeesh!

we went through a period where even the slightest little ruffle got a thread locked. I much prefer this avenue than having to keep our lips buttoned

[Lady Fitzgerald]

Originally Posted by kindlekitten

we went through a period where even the slightest little ruffle got a thread locked. I much prefer this avenue than having to keep our lips buttoned

Hmmm...Curious coming from someone with the sig line you have. I consider this action just another chisel.

[monkeyluis]

Thank you Thank you.

Even though I posted in one, I got sucked in, I really came here for ebook and book news/talk.

[Sparrow]

[kindlekitten]

Originally Posted by Lady Fitzgerald

Hmmm...Curious coming from someone with the sig line you have. I consider this action just another chisel.

I don't see it that way at all. I see it as being able to speak about these things that are hushed up. I've asked if I can post about my sig line in that forum and still haven't gotten an answer. I'm going to assume that there it is ok

[dsvick]

Originally Posted by Lady Fitzgerald

I think the whole idea is ridiculous! Are we children who need protecting and have to go crying to the moderators just because we don't like something that is posted? Grow up, people. If you don't like something in a thread, ignore it. If really bothers so much you can't ignore it, don't click on the thread.

That would be fine if it were just the occasional post from a troll or someone who can't refrain from spouting off at the mouth. The problem is that, even if 98% or the readers can successfully ignore that person there is always one or two others that, for one reason or another, cannot refrain from responding. Eventually entire threads get sucked dry of anything but those one or two people smacking each other around.

[Kevin2960]

Originally Posted by dsvick

That would be fine if it were just the occasional post from a troll or someone who can't refrain from spouting off at the mouth. The problem is that, even if 98% or the readers can successfully ignore that person there is always one or two others that, for one reason or another, cannot refrain from responding. Eventually entire threads get sucked dry of anything but those one or two people smacking each other around.

Too True

[astra]

Originally Posted by Lady Fitzgerald

I think the whole idea is ridiculous! Are we children who need protecting and have to go crying to the moderators just because we don't like something that is posted? Grow up, people. If you don't like something in a thread, ignore it. If really bothers so much you can't ignore it, don't click on the thread. Mechanisms were already in place to deal with this so I feel the idea of segregating certain threads to a place that is invisible unless you opt in just because a thread strays into a certain topic is overreacting. Yeesh!

Dunno about you Yankees, but we in Great Britain are in a Nanny state for the last decade.

[CharlieBird]

I seldom...very, very seldom...visit the Lounge so it really doesn't affect me one way or the other. Although I do say one reason is these political/religious debates bore me. The other being time limitations.

I do agree with the new policy though and may start dropping into the Lounge from time to time.
d

[BuddyBoy]

I think this is a great idea! I may even start reading and posting again.

Originally Posted by Lady Fitzgerald

I think the whole idea is ridiculous! Are we children who need protecting and have to go crying to the moderators just because we don't like something that is posted? Grow up, people. If you don't like something in a thread, ignore it. If really bothers so much you can't ignore it, don't click on the thread. Mechanisms were already in place to deal with this so I feel the idea of segregating certain threads to a place that is invisible unless you opt in just because a thread strays into a certain topic is overreacting. Yeesh!

You know, I think from the comments on this thread that there are enough people sick and tired of having to comb through all the chaff in these forums to get to the kernel of useful postings. I'm sure some folks will miss the thrill of drama and being the center of attention now that their annoying rampages are no longer broadcast to masses through the Popular Posts listing, but I'm sure they'll adapt.

[Sparrow]

Originally Posted by BuddyBoy

You know, I think from the comments on this thread that there are enough people sick and tired of having to comb through all the chaff in these forums to get to the kernel of useful postings. I'm sure some folks will miss the thrill of drama and being the center of attention now that their annoying rampages are no longer broadcast to masses through the Popular Posts listing, but I'm sure they'll adapt.

Sounds like you'd fit right in.

[ShortNCuddlyAm]

Originally Posted by Sparrow

Sounds like you'd fit right in.

(You'll have to take that in lieu of karma in case I forget by the time I can give you some more)

[nohmi2]

Originally Posted by BuddyBoy

I think this is a great idea! I may even start reading and posting again.


You know, I think from the comments on this thread that there are enough people sick and tired of having to comb through all the chaff in these forums to get to the kernel of useful postings. I'm sure some folks will miss the thrill of drama and being the center of attention now that their annoying rampages are no longer broadcast to masses through the Popular Posts listing, but I'm sure they'll adapt.

Well said!..I just might *pop in* from time to time (without any comments) to see if it's the same round of protagonists who are sounding forth on their so-called superior knowledge.

Cheers.

[Xanthe]

Discussions related to politics or religion are available on an opt-in and opt-out basis only (opt-out by default).

Sounds like a good compromise to me.

As forums evolve and people come to know one another, restricting them to specific topics only becomes like herding cats. We are social animals and we like to chit-chat and to argue. Politics and religion are two hot-button items. I've been on forums where they've tried to forbid those topics, and it always winds up causing more dissension than it prevents. The smart forums create sandboxes where those discussions can take place, so that those who are also interested in them have a place to vent with people they know (whether they agree with them or not ).

One of the forums I'm on broke up the political discussions into two rooms, Red (conservative) and Blue (progressive/liberal). Anyone can read the posts in either room, but if you post in one room, you're forbidden from posting in the other room for 45 days. You also can't quote or refer to specific posts in the other room. This cuts down on trolling and flame wars, and since news topics change so quickly, the 45-day time limit gives topics a chance to cool down (not to mention, if you're used to posting in a political forum, it's almost like going through withdrawal to not post for 45 days just to be able to change rooms. )

[kindlekitten]

oh my gosh!!! I can't imagine!!!!