rules prohibiting political discussions

[MossRoad]

As to closing a thread here, if it is due to one post could it not be removed and the thread continue; and is a private email sent to the offender(s)?

Also, if you come across something you think needs attention, is there a way to let a moderator know?

Sometimes only one post can be removed from a thread and the discussion can continue.

Sometimes, several posts have to be removed because people quote each other.

Sometimes a thread requires massive, massive pruning and by the time everything is removed that needs to be removed, the thread just doesn't make any sense, so the entire thing is either closed or removed.

Most of the time a PM is sent to the original poster regarding the reason a post was removed. However, if an entire thread is removed, usually only the originator of the post is notified, along with any "offenders".

And sometimes no PM is sent and a note is added at the end of the thread as to why it was pruned or closed.

 

[ray66v]

I read a post today on plumbing that had morphed into some posts about global warming.

Global warming is political. This is an example of what I am suggesting should not necessarily mean the end of the thread. And I suspect it won't be locked, for now, depending on how a moderator sees it. But, under the current rules, it is in serious jeopardy of termination.

Almost everything is political any more.

 

[MikePA]

Almost everything is political any more.

I disagree. Almost any thread can be made political by people who desire to do so. Tractors, attachments, etc are inanimate, apolitical objects. Some people, very, very, very few people, use them as excuses for making a political post.

Additionally, new TBNers probably join up thinking TBN is just like any other discussion forum on the Internet. As we all know, TBN is not just like any other discussion forum on the Internet. It's populated by informative, helpful, polite people who are here to talk tractors and all things related who, by a wide margin, know the TBN culture and self regulate. Proof of this is the fact that many of the posts that need moderating are reported by TBNers.

 

[NuBota]

I disagree. Almost any thread can be made political by people who desire to do so. Tractors, attachments, etc are inanimate, apolitical objects. Some people, very, very, very few people, use them as excuses for making a political post.

Additionally, new TBNers probably join up thinking TBN is just like any other discussion forum on the Internet. As we all know, TBN is not just like any other discussion forum on the Internet. It's populated by informative, helpful, polite people who are here to talk tractors and all things related who, by a wide margin, know the TBN culture and self regulate. Proof of this is the fact that many of the posts that need moderating are reported by TBNers.

So true on both points. I have always used forums for reference, back to the BBS days, very seldom contributing, unless I happened across a topic where I could help. This community is very unique - I keep looking for something to contribute or respond to....

 

[ray66v]

I disagree. Almost any thread can be made political by people who desire to do so. Tractors, attachments, etc are inanimate, apolitical objects. Some people, very, very, very few people, use them as excuses for making a political post.

I guess you haven't noticed, people discuss a lot more than tractors and implements here. I disagree that people are looking of an "excuse " to be political. Politics are at the forefront of most peoples thoughts right now.

Additionally, new TBNers probably join up thinking TBN is just like any other discussion forum on the Internet. As we all know, TBN is not just like any other discussion forum on the Internet. It's populated by informative, helpful, polite people who are here to talk tractors and all things related who, by a wide margin, know the TBN culture and self regulate. Proof of this is the fact that many of the posts that need moderating are reported by TBNers.

If you feel that TBNer's are such informative, helpful, polite people, then they should easily be able to be have an intelligent, civil, exchange of ideas, without a moderator having to step in and close the thread.

 

[ray66v]

"Unemployment rates over the last 60 years"

A thread with many interested parties posting and exchanging ideas.

This illustrates my point, that people do want to discuss these type of things.

I would not have even suggested a thread start on TBN with this as a topic, I was only suggesting that if the discussion turns to this, it perhaps could be allowed to continue.

 

[MikePA]

I guess you haven't noticed, people discuss a lot more than tractors and implements here.

I have noticed, thanks. Some people are also argumentative.

I disagree that people are looking of an "excuse " to be political. Politics are at the forefront of most peoples thoughts right now.

I'll be more direct. They are not looking for excuses to discuss politics. They are looking for excuses to break the rules, by discussing politics, and therefore fail to live up to the terms of service they agreed to when they registered.

Politics are at the forefront of most peoples thoughts right now.

Which is not justification to break the TBN rules. There are plenty of other sites to discuss politics.

If you feel that TBNer's are such informative, helpful, polite people, then they should easily be able to be have an intelligent, civil, exchange of ideas, without a moderator having to step in and close the thread.

Most are. Some, like the ones who are always looking to start an argument, are not. Other have already mentioned why and when moderators step in and we do not step in when people civilly discuss topics that are allowed on TBN.

Others have also mentioned examples of people who thought they knew better and tried to twist TBN into their own image of what a discussion forum should be. Failing that, they formed their own site which was/is a total failure. They failed for 2 reasons. The topics allowed and the kind of people those topics and rules attracted. Proof positive that TBN policies are correct.

 

[redneckford]

I have noticed, thanks. Some people are also argumentative.

Yeah!!! we know some people like that----

 

[Chuck52]

With many of us, it's not that we're trying to inject politics into discussions, it's just that we can't differentiate between our beliefs and "truth". This of course does not apply to me personally, as all my beliefs, political and otherwise, are based on an absolute understanding of the way the universe works. Some other folks, however, spout opinions clearly at odds with what I know to be true, and in my charitable way I try to bring them back to the paths of righteousness. When they disagree with me they should be cast out into the darkness, which is what the moderators are there for. Is that clear?

Chuck
Being only partly tongue-in-cheek.

 

[Bird]

With many of us, it's not that we're trying to inject politics into discussions, it's just that we can't differentiate between our beliefs and "truth". This of course does not apply to me personally, as all my beliefs, political and otherwise, are based on an absolute understanding of the way the universe works. Some other folks, however, spout opinions clearly at odds with what I know to be true, and in my charitable way I try to bring them back to the paths of righteousness. When they disagree with me they should be cast out into the darkness, which is what the moderators are there for. Is that clear?

Chuck
Being only partly tongue-in-cheek.

 

[zimcocomp]

There is no one in politics worthy of a discussion anyhow.

 

[greenmule]

Thats right,this country is beyond political discussion.

 

[ray66v]

I have noticed, thanks. Some people are also argumentative.

I'll be more direct. They are not looking for excuses to discuss politics. They are looking for excuses to break the rules, by discussing politics, and therefore fail to live up to the terms of service they agreed to when they registered.

Which is not justification to break the TBN rules. There are plenty of other sites to discuss politics.

Most are. Some, like the ones who are always looking to start an argument, are not. Other have already mentioned why and when moderators step in and we do not step in when people civilly discuss topics that are allowed on TBN.

Others have also mentioned examples of people who thought they knew better and tried to twist TBN into their own image of what a discussion forum should be. Failing that, they formed their own site which was/is a total failure. They failed for 2 reasons. The topics allowed and the kind of people those topics and rules attracted. Proof positive that TBN policies are correct.

Based on these comments, I believe you do not understand what I am suggesting here.

I am not suggesting all out political Bush vs. Obama type discussions.

I am not suggesting anyone break the rules.

All I am suggesting is: The rules allow a thread, in which a civil discussion is occurring, to continue, and not be closed, simply due to the fact that during the discussion, the content may have become political.

There are several topics that have produced heated discussions here, that are not political, and contain people looking for an argument, If this is such a problem, then the rules should require mig vs. stick, among others, be banned.

Any topic can turn into an argument, as well as any topic can be discussed civilly. If there are members here that simply want to argue, the rules need to be applied to them.

The assumption that a discussion, with political content, would get ugly, therefore we need a rule that it has to be closed right away, suggests that TBNer's are no different than the general population. I believe TBN, as you said, is mostly "Populated by informative, helpful, polite people". The discussion could easily shift again, back to non political. Or, people could have an exchange of ideas that benefits them. If not, it gets closed, just like it does now. At least the discussion is allowed to have a chance.

 

[Scooby074]

Ray,
You got the idea. I think what your suggesting is a little leeway if a thread turns political. There are lots of issues on the political fringe that effect the members on here on a daily basis (ie: the economy, plant closings, free trade,price of gas etc) I would not like to see this forum become a home for Conservative vs. Liberal type debates. I agree, some times the powers that be are too quick to shut down threads and sometimes i wonder what their motives are. If there is a post or particular poster that is offending them remove that post / poster; that would seem like a more fair and balanced solution to me.

 

[MikePA]

All I am suggesting is: The rules allow a thread, in which a civil discussion is occurring, to continue, and not be closed, simply due to the fact that during the discussion, the content may have become political.

You are assuming this doesn't happen now, which is incorrect.

 

[Chuck52]

Based on these comments, I believe you do not understand what I am suggesting here.

I am not suggesting all out political Bush vs. Obama type discussions.

I am not suggesting anyone break the rules.

All I am suggesting is: The rules allow a thread, in which a civil discussion is occurring, to continue, and not be closed, simply due to the fact that during the discussion, the content may have become political.

There are several topics that have produced heated discussions here, that are not political, and contain people looking for an argument, If this is such a problem, then the rules should require mig vs. stick, among others, be banned.

Any topic can turn into an argument, as well as any topic can be discussed civilly. If there are members here that simply want to argue, the rules need to be applied to them.

The assumption that a discussion, with political content, would get ugly, therefore we need a rule that it has to be closed right away, suggests that TBNer's are no different than the general population. I believe TBN, as you said, is mostly "Populated by informative, helpful, polite people". The discussion could easily shift again, back to non political. Or, people could have an exchange of ideas that benefits them. If not, it gets closed, just like it does now. At least the discussion is allowed to have a chance.

Pointless repetition. What you seem to be describing is about what happens in practice on TBN. Threads that start out non-political and then pick up what only some may see as political overtones are not immediately closed unless someone complains or a moderator sees the real likelihood of rancorous political debate. It works. I would bet it is also the desire of the majority of TBN members that it continue as is. Informed, helpful, polite people often hold exceedingly strong opinions about political topics. If they wish to explore the range of emotions expressing such opinions can invoke in others, there are many venues other than TBN where they may exercise such desires. I like to keep TBN a place where I can get advice about real world topics without worrying that the person reading my request thinks I'm such a moron because of my political views that he won't bother to help me out, or on the rare occasion where I can contribute helpful information, that I'll be ignored for the same reason. My best friend and I interact something like TBN works. If we talk politics, since he is not me and therefor subject to error, we end up not speaking for days.

Chuck

 

[Bird]

Seems to me it's getting close to time to close this thread.

 

[ray66v]

You are assuming this doesn't happen now, which is incorrect.

I never said, nor assumed this doesn't happen now.

If you have read my posts, I actually mentioned a thread where it is happening.

We have also seen the opposite.

 

[MikePA]

I never said, nor assumed this doesn't happen now.

If you have read my posts, I actually mentioned a thread where it is happening.

We have also seen the opposite.

Since it's happening now, what's the point of this thread?

 

[redneckford]

I have noticed, thanks. Some people are also argumentative.

I'll be more direct. They are not looking for excuses to discuss politics.

this is FUN!!!