Religious and Political Discussion

[another view]

I'm the other one who voted "Don't Care" - but like Liz, I do care! I see both sides to doing it. I agree about some good threads getting moved down too quickly (can't "sticky" all of them!) and some of the religious/political discussions have new posts all the time. They stick around and it's the same people (usually) who reply. I don't have a problem with that - everyone has been pretty respectful of each other which is my main concern. I don't care what people want to talk about in VF, but I do hope that most of the discussion somehow relates to photography.

You know, the more I think about it, maybe it's a good idea. But once again, like Liz, I think there is a need for at least one moderator appointed before it goes live. Hopefully someone in the "middle" as those issues go.

[schrackman]

I voted no, simply because I like how religious or even political discussions get mixed up with the other posts. I understand, however, the consideration for first-time viewers who might click to see the busiest posts, but perhaps that can be alleviated with writing some code?

[Photo-John]

I voted no, simply because I like how religious or even political discussions get mixed up with the other posts. I understand, however, the consideration for first-time viewers who might click to see the busiest posts, but perhaps that can be alleviated with writing some code?

I like the diverse mix, too. I think my idea addresses both sides as it allows for varied discussion. But once a thread starts to wander away, we can move it to a more appropriate venue.

Writing new code isn't really an option. It's the more complicated solution. Having a separate forum where we can redirect things is simple and within the spirit of the site, I believe.

[schrackman]

then cool.

I like the diverse mix, too. I think my idea addresses both sides as it allows for varied discussion. But once a thread starts to wander away, we can move it to a more appropriate venue.

Writing new code isn't really an option. It's the more complicated solution. Having a separate forum where we can redirect things is simple and within the spirit of the site, I believe.

[Lara]

My vote was yes. I believe if there is an "Off Topic" forum, people should be able to post just about anything they want in it. The only time John or I should step in is if personal attacks or foul language run rampant.

Why not make it THE forum to post off topic and immediately move posts, going forward, that are in the photography sections to it? There's no need for any off topic posts to be scattered all over PR forums if it is agreeable to have this new forum. People will quickly get the point where the post should be made. Moving with a redirect, if necessary, will also give people the idea that the post belongs in Off Topic when applicable.

[Liz]

Hi Lara,

I just want to express a concern if we move all off topic threads to a new forum. This would bring it to a whole other level, and would change VF in a major way.

My reasoning: We have always included OT discussions in VF. It's what makes VF different than the other forums. Sometimes discussions get out of control, but basically many of the posts there include OT subjects/discussions. I think that's what makes VF so unique - and more fun.

Just my opinion. ;) Maybe I'm just trying to "protect" my interests! Just kidding!

Liz

My vote was yes. I believe if there is an "Off Topic" forum, people should be able to post just about anything they want in it. The only time John or I should step in is if personal attacks or foul language run rampant.

Why not make it THE forum to post off topic and immediately move posts, going forward, that are in the photography sections to it? There's no need for any off topic posts to be scattered all over PR forums if it is agreeable to have this new forum. People will quickly get the point where the post should be made. Moving with a redirect, if necessary, will also give people the idea that the post belongs in Off Topic when applicable.

[Photo-John]

I'm with Liz. I want to keep it loose and easy here. I only want to move threads when they really start to get heated or drfit far from the normal topics here. I don't want to restrict discussion to photography. I think that if we add the new forum we'll have to sort of feel out what the right thing to do is. I don't think we'll really move much. And maybe people will start posting some off-topic stuff there on their own. I was thinking about calling it "OT: Religion, Politics, etc."

[92135011]

yeah create one
Over in photo.net, we were talking bout Cuba and the thread got deleted real fast.
Then we had a thread complaining about a deleted Cuba post
Deleted once again.

Oh apparently if you mention something illegal then that would be deleted too?
Apparently some mods found it really offensive that some people enjoy visiting Cuba (which is illegal)

BTW, did you guys know China is the only real democracy in the world?
You get my drift?
Create a forum - it might be interesting

[paulnj]

Ray , I too voted "NO", as I can see any spark on viewfinder turned into a bonfire over in the bad guy room

But if one IS created... I nominate

SCHRACKMAN and PAULNJ as CO moderators

we can be Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder ...." EBONY N IVORY"

You get first choice of who you'd like to be , as I can play either ;)

LIGHTEN UP PEOPLE.... the great thing about freedom is people can have their own views.

I for one found some GREAT points in the thread in question and LEARNED a few things(though I won't say who's)

[Liz]

I think there is a need for at least one moderator appointed before it goes live. Hopefully someone in the "middle" as those issues go.

I was giving it more thought. I still believe there needs to be a moderator as there are situations you wouldn't want to evolve. Here's a few of my thoughts/questions/concerns.

**Some people may get offended to the point where they wouldn't come back to PR.

**Language, etc. - would there be more tolerance of offensive language - I mean to the point where it becomes the dominant theme?

**Discrimination - a lot of this occurs when people start talking specifically religion, especially post 911.

Just a personal concern - I always feel bad when someone is getting hammered. Some websites tolerate an extreme amount of bashing - I hope PR doesn't get to that point.

Anyway I hope I'm not getting carried away.

Liz

[mtbbrian]

Anyway I hope I'm not getting carried away.

Liz

I don't think you are Liz.
I am a tolerable person to such discussions, but this last one went on and on...
I do know they dicussions like that don't happen all that often here.
You should see MTBR, that is why one was started there.
Brian

[Liz]

You should see MTBR, that is why one was started there.

Well if it works there - maybe it will work here. ;)

Liz

I don't think you are Liz.
I am a tolerable person to such discussions, but this last one went on and on...
I do know they dicussions like that don't happen all that often here.
You should see MTBR, that is why one was started there.
Brian

[Photo-John]

Well, Lara and I have access to admin access for all forums. And there are links for reporting posts. But you're right. There may be more potential for volatility and damage in a politics and religion forum. It might not be simply a storage area, as I was thinking of it. People might actually want to talk about those subjects

[mtbbrian]

Have you looked over at the Politico-Socio-Economic-Religion Forum on MTBR?
People discuss stuff like that there.?
Some of the "topics'' there included: "When you die. Who owns your body?"
"Ahhhnold "I can't be bought" Schwarzenegger is purchased. "
"Bush Makes Women Suffer"
Some of these posts are started by people I don't see on the other forums.
And there are a lot of current replies to these threads.
Anyway..........
Brian