Imho

[BlackJack]

I have resolved the issue at hand. I'm sorry that some feel the way they do, but it is a topic that affects all of us. Not just you, not just me. I've made a new password protected forum and removed the offending thread from the general population. In other words, if you wish to participate in that thread, the only way your getting into it is by password, so you must want to be there, so don't come screaming to me about what's contained in something that you wanted to see or participate in. Anyone who wishes too, can. Anyone that doesn't, won't even be able to read it. I said in the beginning of that thread that it was not going to be closed for thead crapping and other forms of thread closures, so now there is no excuse for anyone to be disruptive, rude, or whatever to the general forums.

Now are you happy campers?

 

[Nancy]

What the heck are you all talking about? I must have missed some fireworks.

 

[Superbob]

Let me know what you be smokin', Chimp Boy.

 

[Ross]

What the heck are you all talking about? I must have missed some fireworks.

The PBS/Health care reform thread.

 

[Nancy]

Oh, well, that would be heated, no doubt about it.

 

[Mary]

I have resolved the issue at hand. I'm sorry that some feel the way they do, but it is a topic that affects all of us. Not just you, not just me. I've made a new password protected forum and removed the offending thread from the general population. In other words, if you wish to participate in that thread, the only way your getting into it is by password, so you must want to be there, so don't come screaming to me about what's contained in something that you wanted to see or participate in. Anyone who wishes too, can. Anyone that doesn't, won't even be able to read it. I said in the beginning of that thread that it was not going to be closed for thead crapping and other forms of thread closures, so now there is no excuse for anyone to be disruptive, rude, or whatever to the general forums.

Now are you happy campers?

Works for me!

 

[hensylee]

thank you, Cooker. I think I love you.

 

[Wise]

Good way to handle controversial threads Ross. I do think that one had it's place, but it certainly shouldn't take away from members in need. I'm going to opt to stay away from the password protected topics.

 

[geebee]

So whatever happened to the "change the channel" theory if you don't like what's on TV. Aren't we all adults here? If you don't like a thread - don't go into it. Why should we have to go through another step to get to a thread because some people just cannot handle what's in it?

That being said - we should never stop other posting to deal with a controversial thread.

 

[Karlynn]

There are some threads I just don't read, for whatever reason. The thread doesn't get read by a member until they click on the thread link. Even then, they can always stop. I have posted a lot on the thread in question because the issues of concern impact me and those I love.

That being said - it will be interesting to see just how many people request a password in order to read a thread that they are curious about but figure they'd disagree with. For instance - a thread entitled "Ross' Nude Photos". How many people really want to see those photos? But my guess is a lot of people would ask for a password just to see what in the world Ross was up to.

I agree Gina - I think the password is overkill. (Sorry Fearless Leader) It's not like people are forced to read each thread. Maybe an icon that shows the thread to be controversial (like a fire or nuclear symbol) so that new members can steer clear if wanted. There's a guitar forum I belong to that really gets into the political discussions. They put a bonfire icon on those threads. I have yet to open one to read it. (and at the risk of sounding dumb -at one time I thought the word Sticky- by some threads here meant they were controversial. )

I have said MANY times here, I probably agree with all of you more often than I agree with my own husband - but I still love him. If a post in a thread gets insulting - then report it. That's what that little red triangle is on the top right of a post.

 

[Lisa in Katy]

I agree with Karlynn and Gina and I disagree with making it password protected. We can all choose to not read something. We can all choose to not comment. I rarely go into the "which valve to pick" threads anymore because I don't think I know what's best for anyone else. I barely know what's best for myself. Those threads also tend to get controversial, but that doesn't mean it's not a good topic.

As far as not giving advice to those in need, throughout the time that the other thread has been running, I've been posting here and there with my two cents. I rarely give a lot of advice because a) see above and b) it has been 11 years since my surgery and things have changed a lot, so like a TRS-80, I'm a little outdated.

 

[Cooker]

I'm an old flower child.....can I come?!?!

You bet ya

I have resolved the issue at hand. I'm sorry that some feel the way they do, but it is a topic that affects all of us. Not just you, not just me. I've made a new password protected forum and removed the offending thread from the general population. In other words, if you wish to participate in that thread, the only way your getting into it is by password, so you must want to be there, so don't come screaming to me about what's contained in something that you wanted to see or participate in. Anyone who wishes too, can. Anyone that doesn't, won't even be able to read it. I said in the beginning of that thread that it was not going to be closed for thead crapping and other forms of thread closures, so now there is no excuse for anyone to be disruptive, rude, or whatever to the general forums.

Now are you happy campers?

Me? ... Yes, if we have threads that push peeps over the edge they are maybe in the wrong place ... thanks.

Let me know what you be smokin', Chimp Boy.

Lets don't start that thread again

thank you, Cooker. I think I love you.

Back at ya

So whatever happened to the "change the channel" theory if you don't like what's on TV. Aren't we all adults here? If you don't like a thread - don't go into it. Why should we have to go through another step to get to a thread because some people just cannot handle what's in it?

That being said - we should never stop other posting to deal with a controversial thread.

Changing the channel is fine ... but when a program causes neglect of other informative "programs" there is a problem.....

There are some threads I just don't read, for whatever reason. The thread doesn't get read by a member until they click on the thread link. Even then, they can always stop. I have posted a lot on the thread in question because the issues of concern impact me and those I love.

That being said - it will be interesting to see just how many people request a password in order to read a thread that they are curious about but figure they'd disagree with. For instance - a thread entitled "Ross' Nude Photos". How many people really want to see those photos? But my guess is a lot of people would ask for a password just to see what in the world Ross was up to.

I agree Gina - I think the password is overkill. (Sorry Fearless Leader) It's not like people are forced to read each thread. Maybe an icon that shows the thread to be controversial (like a fire or nuclear symbol) so that new members can steer clear if wanted. There's a guitar forum I belong to that really gets into the political discussions. They put a bonfire icon on those threads. I have yet to open one to read it. (and at the risk of sounding dumb -at one time I thought the word Sticky- by some threads here meant they were controversial. )

I have said MANY times here, I probably agree with all of you more often than I agree with my own husband - but I still love him. If a post in a thread gets insulting - then report it. That's what that little red triangle is on the top right of a post.

Like I said, I knew I would piss off a few and that they may disagree ... that's ok ... I was not am and not mad but I had several pm's from peeps that were upset and decided to voice the concern....

 

[geebee]

Me? ... Yes, if we have threads that push peeps over the edge they are maybe in the wrong place ... thanks.

Sorry but censorship pushes me over the edge.

Changing the channel is fine ... but when a program causes neglect of other informative "programs" there is a problem.....

So, how is this determined? Since when is there some type of quota for our posting?

Like I said, I knew I would piss off a few and that they may disagree ... that's ok ... I was not am and not mad but I had several pm's from peeps that were upset and decided to voice the concern....

I often disagree with people here but I do care if I piss people off because I care about members. However, I have never asked for a thread to be deleted, locked or otherwise removed because I believe that all viewpoints should be covered. Obviously, silencing those who disagree with us is the viewpoint of many here. I find that very, very sad.

 

[Lisa in Katy]

And unfortunately, this is what's happening in our government as they ask Americans to report other Americans who disagree with the President. Perhaps they'll put us in a locked room and not let anyone in without a password. Frankly, I've about had it with those who can't handle a good debate. Again, sounds like the government. Let's all put our fingers in our ears and yell, "I can't hear you, I can't hear you."

I've left for periods of time before, and eventually I come back, but it's time for me to be taking a break again. Censorship is not healthy for me.

 

[Glenda]

I'm with Nancy. What in the world are you guys talking about? I guess I've been off line way too long. I missed something?

 

[Marguerite53]

Hm. Well, the way I'm reading all of this is that first and foremost, Cooker was concerned about sensitive, not so knowledgeable newbie types who might get swept into a controversial thread and be dangerously misled. I'm with the Chimp on that one. The community here must keep support and safety as its most compelling concern. If it means that the rowdier, more vociferous and opinionated of us need a different room to have our discussion in, what is the harm in that? It's like an adult who closes the door or talks more softly when others (children, elders, people of a different persuasion, whatever) are around. It's a courtesy. I don't honestly think you can consider it censorship if we're maintaining the thread. Censorship would be tossing the thread out.

So, Ross -- great idea!!! Thank you so much for setting it all up. I feel better about the forum because of it. It's like a buffer zone. Newbies or very confused or sensitive people will have to go through a little detour to get involved in these heated discussions. But once everyone finds their way there, if they want to go there, I think this password thing might allow people to be even more opinionated!!!

And please! Our beloved Ross works hard enough for all of us. We do NOT need to know how many people are requesting the password or which thread they requested it for!

I did not read or join into the latest lively discussion. I just don't have the time these days to check out everything and I tend to concentrate mostly on newbies and/or topics that catch my eye, or to which a "close" forum member is attached. But I am 3 years past my surgery, my fear, my recovery, my anxiety, etc., etc.. I am not usually coming here for the kind of support I desperately needed pre-surgery. Please let's keep in mind how many really anxious, confused, helpless feeling people venture through our threads. Remember how we always talk about how unique a group we are because all of this involves our hearts. Our hearts. Let's keep everyone's hearts in mind.

So thanks, Cooker and Ross.

Marguerite

 

[Cooker]

Sorry but censorship pushes me over the edge.


So, how is this determined? Since when is there some type of quota for our posting?






I often disagree with people here but I do care if I piss people off because I care about members. However, I have never asked for a thread to be deleted, locked or otherwise removed because I believe that all viewpoints should be covered. Obviously, silencing those who disagree with us is the viewpoint of many here. I find that very, very sad.

I did not suggest censorship and I believe in freedom of speech and pen ... I have had post deleted and did not like it ... I did not ask for these threads to be deleted ... it was a plea for more attention for those going thru medical crisis....

 

[Cooker]

Hm. Well, the way I'm reading all of this is that first and foremost, Cooker was concerned about sensitive, not so knowledgeable newbie types who might get swept into a controversial thread and be dangerously misled. I'm with the Chimp on that one. The community here must keep support and safety as its most compelling concern. If it means that the rowdier, more vociferous and opinionated of us need a different room to have our discussion in, what is the harm in that? It's like an adult who closes the door or talks more softly when others (children, elders, people of a different persuasion, whatever) are around. It's a courtesy. I don't honestly think you can consider it censorship if we're maintaining the thread. Censorship would be tossing the thread out.

So, Ross -- great idea!!! Thank you so much for setting it all up. I feel better about the forum because of it. It's like a buffer zone. Newbies or very confused or sensitive people will have to go through a little detour to get involved in these heated discussions. But once everyone finds their way there, if they want to go there, I think this password thing might allow people to be even more opinionated!!!

And please! Our beloved Ross works hard enough for all of us. We do NOT need to know how many people are requesting the password or which thread they requested it for!

I did not read or join into the latest lively discussion. I just don't have the time these days to check out everything and I tend to concentrate mostly on newbies and/or topics that catch my eye, or to which a "close" forum member is attached. But I am 3 years past my surgery, my fear, my recovery, my anxiety, etc., etc.. I am not usually coming here for the kind of support I desperately needed pre-surgery. Please let's keep in mind how many really anxious, confused, helpless feeling people venture through our threads. Remember how we always talk about how unique a group we are because all of this involves our hearts. Our hearts. Let's keep everyone's hearts in mind.

So thanks, Cooker and Ross.

Marguerite

Thank you ......

 

[Ross]

Like I said, I knew I would piss off a few and that they may disagree ... that's ok ... I was not am and not mad but I had several pm's from peeps that were upset and decided to voice the concern....

Well I'm upset about this. Cooker is NOT the administrator/Moderator of this forum. If someone has issues, you take it to the admin for it to be dealt with. I myself, received only one complaint. I would have appreciated a PM from Cooker rather then to see this posted as it is. Do people think they need a spokes person to speak on their behalf? Do you really think I'm that unfair?
I'll never make everyone happy and neither will any of you. People are too diverse in their thoughts and interests. At times, this job is an impossible task.

We should not have to do what I've done to please those that would rather look the other way. No one said you had to read the thread or become involved in it, but we certainly have a right to discuss it, since it affects each and everyone of us. There are 29,340 other threads you can read. This particular forum will not have NEW threads posted in it. This is the one and only and will exist as long as the issue does.

As far as password protecting the heated debate, it's the only way to keep the thread from being viewable to those that don't want it in the forum and detracting from other business. I'm afraid there is no other way around it.

Those that ask for the password to merely come in and thread crap in it, are going to have their posts removed, and if sufficiently objectionable, possibly banned. Yes, I know someone will try. It's the classical way of getting a thread deleted because someone doesn't like it.

Please realize that I'm trying to maintain the integrity of this forum, while also trying to allow expression of opinion, whether it upsets you or not, available to those that wish to participate in such a discussion.

Normally, we wouldn't even be having the discussion, but it's Health Care were talking about and if you don't think it's not going to affect you, just wait and see.

This forum has enough division as it is.

As for detracting from other issues and members on the forum. This is not fact. I've reviewed every single thread in this place every single day and no one is being ignored and they are all being answered. So the point of this thread is more to see to it that the Debate thread is removed. Wouldn't it have been more simple to just ask?

[END]Administrators Rant[/END]

 

[skeptic49]

I missed the controversey...I dunno, if I want to argue about politics, etc., I can do that elsewhere. When I come here I try to learn and to be supportive...because I need information and support too.

Jim