This forum is for registered users only???

To me at least, what I see is that there are some members here, who simply don't want this topic discussed here. And then what I see is a bunch of reasons pointing to why. And I respect all that. The problem is, where do you draw the line?

This type of debate comes up from time to time on almost every forum that I'm a member of. I've had it happen on mine, sometimes over and over about the same topic. And what I've never understood, is why the people who don't want to read about a specific topic, issue, forum etc. just don't read it? It seems so simple really.

On one of my own forums, we've had an on-going debate about political discussions on our off-topic forum. Now personally speaking, I don't like political threads as they just get heated and then I get PM's from member's who get bent out of shape wanting it all stopped, removed etc.

And if I do that, then there's the group who cries about "freedom of speech" etc. that I'm the Gustappo - so basically I can't win!

Now for me personally, I really don't care a whole lot, one way of the other to be honest, other then I don't like all the uproar. If I don't like something, or the way a thread is going, I'll just choose not to read it, or I'll stop posting etc. But that's me.

On one of my other forums, a "babe" thread got started years and years ago. People got upset, so same deal, we talked about segregating it off so that people who didn't want to read it, wouldn't just stumble into it etc. NO matter what was proposed, it still was not good enough for some. So we more or less asked people respectfully not to start those types of threads. But regularly, someone new joins, starts a babe thread and we have the debate all over again! I've had to have gone through this a dozen times over the years. Our regular members, usually just post the popcorn graemlin now when it starts.

As solutions on our forums, we've tried various approaches, on various topics, and even when you put something in it's own segregated, dedicated forum, or members only or whatever, some members seemingly will still insist on reading the stuff and then get upset and try to make a case for it being banned from discussion or removed from the site. I simply just don't get it!

My favourite "incident" was a member who more or less said he was signing off, because he didn't want to be a member of a site that would allow a babe thread on it, (which had actually just popped up) and upon his "supposed" exit, he mentioned that people who missed him could find him at another similar site. And coincidently, the site also had not only a "babe" thread, but an entire uncensored adult section. It made for some interesting posts when various members pointed that out to him.

His response was essentially to make excuses and say "it was different" because their's was in a "paid only" section. Yeah, whatever.

Anyways, I'm rambling now, so I guess in the end, I just understand why people simply just don't read the stuff they don't like, instead of trying to censor it for everyone else, that's all.

In the end, I'm respectful of whatever decision gets made in the overall best interest of the community. :ohi:

 

I feel that this is a good move on your part Nick.
Like I said, as long as those of us who don't wish to read it can hide it, then all is well.

 

Nick, It's nice to see you listen to your members. :lol:

I would think as a member of the site (an admin site I might add) you would be understanding. As long as the topics are in the correct forum and marked accordingly those that choose no to read, DON'T. I haven't seen anyone forcing anybody to ready them.


Now you can return your trays and chairs to their upright positions.

 

To be honest, the only reason I had it restricted in the first place is because somebody PMed me and suggested that I do so.

I guess I just end up doing what the first person suggests, then I adjust to the majority's demand.

 

You people pleaser you.

But you do listen to what the majority want.

 

ah, nick you are doing a fine job. You have given other software owners a place to vent and discuss what is currently happening in our world. Today it is vbulletin, tomorrow it could be ibp. 90% of the time, we don't have issues like this, and for me, this is a first. I personally find it nice to have a place to share these current event's and give others an avenue to vent as well. Keeping the conversation private in my humble opinion, hides it from other software owners whom are concerned about this same issue. I really haven't found another place yet where there are so many admins in one place discussing this issue. Most are blogs, new media reports and twitter. This is a great addition for discussions, even though some may not like it, it is a very lively time in our lives as owners of software.

 

That wasn't me!! That was me piggy backing that idea from someone else...for the record.

I'm glad its public!! w00t!

:spin:

 

Thanks Nick! Happy to see you know how to run a nice and neutral forum. It's a breath of fresh air. I'm a Libertarian, so, I'm all for free speech--even if it pisses some people off. My opinion is that ideas and discussion should be free. Glad to see you agree!