Thread: The Conversation ?????

So after being on SRP for about a year now, I finally understand why, when I joined, this Forum was shut down, of course it was called "Off Topic" back then.....
This forum has always been a source of ill will among members and actually has absolutely nothing to do with our hobby whatsoever.... Now I see that while I was at the NC meet up talking with other members in person, and having a absolutely great time, we had another slight flare up in this same forum, that seems to have led to us possibly losing a member.... I never quite understood how that had ever happened in the past now as they say "I have seen the light"
So, here is what I propose, either take this forum out completely, or open it up completely...One, or the other, the editing of peoples posts, and threads is not fair, in itself...... Either it "IS" an open discussion, or perhaps it should not be on here at all....

What say you??????

BTW this will be the last post in the "Conversation" for me, this forum has zero value in my eyes, unless it becomes a totally open format......... FREE speech or NO speech.....

A very strong post Glen. I have posted innocuously in this section a few times (once just minutes from this post) and I must say I agree with your assessment of it. I hate the idea that this forum would end up driving someone away from the site. Especially after the meet up in NC left me feeling so positively about what has been achieved here. As for post editing or deleting, no matter what someone writes here it serves a purpose in my opinion. Sometimes that purpose is to reveal the limitations of the author's good taste or judgement. Lynn attributed the success of this community impart to it being self policing. This automatically requires that we, the members, step up and act as gentlemen should. As I wrote before, I seek to embody the gentlemanly qualities of a straight shaver.

as RMC_SS_LDO would write,

v/r (very respectfully)

-Rob

I guess I'm of the opinion that it is what it is. There are always new people coming and going so maybe it simply has to be reviewed case by case like it is now? I think it would be disappointing to lose this area, but I agree that it isn't necessary to the forum

But not everyone polices themselves. And that's why there are moderators, and that's why "complete free speech" can't exist on a well behaved forum.

So I understand where Glen is coming from.

But I disagree. And would even if I wouldn't be a mod.

So Speaketh Vlad the Impaler! LOL. Good Point LX, even in the US we don't have totally free speech, it is for instance a federal crime to declare you have a bomb while in an airport. Moderated speech is to a degree necessary.

I feel the real issue is this:

Would SRP be a better place without "The Conversation"? I believe it is a closer than 50/50 call but I would say yes.

I wanted to add that we also never edit posts, except with permission from the author.
We do delete posts that are insulting or degrading.

The rules for OT / The conversation are simple: you can say anything you like, provided you say it respectful and without insulting someone or being provocative.

Most of the members here have asolutely no problems with those constraints. After all, being civil is something that applies to real life as well.

But sometimes, people seem to have the impression that the can say whatever they want because this is an internet forum. But they are wrong, and will be dealt with.
The majority of the people who come here like it here, and it would not be right to punish them because some people chafe at the idea of having to behave.
It is the nature of forums that people come and go. If someone leaves because he feels he is restrained in his desire to be insulting, then that's too bad but these are the rules.

The people who don't like it here have the very simple option to stay away.
I know several people who do so, including some mods that stay away unless moderator action is required.

Originally Posted by sicboater

even in the US we don't have totally free speech, it is for instance a federal crime to declare you have a bomb while in an airport.

we DO have free speech. we just don't have consequence-free speech. saying that you can be punished for irresponsible speech is not the same thing as regulated speech.
/rant


as to whether or not there should be "free speech" in the conversation, i look at it this way:

i am a big free speech advocate, so on any forum *I* run, that's how it will be done. but i DON'T run this forum. and no one made me join. i agree to the terms and conditions when i joined, so i am obligated to follow those rules. if i don't, and behave like an obnoxious asshole, thus violating the terms and conditions, the moderators should have no hesitation in removing/editing/whatever-the-terms-and-conditions-say-they-can-do my post.

rules is rules. if you volunteered to join the forum, you have an account because you agree to play by them.

No worries. I am not angry. <- see: smiley face. <- another one.

My reply wasn't targeted at anyone in particular. I just wanted to point out that this is a pretty open forum where anything goes as long as it is civil, and that noone is above these rules. Even mods have to follow the same rules or face the consequences. Seniority does not entitle someone to ignore the rules.

I would reply except my posts are considered too abrasive.......DELETE AWAY.Besrt Regards Gary

Please leave things as they are. No one was coerced into joining SRP and none is coerced to read or respond to any thread/post. Any discussion or opinion can be freely discussed in an intelligent and resposible manner. I believe our mods are here to make sure that things remain civil and I believe they do a good job, I do not see them as the "thought police". Because of the anonimity of the web sometimes people get carried away, therefore the mods. There are plenty of places on the web and the world to vent, rant or what have you, I see no need to do that here, and I do not wish to see abusive or destructive behavior here. I can get crap anywhere, why come here and get it. JMHO. Thank you. God bless one and all.