Request to create a new section has been submitted

Status
Not open for further replies.
I disagree. Having a separate Politics/Controversy section means exposure to that material is purely optional. It's kept separate from the usual threads about BBQ, watches, firearms, mountain bikes, etc. I don't believe I've ever seen such a forum on this site.

It's a pretty small ask, honestly. Strange it's so opposed. It's almost like people are content to wallow in their own confirmation bias or echo chamber. Different ideas are "scary and unwelcome."
 
It's a pretty small ask, honestly. Strange it's so opposed. It's almost like people are content to wallow in their own confirmation bias or echo chamber. Different ideas are "scary and unwelcome."

No, it's because threads like this very predictably devolve into nastiness which is not welcome on this forum, and which I'd rather not wallow in.

I know, I know ... "don't read it if you don't like it" will be the mantra. To which I reply, "don't visit here if you don't like the rules".

Brian made his well-reasoned, and considerate pitch. He received two well-reasoned and considerate replies from two mods which should wrap it up.

Politics-wise, BTW, there are no more "different ideas".
 
I didn't take ndcent's comment to imply that the mods are wallowing in an echo chamber. It isn't a nasty woman comment lol.

I assume he is referring to those members who cannot even view speech they don't agree with without getting sad or angry and emailing off complaints to the mods.

Overall I feel that everyone is reasoned and if the mods have this position then that is their choice. I am glad that thread has cleared the air a bit.

Here is an example of a news article I would have linked in the /politics & news/ section.

Let's not discuss it here as everyone has made it clear that many members (read not the mods) simply are not able to converse as adults. Just read on your own please and don't comment on it.

Anyways I think it is absolutely one of the best written pieces about how we got here.

11-10-16 | Harvard Business Review
What So Many People Don’t Get About the U.S. Working Class

https://hbr.org/2016/11/what-so-many-people-dont-get-about-the-u-s-working-class


Have a good day y'all.

Brian
 
Last edited:
I assume he is referring to those members who cannot even view speech they don't agree with without getting sad or angry and emailing off complaints to the mods.

In playing a bit of Devil's Advocate, I think that is the key. As it was when political threads were tolerated more, it was ridiculously easy to avoid threads that were such as well as in the threads themselves avoid those who seemed to comment only to get a rise out of people. But people seemed to still read them and complain. Like the train wreck mentality I guess?
 
Interesting that what you consider "conversing like adults" includes little immature digs like quoted above. And you wonder why these things devolve?

Let's just leave it at the fact that my comment wasn't even directed at you. It wasn't directed at anyone personally.

I support the free exchange of ideas. I believe that fellow 4Runner owners often provide a good community for discussing news and events. Sometimes. Sometimes not. But I would still rather know what you guys think than discuss on Facebook with friends and family. When it comes to friends and family I prefer a backyard BBQ or chilling at the bar to discuss news & politics, not social media.

I remember when someone posted the video of that Dad who took his brat daughters laptop out to the backyard and blew holes in it with his M1911. I remember 1Engineers attempt to intelligently discuss Marijuana legislation and use. I also remember the threads that had to be closed.

The mods do not have an easy job, especially with people requesting intervention so frequently. I am thankful for the free service they provide and will respect the decision.
 
Last edited:
Let's just leave it at the fact that my comment wasn't even directed at you. It wasn't directed at anyone personally.
.

Thanks. I didn't take it personally. Guess I'm commenting because I've just had it up to here with this season's politics and just can't take anymore...
 
We're all about support for free exchange of ideas and freedom of speech. We never want any members to feel otherwise. As all things in life though, there's a certain time and place for every topic. You're not gonna sit around the dinner table with your parents and younger siblings talking about your crazy booze, drug, & sex filled weekend. Well, maybe some of you do, but just try to see my point here...

Some people here have no filter and take their freedom of speech too far FOR THE FORUM. We hate to associate those who CAN converse in certain topics in an adult manner with those that cannot, but past experiences have shown it's too tedious and hard on us mods to sift through it all when all hell breaks loose. This happens often enough, and adding politics and religion to the forum would bring even more. Again, if we could guarantee that everyone could act as adults then maybe it would be a different situation. However, it's just not possible on the large forum like this. It's too easy for words to be twisted and misconstrued over the internet these days and there's always someone to either take it wrong, or take it too far.
 
Last edited:
Just because someone complains or is offended doesn't mean they're right or that the mods are obligated to do anything about it.

What is the big worry if threads aren't heavily moderated? If someone gets offended and a thread ISN'T closed, what happens?

Seems to me that you are also offending members through censorship. This thread being a clear example. Why does one person's whining supersede anothers?

In terms of traffic to the site and active users I know I personally visited more to follow those threads. They also tended to be among the most viewed in off topic. Are we sure that creating a safe space here isn't going to drive away more users than conceding to hurt feelings will?
 
Just because someone complains or is offended doesn't mean they're right or that the mods are obligated to do anything about it.

What is the big worry if threads aren't heavily moderated? If someone gets offended and a thread ISN'T closed, what happens?

Seems to me that you are also offending members through censorship. This thread being a clear example. Why does one person's whining supersede anothers?

In terms of traffic to the site and active users I know I personally visited more to follow those threads. They also tended to be among the most viewed in off topic. Are we sure that creating a safe space here isn't going to drive away more users than conceding to hurt feelings will?

People aren't drawn here to talk about politics and such.. They're drawn here b/c they have interest in knowledge or have questions about their 4Runner (or other Toyotas). So being "safe" isn't going to drive anyone away if they're here for the reason the forum was intended.

The world wouldn't end if we had such topics, but the problem is we would hear about it non-stop through reports. We can't just ignore reports, we have obligations to make sure the forum stays as family friendly as possible. This rule wasn't made by us, it was made by admins. Between everything else we have to deal with, why make the extra headache for ourselves.
 
Do you know who complained to the mods the most about the political comments??? The guys who were posting in the threads!!! Dude, I gave the half dozen or so who really want to say the same crap about the same topics several chances. I gave warnings when they should have been banned. It didn't work. One guy threatened another to make a visit to their house with a gun! All over a political comment! You can say what you want but, contrary to popular belief, politics is not the only current events or news out there. Kids got killed on a school bus. The Dow is at an all time high. Google EMDRIVE if you want your mind to be blown. All those things could be discussed but no, the same old tired guys want to bash Clinton or Trump. Newsflash: There is more to the world than politics.

Again, there are hundreds of political forums out there that focus solely on politics. Go there! Please! And before you make the argument that I am running off members who are customers of our sponsors, you have maybe 10 guys who think like you. You have hundreds that come here to get AWAY from politics and talk about modding 4Runners!

Political comments ALWAYS piss someone off! How do they respond? With a crap comment of their own! You see, most people can't grasp the difference between the content of a post and the poster themselves so instead of attacking the content they attack the poster.

Also this is not just my idea. Ask the other mods. Ask @admin. Religion and politics are trouble.

Personally, I would love to discuss politics with some of you guys and guess what... I do. Through pm's because in a pm you can't just be a smart ass with a one line insult, you actually have to know something.

If you truly want to discuss politics Brian, pm me. I don't care which side you are on even! I'll take the opposite just for stimulating conversation. Pretty sure you won't do that though because you really don't want to seriously talk about politics. You would rather just make fun of others right?

This is a public forum held by a private corporation for profit. That's why there are rules. The only "freedom of speech" is just like a workplace, whatever the rules allow. I would be glad to post on your forum if you set one up with absolute freedom of speech and no rules. I think I have told you this before but I'll say it again: If you had a forum with no rules and absolute freedom of speech, it would crash from viruses as soon as the porn and spam people found out about it. Don't forget those posts that say "I work from home and make $80 an hour and you can too" or the ones that say "I had migraines until I took this herbal extracts from fly poop." BTW there is no filter for those type of posts. They have to be moderated manually and deleted by hand. You would probably want to exclude those guys though right? As soon as you do there goes your freedom of speech. What you are saying is you want freedom of speech as long as it is moderated to only include YOUR idea of free speech right? Sort of censored to fit your needs? Welcome to this forum. Designed for 4Runner owners.
unnecessary on both accounts.
those are condescending comments, and meant to start a flame war.


Interesting that what you consider "conversing like adults" includes little immature digs like quoted above. And you wonder why these things devolve?
see above. our mods are setting a great example.

We're all about support for free exchange of ideas and freedom of speech. We never want any members to feel otherwise. As all things in life though, there's a certain time and place for every topic. You're not gonna sit around the dinner table with your parents and younger siblings talking about your crazy booze, drug, & sex filled weekend. Well, maybe some of you do, but just try to see my point here...

Some people here have no filter and take their freedom of speech too far FOR THE FORUM. We hate to associate those who CAN converse in certain topics in an adult manner with those that cannot, but past experiences have shown it's too tedious and hard on us mods to sift through it all when all hell breaks loose. This happens often enough, and adding politics and religion to the forum would bring even more. Again, if we could guarantee that everyone could act as adults then maybe it would be a different situation. However, it's just not possible on the large forum like this. It's too easy for words to be twisted and misconstrued over the internet these days and there's always someone to either take it wrong, or take it too far.
sounds to me, like you, 1engineer and anyone else that just cant cut it as a mod should probably step down.

Just because someone complains or is offended doesn't mean they're right or that the mods are obligated to do anything about it.

What is the big worry if threads aren't heavily moderated? If someone gets offended and a thread ISN'T closed, what happens?

Seems to me that you are also offending members through censorship. This thread being a clear example. Why does one person's whining supersede anothers?

In terms of traffic to the site and active users I know I personally visited more to follow those threads. They also tended to be among the most viewed in off topic. Are we sure that creating a safe space here isn't going to drive away more users than conceding to hurt feelings will?
exactly.

People aren't drawn here to talk about politics and such.. They're drawn here b/c they have interest in knowledge or have questions about their 4Runner (or other Toyotas). So being "safe" isn't going to drive anyone away if they're here for the reason the forum was intended.

The world wouldn't end if we had such topics, but the problem is we would hear about it non-stop through reports. We can't just ignore reports, we have obligations to make sure the forum stays as family friendly as possible. This rule wasn't made by us, it was made by admins. Between everything else we have to deal with, why make the extra headache for ourselves.
yes you can. if they have no basis, other than someone being offended, they certainly can be ignored. by acknowledging them, you are giving them power.

I really think we need a new batch of mods.
 
My take, FWIW...be it politics or most other topics, the outcomes are 1) those who already think like you do will chime in and agree, 2) those who don't will argue until the sun burns out, and 3) no one's view will be significantly changed or even influenced one way or the other.

1) + 2) + 3) = huge waste of time and energy except for whatever reward people get from the forum equivalent of hearing themselves talk and justify their opinions.

With that said, since participation is voluntary, if a willing Mod can be found, why not?
 
Last edited:
sounds to me, like you, 1engineer and anyone else that just cant cut it as a mod should probably step down.

yes you can. if they have no basis, other than someone being offended, they certainly can be ignored. by acknowledging them, you are giving them power.

I really think we need a new batch of mods.

I'm truly sorry you feel that way.. None of you guys knows what it's like to be a mod. To go through the daily bs we do, it's amazing we've all stuck around as long as we have. You are all too quick to judge. We "ignore" enough reports. But we can't ignore vulgar name calling, instigating flame wars, etc etc.. which is exactly what those topics will bring. These guidelines are in tact for ANY topic, there's nothing new here. "So why not quit being a mod?"... Well, admin likes the group he has and he's happy with the way things are with the forum.

I'd really like to know how acknowledging a user of his actions through messaging or with an infraction, temp ban, or permanent ban is giving them power?? I would think ignoring someone would allow them to think they "got away with it" and therefor feel entitled to do it again.

We're fully aware we cannot appease EVERYONE on the forum. That's part of it. Everyone came to this forum for the same reason.
 
Last edited:
My ideal path forward:
* Current moderators & Admin approves creation of "Politics & News" section
* 2 users volunteer to moderate the new section, rules are set with new mods
* section is opened

It does not look like things are going in that direction. :bolt:
 
My ideal path forward:
* Current moderators & Admin approves creation of "Politics & News" section
* 2 users volunteer to moderate the new section, rules are set with new mods
* section is opened

It does not look like things are going in that direction. :bolt:

Seems just slightly like an over simplification of the process, and then you have elephant in the room, of which 2 users now get the power of the ban hammer and what they deem is justifiable? Seems like you are simplying what would mostly like/naturally evolve into a monster
 
I'm truly sorry you feel that way.. None of you guys knows what it's like to be a mod. To go through the daily bs we do, it's amazing we've all stuck around as long as we have. You are all too quick to judge. We "ignore" enough reports. But we can't ignore vulgar name calling, instigating flame wars, etc etc.. which is exactly what those topics will bring. These guidelines are in tact for ANY topic, there's nothing new here. "So why not quit being a mod?"... Well, admin likes the group he has and he's happy with the way things are with the forum.

I'd really like to know how acknowledging a user of his actions through messaging or with an infraction, temp ban, or permanent ban is giving them power?? I would think ignoring someone would allow them to think they "got away with it" and therefor feel entitled to do it again.

We're fully aware we cannot appease EVERYONE on the forum. That's part of it. Everyone came to this forum for the same reason.
that's where you're wrong, I do know what its like to be a mod, and I expect there are many other members here that do as well. I expect there isn't nearly as much "moderation" needed on this site as you seem to what us to think. but my point is, if that moderation is too much for you, perhaps you aren't the right fit for the job.

im referring to the complainers. if their complaint is baseless, IGNORE them. if its just a matter of them being offended by words, ignore them.

a mods job is pretty simple, you people are making it out to be much more than it actually is.
 
Seems just slightly like an over simplification of the process, and then you have elephant in the room, of which 2 users now get the power of the ban hammer and what they deem is justifiable? Seems like you are simplying what would mostly like/naturally evolve into a monster

Well :confused: the only way for new mods to be promoted is to come from the user base. I wouldn't be making the picks. Perhaps you should apply for the job if this comes forward. Either way it would make sense to add a mod or two who is willing to moderate the new section.

I remember you were one of the most outspoken livid users when the WHITSON METALWORKS racks controversy went down. That whole escapade just proves non-political threads can spiral out of control just as fast as any other topic.
 
Last edited:
Well :confused: the only way for new mods to be promoted is to come from the user base. I wouldn't be making the picks. Perhaps you should apply for the job if this comes forward. Either way it would make sense to add a mod or two who is willing to moderate the new section.

I remember you were one of the most outspoken livid users when the WHITSON METALWORKS racks controversy went down. That whole escapade just proves non-political threads can spiral out of control just as fast as any other topic.

No i'm fine...and I don't know about livid...I simply proved that the owner of the opposing company opened a fake acct and so did his employee and tried playing the innocent card and hide their identity. . . but yes I guess I was wrong..........
I guess if you call catching a patent troll in their tracks and not being honest up front or answering basic questions prior to and after being caught in the act spiraling out of control then yes I agree?
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Members online

Forum statistics

Threads
278,309
Messages
3,554,071
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Trending content

Back
Top