BrianSD_42
New member
Sure. I'm just bringing you up to speed.
What a joke
- Thread starter -JD-
- Start date
-JD-
New member
Dusty Driftwood
New member
I've been debating whether I want to fuel the fire or just let it pass..
Having moderated boards in the past, I can tell you what a PIA it is. You may not want to censor people, but you still have to keep the peace
I enjoy talking to T4R members about a variety of topics, but I try to leave race, religion, and politics out of the conversation.
Of all the topics we could discuss, those are the ones most likely to get out of hand, so I error on the safe side and keep those opinions to myself (most of the time). I understand why this would frustrate members who are passionate about politics. But, if content on a social media platform is that big of a deal, I think you should re-evaluate your life priorities.
I'm not trying to be mean or rude, I just think there are far greater thing in the world for you to spend energy on. There are numerous outlets for political discussions outside this website. So, I'd prefer to keep this one about 4Runners.
Personally, I visit other sites for my other interests (cooking, woodworking, home improvement, etc.). Some of those may be discussed here, but, generally speaking the robust content on those topics are generally found on websites dedicated to that topic. Just like this site is dedicated to 4Runners...
I don't mean to upset, offend, or generally frustrate people. Its just how I feel about the situation. If you'd like to argue over my 1st amendment right to free speech, I suggest we take it to a political forum... :loco:
Having moderated boards in the past, I can tell you what a PIA it is. You may not want to censor people, but you still have to keep the peace
I enjoy talking to T4R members about a variety of topics, but I try to leave race, religion, and politics out of the conversation.
Of all the topics we could discuss, those are the ones most likely to get out of hand, so I error on the safe side and keep those opinions to myself (most of the time). I understand why this would frustrate members who are passionate about politics. But, if content on a social media platform is that big of a deal, I think you should re-evaluate your life priorities.
I'm not trying to be mean or rude, I just think there are far greater thing in the world for you to spend energy on. There are numerous outlets for political discussions outside this website. So, I'd prefer to keep this one about 4Runners.
Personally, I visit other sites for my other interests (cooking, woodworking, home improvement, etc.). Some of those may be discussed here, but, generally speaking the robust content on those topics are generally found on websites dedicated to that topic. Just like this site is dedicated to 4Runners...
I don't mean to upset, offend, or generally frustrate people. Its just how I feel about the situation. If you'd like to argue over my 1st amendment right to free speech, I suggest we take it to a political forum... :loco:
-JD-
New member
I completely agree with this statement but look at it from the opposite side. Remember who is going out of their way to stop other people from doing something. Thus making it a 'big deal' and needlessly creating more work and more headaches for themselves.
I still dont see what the big concern is. Why the mods feel the need to take on the responsibility for every members feelings. What happens if someone is offended and nothing is done? Nothing. As has been mentioned, politics has been discussed on this forum for years without any serious issues. Why we suddenly can't handle it is beyond me.
BrianSD_42
New member
Exactly. There are too many delicate little flowers who complain to the mods about the slightest implied slight.
What I find amazing is that OffTopic is the section to get locked down. I've drifted into the 5th gen section quite a few times and witnessed many a cry fest, sharp wits and lmao digs at each other. I assume people whine to the mods with frivolous complaints all the time. At the same time it is clear many in that crowd have thick skin and a good sense of humor.
I don't get why we can't be treated have the same kind of freedom here in OT.
If a user submits a complaint that isn't valid then TELL HIM to STOP complaining. There is no entitlement to having people be nice to you and agree with you on the internet and the mods certainly shouldn't be made to tailor the forum into a nice sweet place for young adults, millennials and children.
I try to treat everyone with respect (for real) but I'm sure I've offended plenty. How many of you can say the same? How many feel entitled to a safe space?
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Dusty Driftwood
New member
Look, fellas, I don't claim to have all the answers here, so this is purely speculation. As a mod, the intention is to look out for the greater good of the forum. I've seen (mostly) good-natured teasing in the 5th Gen section. I've also seen political threads turn down right nasty.
I would agree that the world is a little over sensitive these days. I would also tend to agree that a few bad apples are spoiling the bunch. Unfortunately those are the people that can't be reasoned with. We can't change the world, but we can change this website (relatively speaking).
Forum moderation is a slippery slope that can turn ugly. Its just the nature of things when you assume responsibility. I see the elimination of political talk as a 'nip it in the bud' preventative action to keep this from going too far.
It is naive to assume political conversations will continue to be fine because we've never had a problem before (which is actually debatable)... The social, economic, and political landscape continues to change. The site needs to evolve along with it. As previously mentioned, there are plenty of other outlets for that type of discussion.
You guys are welcome to your opinions, I just happen to feel differently. At this point, I'm not sure I have anything constructive to add, so I'll respectfully remove myself from the conversation.
I would agree that the world is a little over sensitive these days. I would also tend to agree that a few bad apples are spoiling the bunch. Unfortunately those are the people that can't be reasoned with. We can't change the world, but we can change this website (relatively speaking).
Forum moderation is a slippery slope that can turn ugly. Its just the nature of things when you assume responsibility. I see the elimination of political talk as a 'nip it in the bud' preventative action to keep this from going too far.
It is naive to assume political conversations will continue to be fine because we've never had a problem before (which is actually debatable)... The social, economic, and political landscape continues to change. The site needs to evolve along with it. As previously mentioned, there are plenty of other outlets for that type of discussion.
You guys are welcome to your opinions, I just happen to feel differently. At this point, I'm not sure I have anything constructive to add, so I'll respectfully remove myself from the conversation.
jwkilgore
New member
There is a huge difference between a "safe space" (per OP) and an "area dedicated to learning and teaching about a specific topic", i.e., 4Runners and their use.
If politics and angst keeps resurfacing and interfering with the primary goal of this forum (4Runners), then there are two real options. You can completely outlaw any political discussion (banning members who refuse to comply) or you can carve out a new spot where any such discussion can be diverted.
IMO the total elimination attempt is a bad idea. Some people will see it as censorship, and you will end up banning people with real knowledge of 4Runners and their use. Creating a new space it the better choice.
It's kinda like trying to make 1st graders sit still and learn in class. Some can, some can't. You can try to force them to sit still at all times, but that ends up in rebellion and loss of students. Or you can provide them regular outlets for their energy which allows them to sit still during class time.
If political discussions start bleeding into other areas it's much less draconian to delete/mod the posts with a note to "take it to the politics forum" vs. "we aren't allowed to talk about that anywhere on this forum."
If politics and angst keeps resurfacing and interfering with the primary goal of this forum (4Runners), then there are two real options. You can completely outlaw any political discussion (banning members who refuse to comply) or you can carve out a new spot where any such discussion can be diverted.
IMO the total elimination attempt is a bad idea. Some people will see it as censorship, and you will end up banning people with real knowledge of 4Runners and their use. Creating a new space it the better choice.
It's kinda like trying to make 1st graders sit still and learn in class. Some can, some can't. You can try to force them to sit still at all times, but that ends up in rebellion and loss of students. Or you can provide them regular outlets for their energy which allows them to sit still during class time.
If political discussions start bleeding into other areas it's much less draconian to delete/mod the posts with a note to "take it to the politics forum" vs. "we aren't allowed to talk about that anywhere on this forum."
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