Ignore lists in this forum

[Squilchuck]

I've read a few messages recently about increasing ignored-member lists. I have about 10 on my list. Anyone else think this indicates a problem with the forum? If you are like me, my ignored members are all regular political commentators in this forum. I'd probably enjoy hearing about leather from my ignored members, but I don't have time to sort through messages. Why have an off topic forum in a web site devoted to leather?   John

[Tugadude]

While I haven't put anyone on my ignored member list (yet, never say never) I respect your right to do so and for the forum making that option available.  Should there really be a need for it is another matter.

In general, people should err on the side of kindness and if they are exorcised about a particular topic, they should probably just move along.  I know I have been guilty of engaging with people and it usually doesn't end pretty.  I working harder to determine when to say when.  

The biggest problem seems to be gratuitous comments that are included with otherwise reasonable posts.  I've tried to exercise restraint when tempted to follow suit.  

I am active on several non-leather forums and trust me, the issue is there too.  Just a reflection of our times.  

Nothing is ever going to be perfect so I just try to separate the wheat from the chaff and keep as positive as possible.

Kindness is never a wrong response.

[LatigoAmigo]

1 hour ago, Tugadude said:

I working harder to determine when to say when.  

@Squilchuck has a good point. The people he is referring to, and we all know who they are, have decimated what was once a wonderful site for leatherworkers to share their work and their knowledge, and in my view have ruined this site. It now seems to attract the angry and ignorant.  Many very talented members have not posted here in years because of the responses from said members. It is worthy of note that the most members online date is January 7, 2021.

[JREESER1]

A few years ago, there were constantly well over 350 member views, daily. Lately, the number has dropped steadily. I am not a terribly active contributor, but I do scan the threads daily. It seems to me some of the responses are terse, short and have lost the helpfulness they used to have. I feel I am losing a good friend with helpful insight to a lot of common problems. The naysayers and political wonks seem to be winning and ruining the entire culture. My 2 pennies.

jr

Edited June 17, 2022 by JREESER1

[Tugadude]

1 hour ago, LatigoAmigo said:

@Squilchuck has a good point. The people he is referring to, and we all know who they are, have decimated what was once a wonderful site for leatherworkers to share their work and their knowledge, and in my view have ruined this site. It now seems to attract the angry and ignorant.  Many very talented members have not posted here in years because of the responses from said members. It is worthy of note that the most members online date is January 7, 2021.

Not disagreeing at all.  Same on other forums I frequent, including one on vintage bicycles.  Many of the "oldtimers" and "longtimers" have pedaled off.

It is a shame.  I suppose if enough complaints are made, the moderators will take action.  Other than leaving I guess that's the best recourse.

[Tugadude]

23 minutes ago, JREESER1 said:

A few years ago, there were constantly well over 350 member views, daily. Lately, the number has dropped steadily. I am not a terribly active contributor, but I do scan the threads daily. It seems to me some of the responses are terse, short and have lost the helpfulness they used to have. I feel I am losing a good friend with helpful insight to a lot of common problems. The naysayers and political wonks seem to be winning and ruining the entire culture. My 2 pennies.

jr

I can tell you from experience why many don't give detailed explanations.  It is because sometimes when you do, people quibble with every little thing you have said.  Even if you are 95% correct, it is the 5% they go after.  And so the next time you want to contribute, you think twice.  And in the end, just saying "burnish" is easier than describing the whole process.

[chuck123wapati]

my two cents. 

1. Its social media to go on any site and block people for expressing their thoughts or ideas is light years beyond stupid. Blocking them because they are personally attacking you is another thing altogether. I personally have blocked two people in my entire life, one on FB years ago and one on this site. I absolutely believe that every citizen has the right to speak freely and express their selves no matter the platform until they become personally abusive. I also believe every person has the right to move on, not listen or ignore that is also a personal choice.  I'm Not part of the cancel culture and i never will be. I feel those who are to uninspired of personal knowledge to see more to life than their own little tunnel of thought are pretty ignorant of the world around them but they have no right to intentionally try to cancel those that are inspired to see hear new or old thoughts, and form their own opinions and make personal comments to that knowledge.

2.The best part of how the moderators set this site up is adding an off topic and adult section.. I think everyone here can see that the off topic section has kept a lot of todays problems off the regular leather thread forum which is a good thing IMO. Plus I don't care to see someone's wife or boy friend in a leather thong so  putting that in its own little place is also a good thing. 

But the bottom line is and always should be free thought on social media IMO. Post a pic of your BF in a thong. Post how you like BLM, drugs, church or any topic you desire I don't care  I'll read it or not...…l. But i wont take my animosity or dislike of it to the leather work side of the forum I'm better than that.

 

[chuck123wapati]

15 minutes ago, Tugadude said:

I can tell you from experience why many don't give detailed explanations.  It is because sometimes when you do, people quibble with every little thing you have said.  Even if you are 95% correct, it is the 5% they go after.  And so the next time you want to contribute, you think twice.  And in the end, just saying "burnish" is easier than describing the whole process.

 

 

18 minutes ago, Tugadude said:

Not disagreeing at all.  Same on other forums I frequent, including one on vintage bicycles.  Many of the "oldtimers" and "longtimers" have pedaled off.

It is a shame.  I suppose if enough complaints are made, the moderators will take action.  Other than leaving I guess that's the best recourse.

It could be that social media is losing it attraction all the way around. I've quit posting on all except this one. 

[Squid61]

I don't respond to many posts because I'm a simple end of the kitchen table crafter and most of the threads are about machines and hardware I can't even hope to own.  Unfortunately the few members who post in my interest area have gotten too political of late and while I have not officialy ignored anyone I do avoid their threads if there is a hint of politics.  I think ignore buttons are too aggresive for what may be heat of the moment posts, we all need to take a deep breath and calm down.

 

[Sheilajeanne]

Any other forums I've been on have eventually either banned ALL politics-related posts, or had to appoint moderators to keep the conversation civil. Some of the personal insults I've read in the OT forum recently are really over the top. Yup, and a few were directed at me.

It should be a rule that it's okay to tell someone you disagree with them, but calling them names because of it IS NOT. 

Either that, or get rid of the OT forum completely. It's almost totally dominated by a few people with very conservative viewpoints, and most of them don't tolerate any other viewpoint, and bully  and insult anyone with an opinion different from their own until they leave.

Why do I bother with the forum? Well, I hate to see the discussion so completely dominated by people who are just patting each other on the back and agreeing with each other. There ARE other voices out there that you should listen to, even if you don't agree. 

TOLERANCE, people, it's called tolerance. That's what makes a civil society work.