Do we want an "Anything Goes" Forum?

[Johanna]

It has been suggested that we set up a special section for people to rant and rave about any subject they choose, excluding personal attacks. Some of you want to discuss world events and controversial subjects, and this would be the place to do it. Those of you who hate those conversations could ignore the section entirely.

Please vote. Comments welcome.

Johanna

[Suze]

I'm not so sure that it is a great idea - "Politics" (or any other contriversial subject) can get pretty heated pretty fast.

and then you have name calling and bad karma running around, and then the "whispering campanes" get started.

and with as much negitivity in the world today, with jobs being lost and businesses closeing --

Do we really want all that to "stain" the world of the leather family that has been built here?

I vote no

[tashabear]

I have to disagree. They opened a forum like that on a motorcycle forum I'm on and it did nothing but good for the main pages. It's password-protected, like the adult forum is here, which means that I don't even know it's there and I got about my business in blissful ignorance.

Of course, that's predicated upon people behaving like adults, which I think can happen here, with suitable applications of modly prerogative where necessary.

I'm for it, and would prefer it be password-protected.

[Ian]

I don't think so. Not that I'm not the first to dive into off-topic posts and I can talk politics and controversy until the cows come home. I just think there are enough other outlets to divide us (unfortunately). As much as we'd like to think we accept others rights to their opinions, I think we all tend to polarize towards people sharing our opinions - often to the exclusion of those who don't.

I like LW the way it is (and if you think outherwise, I might hate you

[DCKNIVES]

I presently belong to about 10 different forums and almost all have tried this and few have succeded without heavy moderation.Most of the forums have done away with political as it causes way too many problems.Politics concerning our chosen field of leather should be welcome because it is a matter of importance to "us".There are plenty of forums for those who love to rant and I do not think this should be one of them.Dave

[UKRay]

I'm with you all the way, Tashabear.

I'm definitely not here for the in-fighting and squabbles, I just want to chew the fat, have a laugh and learn as much as I can. The password idea sounds like a good one as it would keep the controversial 'off topic' stuff right out of the way and most important of all, stop it spoiling sensible discussions about leatherwork.

Human nature being what it is, I think the real success of this proposal would rely on the moderators (bless 'em) picking up on any nonsense and shifting it off the main board; but I guess that sort of thing is one of the reasons we need them.

edit was because of my inability to spell - again!

I have to disagree. They opened a forum like that on a motorcycle forum I'm on and it did nothing but good for the main pages. It's password-protected, like the adult forum is here, which means that I don't even know it's there and I got about my business in blissful ignorance.

Of course, that's predicated upon people behaving like adults, which I think can happen here, with suitable applications of modly prerogative where necessary.

I'm for it, and would prefer it be password-protected.

Edited April 3, 2009 by UKRay

[HorsehairBraider]

Although I like to hear what other people are doing in their private life and have concern and care for people going through difficulties, I am not interested in rants etc. I come here for learning about leather work and to share what I know with others who would like to learn.

I too have been on lots of forums, and I have seen this sort of thing bring very bad feelings between people. If I had everyone over for dinner, there are some topics I would not want brought up at the table with so many diverse people... I would not want bad feelings between my guests. I respect other people's opinions and hope they respect mine - but that said, there are already tons of places to go on the internet to rant and rave about various subjects. Typically those places are moderated to prevent alternate points of view, so that participants can "let it all hang out" so to speak, and that is fine with me. They have an outlet for their feelings.

If it is decided to go with it, I like Tashabear's idea of it being by password only. I am truly not interested and would not join in. I really do come here for the love of leather, and have come to like and respect many people. I would not want to jeopardize a friendship over some of that stuff.

[tonyc1]

I reckon it's a great idea as long as it's not personal. Let's people get another person's views of many different subjects. I vote yes.

Tony.

[rawhide1]

Johanna

I think it would be a good section. After all it would give people a place to go and talk about stuff that aint leather related. Even if it was to vent. I think it should also be set up like the adult section. But like any thread on here if ya dont like it dont read it. I enjoy this site more than anyone will ever know due to it being about leather. But I do get quite a laugh out of some of the non leather related topics. I think were all adults and should be able to post our opinions and thoughts without being shut down. With that being said Johanna you brought this site to life so I'm good with whatever ya decide.

[rdb]

Please, Please, Please, Please, make it go away........If I want "Red State", or Faux News, I know how to use the url bar!