Is TBN too "family friendly" for your tastes?

[Z-Michigan]

I haven't read all the posts in this thread, but I'll just say I like the fact that there are hardly any flame wars or idiots on TBN. That seems to come at the price of a bit more moderation, but I find the site very useful. I also use some sites that are less moderated, where I can get some useful info but have a lot more "chaff" to get through. I'm not in favor of censorship (and I remember one thread I posted in that had mysteriously disappeared without a trace a day later), but I am pretty happy with how TBN is run.

 

[Soundguy]

I gotta agree. While the occasional flame war will start to smoke up a bit.. I must say.. the idiot filter here works great. I've only seen a very small number here that would make that qualification. AFAIK.. none of them are still here.

soundguy

 

[Spiveyman]

...and I remember one thread I posted in that had mysteriously disappeared without a trace a day later...

I am still fairly new to TBN and to forums like this all together. Guess I don't "get out" that much when it comes to the internet. Anyway, a few posts into my membership here I was (and still am) learning about the things that go on behind the scenes. I found out Bird was a moderator and I PM'd him with a question... that led to more understanding of what moderators do around here. So I was made aware that sometimes posts disappear. A couple days later, I had posted on a thread, don't even remember what it was now, but I went back to follow up on the thread and my post was gone!!! I was a bit miffed as I am not typically that controversial of a poster and this one was just about tractors. I was racking my brain trying to figure out what I had said that would make them delete my post. I don't like to leave things bad with people and wanted to make amends for whatever I'd said. The I figured out that the person who started the thread had started almost identical threads in the owning/operating area and in the specific brand owning/operating area. I'd stumbled across the specific brand area version of the thread and couldn't find my post because it was in the general owning/operating area.

It's funny the things that get you when you are a newbie.

 

[jbrumberg]

The flamers and idiots are at other sites , and I admit that I can be an idiot too . I am very open minded and try to be respectful of the other posters regardless of my personal opinions. Every member regardless of what site they belong to has had life experiences and knowledge that I do not which always gives me the opportunity to learn something new . Even a middle aged male can change (but it is difficult )! Whenever I think I have offended anyone here I PM them an apology. I also usually send a PM to a member if I mention them in one of my posts. I go to other sites for the entertainment value and I am a little looser at those sites , but I still try to be respectful. I do not get ego involved with anything on the internet. Life is too short for negativity and bad boundaries. Jay

 

[N80]

I think any time you are new to a site you have to get a feel for the 'culture' of the site. Get an idea who the regulars are. Try to find out the owner's general philosophy. That's my advice. I don't always follow it though. I got into a heated discussion with one of the regulars here right after I got here. Bird had to step in and should have.

I also remember getting off to a bad start on a R/C truck related site a while back. It is a great site and I got a lot of info there and ended up participating a great deal. But, within my first few posts I used the word 'crap'. This word was on there no-no list. And I got 'demerits' for using the word. After a certain number of demerits you get the boot. At first I was a bit peeved but discussed things with one of the mods. He reminded me that being an R/C site there were lots of adults but a lot more teenage boys! So they had to run a tight ship to prevent absolute chaos. And it worked great. The site remains very strong and the troublemakers make themselves disappear pretty quick. Do I like moderation that strict? Of course not. Was it necessary? Absolutely.

I think it also helps to treat a site with discussion boards like someone else's home. They've envited you in to their place and you behave accordingly. You might behave differently in the basement 'man cave' than in the dining room. It those that don't know the difference that cause the problems and those who don't realize they are guests. We are guests here.

Finally, I don't like the term 'censorship' applied to this sort of site. This site is private property and inasmuch, no individual 'rights' are guaranteed or even implied. If Grandma doesn't want politics discussed at the Sunday dinner table, that isn't censorship. That's Grandma's rule and nothing more.

 

[RoyJackson]

I think any time you are new to a site you have to get a feel for the 'culture' of the site. Get an idea who the regulars are. Try to find out the owner's general philosophy. That's my advice. I don't always follow it though. I got into a heated discussion with one of the regulars here right after I got here. Bird had to step in and should have.

You got into a heated discussion??? I can't hardly believe that!
Hahahahahahahahahaha!!!

 

[Skyco]

I think this is a fantastic site! I recently had my posts deleted in a particular thread though after I got into a disagreement with another poster. The good part of that is Bird PM'd me and told me why he deleted mine and the other posters comments. Although I am a little puzzled as to the reasoning I really appreciated he bothered to tell me. I've had very few posts deleted anywhere but normally have found they just disappear with NO explanation on other boards and that kinda chaps me....censorship without explanation.

 

[Killer_B]

How would it be possible for any sight to be too family friendly? I assume that FF is a euphemism for a lack of foul or inflammatory language. Is that kind of talk ever a good thing?

 

[N80]

How would it be possible for any sight to be too family friendly? I assume that FF is a euphemism for a lack of foul or inflammatory language. Is that kind of talk ever a good thing?

Apparently there are some folks who just can't live without it. Kind of sad in my opinion. But deep down it is really more than that. Its an ego thing, as in "How dare someone delete/modify anything that I have typed!"

Some people just can't get over themselves and as I've said before, you just can't make them understand that 1) this is a privately owned site with its own rules and 2) that every word that comes from their mouth is not precious and valuable and 3) that potty talk and foul language have almost no value except for humor and that it is the absolute weakest form of humor.

But yes, I also think it odd that someone wants to cast 'family friendly' in a bad light.

 

[hazmat]

How would it be possible for any sight to be too family friendly? I assume that FF is a euphemism for a lack of foul or inflammatory language. Is that kind of talk ever a good thing?

It goes a little beyond the potty talk. I believe this particular discussion is more about "adult humor" than profanity.

(From the about tbn page)

A Family Friendly Site
In December, 2001, TractorByNet.com was recognized by FamilyFriendlySites.com, a leading reviewer of website content, as a "Family Friendly Site" with content suitable for viewers of all ages. TractorByNet.com met (and must continue to meet to maintain the recognition) a set of strict guidelines for recognition:



No adult-themed or sexually explicit text, images, or photographs.

Maintains an advertising policy that rejects advertising for alcohol, tobacco, gambling, and pornography.

Does not promote hate, violence or discrimination in any way

Does not promote any illegal substances or activities

Posts and enforces rules in discussion forums to prohibit sexually explicit language, profanity, and remarks that disparage or ridicule others.

Links only to sites that share the intent of being family-friendly.