rules prohibiting political discussions

[MossRoad]

As to closing a thread here, if it is due to one post could it not be removed and the thread continue; and is a private email sent to the offender(s)?

Also, if you come across something you think needs attention, is there a way to let a moderator know?

Sometimes only one post can be removed from a thread and the discussion can continue.

Sometimes, several posts have to be removed because people quote each other.

Sometimes a thread requires massive, massive pruning and by the time everything is removed that needs to be removed, the thread just doesn't make any sense, so the entire thing is either closed or removed.

Most of the time a PM is sent to the original poster regarding the reason a post was removed. However, if an entire thread is removed, usually only the originator of the post is notified, along with any "offenders".

And sometimes no PM is sent and a note is added at the end of the thread as to why it was pruned or closed.

 

[ray66v]

I read a post today on plumbing that had morphed into some posts about global warming.

Global warming is political. This is an example of what I am suggesting should not necessarily mean the end of the thread. And I suspect it won't be locked, for now, depending on how a moderator sees it. But, under the current rules, it is in serious jeopardy of termination.

Almost everything is political any more.

 

[MikePA]

Almost everything is political any more.

I disagree. Almost any thread can be made political by people who desire to do so. Tractors, attachments, etc are inanimate, apolitical objects. Some people, very, very, very few people, use them as excuses for making a political post.

Additionally, new TBNers probably join up thinking TBN is just like any other discussion forum on the Internet. As we all know, TBN is not just like any other discussion forum on the Internet. It's populated by informative, helpful, polite people who are here to talk tractors and all things related who, by a wide margin, know the TBN culture and self regulate. Proof of this is the fact that many of the posts that need moderating are reported by TBNers.

 

[NuBota]

I disagree. Almost any thread can be made political by people who desire to do so. Tractors, attachments, etc are inanimate, apolitical objects. Some people, very, very, very few people, use them as excuses for making a political post.

Additionally, new TBNers probably join up thinking TBN is just like any other discussion forum on the Internet. As we all know, TBN is not just like any other discussion forum on the Internet. It's populated by informative, helpful, polite people who are here to talk tractors and all things related who, by a wide margin, know the TBN culture and self regulate. Proof of this is the fact that many of the posts that need moderating are reported by TBNers.

So true on both points. I have always used forums for reference, back to the BBS days, very seldom contributing, unless I happened across a topic where I could help. This community is very unique - I keep looking for something to contribute or respond to....

 

[ray66v]

I disagree. Almost any thread can be made political by people who desire to do so. Tractors, attachments, etc are inanimate, apolitical objects. Some people, very, very, very few people, use them as excuses for making a political post.

I guess you haven't noticed, people discuss a lot more than tractors and implements here. I disagree that people are looking of an "excuse " to be political. Politics are at the forefront of most peoples thoughts right now.

Additionally, new TBNers probably join up thinking TBN is just like any other discussion forum on the Internet. As we all know, TBN is not just like any other discussion forum on the Internet. It's populated by informative, helpful, polite people who are here to talk tractors and all things related who, by a wide margin, know the TBN culture and self regulate. Proof of this is the fact that many of the posts that need moderating are reported by TBNers.

If you feel that TBNer's are such informative, helpful, polite people, then they should easily be able to be have an intelligent, civil, exchange of ideas, without a moderator having to step in and close the thread.

 

[ray66v]

"Unemployment rates over the last 60 years"

A thread with many interested parties posting and exchanging ideas.

This illustrates my point, that people do want to discuss these type of things.

I would not have even suggested a thread start on TBN with this as a topic, I was only suggesting that if the discussion turns to this, it perhaps could be allowed to continue.

 

[MikePA]

I guess you haven't noticed, people discuss a lot more than tractors and implements here.

I have noticed, thanks. Some people are also argumentative.

I disagree that people are looking of an "excuse " to be political. Politics are at the forefront of most peoples thoughts right now.

I'll be more direct. They are not looking for excuses to discuss politics. They are looking for excuses to break the rules, by discussing politics, and therefore fail to live up to the terms of service they agreed to when they registered.

Politics are at the forefront of most peoples thoughts right now.

Which is not justification to break the TBN rules. There are plenty of other sites to discuss politics.

If you feel that TBNer's are such informative, helpful, polite people, then they should easily be able to be have an intelligent, civil, exchange of ideas, without a moderator having to step in and close the thread.

Most are. Some, like the ones who are always looking to start an argument, are not. Other have already mentioned why and when moderators step in and we do not step in when people civilly discuss topics that are allowed on TBN.

Others have also mentioned examples of people who thought they knew better and tried to twist TBN into their own image of what a discussion forum should be. Failing that, they formed their own site which was/is a total failure. They failed for 2 reasons. The topics allowed and the kind of people those topics and rules attracted. Proof positive that TBN policies are correct.

 

[redneckford]

I have noticed, thanks. Some people are also argumentative.

Yeah!!! we know some people like that----

 

[Chuck52]

With many of us, it's not that we're trying to inject politics into discussions, it's just that we can't differentiate between our beliefs and "truth". This of course does not apply to me personally, as all my beliefs, political and otherwise, are based on an absolute understanding of the way the universe works. Some other folks, however, spout opinions clearly at odds with what I know to be true, and in my charitable way I try to bring them back to the paths of righteousness. When they disagree with me they should be cast out into the darkness, which is what the moderators are there for. Is that clear?

Chuck
Being only partly tongue-in-cheek.

 

[Bird]

With many of us, it's not that we're trying to inject politics into discussions, it's just that we can't differentiate between our beliefs and "truth". This of course does not apply to me personally, as all my beliefs, political and otherwise, are based on an absolute understanding of the way the universe works. Some other folks, however, spout opinions clearly at odds with what I know to be true, and in my charitable way I try to bring them back to the paths of righteousness. When they disagree with me they should be cast out into the darkness, which is what the moderators are there for. Is that clear?

Chuck
Being only partly tongue-in-cheek.