Message from the Editor - Please Read

A major feature that drew me to this forum is the "no politics" rule.

I applaud y'all's proactive approach to moderation, but there is also a burden on us, the day to day posters, not to go out of our way to put a thumb in somebody's eye.

Thank you.

We are doing everything we can to ensure that this does NOT become another ugly forum. Hence, the OP above.

Justin and Paddy, just send those involved who seem to create havoc at times a PM with a warning. That hopefully will resolve what’s been going on here lately. The issues within this forum is not as bad as other pipe forums I was a member of prior.

Let’s keep the Patch going strong, I’ve noticed a few more regulars that posted often has moved on. It’s time the members within this forum that constantly need to” stir the pot “ move on to another forum.

Justin, please send out just one PM to those involved , thank you. Have a great week.

Yes, sir. Best, truest Western ever made.

Temporary bans are always good medicine for open forums.

   Permanent bands work so much better!! I’ve tried the temporary ban from a prior forum I was an admin. The member who was “ temporarily “ banned usually came back with a vengeance....” why me with all the other 💩 going on within this forum. He/she ended up permanently banned within a week of return. 

I will admit to having politics sneak into a few of my posts and having disagreements with a few members. I usually try to take a parting shot, before I leave the discussion. I am not one to turn the other cheek, but I also realize that a fist fight should always remain a fist fight, even when you are packing.

The problem is that "politics" for some includes only political discussions, while others see it as expressions of nearly anything that represents - to them - the worst attributes of political party of whom they hate. Also, it has become a shield for many, when the discussion is not to their liking. For example, in other forums, I have seen a discussion about John Wayne's best roles devolve into a discussion of gender politics. Once someone - obviously not a fan of the Duke - mentioned "gender politics," an otherwise enjoyable thread was closed. In most non-gun forums, any mention of guns will draw a warning; however, you guys have been very tolerant. This is a consideration of which I am very grateful.

The problem I foresee if that "politics" means different things to different people.  Too many people like to legitimize their beliefs by throwing "politics" on the back end of their pet/cherished belief and cry foul when their beliefs are not embraced.  So, to Justin and the mods, you will have my assistance and my sympathy in this massive undertaking to address a problem that - in society - is only going to get worse.  Most of us here have likely taken a punch or two in our lives, so being told to back off will not kill anyone and more than a few us could use that warning as much for our blood pressure as for preventing a temporary ban.  Let's keep all work to keep this place a refuge from those aspects of the greater part of society that drive us mad. We can all use a place like that in our lives.

So, while I applaud Justin taking us all in hand and giving us a stern talking to for problems of which I am admittedly sometimes guilty, I am who I am, and I am unlikely to change to any great degree to suit to suit others. I vow I will try to less offensive, as for a very select few, my being "more respectful" can be a difficult proposition for me. While I have only seen that situation arise once or twice, I suspect I may be on one of Justin's lists somewhere. I will try to be better and try to avoid the belt (a temporary ban).

Patrick

PS If you try to ban dog discussion or dog pics, I'm outta here!

I have very different views on some topics than most of my friends.I have a lot of folks in my house through out the day..They all know that my house rule is that those topics aren't discussed in my house.If some one brings them up I remind them of the rule..I'm sure that my views are different than a good many folks here as well so I try to avoid threads about those topics..I have watched this forum grow into my favorite place to hang out..Other forums have faded into history though because of in fighting..Please don't let this forum become another one added to that list.

Quoting Martin "If I have had any part in offending anyone, I am truly and sincerely sorry... such a thing was never my intention.
I love this place. I love you folks. I pray we don't go down in flames."

I've tried to bring the group together, to share in the fun and "love" that binds us together...through auctions and developing a raffle for all to participate in....I, too, am saddened at the actions of some.

Attitude doesn't have a home here, and I hope it never will.

Is it possible to uncheck, for lack of a better term, certain categories? For example, the General Discussion thread where posters can post about anything on their mind. Maybe this would aid in curbing the problems. I only use the recent post page and I see all sorts of threads in there. I guess another option would be to avoid the recent thread page and just browse the pipe related stuff.

Hopefully this warning sticks. Several threads that are obviously meant as political statements have popped up lately.

Pretty frustrating.

Just trying to think out of the box to aid others.  No worries Boss.

On the last forum many of us belonged to, and where sparks was the number two guy, we had an area where politics was allowed. You had to sign up to see it. It didn't go well, and is an example of why Justin wants no politics here. It's a good rule.