Politics and religion on general and off topic or not ?

[drystonepaul]

Bearing in mind this is a forum about cycling and more specifically old bikes then I guess there are more suitable places to debate about religion and politics etc.

In my opinion the internet probably isn't, and never will be, the best place to have such discussions as it's too easy to make inflammatory remarks (whether intended or not) and then hide behind the anonymity provided by a keyboard and an internet connection.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that, from a moderating perspective at least, I'd rather such discussions and threads were minimal as they usually cause problems and end up upsetting somebody.

Threads and opinions can be ignored I suppose, but John and us mods are kind of obliged to check in on them.

I'd rather be reading about frame geometry and more important stuff like what colour valve caps people are choosing.

 

[greenstiles]

Perhaps we could have a section just for religion and politics only , where anything goes and no-one should expect to be wrong or right, but just get things off their cheast , could be a great stress relief for some !

A bit like the houses of parliment it could be called the ''steam room ''or the ''sauna '' :twisted:

 

[firedfromthecircus]

I'd rather be reading about frame geometry and more important stuff like what colour valve caps people are choosing.

I've been a strong fan of gold ones, but just got some red for me kili.

 

[davew]

Personally I'm getting sick and tired of the same few people spouting political drivel on a forum that I joined due to an interest in riding mountain bikes.

I use the unread posts function so it doesn't really matter which section of the forum it's posted in.

I've got to the point where the sparsity of interesting bike related threads makes me question if it's worth visiting the forum at all these days. The addition of all the political bullshit being spouted just strengthens that feeling.

If I really wanted to discuss politics with people who get their "facts" from the Daily Mail I'm sure there will be a forum out there somewhere that meets that requirement.

 

[silverclaws]

Other websites I use have dealt with the problem concerning contentious subjects by creating separate forums with name such as the sauna, the cauldron, politics and religion, your tuppence worth etc with clear warnings on the forum what one may find in there so not to be offended, that way like a doorway anyone has the ability to choose to enter or not, it is their choice.

Just like it is everyone's choice to get involved in what ever in the General and Off Topic Chat on this website, no one is pushing you, but for some to go in, get involved, hear something they don't like chuck their teddy and storm off or go bleating to the mods to close it down only exacerbates problems between people, yes, creates divisions which affect other parts of the website.

Politics affects our daily lives, we cannot get away from it, but we all have perceptions and it is usual through debate perceptions are altered, that is we learn something and learning can only be good for people.

 

[Neil]

Personally I'm getting sick and tired of the same few people spouting political drivel on a forum that I joined due to an interest in riding mountain bikes.

I use the unread posts function so it doesn't really matter which section of the forum it's posted in.

I've got to the point where the sparsity of interesting bike related threads makes me question if it's worth visiting the forum at all these days. The addition of all the political bullshit being spouted just strengthens that feeling.

If I really wanted to discuss politics with people who get their "facts" from the Daily Mail I'm sure there will be a forum out there somewhere that meets that requirement.

So don't read these threads then. Simples.

Are you really trying to suggest that you have no option but to end up reading some of them, at times? 'cos I'm not buying that at all.

Can't say as I've seen many threads that are so vague or misleading in the thread title, that people could get lured in, completely against their wishes - or at least that couldn't be resolved by closing that tab, swiftly.

 

[silverclaws]

I agree with you neil, people don't want to see the blood and gore of the train wreck, don't go and look at it then as it is simples, human beings that are not being coerced have that choice.

Is anyone being coerced on this website ?

Or is it everyone has the freedom to choose ?

 

[davew]

I'll read the forum any way I like. I expressed my opinion as requested by the OP. If you don't like my opinion then f**k off into another thread, nobody forced you to read it.

 

[Neil]

I'll read the forum any way I like. I expressed my opinion as requested by the OP.

And I'm expressing my opinion, too, sunshine - and don't you forget it.

If you don't like my opinion

Like / dislike - I'm ambivalent.

Feckless is probably what I think - nobody has to read stuff they don't like - nobody has to read threads about Activators, nor Kliens, nor politics, nor religion - they choose to. I'm not trying to impose my values on the forum - I'm just questioning why others feel they should, in terms of what's fair game for discussion in "General & Off Topic Chat".

then f**k off into another thread, nobody forced you to read it.

Likewise.

 

[Russell]

Problem...

Personally I'm getting sick and tired of the same few people spouting political drivel on a forum that I joined due to an interest in riding mountain bikes.

Solution...

...then f**k off into another thread, nobody forced you to read it.

Simples.