Does anybody have a problem with Political Threads? - Page 2 - Machine Underground -Tractor & Commercial Equipment Discussion Forum

**Ducati996** · 08-08-2008, 07:50 AM

Chris your right, Pretty much how it is, and how its going to pan out - despressing but true

LarryRB · 08-08-2008, 07:57 AM

I am not going to say yes or no or vote, simply because I have been on a huge chopper net since very early 94. This particular net, to it's members, is wide open, no rules. From 94 to about 2001, there were 400 plus posts each day. Since which time, they have been dropping off to the point now of approximately 64 each day. I have Eudora since 03 and it counts yearly and daily whatever post have come in or out, so it is easy to monitor., Since this McCain-Obama thing we are down to 64 avg daily and some pretty nasty fighting which in turn has quite a number quiting and leaving this net., (BTW) that net has over 26000 members so it isn't small. It combines two huge groups of VHFCN/VHPA.. Therefore, for MU, I will sit back and see.

**Ducati996** · 08-08-2008, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LarryRB

I am not going to say yes or no or vote, simply because I have been on a huge chopper net since very early 94. This particular net, to it's members, is wide open, no rules. From 94 to about 2001, there were 400 plus posts each day. Since which time, they have been dropping off to the point now of approximately 64 each day. I have Eudora since 03 and it counts yearly and daily whatever post have come in or out, so it is easy to monitor., Since this McCain-Obama thing we are down to 64 avg daily and some pretty nasty fighting which in turn has quite a number quiting and leaving this net., (BTW) that net has over 26000 members so it isn't small. It combines two huge groups of VHFCN/VHPA.. Therefore, for MU, I will sit back and see.

"to it's members, is wide open, no rules " would be my educated guess as to the problem. I have zero issues closing threads and throwing folks off the site if things turn nasty or basic common curtisouy and etiquette isn't followed. Being heavy handed but fair at the same time is rather easy for me.
I appreciate your feedback and I can also list a few sites that are basically "walking dead" because of past free for all's - its better for them to pull the plug and move on, they will never recover IMHO.
I would have hoped you would have voted - if there isnt enough options to choose from please say so and I can add to it. I see it as more cut and dry, yes or no subject. Its a love/hate thing in my mind...could be wrong

Thanks again

**mark777** · 08-08-2008, 11:36 AM

I’m a little late in casting my vote but it’s for “Yes, they are managed well”.

If a forum provides the opportunity to present a political opinion of my own, and do so freely (without insults or party bashing) then how could I object to someone else whose opinion is different? There have been circumstances where I and someone else disagree greatly and in those instances I’d rather not respond then carry on about who’s right (or wrong). And in those situations, if there were another poll option that stated “I tolerate political discussions”, I would check this box too (along with ‘they are managed well’).

Mark

LarryRB · 08-08-2008, 06:08 PM

There is no doubt as the the cause of guys fighting and or leaving and not returning. YOu see, there was only one net at the time, started in 93. They had such hard rules that it was clsoing itself down. Get some guys that run server situations and walla, another new net in 94. Only this time,, no rules,, and this is the direct cause, no doubt about it,,

**irwin** · 08-08-2008, 08:16 PM

I voted "they are managed well" but my mind could change.

It's nice to have a place to opine or vent, but... I have visited a site where political discussion turned to name calling in a handfull of posts, very uncomfortable. So I can appreciate Larry's reticence in this matter.

Agreeing to disagree is mature behaviour. So far, so good, I'm all for personal growth.

Quote:

The higher the IQ of the membership, the better diverse views are dealt with...

I heard D.C. has higher than average intellegence, that's why they're able to wax eloquent on their opponent's failings, while toasting that same opponent's health. Smart men lead us Paul.

Mark / Ohio · 08-09-2008, 02:41 AM

So far so good in my opinion. Could change with new members but with the current group here we seem to be able to say our piece and let it go past that for the most part.

I have to admit though after participating some in the political section in Tractorforum I thought I had sworn of political discussions for good. That was the first time and last time until here for me.

I'm sure you remember those days and the major players too Duc.

**Ducati996** · 08-09-2008, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark / Ohio

I have to admit though after participating some in the political section in Tractorforum I thought I had sworn of political discussions for good. That was the first time and last time until here for me.

I'm sure you remember those days and the major players too Duc.

Indeed I do and its one of those sites that I considered never to rebound or recover from that era. Dont miss it thats for sure - wont happen here

**PaulChristenson** · 08-09-2008, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LarryRB

I am not going to say yes or no or vote, simply because I have been on a huge chopper net since very early 94. This particular net, to it's members, is wide open, no rules. From 94 to about 2001, there were 400 plus posts each day. Since which time, they have been dropping off to the point now of approximately 64 each day. I have Eudora since 03 and it counts yearly and daily whatever post have come in or out, so it is easy to monitor., Since this McCain-Obama thing we are down to 64 avg daily and some pretty nasty fighting which in turn has quite a number quiting and leaving this net., (BTW) that net has over 26000 members so it isn't small. It combines two huge groups of VHFCN/VHPA.. Therefore, for MU, I will sit back and see.

The main problem with this forum is that all you gentlemen have gone out and purchased BRAND NEW tractors and therefore have no problems to post about...

As to the M/O discussions...in general, I believe they are a waste of time, because NO ONE will change anyone else's vote and even after one of them is elected this fall, the economy will STILL BE IN TROUBLE...

I recommend the reading of The True Believer by Eric Hoffer
Amazon.com: The True Believer: Thoughts on the Nature of Mass Movements: Eric Hoffer: Books
Here is a quick synopsis...
The True Believer - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
but the whole book is an excellent read...