Opinions & Voicing Them

[Spirithawk]

Folks, every person here has their own opinion about everything. Every person here has that God given right as well. Many of us here fought to secure that right. Mr. & Mrs. Graybeard graciously provides us with a place to voice those opinions. Unfortunatly, in post after post, I read where folks, even who are friends one minute, turn on each other, and quite viciously so, simply because they disagree with something the other person  said. Whether we agree with each other, or not, is one thing but to show such behavior in a forum where we are all guests does not look good for us, nor the forum, nor the whole site. Sniping at someone sure isn't a good recruiting method for new members either.  Unless something is said in malice, out of bigotry, racialy motivated to hurt another, or to simply hurt another for any reason period, then please allow the other person their right to their own views. That doesn't mean you have to agree with them, nor that you should not say nor exsplain why you disagree, but please be civil when you do so. Our parents taught us manners. Lets act like it. If for no other reason, then out of respect for our hosts. Ok, go ahead and blast me, but you know I'm right.

[jimster]

What could we say, your right.  Things get heated sometimes and things get said.  I been lucky, only got told I was from the "dark side" once, during one of those heated talks about middle east stuff....didn't bother me enough to reply to the name calling.

I once was told by father who is no longer with us, that a man should take a minute to think before he speaks, he might not talk so much then.
Good advice that I have not always followed, but am getting better at it as I get older.  Might get old enough to not say much at all some day. 

Good advice Spirithawk

Jim

[nw_hunter]

GB, Matt, and the Mod's keep a close watch on things here, and act accordingly.

The very reason we come to the Pot Belly Stove forum, is because we are passionate about our views.
It's not a Sunday school class........Even tho we do have Preachers and SC Teachers on board

Sometimes things get over heated and GB or someone locks em down.
The reason I come here, is it personify s Freedom Of Speech.  I wouldn't want it to change!

[Spirithawk]

I agree with you to a point. I just think the cheap shots could be better controled by those making them. Yes, the threads get locked, but they shouldn't need to be. This isn't grade school. Want to be treated like an adult then one should try behaving like one.

[magooch]

Hey Spirithawk, I'm not disagreeing in any way shape, or form with you; I just have a problem with taking things too seriously.  That is, I don't take much of what goes on here, or anywhere else very seriously.  Life is too short for that.

[Spirithawk]

Very true.   I guess my problem is that some folks take free speech a bit too far. They think that it automaticly gives them the right to act like jerks but only they themselves of course. Maybe I'm a bit too old fashioned but I think the lack of manners and just plain civil respect says a lot about the deteriation of society. Not losing any sleep over it but it would sure be nice to be able to make a post without having to be concerned about being blindsided or having it turned into a name calling tantrum by someone.  I doubt I'm the only one who feels that way.

[WylieKy]

Free Speech comes with a price.  Don't forget SH, that when someone devolves into idiocy, ignorance, or just plain meanness, that will be remembered.  From that point on people will have a hard time taking anything they say seriously, assuming they just don't "ignore" them.  Once someone has taken a "but my momma said" or "just cause it's that way" stance on an issue with me, I figure I'm dealing with a shut-in mouth-breather and kind of pity them.  I don't care when someone disagrees with me, I love a good argument  , but not bothering to do any of their own research or a bit of deep thinking disgusts me.  It's like arguing with a parrot....or a sheep.   

[nw_hunter]

Internet and boards are funny things and people are touchy at times. But when one is sniped at often or ad hominens become the norm as a cheap method of refuting someone's comments...after a while doesn't the offended person have a right to defend and fire back a salvo.....?

..TM7
.

Nothing wrong with a good Salvo

It pay's to have think skin in the PB forum.
I know you catch hell, when you disagree with some of the actions of Israel, and are labeled by some on the forum as being antisemitic.I don't see you as such, but as someone who looks at both sides of a picture.

You appear to handle the criticism well, and usually have a good come back.

I guess I'm just trying to say to SH, to just let it go over his head, and keep on doing what he does best.

[ms]

Maybe you shouldn't post here if you have a problem with other members. 

[Spirithawk]

Maybe you shouldn't post here if you have a problem with other members.  

So you are saying that it's ok for poor behavior by a few to run other members off? I don't think anbody here would agree that's good buiseness. I could just as easily tell you to leave.

Don't worry guys. I'm not as thinned skinned as I  might appear. I've survived way too much to let words hurt me. But I'm not a doormat either. If I see something wrong I'll point it out.

TM7, yes a person has a right to resopond when attacked. But, that doesn't mean that person should stoop to the level of the person, or persons, attacking them now does it?

 My whole point of this thread was simple. Imagine you are a guest checking out the site, or a new member. The behavior I'm talking about, and you all know what I mean, sure isn't very flattering for the site now is it? Now, when I  first joined I was welcomed by Graybeard and advised this was a family type site. We ALL would do well to remember that. It might make one think first before spouting off.


And thanks NW-Hunter, I've made my point, so advice taken.  

[wreckhog]

As an illegal lesbian Mexican muslim cop that works for BP and has a pet wolf pack, I gotta say everything offends me

[Spirithawk]

As an illegal lesbian Mexican muslim cop that works for BP and has a pet wolf pack, I gotta say everything offends me

You're ok then. Just as long as you're not a politition! 

[bobg]

  I don't really have a response Spirithawk other than to say i agree with you 100%.

[ms]

Maybe you shouldn't post here if you have a problem with other members.  

So you are saying that it's ok for poor behavior by a few to run other members off?

Let them go this is the stove forum.

[Spirithawk]

Maybe you shouldn't post here if you have a problem with other members.  

So you are saying that it's ok for poor behavior by a few to run other members off?

Let them go this is the stove forum.

And that's your best defense for uncalled for behavior? Really? It's the Stove Forum? I'm not talking normal debates, and you know exactly what I AM talking about, so why hide behind the title of a forum? Also the Graybeard's might feel otherwise about losing members. I'd say this site means a bit more to them than you and it's they who set the rules. That's why such posts have been shut down. That fact speeks for itself.

[WylieKy]

The Graybeards might feel otherwise about losing members. I'd say this site means a bit more to them than you and it's they who set the rules.

SH, you are doing an awful lot of thinking and speaking for the Graybeards.  In my experience, when a person gets out of line they get a friendly "nudge" in the right direction.  If they continue to be out of line the get a not so friendly "push" out of the door.  Sometimes these are public, sometimes they are private, but I don't think the Graybeards need an advocate outside of the moderators (unless the neighbors cats are involved.)  Some people have been out of line recently, and I believe Matt handled that with 1 or two sentances...  Govern your own affairs as you see fit.  If you believe someone is out of line you can A. ignore it (and them, btw) B. respond to it or C. tattl....um  let a moderator know.  I have only seen 1 truly blatant off color coment and that was the one that was addressed.

[ms]

The Graybeards might feel otherwise about losing members. I'd say this site means a bit more to them than you and it's they who set the rules.

SH, you are doing an awful lot of thinking and speaking for the Graybeards.  In my experience, when a person gets out of line they get a friendly "nudge" in the right direction.  If they continue to be out of line the get a not so friendly "push" out of the door.  Sometimes these are public, sometimes they are private, but I don't think the Graybeards need an advocate outside of the moderators (unless the neighbors cats are involved.)  Some people have been out of line recently, and I believe Matt handled that with 1 or two sentances...  Govern your own affairs as you see fit.  If you believe someone is out of line you can A. ignore it (and them, btw) B. respond to it or C. tattl....um  let a moderator know.  I have only seen 1 truly blatant off color coment and that was the one that was addressed.

+1 This is funny subject.

[30-30man]

Things do get a little heated sometimes, but that is what makes this board.  Some of the moderators jump in a little early I think and are a bit heavy handed when it comes to locking threads.  When I get upset, I just ignore the person, or hang out in other forums not occupied with that moderator.....It's just not worth it to get upset.

[dukkillr]

Maybe you shouldn't post here if you have a problem with other members.  

So you are saying that it's ok for poor behavior by a few to run other members off?

Let them go this is the stove forum.

And that's your best defense for uncalled for behavior? Really? It's the Stove Forum? I'm not talking normal debates, and you know exactly what I AM talking about, so why hide behind the title of a forum? Also the Graybeard's might feel otherwise about losing members. I'd say this site means a bit more to them than you and it's they who set the rules. That's why such posts have been shut down. That fact speeks for itself.

Some people need to behave that way to get their self esteem fix.  Further, I think some simply live an angry hate-filled life. Finally, some just aren't very smart.  Each of these conditions lead to some of the points you are raising.  Some people have all three problems. 

This topic has come up a few times recently and there is always a very vocal minority that want to stake out their continued position of pushing both the edge of the rules and the quality of discourse.  To date, GB has chosen a measured response to them although I think it would be fair to say it is getting better.  Ultimately the decision on how to handle them directly is his alone... 

[powderman]

I find it nearly impossible NOT to respond to blatant, outright lies and distortions on subjects near and dear to my heart. Liars and subversives need to be challenged. POWDERMAN. 

[Spirithawk]

The Graybeards might feel otherwise about losing members. I'd say this site means a bit more to them than you and it's they who set the rules.

SH, you are doing an awful lot of thinking and speaking for the Graybeards.  

I don't mean to pretend to speek for them. I'm sure they are quite capable of doing so themselves and I think the moderaters are doing their jobs well.  But I do feel that both deserve a little more respect than some have shown them. My meaning is why should they have to tell someone to behave when the person should already know to?  I do believe the way we behave reflects on the image of the site and as well as each other. I'm not trying to tell anyone what to do. I'm simply asking for a little more understanding and tollerance of each other and a few less tantrums and am having a hard time understand why some have so much resistance to that idea while others easily see where I'm coming from. Duk's response says what I, in maybe a more stumbling way, have been trying to get accross. Kudos Mr. Duk and TM7 for understanding my point.. I don't exspect everyone to agree with me. I grant you all the right to your opinions and ask the same in return. Butttt, if I see a cheap shot I'm going to call it just what it is. Whether directed at me or another member. Then let others judge for themselves. Often what is truly right has it's own way of shining through for all to see. I like this site. It offers a lot that few others do. Therefore I can't help but take an interest in it looking good for others interested in joining. Make sense?