Can we please stop asking to close threads already?

slomojoe · 03-04-2009, 06:09 AM

Look, I understand some topics make some people uncomfortable, but no one forces anyone else to peruse any thread that pushes their own sensitive buttons. If a thread devolves into personal insults, or otherwise breaks forum rules, by all means close it, and of course people should refrain from introducing politics, religion and such in non "off-topic forum" threads. But as long as that is not the case, I find it unwarranted for third parties to barge in and demand that threads be closed, as if other members should only talk about flowers and the weather.

The last thread closed was having a perfectly acceptable discussion about the first amendment, no one was offended or angry, and in my opinion there was no reason whatsoever for it to be closed.

Of course, if the board owner and moderators want to change the rules to restrict the "off-topic" forum to all and any "off-topic topics" except a few "off-off-topic topics", that is their prerogative. Just give the word, it's your board. Until then, plain old common sense should be the rule.

Just my $0.02.

*Wheatfield* · 03-04-2009, 06:48 AM

We can agree to disagree and still be friends can't we?
What do you think would happen to this forum if everyone in every country represented started flooding the forum with political discussions from their own country?
You will note that the only political discussions that seem to happen come from one country.

If someone is uncomfortable with a politico/religious thread and a moderator agrees, then what's the problem?
The mod could just as easily tell the person to stuff his concern where the sun doesn't shine, no?

Personally, I don't think discussions of this type have any place on a non dedicated forum, and that the introduction of them is rude and disrespectful to the community as a whole.

My $0.165, since obviously, everything in the world relates to one country's system.

slomojoe · 03-04-2009, 07:16 AM

Originally Posted by Wheatfield

We can agree to disagree and still be friends can't we?

Of course, and that should apply to political threads as well.

What do you think would happen to this forum if everyone in every country represented started flooding the forum with political discussions from their own country?
You will note that the only political discussions that seem to happen come from one country.

That is probably because most of us are from the US, and it seems to me that this forum is hardly "flooded' with politics. But be that as it may, if people started political discussions about other countries, I would follow them if I found them interesting, participate if I thought I had anything intelligent to contribute, and ignore them otherwise. It's not that hard, really.

If someone is uncomfortable with a politico/religious thread and a moderator agrees, then what's the problem?
The mod could just as easily tell the person to stuff his concern where the sun doesn't shine, no?

Actually, no. Once someone says a discussion makes them uncomfortable, I can understand why in most cases a moderator would err on the side of caution and close the thread, regardless of how they personally feel about it. I would probably do the same. But of course, the easiest way not to be offended by an entirely optional activity is simply not to participate in it.

Personally, I don't think discussions of this type have any place on a non dedicated forum, and that the introduction of them is rude and disrespectful to the community as a whole.

Well, I assume that this is precisely why this is called the "off-topic" (i.e. non-dedicated) forum. Every other place on this board should indeed strive to be free of contentious non-photography related issues, but in here, discussion should be open, within the limits of respectful interaction.

My $0.165, since obviously, everything in the world relates to one country's system.

Oh that's OK, I will give you a 1:1 exchange rate on those Canadian pennies of yours. They end up in the jar anyway.

*graphicgr8s* · 03-04-2009, 07:34 AM

Good grief. I am actually going to AGREE with SloMo on this. I think the world may be coming to an end.

But what do I know. I am a "small minded idiot"

*Tom S.* · 03-04-2009, 07:43 AM

Could somebody please close this thread?

Hey - you knew someone would say it!

*fabledviper* · 03-04-2009, 07:58 AM

Once again, the freedom of speech is trumped by not wanting to offend anyone!

lithos · 03-04-2009, 08:00 AM

Originally Posted by fabledviper

once again, the freedom of speech is trumped by not wanting to offend anyone!

I am offended by that!

*graphicgr8s* · 03-04-2009, 08:00 AM

Originally Posted by Tom S.

Could somebody please close this thread?

Hey - you knew someone would say it!

Not yet!

For Damn Brit:

(Haven't done that in a while. Gotta ketchup.)

Anyone heard from him lately?

*graphicgr8s* · 03-04-2009, 08:02 AM

Originally Posted by lithos

I am offended by that!

As we say in my country: Too Bad, So Sad

Gooshin · 03-04-2009, 08:15 AM

people are too ****ing sensitive

someone steps on your foot and you cry mommy? (im not talking to anyone in particular here)

there was only once case of where i went to the mods to request a thread gone wild to be closed, but i think we were dealing with a mental case so its okay.

lithos · 03-04-2009, 08:22 AM

Originally Posted by graphicgr8s

As we say in my country: Too Bad, So Sad

As we say in my country, "Piss off, seppo."

slomojoe · 03-04-2009, 08:27 AM

Originally Posted by graphicgr8s

Good grief. I am actually going to AGREE with SloMo on this. I

See? There's hope for everyone. Conservatism doesn't have to be accompanied by an inexorable, irreversible decay of mental acuity after all.

You can do it, buddy! Keep trying! One step at a time, and before you know it, you'll be carrying a pic of Nancy Pelosi in your wallet.

*Blue* · 03-04-2009, 08:43 AM

Originally Posted by Wheatfield

What do you think would happen to this forum if everyone in every country represented started flooding the forum with political discussions from their own country?
You will note that the only political discussions that seem to happen come from one country.

I understand your point regarding various countries. However, there have been more than 1 thread started regarding American politics and legal system from outside the U.S. There are always a lot of posts in those threads from the International community as well.

I'm not going as far as to say I agree with SloMoJoe on this one, but I will have a cup of coffee with him some time.

Gooshin · 03-04-2009, 08:45 AM

did you actually buy a KM?

*Blue* · 03-04-2009, 08:51 AM

Originally Posted by Gooshin

did you actually buy a KM?

Who were you asking?