Risking the Ban

Vance Wood

I know I am running the risk of being banned but I think I have to say something here about the "Moderator Program" on this forum. In the quote below:

Andy, we try to walk a fine line. Controversial bonsai issues come up. Controversy outside the realm of bonsai should be handled elsewhere, and smoking is permitted outside the building only.

Bandwidth is not a big concern if posts consist only of words, but squabbling factions are a real concern, and I hope you can understand that. Such things have turned off and turned away some members who have made a valuable contribution to bonsaiTALK, so other discussions should be kept in politicsTALK, globalwarmingTALK, religionTALK, etc.

I've closed this thread. Please dispose of cigarettes in the reciptacle provided for your convenience.

pootsie

This is a relevant subject to be discussed, especially if you happen to be someone interested in collecting. It is this same bunch of Yahoos that want to make it impossible for us bonsai freaks to collect native materials. It is also a positive thing to stand up in the face of something that has negative impact as many of these so called Global Warming theories have on our ways of life. As to there being negative, vituperative, abrasive or rude, comments on this subject, it seems from my point of view, the only ones that seem to be getting "bent" are the forum moderators.

This is not my forum, so you can do pretty much what you want, but it is getting to a point that it is like being in the fifth grade, everybody is trying to be so nicey-nice to everybody that we are forgetting that debate and discussion are part of what life is all about. I am reminded of the comparing a hoof print (natural rock pocket) to a bonsai pot discussion, in which one individual compared the two as equal----sort of. I remember this discussion being terminated by the "Moderator"'

I speak only for myself but if this kind of things continues to go on, and as events seem to be indicating, gets worse, this forum may in the near future be frequented by nothing be beginners teaching beginners. "The Lord Of The Flies"

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Joanie

Vance, that is unfair. Totally unfair.

If people want to fight about global warming, or other political non-bonsai topics, they are welcome to do so elsewhere. Just because some people enjoy those debates, there are many others who don't. They turn away, and perhaps walk away, because they see people that they would LIKE to respect slugging it out and telling each other how stupid they are. Time and again, this sort of thread has to be closed because it causes factions and rifts amongst people who really don't want to dislike each other. It brings out the worst in people.

In the other thread that you refer to, there were two ways of defining a word or what a word can convey. Since people were unable to allow that other people can have a different opinion, and the sky won't fall if they do, it had to be closed.

People come here to read about bonsai, and if we can keep the atmosphere both focused and friendly, they will stay and learn.

Joanie

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Vance Wood

I don't remember anyone calling anybody stupid, or calling names. Of late it seems the only people that have gotten angry are the Moderators. I'm sorry if you think this is an unfair observation, I don't think it is. I don't particularly enjoy these debates but it seems that it is permissible to come along and make any ridiculous, outlandish, and specious claims and statements with impunity around here. It is only when someone challenges those assertions that it becomes an issue,----- and that's unfair.

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RedPine

Hi,


Just an idea...good?bad?..no hard feelings.

I wouldn't mind seeing a small 'off topic' area for Bonsaitalk.Something like a bonsaibar where threads like global warming,my new house etc.. could go.Even if it was self cleaning like the test forum that wouldn't be so bad, aside from personal attacks which we don't want it would just be casual off topic stuff.

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Ian_Homer

Vance,

I am sorry you feel this way. But why not express your concerns in a PM to Matt or any of the other moderators. There is no need to bring your "personal" opinions into the public domain with even the title of your thread "Risking the Ban" being somewhat of a headline grabber.

I for one feel, things have been getting far better of late and as part of the moderation team here will state the following to you and all.....

We are happy to allow open debate on a wide range of "Bonsai related" subjects, which can be carried on at many different levels of experience and opinion throughout the membership. Threads only get closed when silly bickering back and forth starts up and degrades what very often is a very rewarding subject. Very soon the thread goes way off on a tangent or silly namecalling starts. That "playground" activity does not come from anywhere within the moderation team, but we certainly have to pick up the slack and tidy up afterwards. All might I say, on a volunteer basis.

In short, I would much prefer to see members of your standing having a serious debate on many aspects of our hobby, craft and artform, and making a positive contribution, rather than starting threads such as this, which I am sorry to say just typifies what and why we need to have a team of moderators on a busy forum with nearly 8000 members.

It's New Years Eve...... lets all look forward to a better and bigger bT in 2006.

Best Regards,
Ian.

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Ian_Homer

Redpine,

That idea is certainly an option, and I am sure Matt will give it consideration.

It will need a forum "health warning" before you even enter the room.
Maybe, Chatroom is a good place for those sort of things... you just leave when the kitchen gets too hot!

Just look at some of the flack that flew when Walter gave some blunt opinions in critiques in the now defunct ATM section. Some of the membership, I am sorry to say, just did not like straight talking.... the very thing you wish for here..... EVEN THOUGH IT WAS CLEARLY ADVERTISED THAT IS WHAT YOU WOULD GET.


Ian.

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midwestbonsai

A good point Vance.
A good point Joanie
This is a good idea. A place for non-bonsai disscussion. Other forums have it.
A good point Ian.

Cant we all just get along?!??

RonMartin(deceased)

Red
We have that already Its called the chat room

Ian_Homer

Yeah, fine, so if I just delete this whole thread... it would be as though nothing happened... right?

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!!!

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