Another Thread Locked

[owl]

&nbsp;&nbsp; <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ????

 

[Where~the~wind~blows]

Kate what was&nbsp;objectionable&nbsp;about the thread? I had been thinking of my reply as I have strong feelings on the subject, would you reconsider and unlock it?

 

[twokniveskatie]

lost my original post. here goes again:<br /><br />the topic touched on both politics and religion.<br /><br />it is an emotionally laden topic.<br /><br />we (note plural) felt after a discussion that it did not promote the goal of CRVL<br /><br />it was prefaced with: "i don't know if this is true"<br /><br />drama based on conjecture is a double no-no, because....<br /><br />we have learned the hard way that topics of this nature just do not stay on point.&nbsp;<br /><br />feeling strongly about something is thin ice, because someone else is gong to feel just as strongly of the opposite opinion, which is a breeding ground for "my strong opinion is RIGHT and your strong opinion is WRONG".<br /><br />that was the decision reached by the mods. it is not set in stone, because we could be wrong and because a community must be fluid to grow, but for now, the decision will stand.&nbsp;<br /><br />

 

[owl]

&nbsp;&nbsp; With all due respect, Off Topic and Chit Chat is exactly what the thread was. What threads do stay on track? They often wander sometimes&nbsp;because of Mod posts. I am not trying to provoke anyone, just trying to understand what has been going on here lately. In reading the rules it states, politics and religion are to be in Off Topic and Chit Chat.

 

[cyndi]

Owl, I don't believe that the reason the thread was locked was simply because it was off topic. More so, because it was potentially a contentious &nbsp;topic that didn't relate to Cheap RV Living, it's goals and ideals.<br /><br />Of course, I could be wrong. I frequently am. That's just my take.

 

[twokniveskatie]

<div>yes, owl, we all make mistakes. we all need reminders, and we all need to occasionally apologize for getting off topic, or hijacking a thread.&nbsp;</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>if you go to the section "read this first" you can click on "the rules" which are what Bob wrote when he first started this forum. we haven't always done our best in being consistent living up to them, so you will occasionally see us refocusing on our goals.&nbsp;</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>several threads have been locked recently because although the forum is labeled "off-topic" it does not mean you can discuss anything. we have found that certain topics need to be kept off-limits because they are hot topics. i discuss this in the "rules" thread. we had not wanted to crack down, but found it necessary because some people are unable or unwilling to discuss certain topics with respect for the other persons opinion, or keeping to the intended topic.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>any more questions, any of us will be glad to try to answer, or if this hasnt fully answered your concerns.</div>

 

[owl]

&nbsp; Thank you Cyndi. Politics and religion are topics along with guns etc. that can be contentious along with every other strongly held opinion.&nbsp;Even van dwelling for instance.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (Off-Topic and Chit-Chat. We want to stay on topic as much as possible, but if you want to discuss other things, do it here.) That's the description. We are multi interested folks and sometimes feel like we know others on this forum and would like their input on things affecting us all. I don't want to&nbsp;anger anyone, I'm just trying to understand what I see as arbitrary application of the rules. I hope my questions and input are not misunderstood . I really feel this is important,&nbsp;at least it is to me. Thanks&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Michael

 

[peacetara]

owl,<br /><br />I agree censorship isn't fun, especially when it happens to you, but this is my take on your post.<br /><br />it was prefaced with: "i don't know if this is true".<br /><br />It seems to me that is trying to spread FUD (Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt).&nbsp; Spreading FUD seems totally counter-productive, and the only reason that makes sense to me to do something like that is to incite drama, something this forum seems to have had a lot of lately, hence the re-focusing on the rules by the mods.&nbsp; So I think in some instance, you did get censored because it's a time in the forum's life when they are trying to keep drama to a normal level, and not the banning of members level we so recently were in.<br /><br /><br />From my perspective (as a NON-MOD, pretty new person to this forum) If you really want it to be considered by the mods to be non-FUD.... Do some research and figure out if it *IS* true, and then if you posted it (with relevant links or research, showing how it is true - assuming that is the case), then at least you are showing facts, and have a much better chance of it being acceptable. It would also help if you in your initial message on the topic, talked about where you are hoping the conversation to go (i.e. you share the facts, and then share your opinion on those facts as 2 separate and clear paragraphs).&nbsp; That second part about your opinion if done in a nice respectful manner will help set the tone for the following discussion.<br /><br />Anyways, sorry for butting in, but it seems like you and katie are having communication issues, and perhaps I just made it worse <img src="/images/boards/smilies/tongue.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"> If so I apologize.<br /><br />I've been censored before and didn't like it one bit!<br /><br />With Love,<br />Tara<br /><br />With Love,<br />Tara<br /><br />

 

[Where~the~wind~blows]

Kate, I understand this view point but what is the point of off topic chit chat then?

 

[twokniveskatie]

WTWB- that is under consideration. all i can think to say right now is there is nothing "chit chat" about politics, religion, guns, etc. &nbsp;chit chat is supposed to be an addendum to the forums about cheaprvliving. look at the numbers, though. it is one of the most populated forums. the large volume of posts seems to be related to the contentious topics that are often brought up there, while vehicle related topics and newcomers seem to be less attractive. unfortunately, that is human nature, being drawn to the drama.<br /><br /><br />

 

[sl1966]

Here's the cliff notes history on going off-topic.&nbsp;<br /><br />CRVL was born from the death of another forum. In this other forum things were allowed to go off topic so often that the board became useless and eventually died. This board was created to fill the void the other one had left behind. One of the express rules here is to keep on topic so this place doesn't become useless and die like the other.<br /><br />It's a mixed bag for me and I understand how everyone is ok with it happening, including myself. I have also seen it destroy forums in the past, so I get where Bob &amp; Katie are coming from. Basically keeping threads on topic helps the newcomers. I can't tell you how often I was on a mission for an answer only to have to read thru several pages of off topic stuff just to get to one post that solved my problem.<br /><br />Oh, and I love bacon. Dearly and very clearly LOVE IT!!!<br /><br />

 

[twokniveskatie]

nunya- that is certainly an option. another option is respecting the people who own and/or devote large amounts of their time to bring you this forum, and giving them the latitude to choose exactly what the content of the forum ultimately is. &nbsp;

 

[Seraphim]

Ah, man... what did I miss now???

 

[twokniveskatie]

good grief, just be glad you didn't start this one

 

[VanLifeCrisis]

They have a rule against contentious threads.&nbsp; It is their site and up to their discretion on what is contentious.&nbsp; Thread might not start that way but becomes that way, so they do what they gotta do.&nbsp; Just pm them if you are in doubt.&nbsp; Its not the end of the world.&nbsp; I think they more intended the off topic for levity and relaxed discussion, but im not them so not sure.<br /><br />I think if your post contains politics in anyway, then the subject should become very narrowed to issues directly affecting vandwelling or just skip it and talk about it somewhere else more relevent.&nbsp; Just go in knowing political and religious threads are on shaky ground to start with.<br /><br />Most forums i go to don't let you even mention either without an infraction. &nbsp; Others i go to narrow even further, stuff like pc vs apple vs andriod even. &nbsp; This place has been lenient.

 

[offroad]

Dont take it personally when your message gets removed, or you are warned about staying focused.&nbsp; Am finding many many sites are now very well policed.&nbsp; its a significant change from old time wild west of the forums every where.&nbsp; Trooling is being crushed seems like.&nbsp;

 

[owl]

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tara, that wasn't my post. Offroad, none of my messages have been removed, nor have I been warned about anything. I appreciate everyones comments and perspective. This is a great site in large part to Katie, Cyndi and the other mods. Also to the wonderful folks on here who participate. Nuff said, let's end it!<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I would like to wish you all the very happiest of seasons.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Michael

 

[h0trodimus]

If this is referring to my topic about the black boxes now being locked, it certainly is relevant to <span class="squiggly" title="To see spelling suggestions, click this word">rv</span> and vehicle living and the pandora's box that will open for things like a mileage tax and surveillance to those of us who knows what it means to live off grid and value the concept. If someone doesn't think it is relevant to vehicle dwellers then they are truly a naive person.

 

[Stillwater]

hotrodimus - <br /><br />You've got nine posts here in nine days. All but two of them are either in a thread with "political" in the title or Obama, less this thread. None of us are paid as mods and volunteer our time. Thinly veiled insults at the mod staff like "<span id="post_message_1276145063">If someone doesn't think it is relevant to vehicle dwellers then they are truly a naive person" will likely make your time here short. <br /><br />The forum residents can be a contentious group with extreme leanings of personal opinion on a number of topics. We welcome them to discuss those topics elsewhere. Due to popular request to mods over PM, some topics that we're going to put a lid on - at least for now - include religion, politics and 2nd amendment/guns. Whether we let those genies out of the bottle again remains to be seen. <br /><br />(For some sideline reading about EDRs, check here. http://media.mgnetwork.com/blackbox/ They are designed to be used to record only moments before, during and just after an accident. They don't *currently* contain the non-volatile memory to record long term telemetry of the vehicle. I understand your concern - just like e911 / gps on cell phones and, like the firearms I employ nearly daily, are tools that can be used for good or bad.)<br /><br />If you have a question about a thread lock, pm a mod. Starting another thread about it or posting comments like the last post is unlikely to get the response you desire.<br /><br />From an earlier post of mine:<br /><br />

</span><span id="post_message_1276145063"><span id="post_message_1275489382">There are half a dozen forums I'm somewhat actively involved in - each of them involving a "special interest" of mine. I'm moderator on three of them. I find I need to take time off from one or the other every 6-8 weeks for a bit of time just to readjust - put everything into perspective and try not to see things with a cynical eye. While I enjoy both the information and people, there is so much more to do outside! <img rel="lightbox" src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" class="bbc_img" /><br /><br />I will offer this observation that I've made privately to some of the other mods:<br /><br /><span id="post_message_1275489024">This group attracts folks who desperately look for independence, freedom and to be out from under the yoke of "the man." I get that, really I do. I'm much the same way and the reason why I consider myself moderate when my views are actually some of the extremes of both political parties: Wanna gun? Act responsibly and it is nobody else's business. Want to marry another guy (or girl/girl?) This effects others how? Go for it. Grow some weed for personal consumption? Couldn't care less. Want an abortion? Not a decision I would make anymore but I wouldn't remove that decision from others. There is more than one path to happiness and enlightenment.<br /><br />I'm strongly independent. Willing to help those who try to help themselves, unwilling to just carry those along who won't help themselves. Want a hand to get back on your feet? Done. Want to be taken care of by others for life when you are capable of taking care of yourself? Not gonna happen. I feel like what others do is their own business as long as it doesn't effect others and all participants are adults and of sound mind.<br /><br />Unfortunately, this same personality type bristles at any perceived suppression of their freedom.</span><br /><br />What many folks forget is that a forum is like a dinner party to which you've been invited in someones home. Someone has invited you to camp individually as a group in their yard. Nobody wants to "stifle" you but your freedom ends where the other persons nose begins. It's not a democracy but we're all guests. Some of us were asked to be campground hosts. We're supposed to gently remind everyone of the rules of the campground owner. Asking that, while he has extended his place to you as an invited guest, that you behave as a good guest and not cause everyone to be uncomfortable or not enjoy their visit. If you're the loud drunk, shooting fireworks off at 2am, yelling, getting into fights with others, etc., you will be asked to leave. <br /><br />I check in every day or two for 15-30 minutes. Steve puts in a lot more time and has had some great, thoughtful responses. Katie spends an inordinate amount of time and loses sleep over not hurting folks feelings and doing the right thing.&nbsp; <br /><br />If you disagree with a mod over their own personal feelings, that's just a forum. Everyone can disagree but be polite. If you want to insult and belittle them personally when they're just trying to do their job - and I speak of Katie specifically right now - then somewhere on the internet there is a place calling your name but it's just not here. Once is an error. Twice is a troll. <br /><br />At least one forum I'm on, there is an infraction for "Mod Sass." Not when you personally disagree but when you want to argue about their decisions as a mod. Once is an infraction, twice is banned. This forum has about 25,000 members and the act is codified. Here, much smaller and things are played by ear though seldom is a major decision made without group involvement.</span>

<br /><br />Though I didn't lock the first thread, I will lock this one.<br /><br /><br /></span>