Banned topics - please read [NEW THREAD]

bmah · Feb 13, 2010 11:18 PM

Aight. Because I messed up the wording of the poll in the original thread - which was crucial - I'll make a new poll here. Those who have already voted in the earlier thread, please re-vote on the new poll here.

Copy paste job of my original post:

Hello everyone.

It has been suggested in the past that people would like to partake in banned topics - namely, politics, religion, sex, and other matters that would (although require a degree of maturity) allow us to discuss a wider range of topics.
RDX forwarded to me that SR believes this isn't necessary - and this is probably due to the fact that a more definitive opinion on the issue is required.

RedDragonX wrote:

as for the whole issue on the banned topics we have discussed it with SR in the past and he feels that the forum topics are fine just as is...so if you guys really want something like that implemented then get enough members to back it and let Spyrorocks know.

I've come to presume, from the current opinions on this, that people do want more variety for discussion. However, little action is taken and hence the issue has an apparent perception of resolution.

bmah wrote:

It's a group effort for sure. Everything seems "fine" now because nothing conflicting is happening, but at the same time, the current rules make it seem that everyone is satisfied with whatever they can converse about - since any discussion on taboo stuff is hush hush. My point is that SR probably thinks that the forum topics "are fine as is" because nothing out of those boundaries are discussed in the first place. However, since I do know people want to talk about more diverse subjects, I may make an individual thread on whether people want to do this.

My own opinion on the matter is that there could be more interesting things to discuss out of this - currently, the forum is relegated to discussing music/favorite bands and your favorite WWII game (gross generality, but you get the point - these are the most common things I see). Pretty limiting. I'd say that it does not hurt to open new doors for the potential to discuss a wider variety of things.

The original suggestion was to create a separate forum for this. I don't care whether the ban on certain subjects is lifted or if such subjects can be discussed only at a particular forum. Right now, I would like to ask if anyone is willing to support the ability to discuss banned topics, however it would be presented. Those who do not wish to partake in such subjects can go on their usual ways like it is now. The poll refers to those who'd be open to this subject matter.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Relevant replies from the previous topics will be posted here:

Phoenix_Flyer wrote:

I'm not too bothered about being able to discuss said issues. But it would be nice if we're allowed to at least mention the subjects without: 'Ooooom, mercy.' Being murmured by everyone because, as you said, they're taboo subjects.

Saphira wrote:

Yeah, I agree. A new 'Debate Forum' would be good. Obviously, it'd be closely moderated. And we do have some older and mature members on here who would like to discuss more sensitive issues, like politics and religion.

PARANOiA wrote:

I definitely agree with you on this. There is nothing very interesting to talk about here anymore...it's mostly, like you said, favorite music, video games, etc. Controversial discussions are not always a bad thing; I think it's important to be able to discuss these things, and it would probably add more sustenance to the forums as well.
The separate section is probably a good idea. I've seen it done on many other forums, and it seems to work well. The rule could still apply to the rest of the forum, and I'm sure one of the mods wouldn't mind putting some extra effort into keeping the discussions civil and in order.

Stormy wrote:

I definitely support this idea. I'm with Paranoia: there's nothing interesting to talk about here if controversial subjects are censored.
We could at least have a separate forum for serious conversations with an age limit if that's what the concern is here.

Clock-la wrote:

Saphira wrote:
Yeah, I agree. A new 'Debate Forum' would be good. Obviously, it'd be closely moderated. And we do have some older and mature members on here who would like to discuss more sensitive issues, like politics and religion.
I agree this plase (unlike dark spyro >>) actually has Mods witch is why dark spyro if falling appert it has an admin who is lazy no mods, immature members and FULL with fantards atleast here we have mods few fantards andmods and a admin who actually lisens to the users.
Witch is why i therefor think this Debate fourm will work on a site like this because were all "mature" here were not a buntch of kids screaming about spyro. A debate fourm would be a good idear as long as ((the reason why it should be closly modarated)) theres no "GODS NOT REAL IF YOU BELIVE IN HIM YOUR A SILLY POOP HEAD!!!111" ((like that but worse...)) but if we wish to chat about the subjects then so be it. We should have the right.
If there are people who don't with for us the have the..."banned topic" section then well they should not go on it...prerhaps a warning for the caption? advising people if they are offended?
OOOH S*** XD i voted wrong i thought it was yes meens bring them back and no meens...yer XD sorry XD please can i have a recast?

PARANOiA wrote:

If there are people who don't with for us the have the..."banned topic" section then well they should not go on it...prerhaps a warning for the caption?
My thoughts exactly. Although I'm not an expert on forum designing, I don't think it is very difficult to create a new section, and it seems it would be worthwhile even if some people don't want it.

Stormy wrote:

I agree 100% with Clock-la. It would be completely worth any extra moderating we'd have to do to keep a debate forum working. I'd do it all myself if I had to.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next step is to determine the necessary parameters and number of votes required to convince SR to make a change. That'll have to be explicitly addressed by SR himself.

Stormy · Feb 13, 2010 11:55 PM

I've wanted this since the banned topics rule came out and have been meaning to talk to SR about it. I think it could really help the forum gain more activity.

Does anyone remember the Featured Threads idea I came up with a while back? I haven't been able to find many threads with the good discussion value I was looking for. This could change that; controversial topics are often the most interesting.

Clock-la · Feb 14, 2010 11:31 AM

thank you i rE-voted:3

RedDragonX · Feb 15, 2010 7:25 PM

I also support the idea if I've never said it before. I believe these topics can easily be discussed in a controlled environment under constant observation, this is why I supported Stormy when she came up with the original idea of creating a separate board for those banned topics.

Regardless, get as many members to support this before pushing it any further. Good way to do it though.

dragon protector x · Feb 15, 2010 9:48 PM

I do like the ideas but the only draw back is that some times THe discussions can get way to heated and get locked and then people argu over it becomeing locked. Non the less i like the idea. a little more freedom

yearofthe · Feb 16, 2010 12:12 AM

I guess it could be allowed. If people hate it, then don't go in that section!

bmah · Feb 16, 2010 10:10 AM

yearofthe wrote:

If people hate it, then don't go in that section!

Absolutely.

dragon protector x wrote:

I do like the ideas but the only draw back is that some times THe discussions can get way to heated and get locked and then people argu over it becomeing locked.

Two things:
1) It is expected that debates would heat up to some degree - that really is the nature for these topics. I even expect some slight jeerings and small insults. But in the end, people are expected to "agree to disagree" without wrecking havoc.
2) A legitimate locked thread: one that is deemed unsalvageable that not even the deleting of posts would be able to make up for. I expect the mods to make the right decision and not lock threads out of "not wanting to bother handling a potentially difficult but manageable situation". If a thread has further potential, it makes sense to go on, after any offending posts have been removed. A thread with little to discuss or is truly out of control should be locked.

As of someone else to note, it seems rather awkward to make a new forum with a title of "discuss banned topics here" or something like that. Since the majority of banned topics are actually critical thinking discussions, it might not seem like a bad idea if a forum called "critical thinking" or "debates" is made.

~cornys~ · Feb 17, 2010 6:12 AM

I think you all know where I stand here.. Yes!

Maybe another mod if needed, but I think the current mods have it under control and this would be a non-issue.

bmah · Feb 27, 2010 11:33 PM

Bringing this thread up to attention again, because I would like to see if anyone else would like to vote before I attempt to go onto the next step (which is probably bringing this up directly to SR). If I left it as it is right now, the whole poll would be meaningless.

~cornys~ · Mar 02, 2010 2:19 AM

I don't think it get's much attention here.... Nobody ever seems to check this forum... Can you do this discussion in the SPAM section right now?

(666th post lol smile )

Paranoia · Mar 03, 2010 3:50 AM

I think most of the active members who actually care have voted on it. And an 8:1 ratio seems to be pretty telling on how the forum is leaning, so I think it would be safe to bring it up to Spyrorocks. (as if he can't see the thread now) tongue

bmah · Mar 03, 2010 5:09 AM

Yeah, this is good enough. More votes aren't going to really do much more now. I'll PM SR about it.

edit: done. Updates will be made on the situation later.

spyromaster330 · Mar 03, 2010 7:07 AM

I've decided to return after about a year, and I think that it would be a great idea if these banned topics were allowed. The reason I left in the first place was because there was nothing interesting to talk about, so this would make things more interesting.

Rurikredwolf · Mar 03, 2010 11:55 AM

Agreed, there is nothing worth noticing for me. I enjoy expressing my opinion (not flaming) on things.

Nightfall · Mar 03, 2010 4:48 PM

I still stand by what I said before, and I agree with Rurik - we should have a place that allows us to express our opinions on sensitive matters. Most of the members on here are old enough and (hopefully) mature enough to handle discussions on sensitive issues.

yearofthe wrote:

If people hate it, then don't go in that section!

Exactly. No one's going to make you post there, just like any topic it isn't compulsory to contribute to it.

bmah · Mar 07, 2010 6:56 AM

Nothing yet. But I know SR is lurking around here, since he is replying to other threads in the same forum right here. Just when I thought it was a reply to this thread. sigh

A Guy · Mar 08, 2010 11:21 PM

He voted no. It was a good try, though.

Spyro22 · Mar 09, 2010 1:39 AM

Well, does anyone think this is actually gonna get us a banned topic section?
By the way, does anyone know of SR's reply yet?

bmah · Mar 09, 2010 6:37 AM

I didn't notice before, but you can find out the specifics by clicking on "Detailed Results" under the poll. Small link.

Anyways, yes, I'm not going to try advocating further on the subject. However, I think it's completely fair if I do ask for Spyrorock's rationale on his decision, despite being against the majority. Explanation first though - then we're done. Otherwise, any decision without reasoning only leaves people wondering. Back it up!

Thanks for trying people.

Blaze the Dragon · Mar 22, 2010 1:16 AM

Actually, I think opening up the topics again would be a good way to bring life back into this forum. Yes people, I'm back with posts instead of just a simple lurker as of late. Didn't really want to post as I didn't see anything that caught my interest.

Controversial topics aren't necessarily negative; they can provoke/promote intellectual growth by seeing things from a new side. For instance, this year in my English class we went into an existentialism unit. Oooohhh, fun! (about as much fun as a root canal, but I digress). It made me really think about other philosophies on life.

Now, of course, it can be regulated to the degree other topics are; moderator action to stop flame wars, etc. Regulation is all fine, well and good, but censorship is a bit much.

Then again, this is just my opinion. Those who disagree with it are of course free to disagree with it. I'm not going to be a zealot and tell you "you have to take my side" because everyone's entitled to their own opinion.

bmah · Mar 22, 2010 3:39 AM

You know, all I'm waiting for is SR's explanation for his "no", which hasn't been provided yet. A decision can stand, but SR should at least have the decency for posting a brief explanation.

In other news, I would've really liked to have talked about the health care bill - the voting is almost complete and this could be historic for America. Too bad we can't discuss it.

cooldude22345 · Mar 22, 2010 10:18 PM

bmah wrote:

In other news, I would've really liked to have talked about the health care bill - the voting is almost complete and this could be historic for America. Too bad we can't discuss it.

What is the health care about anyways? I keep hearing my dad talking about it and stuff, but I don't get what's going on.

Oh, come on. I'm sure we can at least talk about what it is.

Aceedwin · Mar 05, 2011 9:27 PM

I feel like bumping this simply because I don't want the topic to drop for as long as it has.

I've never understood the idea that we mustn't argue or disagree. It's not like we're going to hurt each other, physically or mentally. Sensitive topics like those that are banned will no doubt result in arguing, that's practically guaranteed. But if it's regulated, and strict no-ad-hominem policies are used, with punishment, then why not? Give it a few entry restrictions, e.g. Must be above 13, must have posted a few times to prove maturity, etc.

But let's face facts. SPAM is the most popular forum. That's just not right. If we were let off the chain a little, so we could engage in intelligent, witty, and genuinely fun debate, then it'd be like pumping these forums full of steroids. We'd finally have something to talk about other than the regular topics. The old "Movie + opinion" or "Hey, something terrible happened to me, attention plz" threads.

SR, it's not like it's a contentious issue. 25/27 people thought it was a good idea, and you were one of the dissenters. Ironically, I can't whine on about democracy because it might fall under politics, but regardless, numbers speak for themselves. Hopefully the bumping will bring this to the attention to people who haven't voted yet (assuming the poll hasn't closed, I can't see it from here).

Spyrorocks · Mar 06, 2011 6:42 PM

I'm considering lifting the banned topics rule for a month to see how it goes.

First of all, I hereby declare that Politics CAN BE DISCUSSED, and we will go from there.

Aceedwin · Mar 06, 2011 7:48 PM

Got it saved, as well as the date.

#1 Feb 13, 2010 11:18 PM

Banned topics - please read [NEW THREAD]

#2 Feb 13, 2010 11:55 PM

Re: Banned topics - please read [NEW THREAD]

#3 Feb 14, 2010 11:31 AM

Re: Banned topics - please read [NEW THREAD]

#4 Feb 15, 2010 7:25 PM

Re: Banned topics - please read [NEW THREAD]

#5 Feb 15, 2010 9:48 PM

Re: Banned topics - please read [NEW THREAD]

#6 Feb 16, 2010 12:12 AM

Re: Banned topics - please read [NEW THREAD]

#7 Feb 16, 2010 10:10 AM

Re: Banned topics - please read [NEW THREAD]

#8 Feb 17, 2010 6:12 AM

Re: Banned topics - please read [NEW THREAD]

#9 Feb 27, 2010 11:33 PM

Re: Banned topics - please read [NEW THREAD]

#10 Mar 02, 2010 2:19 AM

Re: Banned topics - please read [NEW THREAD]

#11 Mar 03, 2010 3:50 AM

Re: Banned topics - please read [NEW THREAD]

#12 Mar 03, 2010 5:09 AM

Re: Banned topics - please read [NEW THREAD]

#13 Mar 03, 2010 7:07 AM

Re: Banned topics - please read [NEW THREAD]

#14 Mar 03, 2010 11:55 AM

Re: Banned topics - please read [NEW THREAD]

#15 Mar 03, 2010 4:48 PM

Re: Banned topics - please read [NEW THREAD]

#16 Mar 07, 2010 6:56 AM

Re: Banned topics - please read [NEW THREAD]

#17 Mar 08, 2010 11:21 PM

Re: Banned topics - please read [NEW THREAD]

#18 Mar 09, 2010 1:39 AM

Re: Banned topics - please read [NEW THREAD]

#19 Mar 09, 2010 6:37 AM

Re: Banned topics - please read [NEW THREAD]

#20 Mar 22, 2010 1:16 AM

Re: Banned topics - please read [NEW THREAD]

#21 Mar 22, 2010 3:39 AM

Re: Banned topics - please read [NEW THREAD]

#22 Mar 22, 2010 10:18 PM

Re: Banned topics - please read [NEW THREAD]

#23 Mar 05, 2011 9:27 PM

Re: Banned topics - please read [NEW THREAD]

#24 Mar 06, 2011 6:42 PM

Re: Banned topics - please read [NEW THREAD]

#25 Mar 06, 2011 7:48 PM

Re: Banned topics - please read [NEW THREAD]

Board footer