Politics Forum

[varbo]

Why don't we have one. Its an election year in the states and there are a lot of posts started and there will be a lot more coming. Could have a separate section so that those who want to stay out of it can and those who want to "Debate" can without bothering each other.

I know this was brought up before but I don't know if it was officially suggested.

[wil]

Not gonna happen Varbo my northern friend. This is a fitness forum and it has been mentioned that politics don't belong here.

Mooshue had suggested a site for those of us who want to debate politics.

I never visited the site, because, well, I like it here. THIS is the community to which I want to belong. But if political discussions are frowned upon I just decided I have to live with that. So now I just try to keep my pie-hole shut, with an occasional sarcastic remark or attempt at humor. But I will stay away from any serious debates.

Oh well...

[ckn]

Are politics threads frowned upon here? If so, I've been a naughty boy...

[wil]

Originally Posted by ckn

Are politics threads frowned upon here? If so, I've been a naughty boy...

Well... perhaps not officially frowned upon. But there have been some fairly direct comments for the more ardent political folks to find a new sandbox, as it were.

So...
I'm being good.
I'm being quiet.
I'm being have.


And if I do post something borderline political I am adding my silly little disclaimer.

[varbo]

Originally Posted by wil

Not gonna happen Varbo my northern friend. This is a fitness forum and it has been mentioned that politics don't belong here.

I understand where they are coming from but, although this is a fitness forum, it is also a place where people with a common interest can socialize. We all love the iron, and we want to be strong and healthy but like it or not, this is kind of like a mini society where friends are made and people want to discuss their feelings. There is a relationship area and that really doesn't have much to do with fitness, why not politics?

Just my thoughts

[wil]

Originally Posted by varbo

I understand where they are coming from but, although this is a fitness forum, it is also a place where people with a common interest can socialize. We all love the iron, and we want to be strong and healthy but like it or not, this is kind of like a mini society where friends are made and people want to discuss their feelings. There is a relationship area and that really doesn't have much to do with fitness, why not politics?

Just my thoughts

Probably because with the exception of when ChampionOfNight would post, there are hardly any strong words exchanged in the relationships threads.

I guess. Maybe? I dunno.

[john112364]

I think the reason the PTB frown upon political discussions is because of the potential for it to blow up. Nothing incites people like politics and/or religion. I know that, for instance, wil and saintx are on opposite sides of the political fence and sometimes the exchanges can get heated. But in other parts of EF they're not only polite by friendly and helpful toward each other. (Heck saintx was one of the first to jump on wil's Fantasy Football league.) But there may be others who aren't quite so restrained and the last thing the PTBs want is some jerk off to start a flame war which spills over into other threads. Not everyone is capable of leaving their beliefs at the door.

My 2cents. (Or maybe a nickle with inflation)

[wil]

Originally Posted by john112364

My 2cents. (Or maybe a nickle with inflation)

Inflation... Bush's fault.

[tooncesthecat]

The "Sex and Relationships" thread is in the "Health and Nutrition" section of EF. Having a healthy sex life and/or relationship falls into this category. The lounge is a LOUNGE where people gather to discuss whatever is on their mind (within reason). It is the "miscellaneous" section falling outside the rest of the categories:

Training
Women's Fitness Discussions
Supplements and Drugs
Competitions
Health and Nutrition
Picture Forums
Website Discussions

Note how a political forum does not fit in? Kind of makes sense to me!

[varbo]

Hey you could always restrict the section to Big dogs or higher so you don't draw in people who don't fit in and just want to have a fight. I just thought that if someone is in the political mood, they could go there and if not, they could stay away.

[griffo2]

Originally Posted by varbo

Hey you could always restrict the section to Big dogs or higher so you don't draw in people who don't fit in and just want to have a fight. I just thought that if someone is in the political mood, they could go there and if not, they could stay away.

That is exactly whats happened,for the time being at least.BD's and TD's are in the loop.

John112364 said it in a nut shell.

[PLover007]

Originally Posted by varbo

I know this was brought up before but I don't know if it was officially suggested.

Once upon a time there was a kindoff fightclub/political thread (c'se that's the only place IMHO where that kind of thread belongs). But soon there was flaming and cursing all around, yes even by moderators, I remember even one that suggested we nuke Irak. But in general the moderators had their hands full keeping the debates a little civil. And we know they like the title but with the least trouble involved. The reason why this kind of threads is always going the wrong way is simple: most ppl can't debate without flaming or cursing.

As for me I wouldn't mind a political thread.

[tidalwave]

Originally Posted by PLover007

most ppl can't debate without flaming or cursing.

While I think the majority of people on EF, especially BigDogs, TopDogs, etc. do quite well at being civil, it might be asking for trouble to officially santion 'debate'. After all, we're subject to the Greater Internet F*ckwad Theory:

[lizzyb]

Originally Posted by tidalwave

While I think the majority of people on EF, especially BigDogs, TopDogs, etc. do quite well at being civil, it might be asking for trouble to officially santion 'debate'. After all, we're subject to the Greater Internet F*ckwad Theory:

So true, lol!!

Anyhoo, personally the political threads here I have found mostly amusing. Maybe it's b/c I'm Canadian, dunno, lol!! Mind you, I'm personally not big on politics either.....no matter who's in power anywhere in the world, it's the same rhetoric to me. Having worked for close to 20yrs as a hairstylist dealing closely with the public I have definately learned that discussing sex, politics and religion were sticky subjects......everybody's viewpoint is different and everybody feels passionate about their views too. Good, but if you can have a debate or discussion without the goal of changing your opponents' minds, then I say go for it....but....if the only reason to start a debate is to try and change somebody else's viewpoint.....then I would say refrain. And if anyone were to get all nasty and flaming, then delete their posts and demote them for a probationary period. If they can't behave outside the box and spill into other threads then bann them....

Just my .002

[SAINT_X]

And you might consider replacing that anonymity "?" with a dollar sign "$" , as in the cases of certain talk radio and tv hosts.

[ckn]

I enjoy the political debates here. Although some of the stuff I've posted has been pretty controversial I've not had one unacceptable post in return, all I've had is some strong rebuttals and some slightly out-there replies as well (mainly from the Republicans)

I moderate on an English rugby forum where the majority of political views are diametrically opposed to the majority view on here. I've had to wield the ban stick a few times to people who just won't contribute in a civil manner and get abusive when they start losing a discussion/argument.

[PLover007]

Originally Posted by ckn

I enjoy the political debates here. Although some of the stuff I've posted has been pretty controversial

I think I'm gonna have to check you out to keep the flame burning, since I'm all for the controversial stuff.