Topic Locked and General Update

[extrememarine]

Hello.

Tonight I locked a thread in the backyard sub forum titled, "H.R.127 - Sabika Sheikh Firearm Licensing and Registration Act". Even though the topic was in the appropriate sub forum, the conversation within the thread was on a downward spiral that, in my opinion, was going to end up with name calling and other unpleasantries.

There are many hot- button topics in today's world, and those topics usually bring passionate arguments from all sides of the table that individuals stand on.

There are so many places to have those heated, passionate and even confrontational conversations at today, lets make this a place that does not have them.

Thank you.

Wayne - aka Extrememarine.

[0face]

Lame. Preemptive censorship where none was needed.

The censorship of America comes to FJRiders. Maybe you just make this a “technical forum”. You’re starting down the path someone else has already trodden.

WTF is this world coming to?

Nice job Zuckerberg.

[rbentnail]

Damned if you do and damned if you don't.

[extrememarine]

Marty,

Censorship or moderation activity on this site has been minimal since the site was established originally, then re-established in 2012 by me.

The number of posts and threads that have been locked or edited (censored) have been minimal over the past 9 years. Those actions were all taken based on the author(s) of the posts or participants in the thread/topic choosing to turn the conversation into a form of personal attack that I have repeatedly asked it not happen and stated that it is unacceptable conduct on this site.

Call me what names you wish, it still does not change the fact that if I see a post on this site that I interrupt as counter to the (very few) established rules (that every member here agreed to when joining), then I will remove it.

Anyone can establish their own website and run it however they see fit. There are many established websites and social media platforms already in existence today that focus on politics, religion, constitutional rights; if any of those don't meet your personal standards or expectations, then create one that does. Invest your own time and energy into it, invite like minded individuals to join in conversations there, and when someone calls you names, see how long it takes you to turn them off.

I hope your morning is filled with sunshine and you find something to enjoy today.

Thank you,

Wayne

Lame. Preemptive censorship where none was needed.

The censorship of America comes to FJRiders. Maybe you just make this a “technical forum”. You’re starting down the path someone else has already trodden.

WTF is this world coming to?

Nice job Zuckerberg.

[bungie4]

I moderated BBS's for a decade before the Internet. Scream censorship all you want. Wah wah. The flipside is if you do let it degenerate before you shut it down, you are taking peoples voices away when they are most heated. Ever 'debate' with a pissed off woman?

Its a no win situation, but their is a best case scenario and Wayne took it.

[wheatonFJR]

Wayne,
I appreciate all you do to try to have a harmonious FJR site.

I feel like the posts were fairly civil for the most part, though full of emotion and strongly held views. I could see this thread devolving rather quickly.

I am thinking that this discussion is best served over a campfire face to face over a shared beverage, if people really want to talk about this instead of the awesome riding we did together previously that day.

However, you might want to rethink whether you really have a “backyard” “sheep’s pen” where anything goes. The locking of this thread clearly shows that, for better or worse, that is not the intent at Riders anymore.

Lastly, I do not disrespect my Canadian friends for their views. I did not feel that I received that respect back.

Thanks again Wayne. I would ride with any of my FJRiders friends anytime.

[extrememarine]

Mark,

Thank you for your comments.

This is what I was attempting to avoid, as I do not sit and monitor the site 24/7 (I have a job/career and a family - surprise, right?)

I could see this thread devolving rather quickly.

I agree with this sentiment as well - I am looking forward to the day when we can do just that - whether around a campfire, standing in a parking lot, or at a gas station in Tellico Plains after running the skyway...

this discussion is best served over a campfire face to face over a shared beverage

I continue to loose sleep over this one; it's unfortunate that more often than not, these 'heated discussions' degrade to the point that resembles a school yard sandbox tantrum over who is next on the slide. Although, I would argue that closing 2 threads in 10 months (iirc) does not indicate that these topics can not happen here all, just that they don't always remain civil and in a respectful manner. But to your point, it may be time for an adjustment to what is acceptable in those subforums topic wise since many fail to observe my request that all conversations, no matter how passionate or heated the topic is, remain civil and avoid the name calling / attacking of other members.

However, you might want to rethink whether you really have a “backyard” “sheep’s pen” where anything goes. The locking of this thread clearly shows that, for better or worse, that is not the intent at Riders anymore.

Back to the first point - the conversation was making that sharp turn; I don't always catch these things so timely or at a point to be proactive, but last night was a point in time that I was here and watching so I took the action I felt was necessary and warranted.

Lastly, I do not disrespect my Canadian friends for their views. I did not feel that I received that respect back.

Thank you again - Both for the constructive criticism and for your ablity to communicate it in a respectful manner.

Wayne

Wayne,
I appreciate all you do to try to have a harmonious FJR site.

I feel like the posts were fairly civil for the most part, though full of emotion and strongly held views. I could see this thread devolving rather quickly.

I am thinking that this discussion is best served over a campfire face to face over a shared beverage, if people really want to talk about this instead of the awesome riding we did together previously that day.

However, you might want to rethink whether you really have a “backyard” “sheep’s pen” where anything goes. The locking of this thread clearly shows that, for better or worse, that is not the intent at Riders anymore.

Lastly, I do not disrespect my Canadian friends for their views. I did not feel that I received that respect back.

Thanks again Wayne. I would ride with any of my FJRiders friends anytime.

[CollingsBob]

I try to criticize beliefs, not people..it is hard to separate the two, especially when those beliefs are so firmly held. I’ve often thought that it would be an interesting, utopian, idea for some of us to live in each others country for a few years..then reflect on how a different society, a different culture with different media had affected our positions.
I agree, lets stick to riding.

[Bounce]

Lame. Preemptive censorship where none was needed.

The censorship of America comes to FJRiders. Maybe you just make this a “technical forum”. You’re starting down the path someone else has already trodden.

WTF is this world coming to?

Nice job Zuckerberg.

Chill. We all knew that the original claim of "no censorship" and "light moderation" wasn't sustainable. Discussion forums always need administration. Besides, you can still "heart" posted comments in that thread.

[wheatonFJR]

Lame. Preemptive censorship where none was needed.

The censorship of America comes to FJRiders. Maybe you just make this a “technical forum”. You’re starting down the path someone else has already trodden.

WTF is this world coming to?

Nice job Zuckerberg.

Chill. We all knew that the original claim of "no censorship" and "light moderation" wasn't sustainable. Discussion forums always need administration.

Who’s “WE”?

[rbentnail]

Who’s “WE”?

All forums need some type of moderation, anyone who has been in any position of leadership knows this. I've been wondering for a long time when calls of censorship will lead to mutiny. Again. From the point of view of the casual bystander, it's simply the age-old repeat of the recent cries on FJROwners and not all that long ago the same cry causing the exodus from fjrforum. Shame too that this forum has publicly taken it's first step into oblivion.

[Festus]

All forums need some type of moderation, anyone who has been in any position of leadership knows this. I've been wondering for a long time when calls of censorship will lead to mutiny. Again. From the point of view of the casual bystander, it's simply the age-old repeat of the recent cries on FJROwners and not all that long ago the same cry causing the exodus from fjrforum. Shame too that this forum has publicly taken it's first step into oblivion.

I'm not sure 2 locked posts in 1 year qualifies as "taken it's first step into oblivion". Comparatively speaking, it's not uncommon to see that many things deleted or locked every single day on other forums.

[CollingsBob]

Who’s “WE”?

Shame too that this forum has publicly taken it's first step into oblivion.

Oh, get a grip. I was a participant in the discussion and I agree with Waynes action..it was getting out of hand.

[extrememarine]

I've fielded a good number of pm's and posts today. Many requests to join the backyard subforum as well as comments supporting and opposing my recent actions to close a specific thread. I thank everyone for both their support and constructive input.

I can understand how some may feel that the action taken could be perceived as a change in direction or management of the site. The fact remains that moderation of posts and threads on this forum have been minimal and will continue to be so. For those who feel otherwise or disagree with the current form of management here - there are numerous other websites to focus your energy on if you so choose.

Is it spring yet?

Wayne

[wheatonFJR]

Lame. Preemptive censorship where none was needed.

The censorship of America comes to FJRiders. Maybe you just make this a “technical forum”. You’re starting down the path someone else has already trodden.

WTF is this world coming to?

Nice job Zuckerberg.

Chill. We all knew that the original claim of "no censorship" and "light moderation" wasn't sustainable. Discussion forums always need administration.

Who’s “WE”?

Who's "WE"?
Did you have some side bets going on regarding this forum with your circle of friends or something?

[Uncle Hud]

Freedom of speech is a function of government, and is not necessarily guaranteed by Facebook, Twitter, Parler, or FJRiders.

[NTXFJR]

I'd have to agree that Wayne's moderation is generally light handed and I for one thank him for it. It might help us to remember that this forum is not run on the collective decisions of it's members, but by the best intentions of the hmfic. I think we'd be hard pressed to find much fault in how Wayne generally runs things around here. We may not always agree on every decision he makes but that's not our call. Can we trust his intentions at least?

That said, I find it truly sad that there are some supposedly grown ass men in this forum that can't handle themselves like adults in discussions without getting bent out of shape when they don't get their way. When people refuse to behave like adults then maybe it's time for the babysitter to step in after all.

So we have a section of the forum that in theory is open for discussions on a whole host of issues with sometimes strongly held opinions. Big deal, we all have opinions, and there's nothing wrong with a good healthy discussion, hell we might even learn something if we'd just listen. But name calling? C'mon, grow up, don't make Wayne feel the need to be the babysitter. It's pretty clear in the forum rule book that he doesn't care for the name calling bullshit.

But for you thin skinned folks that don't care for the back yard section of this forum, the easiest solution is to just stay out of it. Remember the application process, "Are you sure you want access to this section of the forum". With an application process like that, you know there's likely going to be some controversial shit talking involved.

Do the rest of the folks in here that enjoy a good discussion a favor, don't try to get it removed just because YOUR feelings got hurt. And know the difference when someone is being facetious and just talking shit. Grow a pair and respect the opinions of others for crying out loud.

Wheatie's comment on campfire discussion is a good one because people tend to watch what they say a little more carefully when they're face to face. Say something too far out of line to the wrong dude and there just might be an ass beating. Can we maybe remember that concept and watch what we say and how we say it a little closer next time we play keyboard bad ass?

[wheatonFJR]

Stop talking about me Tex, my feewings are hurt. D'oh...there goes another curb.

[NTXFJR]

Oh, now MY one feeling is hurt, Wayne! Where are ya!!

I didn't think I mentioned thread shitter...did I ??

[wheatonFJR]

So to summarize..be nice to each other, have fun, and don't take Wheatie's spot in line at the slide.