Taboo topics at OP9

[PopCulturePooka]

Interesting thought struck me today after witnessing a cluster fuck happen at another message board.

Should there be certain subjects or topics that should be considered Taboo here at OP9? Topics that end up so controversial and divisive that they should be considered against the rules to start threads about? Or threads about them should be locked?

Two immediate topics that spring to mind are Abortion and Creation/Evolution, but there are a few more.

Now before you rail against me for 'blocking free speech' or asking for cencorship, consider this. I have been a message baord/forum forum adict since late 1997. I've been around, and pre Warcraft, almost all my net time was spent on boards. Remember, its me making this post. Someone who is all too happy to debate someone or argue something. Bear that in mind.

I have been to boards with member populations that are more mature and 'worldly' than what you get here. I have witnessed those boards collapse into week or month long shit fights when these topics arise. Broken friendship and nastyness popping up. The only way order was restored was the threads locked or deleted, bannings or suspensions dished out and rules made to stop them happening again.

It can get VERY ugly.

I don't think anyone would argue with me when I say that this board is already a bit to 'flamey' in parts, and does have a sizeable 'immature' element. Thats not a dig at the board, or anyone here, its merely pointing out a fact. Combine that with explosive topics and it should be obvious that this idea should be discussed.

Thoughts?

[Deadhead]

I dunno, I have to disagree with your assessment of the OP9 boards though.

These are probably one of the more mature boards Ive been on (though I mostly look at MMO boards). If any board can have a reasonable discussion, its this one.

OTOH, I am still new here and dont know alot of people that well.

I dont think we need to have taboo subjects, and I really dont think it would help. People can get nasty over anything.
I also prefer less moderation rather than more, because I think people are fairly good at policing themselves. I have seen too many boards where there are issues with the mods (ie. Mods go on a power trip, they become disconnected with the user base, they stop visiting themselves and we get anarchy etc.).

Too make it sound very simple: I like the status quo.

[Loc]

No need to have topics that shouldn't be discussed.
The boards aren't that bad for flames really, just little wars start here and there...

ehh I'll edit this sometime later today.

[Shadowknight]

Anime tentacle rape porn

I take great pride in my lack of knowledge about this. I never, EVER want to lose this lack of knowledge while reading these forums.

Oh, and definetly no topics on creating the equivalent of "flash mobs" with kancho assassin instead.

And finally, no threads praising Rodimus Prime over Optimus. Az was right, he's a complete screwup. The most incompetent, inexperienced autobot who helped KILL Optimus Prime gets to be leader?! Isn't assassination to go up ranks only supposed to apply to the evil mirror universe in Star Trek?

[PopCulturePooka]

These are probably one of the more mature boards Ive been on (though I mostly look at MMO boards). If any board can have a reasonable discussion, its this one. Seriously, they aren't. Of course compared to 'OMG WTF FAGZOR I PWN J00 N00B!' MMO boards its mature, but compared to many others its not really.

A lot of people have difficulty seperating debate from personal attacks, while others believe personal attacks are forms of debate. People get WAY to emotional over things here, debating just facts and ideas is difficult.

I dont think we need to have taboo subjects, and I really dont think it would help. People can get nasty over anything.Of course they can, but some topics lend themselves to nastyness much easier, because people have such huge emotional investments in the topics.


I also prefer less moderation rather than more, because I think people are fairly good at policing themselves.I beg to differ to an extent. Far too many people, when given weak boundries, push for the sake of it. And they are harder to control in a ruleless board.

I have seen too many boards where there are issues with the mods (ie. Mods go on a power trip, they become disconnected with the user base, they stop visiting themselves and we get anarchy etc.).Thats the other end of the extreme and is miles away from what I am suggesting.

[InsertWapNameHere]

I don't think making some topics taboo is the answer. Simply punishing those that push things abit too far or are too immature to handle an adult debate/argument would be a better route imho(Atleast untill the boards get too big for this method to be efficient).

[JudoPorkChop]

Basically, we're all a bunch of immature jackasses that lack the mental capacity to talk, and thusly should be restricted to sex, fart jokes, and the hourly flamewar.

Sweeping generalizations are fun!

But what's funny... what's REALLY making me giggle right now? When someone chest-thumps about how long they've been online, and implies how much more mature they are than everyone here, and since they are the most mature, or most intelligent, what immediately follows such a declaration is:

"This is the way things should be, because I'm so much more (whatever distinguishing trait used) than all of you."

This "Everyone here is stupid except me!" thing must be communicable...

[Cybren]

i post at one of the least mature message boards on the internet. If people remember it's the internet, no topic short of posting goatse gets locked there. The problem is the mindset that something is inherently a bad discussion, which only brings down discussion of that thing.

[KujiInRetsu]

The mods are going to be the ones who render certain topics taboo. You can establish certain topics as unwritten taboos yourself, but it's up to the mods what happens with topics and posters.

[PopCulturePooka]

After three aborted attempts to reply to JudoPorkTrolls lame attempt at petty insults and trolling, as opposed to an actual attempt at discussion, and getting stimied by the dreaded OP9 reply bug, I just give up.

But stay tuned for an experiment.

[JudoPorkChop]

I'm not insulting you, as much as I'm pointing out this is the SECOND time such a thing has come up.

PLF's was: I am smarter than all of you, and now, here are some rules I would like to be laid down because I am smart, and all of you are not.

Yours is: I am more mature than all of you, and now, here are some topics I would like you to avoid, because I am mature, and all of you are not.

Same sentiments, different words.

And the reason I'm not bothering to talk about it? For people as smart and mature as your ilk, it should be surprisingly simple:

THIS IS NOT YOUR SITE.

Are you admin?

Part of the mod staff, perhaps? No? Then why are you trying to dictate to us what we can and can not, or should and should not do?

Until you have your very own popular website, and can make your own forum to preside over, have a coke, and a smile, and shut the hell up. That goes for anyone else who wants to take a swipe at governing the dumb immature masses.

Further, You call me a troll, but your OP calls the lot of us ignorant flamers.

Pot.
Kettle.
Black.

[D-pad]

I'm not insulting you, as much as I'm pointing out this is the SECOND time such a thing has come up.

PLF's was: I am smarter than all of you, and now, here are some rules I would like to be laid down because I am smart, and all of you are not.

Yours is: I am more mature than all of you, and now, here are some topics I would like you to avoid, because I am mature, and all of you are not.

Same sentiments, different words.

And the reason I'm not bothering to talk about it? For people as smart and mature as your ilk, it should be surprisingly simple:

THIS IS NOT YOUR SITE.

Are you admin?

Part of the mod staff, perhaps? No? Then why are you trying to dictate to us what we can and can not, or should and should not do?

Until you have your very own popular website, and can make your own forum to preside over, have a coke, and a smile, and shut the hell up. That goes for anyone else who wants to take a swipe at governing the dumb immature masses.
*claps* :D :D :D

[co_delphi]

I'd say that the only post I could see as banned would be anything that could make Az's life hell.

Whether you have information that you were confided with or that you obtained by sneaky stalker means, anything that gives addresses, phone numbers, private email addresses, or anything of a personal nature to Az that he has not already decided to distribute.

[PopCulturePooka]

Further, You call me a troll, but your OP calls the lot of us ignorant flamers.

Pot.
Kettle.
Black.
Where did I say that?
I said that A) this board has a lot of flame problems. You and I are too major culprits of this, but its in no way limited to us, and B) there is an immature element here. A quick trip to RWPW or a read of some peoples reactions to criticism reveals that.

[Kaji]

I think the difference you're failing to see here is that he's not dictating how the site should be run, he's making a suggestion based on what his experience is from other sites he's been to over the years. If Az were to come in and tell him that he doesn't agree with the idea and he won't implement the guy's ideas, then $10 says that he would peacefully accept it.

[PopCulturePooka]

I think the difference you're failing to see here is that he's not dictating how the site should be run, he's making a suggestion based on what his experience is from other sites he's been to over the years. If Az were to come in and tell him that he doesn't agree with the idea and he won't implement the guy's ideas, then $10 says that he would peacefully accept it.
Basically yeap. I've made other suggestions before which were knocked back. If they are no harm no foul.

[koku]

The only problem I see is the constant who's worth more, mature vs. imature battle. People are people. Let's just treat each other with the same respect and we'll be fine.

[Myrsilus]

I don't want to get involved in this argument...

But I will say this... Referring to the RWPW to illustrate the point that there is an immature element in the boards isn't really so effective. Even usually mature people can fool around there and to relatively little consequences. That is the purpose of the RWPW. There is a General Discussion area for those that want the maturity. When one makes a controversial topic or begins to argue with another of an opposing viewpoint, then they are taking it upon themselves to deal with people that may not be able to grasp the idea that an argument over a message board is not meant to become riled up over.

I know what you're talking about Pooka, trust me. Not trying to refute anything you are saying as I agree that things get out of hand way too fast in certain discussions. But personally I don't believe making a subject taboo is going to help anything.

I don't want to see more moderation than there already is, but perhaps the earlier suggestion that punishing those that are taking an argument to an inappropriate level is a good solution.

[Roxie]

As I sit here, mouth on my chest I realize I must've come from the ghetto slums of forum boards.

PCP's accusations of immaturity and rampant flame problems seem absolutely and utterly unfounded to me, if not completely false.

Seriously, if you think for an instant that these "problems" are as bad as you say, you have no idea what a flame really is. You have NOT been flamed if you think that's what's going on here.

RWPW is MADE for immaturity. I mean, duh

You don't have to say that, but it is definently what your attitude implies.

God forbid there be an immature element in a virtual place where ANYONE can inhabit at ANY time! HOLY CRAP!!! WHAT IS WE GONNA DO!?

get over it. It is not bad by any stretch of the imagination.

[JudoPorkChop]

There should be certain subjects or topics that should be considered taboo here at OP9.

Transpose two words, and BLAMMO! We have the original sentiment. He/She (Sorry, I dunno what gender you are Pooka..) wishes that there be topics banned from discussion here. Further, the declaration of mass immaturity and flaming? Sorry, but that boils right down to:

"Most everyone here is incapable of discussing topics with any level of maturity. Except me. I'm mature."

...and that's pure BS.

Lastly, of course PCP would accept it. As I said, this is not their realm to ride rampant and roughshod over, so yeah, PCP'd pretty much have no other choice but to accept such.

[Kaji]

He's not tearing anybody up here. Yes, the room is available for immature posting and such, he's just pointing out that there are some topics that even on places that don't have to deal with an immature element still cause earth-shattering flame wars on boards, even when all the members usually get along just fine.

It's called being proactive, and bringing something up before it can become a problem, for the sake of preserving the peace and harmony on the boards. Frankly, people here need to stop getting so jumpy every time someone suggest a means of improving the boards. Period.

[koku]

I dont think PCP meant it that strong. Atleast not in an insulting way.

Mabye he was hinting he's not too condifent in the maturity of some of the population here to handle these topics, but I think he's putting the "taboo" topics at more weight than the population as far whats might derail a future debate out of hand.

Either way, a fact's a fact. No forum is "mature enough" to quell any POTENTIAL to get out of hand over some conterversial topics. If PCP meant it as a, "i'm more mature, insult insult etc. etc." jab, then that sadly just goes back to what I meantioned in my earlier post.


I don't think that's the case here(atleast not completely).


If we don't fight ourselves then we really don't have much to worry about.

[JudoPorkChop]

I have no problem with suggesting an improvement. But, when the suggestion comes after prefacing with:

There is a lot of immaturity here, and...
There's a lot of flaming going on here...
People here are intellectually lazy, so...

Suggestions are fine. Suggestions that are because "everyone is stupid/immature/flaming/whatever negative trait of the week" are not.

[Roxie]

there seem to be suggestions every week, especially from ppl who aren't Az or mods, for problems that don't exist. It gets tiresome and it sound whiny as all hell.

you guys don't know how good and sweet and nice you have it. Hush up and maybe you can enjoy it for a bit

[PopCulturePooka]

Seriously, if you think for an instant that these "problems" are as bad as you say, you have no idea what a flame really is. You have NOT been flamed if you think that's what's going on here. Oh my sweet little babycakes. I've been flamed. I know flaming and I have flamed. Flamed and been flamed nmore than a good deal of people here. Not going to say anymore on that, but don't suppose to know what I've experienced ok my girl?


It is not bad by any stretch of the imagination.
No, its not as bad as it could be.

But like kokujin said, I don't have confidence that threads about say abortion would end up very well.

All I am trying to suggest is something that will help prevent hurt feelings and anger starting. Thats all.

I have NOT said People here are intellectually lazy like the Troll suggests (in fact I very much said earlier that some of the smarter people here may well be the ones who would ruin a sensitive thread by being tofroceful and harsh in their arguments). I did say there is immaturity to an extent (and not just in the fart jokes and sex talk style either) and I did say that there are flames. The flaming here seems to come from hurt feelings and clashing egos more than anything else. Some topics cause people to have very strong beliefs and feelings about them, to the point where they become way too emotive. They are SURE their point of view is the right one, the just one and that the opposition is more than jsut wrong, they are immoral, evil, stupid etc.

I don't see whats so awful about suggesting that gas tanks be removed from a place that has a few naked lights.

And Judo... Please stop trying to put words in my mouth or speak for me. Your trolling style is weak.

[PopCulturePooka]

there seem to be suggestions every week, especially from ppl who aren't Az or mods, for problems that don't exist. It gets tiresome and it sound whiny as all hell.

you guys don't know how good and sweet and nice you have it. Hush up and maybe you can enjoy it for a bit
Like I said my lovely little crumpet, I've beena round the traps. I know that this is a decent board, and all I am doing is making suggestions.

Not dictating.
Not demanding.

SUGGESTING.

How about you, my dear, be a love and hush yourself?

[Marblehead]

I don't even understand why this is considered a problem. To me, it's like when people don't like sex and violence on TV. Don't friggin' watch if you don't like it. YOU DON'T HAVE TO CLICK ON A THREAD!

I've stayed away from several threads(until I got really drunk) because I didn't wanna deal with arguing over an issue that has been argued to death a thousand times before. If there was an abortion or creationism board I would flat out never click on them. I know already that to discuss them would be an unending, pointless endeavor. Why would I waste my time?

Secondly, this isn't a bar. Nobody's going to break a bottle on someones head. The only thing that might get hurt is somebody's pride. I'm sorry but if you're getting deeply emotional about what someone is writing here, you need to grow the fuck up real fast; because the world is going to eat you alive if you ever step out of your shell.

This, my dear friends, is a playground. Nobody is going to die, because of what you wrote. This is a fun place to practice for the real world.

[PopCulturePooka]

Sigh.
Ok...
here goes then.

I give it till the end of Sunday night.

[Roxie]

Oh my sweet little babycakes. I've been flamed. I know flaming and I have flamed. Flamed and been flamed nmore than a good deal of people here. Not going to say anymore on that, but don't suppose to know what I've experienced ok my girl?
If only you hadn't offered it up, I wouldn't have.



But like kokujin said, I don't have confidence that threads about say abortion would end up very well.
Of course not. That's what MODS are for.

All I am trying to suggest is something that will help prevent hurt feelings and anger starting. Thats all.
If you're getting your feelings hurt over the internent, you need a vacation far away from a pc.Like I said my lovely little crumpet, I've beena round the traps. I know that this is a decent board, and all I am doing is making suggestions.

Not dictating.
Not demanding.

SUGGESTING.

How about you, my dear, be a love and hush yourself?
Yes, well you're far from the only one and it's incredibly annoying. These percieved problems, aren't. And if someting does happen to blow, ~for sure, that's what mods are for~(dionne warwick)

Honestly, all suggestions should be made to the mods instead of incessently making repetitive threads about non-existant situations.

[Psychochink]

JPC: For the love of Jeff, dude, get off your soapbox. *brushes shoulder* You've got a chip there, it's messing up your nice jacket.

[Edit to include PCP: See, this is why I would make a bad moderator, I would have bitchslapped both of you by now.]

OT: I disagree that any particular topic should be taboo. Now, if a thread starts to degenerate into pissiness and name-calling, that's a different matter entirely and the mods should lock it. But I see no reason to assume that people are incapable of discussing something maturely until they prove otherwise.

Case in point, as stated above I'm getting really bored with what seems to me to be JPC's bitching about other people's bitching, it's just been going on ad infinitum. Often, IMO, at the drop of a hat and making some real logical stretches (and no, he's not the only culprit and I'm not taking sides in the incessant arguments, he's just convenient because he's in this thread). Having said that, he's pretty articulate and makes good arguments most of the time (even if I do disagree with a lot of them).

My point is this: I could simply dismiss (or ignore, or whatever) JPC because he does some stuff that annoys me. Or I could take everything he says on a case-by-case basis and judge him based on whatever he happens to be saying at the time. Apply the same logic to threads/"taboo" subjects. Hell, I'm an avid supported of eugenics (no, not the stupid, misconceived Nazi kind, the proper kind). That has huge potential to turn into a shit storm, but I wouldn't shy away from the discussion simply because of that (I would because I haven't got time to post about it, but that's another matter entirely). If we shy away from every topic that might be "controversial" than what are we left with? Mindless small talk, and precious little else.

It's all good, all the time.

[PopCulturePooka]

If only you hadn't offered it up, I wouldn't have.
Sorry petal, you'll need to rephrase that.



Of course not. That's what MODS are for.The mods would need to act after the fact. Reative. What I suggested is preventative.

But too late ;)


If you're getting your feelings hurt over the internent, you need a vacation far away from a pc.I don't get hurt feelings over the net. Others do. I'm trying very careful to not name names, but there are people here who get hurt a bit easily. JudoPorkTroll, thats NOT an attack on someone, so back to your cave.

Yes, well you're far from the only one and it's incredibly annoying. These percieved problems, aren't. And if someting does happen to blow, ~for sure, that's what mods are for~(dionne warwick) *cough*Reactive*cough*

Honestly, all suggestions should be made to the mods instead of incessently making repetitive threads about non-existant situations.I'll let Marble answer this one for me babydoll

To me, it's like when people don't like sex and violence on TV. Don't friggin' watch if you don't like it. YOU DON'T HAVE TO CLICK ON A THREAD!

[Roxie]

Sorry petal, you'll need to rephrase that.
Was it not in English?



The mods would need to act after the fact. Reative. What I suggested is preventative.

But too late ;)

You suggest that banning certain topics from disscusion will prevent problems that we don't even have.

I don't get hurt feelings over the net. Others do. I'm trying very careful to not name names, but there are people here who get hurt a bit easily. JudoPorkTroll, thats NOT an attack on someone, so back to your cave.
I wasn't talking about your feelings, but in general.

To me, it's like when people don't like sex and violence on TV. Don't friggin' watch if you don't like it. YOU DON'T HAVE TO CLICK ON A THREAD!
To quote you, I'm just suggesting. I'm not demanding. It's proactive measure. :rolleyes:

[JudoPorkChop]

Uh, pook, remember the first time this happened?

Do you recall where the "intellectually lazy" originated from?

Yeah. Not talking about you.

And if you think my trolling style is weak, how about you consider for a second I might not actually be trolling?

[PopCulturePooka]

I have considered.
And searched your posts.
And found nothing to offer me an alternative to your posts beyond trolling.

[CNagy]

Damn, there must be some sort of persecution complex that is spreading.

JPC, I read and occasionally agree with your posts, but you seem really quick to jump the gun on this whole "you're insulting everyone and I'm going to rip you to shreds" thing. Seriously, sometimes you might hit paydirt with this sort of practice, but this time it really looks like you are reading too far into this. I mean, PCP basically said that a thought occured to him, posed a question about whether some topics should be taboo, tried to establish a bit of credibility to his opinion, made a few observations*, and you try to run roughshod over him. Your tactics would be alot more effective if used sparingly; I don't know about anyone else, but the more I am reading your replies (which in this case seem reaching and unwarranted) the more likely I am to just say "oh, it's JPC being an ass again" and skip the rest of post. Yeah, I know you aren't writing for me, but I assume you are writing to be read.

*Saying this board is not as mature as other boards is hardly something to contend with. Would you say that this is the most mature board on the net? No? Then the statement seems true enough.

On Topic:
PCP, I don't believe there should be such a thing as a taboo subject. I've been to alot of boards too, and one thing that usually remains constant is that when a subject is done to death (abortion, death penality, women's rights, whatever,) new threads in that area of conversation to recieve replies like "not another fucking abortion thread." The people who are content to ream eachother over the issue, again and again, are free to do so; the people who are tired of it just avoid the thread, and the people who like to see a shitstorm (I am one of those people) have a nice bit of fun to watch. If it gets really out of hand, there are moderators.

Edit: PCP, not sure quite what to think now. You suggest that two possible taboos be abortion and evolution, then you go and make those threads? Is this an attempt to see for yourself if we can handle the topics or an attempt to show that we cannot? I am now confused.

[Shadowknight]

Allow me to state the obvious;

The User CP is a wonderful thing. There's another board where three posters started flaming me over my opinions over comic books, and another guy I don't interact with, but think he's a jackass.

My solution? Go to User CP. Miscellaneous. Buddy/Ignore Lists. Add user names to those I don't want to ever interact with again. Problem solved. Didn't like Mushu on this forum? I put him on my ignore list. Rapidly getting sick of particular posters arguing over arguing over banned topic lists? PUT THEM ON YOUR IGNORE LIST.

If someone or a particular group makes statments/opinions you personally dislike, unless it's super offensive the mods DON'T have to get involved. The forum software has a tool built in to avoid the stuff you don't like.

This thread is heading towards flaming territory because some users don't like each other. Let it go. Or realize that the board has tools to ignore their existence.

Use it. Please.

[Pierrot le Fou]

I'm sorry but if you're getting deeply emotional about what someone is writing here, you need to grow the fuck up real fast; because the world is going to eat you alive if you ever step out of your shell.

Yes, I will certainly follow you as you lead by example:

THERE IS NO REASON EVER TO JUDGE SOMEONE ONLY ON THEIR RACE!!!

ANY JUDGEMENT BASED ON RACE IS RACISM!!!! UNLESS YOU INTERACT WITH OTHER RACES ON A DAILY BASES YOU WILL START TO PRESUME ALL SORTS OF NONSENCE! THERE IS NO, AND I REPEAT NO DIFFERNCE BETWEEN YOU AND THAT (INSERT RACE) GUY COMING DOWN THE STREET!

TO JUDGE A PERSON ONLY BY THE COLOUR OF THEIR SKIN MAKES YOU A RACIST!

But I'm sure there was no emotion in that one. The CAPS were just for emphasis, obviously.

PCP is making sense. He wants to try to take a preventative approach to potentially caustic issues. He is making a suggestion (which is why, JPC, the first two words of the original post were NOT 'there should' as it is far different from the 'should there' that he did write). He is making a point based on experience (and quoting experience does not make someone elitist dear JPC, unless you think that a doctor pointing out his qualifications before he slices you open is elitism -- I call it common sense). Experience matters.

This is getting overblown. Absolutely ridiculous.

[Jay]

Should there be certain subjects or topics that should be considered Taboo here at OP9?

Religion.

If you believe in it then you believe in it, and I'm not here to deny you that privilege. But EVERY religion discussion that flares up would be worth having moderation powers for just to get them to knock it the hell off.

[CNagy]

Religion and politics are two things that you will almost never be able to change someone's mind on. That said, debate on the subjects is not so much more trouble than it is worth as to warrant being taboo-- it could help those who are on the fence consider new perspectives, as well as proving to be alot of fun to watch.

[Marblehead]

Actually It wasn't. I was rather drunk, I'll give you that but to say I was emotionally involved would be an untruth. Really I was just tired of the stupid thread. I can't believe you went out of your way to dig that up too. That conversation was tossed in my Recycle bin 'bout a week ago.

BTW, I thought you put my on ignore??? What gives? Don't tell me you actually care about what I write? Ahhhhhhhh Pierrot, you're so sweet! :)


Oh and whenever you use race as a deciding factor, it's racism. :p


Is that flamebaiting?? :confused:

Seriously though, on this bbs, I take about three people seriously.

[RDClip]

Really, Pooka, were you expecting this to be a good thing to bring up here?

I think it's pretty obvious that people here like the freedom to talk about what they want. I reckon that some people may become a little pissy at the suggestion that they are too immature about what they are allowed to talk about.

Hey. if someone flames, the thread gets locked or deleted. If that person continues being a jackass, they get banned. I trust in the mods here that they will keep order and make sure this doesn't become the internet equivalent of the Road Warrior.

I have no problem with contraversy. It's much more fun talking about contraversal things, anyway. Yes, I admit that TRWPW bis a little weird, but that's what it's there for. If I was some stupid crap, I know where to go. I like having the chance to be a little immature once in a while.

[Pierrot le Fou]

When I first joined a forum, somewhere in the late 90's I'd guess, I was a staunch socialist. I mean hardcore socialize industry and give the little guy a chance brand of socialism. The better part of a decade later, something changed me into a capitalist libertarian opposed to socialism and communism, and hailing Ayn Rand as the saviour of the world. And in the past year or so I've become far more moderate. Most of this is due to discussions on forums like this.

I've also changed several people into libertarians along the way by posting on message boards like this. And usually they too are reformed socialists who try to convince others. Suggesting that nothing will come of it is to ignore the fact that while most people just won't listen, there will always be someone out there who IS listening. They may not be posting, and just reading or lurking instead, but you don't need a participant to change their mind in order for a discussion to be valuable.

[Arvynia]

You guys need to have a seperate debate forum with ground rules.

http://www.castlereshka.com/vbb/forumdisplay.php?s=&f=32&page=1&pp=25&sort=lastpost&order=desc&daysprune=-1

[Hadal_Blues]

It was just a suggestion
I agree that the whole immaturity thing didn't neccessarily have to be brought up but he was making his case as to why the boards might need some ground rules
but from the horror stories i've heard of neopets, people seem to dislike that.
I think he only means very slight moderation and it would keep the mods from having to delete and ban people for the same reasons over and over again.
I don't care either way
but some of you might and this should be up for discussion while looking at the pros and cons

I haven't seen Az say anything or maybe I missed it after the second page I skipped like the last 6 postings or so
excuse that i'm tired sorta

maybe there should just be a rule that a type of thread like an abortion thread can only be made everyother month and that after a week it will get locked up
just another suggestion from a lurker of the boards HAHA and away I go ....>>>>

[Glitch ErrorWeaver]

lol wtf u win 2 stop flem war??????????????????????????????????????

lol u r a idit!!!! go fuk urself u faxg!!!!!

i bit u lyk pines dun u!@ hahah i fuk ur moth 2nite!@@agagahahaahhaahh!!!!!!!1!!!11121!!11

pnwed u r suk gg nub lern 2 ply!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ahem.

[Kass]

*headdesk*

Thanks guys. I'm only back from my vacation 24 hours now. I appreciate this. A lot. No really. This thread wasn't even here last night when I signed off and in less than 12 hours, it degraded into trolling and name calling.

Give it a rest. If you have suggestions, PM Az. He does read them. Really. He even implements the suggestions if he likes them.

As for the topics, religion in various forms, including some mention of creation/evolution has come up here before. I don't recall about abortion. The board survived. The world didn't implode (that only happens if there is more than one Trekkie in a threesome) and people are still breathing.

Oh yeah... Thread closed because it really isn't going anywhere good. Again.