Obama And Romney On Recreational Fishing

[Feathers and Fins]

I actually like the way Phil lets things go to a point, I have learned more from this forum and had more civil discussion on it then many others simply because I know as to most that to keep the conversation going you have to be civil.

Its nice to see people points of view some may change some maynot but they tend to make me do more research in ways I might not of before and I keep an open mind on most.

[Al Agnew]

Seems to me there is a big difference between defending your own viewpoint and attacking those you don't agree with. I think if we all tried to remember that we're all Americans who love this country, love wildlife and wild lands, and love fishing and hunting, we might not be so quick to think the other guy is an idiot, a socialist, or whatever other name you want to call them. Doesn't matter your political viewpoint...Democrat, Republican, conservative, liberal, you ought to be able to discuss ANY topic with calmness and respect for those who don't agree with you. I might think some on here are wrong about some issues, just as they think I'm wrong. But if we can say why we think we're right, and not that we think the other guy is out to wreck the country or something, there is actually a lot of constructive talks we could have.

[hoglaw]

Many people have this confusion about forums. They are not protected by the 2nd amendment. So you have to depend on the posted rules to see what is allowed. And those are, at best, a bit confusing on this front.

So can I carry my gun in here or not? Just not in this thread? Now I'm confused.

Here's the EASY solution. If you feel compelled to douche up an otherwise innocuous thread with a political de-rail, then you should get punished. If you want to start a topic involving an obviously political issue, then knock yourself out. If you are offended by discussions of politics or don't think they belong in a fishing forum, then don't read them. No reason why Phil should feel compelled to define the "rules" when it comes to politics. If it's a political thread, ship it on over to that sub-forum. If it's a political thread involving fishing, then it stays here until in Phil's absolute discretion and wisdom it should be moved. End of story. Rock on everybody.

As for my two cents, I have always felt that the elections that mattered the most were those that were for the smallest offices. My alderman/county judge affects my day to day life far more than the president. Oddly enough, the actual impact an election has on one's life is inversely proportional to the level of office. Who the president is affects my life the least. Neither of these guys have ever made the outdoors a part of their platform and that's perfectly alright. I'm glad to see Obama owns up to the fact that it's not his thing, but he respects those who do it. I'm glad to see Romney wants to rely on the opinions of those smarter than him. Thanks to the thread starter as I thought the article was pretty informative and in a convenient format.

[jeb]

So can I carry my gun in here or not? Just not in this thread? Now I'm confused.

Sorry about that. I meant the 1st amendment, of course.

Here's the EASY solution. If you feel compelled to douche up an otherwise innocuous thread with a political de-rail, then you should get punished.

It's not that easy, though. Calm rebuttals to cloesly held ideals here, and pretty much any forum, cause passionate responses from some. So it's often not anything posted to de-rail a discussion, it's that some folks just do not want to acknowledge anything but their own viewpoint that lead to most meltdowns, in my experience.

If you want to start a topic involving an obviously political issue, then knock yourself out.[ If you are offended by discussions of politics or don't think they belong in a fishing forum, then don't read them. No reason why Phil should feel compelled to define the "rules" when it comes to politics.

But Phil did make a rule about this. And I like to respect forum owners rules. I'm an Admin on a large forum and have over 60K posts on that forum alone. We struggled with this same issue for years, but we were hard and fast. Political stuff got nuked immediately. We finally made a politics forum, and it takes fair amount of moderation to keep it in line. But it's what the users wanted, so it is what it is.

Point being, I know politics can be volatile on any board. That's why I read and understand a forums rules. I don't mind talking politics at all. But I like to have clear rules in which to do it. Even Phil admits he made a rule and then allowed it to be violated. So I guess we are left to feel our way along on this one. Not putting Phil down, just still a bit confused.

[Tim Smith]

It's not that easy, though. Calm rebuttals to closely held ideals here, and pretty much any forum, cause passionate responses from some. So it's often not anything posted to de-rail a discussion, it's that some folks just do not want to acknowledge anything but their own viewpoint that lead to most meltdowns, in my experience.

So why let the terrorists win.

Respectful discourse seems like a pretty clear rule to me.

[Justin Spencer]

Point being, I know politics can be volatile on any board. That's why I read and understand a forums rules. I don't mind talking politics at all. But I like to have clear rules in which to do it. Even Phil admits he made a rule and then allowed it to be violated. So I guess we are left to feel our way along on this one. Not putting Phil down, just still a bit confused.

Forums are about discussions and just look at the topix that get the most. We all like talking about fishing, but many questions are answered in two posts. Kind of fun killing time seeing other people's viewpoints on different topics other than just fishing. Looks like many feel this way as most fishing topics get a few posts, and the more "political" posts often go several pages.

[Phil Lilley]

I can create a political forum if that's what members want. I have no problem with it. Moderating it is another issue though. Honestly don't have the emotional energy for it especially right now. I do good checking what's being posted now.

My dad is sick. Liver disease and cancer. Natural prognosis isn't good. Doctors have done all they can. He's at home (lives just down the street). We have always and still are putting our trust in God for his healing.

I don't like excuses... nor do I like airing this on the forum although we have kept friends up on dad's condition on facebook. We don't want pity... plenty of people go through sickness like this--there's no escaping it. We've all learned and grown through this experience and life will go on regardless of what the outcome will be.

Bottom line we're all in this life together, for better or worse, liberal, independent or conservative.

Ideas for moderating a political forum?

[Tim Smith]

I can create a political forum if that's what members want. I have no problem with it. Moderating it is another issue though. Honestly don't have the emotional energy for it especially right now. I do good checking what's being posted now.

My dad is sick. Liver disease and cancer. Natural prognosis isn't good. Doctors have done all they can. He's at home (lives just down the street). We have always and still are putting our trust in God for his healing.

I don't like excuses... nor do I like airing this on the forum although we have kept friends up on dad's condition on facebook. We don't want pity... plenty of people go through sickness like this--there's no escaping it. We've all learned and grown through this experience and life will go on regardless of what the outcome will be.

Bottom line we're all in this life together, for better or worse, liberal, independent or conservative.

Ideas for moderating a political forum?

Heavy stuff, Phil. No pity, but lots of admiration here. You've done an awesome job with this forum and you are appreciated.

[jeb]

Sorry to hear about your dad, Phil. That is indeed where you should be spending your energy.

I was not suggesting you create a politcal forum here. I was only talking about what worked on another board. May work here as well, though. I'd be happy to help in any way you need.

[Daryk Campbell Sr]

I don't think a politics board is needed, it has been mentioned long ago, there are many online to choose from. I believe the original post has substance to contribute to theforum/site. The way I understand the politics rule,it is designed to keep people from coming out and discussing politics in a broad way which would cause arguments, and does not contribute to the idea of the forums.

Phil, you are doing great in my opinion, on keeping the site friendly. As most, I have joined and quit many others due to bad moderation.