IThe forums have been a bit drab since our friend was kicked off. We need to spice things up. Here are some possible topics:
What should US swimming do more to promote the sport?
Should the qualifying times for nationals (masters) be lowered to make the meet smaller and more conducive to fast swimming?
400 IM - the true measure of swimming ability?
Has Bush exaggerated the threat of terrorism so that he can push his social agenda in the name of national security?
My answers: Yes, Yes, Yes, and Yes
Parents
Former Member
There are occasional lulls, but on the whole I do not find this discussion board to be boring. In any case, I certainly have found the advice to be helpful.
As to political discussions, there are two issues. First, the owners of this discussion board have every right to set forth the rules of engagement, and delete posts and ban posters in accordance with those rules. This should not be misconstrued as (the evil form of) "censorship", a term that only applies when the *government* tries to squash protected speech.
Secondly, there's the question of whether we really want to go down that road (i.e., political discussions). I've seen a couple other forums seriouly disrupted by political discussions -- long-term members leaving, new members being turned off, e-friendships strained. (I admit I was one of the culprits, but I won't tell you which way I lean.)
I believe we ought to keep this board dedicated to swimming related topics only, broadly construed, with moderators actively enforcing the rules. With some reservations I would suggest opening another board, unmoderated, open to all topics (of course, nothing unsuitable for minors, and nothing that would result in racketeering indictments).
There are occasional lulls, but on the whole I do not find this discussion board to be boring. In any case, I certainly have found the advice to be helpful.
As to political discussions, there are two issues. First, the owners of this discussion board have every right to set forth the rules of engagement, and delete posts and ban posters in accordance with those rules. This should not be misconstrued as (the evil form of) "censorship", a term that only applies when the *government* tries to squash protected speech.
Secondly, there's the question of whether we really want to go down that road (i.e., political discussions). I've seen a couple other forums seriouly disrupted by political discussions -- long-term members leaving, new members being turned off, e-friendships strained. (I admit I was one of the culprits, but I won't tell you which way I lean.)
I believe we ought to keep this board dedicated to swimming related topics only, broadly construed, with moderators actively enforcing the rules. With some reservations I would suggest opening another board, unmoderated, open to all topics (of course, nothing unsuitable for minors, and nothing that would result in racketeering indictments).
