There is nothing that wrecks a good swimming related thread faster than getting into a discussion about message board etiquette. So here is a thread that people can use discuss topics related to what should and should not be posted on the message boards while allowing the other threads to stay on topic.
It seems to me that there is a spectrum of opinion on off-topic posting. On one end of the spectrum people think that threads are a mechanism specifically designed to allow people to carry on discussions on different topics and that we would all be well served if changes in topic were just done in new threads. On the other end of the spectrum people think that people should be able to post anything they want anywhere they want and that any suggestion to the contrary is censorship, a personal attack, or simply control freakish.
Pretty much everyone falls somewhere between these two extremes. Very few people object to a humorous quip inserted here and there in an otherwise serious discussion. Very few people would actually advocate that people be able to liberally sprinkle potentially offensive posts randomly through all the threads.
Have you ever been at a party where someone has decided that this is the right time and place to have a big argument or screaming match with someone? Has it ever contributed to the general enjoyment of the rest of the people there?
I would argue that posts that are essentially expressions of anger and/or are essentially personal attacks have no place on the board. They don't contribute anything positive and generally turn off 99% of the people reading the boards. Even if it seems that someone else has attacked you, does it really help anything to post an angry response?
I personally don't see the problem with starting a new thread when one wants to make an off-topic comment, a little cut and paste and/or a link makes it easy enough to carry the context into the new thread. Why is it essential to be able to carry on an unrelated discussion in a thread where some people are trying to carry on a discussion on a particular topic?
Former Member
So I assume you've seen the light and given up that silly stroke and moved on to the "real" strokes?! :lolup:
Yes..I'll be appearing at the wall just ahead of you soon ;)
Of course I'll be on my 2nd turn in the 100 as you're gliding in to the finish...
:D
I think we should all follow the advice of Ande, Beth, Kyra and all.
I hope you're standing back. I just saw the ISP mirror inerted in that thread. It does not suggest you're giving anyone a chance to self moderate, however. Not a big deal, just a mirror of course, but it looks like a poke in the eye? Maybe you should move it to an NSR thread. Rich just moved. I guess he didn't like CONN anymore ...
How does an IP Mirror Signature not allow people to self moderate? It's not a poke in the eye at all, just something that I added to my forum ID's last night. It's not something I can move to a particular thread, it's my signature.
I am surprised that people are taking offense to this...on the other forums I peruse it gets little to no comment whatsoever. You can take this to the bank or leave it on the street...I meant no ill will with this new signature. In case you were not aware, only you can see your IP address, etc. It's not broadcast to the rest of the forum.
I made a decision last night to continue to contribute to this forum in threads that I felt were worthwhile and now I am being attacked for a harmless IP mirror. My goodness.
Are we ALL done yet with the accusations, blaming and Joan of Arc acts?
Enough already. This horsesh|t it going to drive off more folks than any stupid joke that some of us find offensive, or thread hijacks, or morality lectures.
Everyone give it a rest. We've all got a portion of the blame.
No one is right if everybody's wrong (Buffalo Springfield).
Be good on Serious threads...and leave the NSR threads alone if you don't like a laugh. It's THAT easy.
Matt,
I read your signature as you're :thhbbb: us and not in a jesting way.
JMO
So now I am faced with a dilemma...take down my sig because a few people are somehow offended by it (for reasons I am not aware of) or just leave it up knowing that it is totally harmless and it is considered funny at most other forums I frequent.
I think anything I do is going to be scrutinized right now. JMO.
:coffee:
How does an IP Mirror Signature not allow people to self moderate? It's not a poke in the eye at all, just something that I added to my forum ID's last night. It's not something I can move to a particular thread, it's my signature.
I am surprised that people are taking offense to this...on the other forums I peruse it gets little to no comment whatsoever. You can take this to the bank or leave it on the street...I meant no ill will with this new signature. In case you were not aware, only you can see your IP address, etc. It's not broadcast to the rest of the forum.
I made a decision last night to continue to contribute to this forum in threads that I felt were worthwhile and now I am being attacked for a harmless IP mirror. My goodness.
I don't buy it. You were baiting. It's just a subtle little way to try to get people's goat. I would leave the mirror in the street since some have said they don't like it. We are supposed to behave. No parlor tricks needed.
I was aware that it was a mirror. That's why I said what I did. I don't know if others were or not. We all know you have been a vocal opponent of many here. But why should you or anyone leave? The overall message is to not annoy others too much and stay on topic except for the clearly labeled threads.
You're not special. Maybe lots are feeling a bit scutinized now?
Rich as Joan of Arc?
So now I am faced with a dilemma...take down my sig because a few people are somehow offended by it (for reasons I am not aware of) or just leave it up knowing that it is totally harmless and it is considered funny at most other forums I frequent.
I think anything I do is going to be scrutinized right now. JMO.
:coffee:
If you're going to keep it, I vote you bring back the penguin . . . there was a penguin right? I'm not offended, they just creep me out a bit - not sure why.
eta: The penguin is back - am I losing it, or was he gone for awhile?
I don't buy it. You were baiting. It's just a subtle little way to try to get people's goat. I would leave the mirror in the street since some have said they don't like it. We are supposed to behave. No parlor tricks needed.
I was aware that it was a mirror. That's why I said what I did. I don't know if others were or not. We all know you have been a vocal opponent of many here. But why should you or anyone leave? The overall message is to not annoy others too much and stay on topic except for the clearly labeled threads.
You're not special. Maybe lots are feeling a bit scutinized now?
Rich as Joan of Arc?
Now this is a personal attack...you're calling me a liar.
If you're going to keep it, I vote you bring back the penguin . . . there was a penguin right? I'm not offended, they just creep me out a bit - not sure why.
eta: The penguin is back - am I losing it, or was he gone for awhile?
LOL! It's set up to change every time it posts. I can specify penguin only by logging into the host website.
I'm about to buy a Mac. I'm a Cancer. I like baroque and seafood too. I wish I could play guitar, but I have one kid who does. I can't read music at all. But I like my ipod.
Pisces here. I also like seafood and play the trumpet and french horn. Also sing.
LOL! It's set up to change every time it posts. I can specify penguin only by logging into the host website.
That's good to know, because it's gone again and I was seriously starting to question myself. :laugh2:
eta: . . .and now it's back . . .
