This board...

[Firestormalpha]

Is the problem so much that lack of controversy and conflict, or is it that some people seem to love it so much.

[SpiritWarrior]

That's like asking why someone watches TV. If it's interesting it's gonna attract people. It doesn't have to be conflict-ridden to be interesting, but then, if it's a simply matter of copying and pasting news articles on the forum all day, why not just hit the news sites rather than hitting the forums?

The back-seat moderation is also an issue, one which causes more problems than solves. People tend to moderate and steer threads in what they deem as an "acceptable" direction, even though they really have no business doing so. The moderators do that, and do it enough IMO that anything more is considered a crowd. I have seen people ganging up on particular members here just because they disagree with the person, and have taken it unto themselves to prove an opinion invalid.

[Firestormalpha]

I think I see where your going Spirit Warrior.

I may have misunderstood Beau.'s postings. I was under the impression that he was saying people were leaving simply because they couldn't get away with being rude, or aggresive.

It is possible to contradict someone's views without pissing them off. I've just been seeing that many seem to want to use all the tact of a sledge hammer.

[Stratos]

Originally Posted by SpiritWarrior That's like asking why someone watches TV. If it's interesting it's gonna attract people. It doesn't have to be conflict-ridden to be interesting, but then, if it's a simply matter of copying and pasting news articles on the forum all day, why not just hit the news sites rather than hitting the forums? The back-seat moderation is also an issue, one which causes more problems than solves. People tend to moderate and steer threads in what they deem as an "acceptable" direction, even though they really have no business doing so. The moderators do that, and do it enough IMO that anything more is considered a crowd. I have seen people ganging up on particular members here just because they disagree with the person, and have taken it unto themselves to prove an opinion invalid.

"Ganging up" exist on all boards. There's no real way to avoid it. If a person posts something controversial or a different view from others, then they need to be prepared for alot of post criticizing it. The opponents are not a group that coordinates their posting efforts; they post individually and largely independently of each other.

[Stratos]

Originally Posted by Firestormalpha It is possible to contradict someone's views without pissing them off. I've just been seeing that many seem to want to use all the tact of a sledge hammer.

Possible, yes, but not always easy. You don't always know how the other will react to your posts, and having a comittment not to piss people off will limit your range of options severily. You can make an attempt not to enrage people, but if it becomes the overriding feature of your posts it's difficult to hold a discussion on any issue people might have strong opinions about.

[Variol (Farseer) Elmwood]

I think Yorick's posts in the religion thread were excellent examples of being able to make your point/give your view, without offending anyone.

There's really nothing wrong with that. Sure, you can fly off the handle and spout a bunch of crap, but why not digest what you've read a bit, and then respond in a calm manner.

The result is the same and no one gets hurt or booted or whatever.

[Lavindathar]

Originally Posted by Larry_OHF Of course I count because my title as moderator does not remove me from being a participant.

This is really part of the problem.

Of course you count, I was kidding around, "playing the trouble maker" as you call it. I even highlighted that bit in brackets.

You should of learnt by now I'm very rarely serious on here, and I have no malice to anyone on these boards.

Over sensitivity is just as bad as prohibition.

[Firestormalpha]

Perhaps not so much oversensitive as taking things at face value?

I've said before in other places that things like humor, sarcasm, and the like don't always translate well via written text. Especially when everything up to that point seems like it's meant to be taken at face value. As I've also said before though, I could be wrong.

[Lavindathar]

Originally Posted by Firestormalpha Perhaps not so much oversensitive as taking things at face value?

Fair point well made.

And I'm sure, 99% of people couldn't of interpreted the sarcasm in my original sentence. Surely to god.

[Lavindathar]

Originally Posted by Variol (Farseer) Elmwood Are you referring to me as an "AMERICAN BASTARD"?

Whether he is or he isn't, I think you're a Candian Bastard =D (**NOTE** - THIS IS A JOKE **END NOTE**)

And new avatar w00t!