You know, I liked it better when...

Beach Fanatic

Nov 10, '07 · 6:31 AM6,041

You know, I liked it better when threads in the Politics, Environment, and Social section were mainly about local issues. I get all the national and world viewpoints I need in the media. But SoWal.com/bb filled a real need about providing a rumor mill and discussion forum about issues that concern us in SoWal day to day.

-Has interest in local issues waned?
-Are we just glad to have a place where our own viewpoint on major issues can actually be heard?
-Do we realize that the viewpoint we've just expressed, which seems so personal to us, is just the same as the one expressed by thousands, if not millions, in the national media?
-Do we hope that a post on a local forum is going to make a liberal see the light about a conservative viewpoint, or vice versa?
-Or is it just easier to get up on a soapbox and rant about your favorite national figure than it is to have a personal and potentially edgy encounter with your neighbor about a beach access?

I know it hasn't gone away completely, with the recent discussions of the high school play, items on the beach overnight, and beach access, etc. But there sure is less of it.

And on a more significant note...

Where has 30gAy gone? We need him now.

Edited Nov 10, '07 · 6:50 AM

Replies

SoWal Expert

Nov 10, '07 · 7:05 AM#2

I agree.

It's hard to find the local issues when they are buried in the national issues.

Admin

Nov 10, '07 · 7:30 AM#3

I'm open to suggestions. I don't know that we need to add another forum but maybe non-local issues should go to the lounge?

Beach Fanatic

Nov 10, '07 · 7:34 AM#4

I don't agree. The "All About SoWal" forum should address local issues. This forum offers me and others a lot of information we wouldn't receive otherwise. Yes, it is a chance for some of us to vent and express our opinions even though we realize it may not change anyone's mind. And, that by the way, is part of the problem. Most Americans are too pig headed to look at the other side with any objectivity. That includes me. Don't confuse me with "facts", my mind is already made up.

Meow

Nov 10, '07 · 7:35 AM#5

I'm open to suggestions. I don't know that we need to add another forum but maybe non-local issues should go to the lounge?

FTLOG...NO, please NO!!!!

SoWal Expert

Nov 10, '07 · 7:42 AM#6

FTLOG...NO, please NO!!!!

DITTO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Admin

Nov 10, '07 · 7:42 AM#7

I don't agree. The "All About SoWal" forum should address local issues. This forum offers me and others a lot of information we wouldn't receive otherwise. Yes, it is a chance for some of us to vent and express our opinions even though we realize it may not change anyone's mind. And, that by the way, is part of the problem. Most Americans are too pig headed to look at the other side with any objectivity. That includes me. Don't confuse me with "facts", my mind is already made up.

So do you think the PES forum should be non-local only?

SoWal Expert

Nov 10, '07 · 7:42 AM#8

I'm open to suggestions. I don't know that we need to add another forum but maybe non-local issues should go to the lounge?

I agree. I gave up on it a while back, but I use to post any non-local issue, even if serious, in the Lounge, where I think it belongs. I think the thread headers are fairly clear that the topics should relate to SoWal (I would extend that to the SoWal area which might also include NoBay (area located north of the Bay)).I feel the same way about the Walton Sun -- if it ain't local, put it in it's own section that we can never open if we choose. I used to enjoy reading every word in the Sun, before they expanded to include AP stories. Now, I scan thru it in less than five minutes.

SoWal Expert

Nov 10, '07 · 7:47 AM#9

How about put the non-local stuff in the entertainment forum? I am constantly entertained by many of the threads and posts.

Now that I am thinking about it, maybe the local issues should be in the All About SoWal forum, which truly does break them out from other issues. Keep the political forum truly for conversation and fistfights about the election, religion, etc.

SoWal Expert

Nov 10, '07 · 7:49 AM#10

FTLOG...NO, please NO!!!!

Andy A makes a good point, and I have learned a few things reading some of the National news threads, as I'm sure others have. Maybe the Lounge isn't the appropriate place for serious non-local stuff. Perhaps a new forum entitled, "National Topics -- serious," would be a good place to post such things.

SoWal Insider

Nov 10, '07 · 7:51 AM#11

How about put the non-local stuff in the entertainment forum? I am constantly entertained by many of the threads and posts.

Now that I am thinking about it, maybe the local issues should be in the All About SoWal forum, which truly does break them out from other issues. Keep the political forum truly for conversation and fistfights about the election, religion, etc.

I kind of like this idea. The big local political issues tend to be pretty important and are worth putting on the front page, so to speak.

Beach Fanatic

Nov 10, '07 · 8:07 AM#12

So do you think the PES forum should be non-local only?

Not necessarily, Kurt, though it appears to be pretty much that way now. I have no problem with the format the way it is and I enjoy it. It would be more structured if PES was non-local only but IMO people should be able to sort out where they want to post.

Beach Fanatic

Nov 10, '07 · 8:40 AM#13

:scratch:

Aren't you free to start more threads about local issues anytime? I don't get it? Start a thread. I've already stretched my neck out on a lot of local issues as well as National. Is this board now going to be sensored by people who don't like politics. Why do you read them? You're free not too. Everthing can't always be fluffy and funn since there is a war going on. :idontno:

Are we adults or children here? Censorship of topics is stinky poo! :moon:

FREEDOM!

Beach Fanatic

Nov 10, '07 · 8:49 AM#14

:scratch: Aren't you free to start more threads about local issues anytime? I don't get it? Start a thread. I've already stretched my neck out on a lot of local issues as well as National. Is this board now going to be sensored by people who don't like politics. Why do you read them? You're free not too. Everthing can't always be fluffy and funn since there is a war going on. Are we adults or children here? Censorship of topics is stinky poo! I FREEDOM!

I agree. As Tip O'Neil said, "all politics is local". Certainly the war, the election, the energy and healthcare crisis....all of it, affects us just as much as it does anyone else.

There are some thoughtful, bright, well spoken people on the Board. I have learned some things, and gone searching for more information on others-- I feel as though we would miss an opportunity if we did not post the things each of us feels important at the moment.

And, anyone can ignore any post they chose.... :idontno:

needs to get out more

Nov 10, '07 · 8:52 AM#15

i think moving one or the other to another area of the board is not the best move. much of the state and national stuff affects us on a local level. if we really need segregation, i would suggest a child board within the PES. not sure which one should be the child though.

ymmv

SoWal Expert

Nov 10, '07 · 9:06 AM#16

:scratch: Aren't you free to start more threads about local issues anytime? I don't get it? Start a thread. I've already stretched my neck out on a lot of local issues as well as National. Is this board now going to be sensored by people who don't like politics. Why do you read them? You're free not too. Everthing can't always be fluffy and funn since there is a war going on. Are we adults or children here? Censorship of topics is stinky poo! I FREEDOM!

Kristi, I don't think anyone's asking for censorship...just maybe a more dedicated place for local issues. As far as fluff and funn---frankly, the lounge is where I go for fluff and funn. God knows I am inundated with "issues" from every direction all day long. The lounge is a place to escape from that for just a few minutes (ok..hours) a day. I typically DON'T read the politics forum and I have survived just fine. If I do have a question about politics or any other topic for that matter, I know I can find a good discussion on SoWal. Post on....left and right wingers!! (In the politics/all about SoWal forums :cool:

)

Beach Fanatic

Nov 10, '07 · 9:10 AM#17

I also think that local issues should be located in the All about SOWAL section. Since that is what the name implies. And Kurt, I think you have done a great job in setting up the sections so as to give everything a place. I think it is fine the way it is.

Admin

Nov 10, '07 · 9:25 AM#18

I also think that local issues should be located in the All about SOWAL section. Since that is what the name implies. And Kurt, I think you have done a great job in setting up the sections so as to give everything a place. I think it is fine the way it is.

Thanks! I have let things evolve. I have resisited my nature to subdivide.

After looking at the front page of the political forum I agree that local issues should be on the main board - All About SoWal. I saw this coming - starting a political forum is like opening a can of something. Is it worms, spam, or whoop ass? :scratch: :lol:

Beach Fanatic

Nov 10, '07 · 9:37 AM#19

Kristi, I don't think anyone's asking for censorship...just maybe a more dedicated place for local issues. As far as fluff and funn---frankly, the lounge is where I go for fluff and funn. God knows I am inundated with "issues" from every direction all day long. The lounge is a place to escape from that for just a few minutes (ok..hours) a day. I typically DON'T read the politics forum and I have survived just fine. If I do have a question about politics or any other topic for that matter, I know I can find a good discussion on SoWal. Post on....left and right wingers!! (In the politics/all about SoWal forums)

I respect you dd and your avoiding the forums you know may be sticky,, yucky, and no funn. It's the first 2 sentences of this thread that felt that way, like people were being asked not to talk about WTH they felt like or fussin'/whinin' about what they didn't want to hear. :idontno:

The getting up on the soapbox part instead of having the kahunas to talk to your neighbor was

too! These are fellow posters who have taken the time( alot of it sometime too) to post. The ones with the kahunas to speak up on the board might just be some of the very ones speakin' up to people on the beach too, ftlog.

SWGB

Nov 10, '07 · 9:48 AM#20

Thanks! I have let things evolve. I have resisited my nature to subdivide.

After looking at the front page of the political forum I agree that local issues should be on the main board - All About SoWal. I saw this coming - starting a political forum is like opening a can of something. Is it worms, spam, or whoop ass? :scratch:

Probably all three.

Beach Fanatic

Nov 10, '07 · 10:45 AM#21

Probably all three.

Took the words right out of my mouth.

The ones with the kahunas to speak up on the board might just be some of the very ones speakin' up to people on the beach too,

I think everyone here would be very surprised at just who lurks on this board and reads everything that is said. And that person that you end up in a heated debate with might be some local official posting under an alias. And what better way to get your point across than to tell it like you really feel it without the intimidation factor involved in meetings etc.

Skunky

Nov 10, '07 · 10:59 AM#22

I like things the way they are. Politics, environment and social issues under one heading. Local, national, international, pick and choose as desired, a virtual buffet of controversy in one location.

Beach Fanatic

Nov 10, '07 · 11:09 AM#23

I get all the national and world viewpoints I need in the media.

But I like to get other peoples thoughts on things and not just what mainstream media decides to shove at us that day. Because I really dont trust everything I read and like the fact that other people might have info and resources that I am not familiar with, therefore expanding my knowledge of a particular topic.

But SoWal.com/bb filled a real need about providing a rumor mill and discussion forum about issues that concern us in SoWal day to day.

I am not sure if the point of the BB was to provide a rumor mill/gossip parlor as much as a place for people to talk about the issues that concern everyone.

needs to get out more

Nov 10, '07 · 11:13 AM#24

I like things the way they are. Politics, environment and social issues under one heading. Local, national, international, pick and choose as desired, a virtual buffet of controversy in one location.

it won't matter when we're all burnt up from the global warming;-)