A question regarding the political forum.

[LuciferSam]

Maybe because I didn't understand it as it is until Teresa explained it more fully. Why is it some of you must turn everything posted into a confrontation? I asked a civil question and received a civil answer which is definitely more than I got from you.

It wasn't uncivil. I just asked you a question and then complimented Doug on his post. I think we all get childish and petty. He's right. Doesn't bother me at all.

 

[scooterbug44]

Considering that the political forum is where people are most likely to behave inappropriately, it just makes sense that it is one of the places where you have to be registered.

But considering the number of people who are registered, it isn't that "private" or restrictive.

 

[Andy A]

OK, one more question and I'm through as Teresa has been very thorough in answering mine. When did the forum change from open to private? I feel it was quite recently and there must be a good reason, therefore the rest of the question: Why?

 

[scooterbug44]

It was a while ago when all the other organizational changes happened. One of many changes and tweaks, not just a political forum thing. More categories and site features were created including 4 categories in the "chat" area (lounge, politics and current events, oil spill, and tv/movies).

 

[LuciferSam]

OK, one more question and I'm through as Teresa has been very thorough in answering mine. When did the forum change from open to private? I feel it was quite recently and there must be a good reason, therefore the rest of the question: Why?

I know that it was private around the time of the Arizona shooting and maybe before. That was well over a month ago. I'm guessing that kurt doesn't want the casual lurker to stumble on some of the more controversial material and be put off. I also believe that search engines won't reveal what's in the private forums.

 

[DD]

I think Andy's question is a good one and helps clarify how the discussion forum works for members v. nonmembers. this is a good topic - you may have an opinion or a suggestion, but really it is not a controversial matter. its only an administrative tool - to give members a place to be involved in the online community to chat and play and inform and debate and share their resources.

Do you guys ever go to the Home page for articles and videos, etc? Did you know that's a good place to also be involved by making comments on SoWal.com content? The home page is for everyone, along with the rest of the area info content, and most of the forum.

I guess the lounge and political forums are special places for play, for sharing opinions and becoming more informed, and yes, for bickering. The lounge used to be a lot more playful and even inappropriate at times, in a good kind of way. I'm glad to see so many participating in more meaningful ways. But, play is good for the online folks who like to participate daily! Where is Ms DD? All of the political posters need to be sent to the lounge for a lot more play and funn!

lurking.
oh crap....now i've been caught in the pce!

 

[Smiling JOe]

I still think that poliTRICKS belong in the lounge, but anyone who wants to read those threads can, if they simply register for free and log in. You could call the politics and lounge sections as bonus parts of the website for users.

 

[Teresa]

OK, one more question and I'm through as Teresa has been very thorough in answering mine. When did the forum change from open to private? I feel it was quite recently and there must be a good reason, therefore the rest of the question: Why?

I'm not exactly sure when the change took place but I believe it was during early part of last summer when many changes were made to the site. Its a work in progress. Many more exciting developments are underway now!!!

Why? it just made sense. Moderators were involved in helping make suggestions about how to best arrange the different forums. Most agree the poltiical forum is a unique and important element, enjoyed by many for various reasons. If it needed to be "hidden" from public view, it would be removed entirely (which some have recommended). It was finally an administrative decision that the Pol Forum should be treated the same as the lounge and reserved for members only. That could change again - who knows!

 

[Geo]

I don't see any issues. This site is privately owned and operated. Kurt can do what he pleases.

Anyone can view and post in the lounge or political forum- you just need to have an e-mail address and create a free account. As long as you don't personally attack peeps or spam us, you pretty much have the freedom to express youself at your pleasure.

 

[LuciferSam]

Really the lounge and the political section are essentially public at least when compared to the private messages that members send to each other. I think that's what kurt was talking about when he said "too nice to post in public". Even the "private" forums are there for essentially all to see. You just have to sign up and provide a user name and email address. Then kurt runs an extensive background check, credit check, and even looks at Wiki Leaks before finally granting you authorization to access the privileged areas of SoWal.