What the heck is going on

[Doug]

Originally Posted by hawk

I don't see what the big deal is, it's pretty easy to ignore threads if you are offended or not interested. I think threads in the lounge should have a wide latitude for open, civil debate. It is interesting that many of the heated threads that some call for a lock are also the most viewed threads.

So why not use the boards that are dedicated to that purpose. Why must Titus provide a platform for it on his aquarium board?

When boards start to get trigger happy on locking threads the whole tone of the board changes. Fewer threads get started, fewer posters with anything meaningful to say participate, an overall "my way or the highway" attitude emerges. You'll be left with a small online clique who'll treat the board as their personal chat site. I've seen it happen on another board I use to frequent. Notice more eastern members checking out Canreef lately?

I 100% disagree. Very few boards allow political debate. I mentioned one above and I am a member of another that does but I also belong to another dozen that dont. If anything I find it drives away aquarists that wish to post on aquarium related topics.

How do you figure moderating heated political or religious discussions drives away members interested in aquarium related topics?

The largest and most popular reefing boards, have a restriction the same as us. Some boards that allow it, have pages of heated threads in their lounge everyday but less than 1/2 a page of aquarium related threads. I dont see where their large lounge membership does anything for the reef portion. If anything, as I mentioned before, it distracts from it.

I always find it amusing when people want to be protected from reading, looking, buying, clicking/scrolling through something they feel is inappropriate in some way. As if they are being forced to engage the material. Maybe Canreef needs a lounge sub forum where heated topics can be moved with a "do not enter if easily offended" warning.

I suppose if the boards owner wished a forum for just that, it could be done. Some boards have done that, where a separate registration is required. But then again, that shows how it needs removal from boards like this. I guess the big question is,
* Why does a board thats purpose is to discuss aquarium related topics, require a political discussion forum?

* Why do those that wish to do so, not use the boards designed for such a purpose?

Of course, except for this boards policy, most of this is my opinion on things.

In answer to your question regarding the amount of views, perhaps they are like me. I read to such forums, almost daily. However I seldom post, as I cannot hold my own with many of them and besides, arguing with someone online, is like banging your head on the wall.

But if I wish to read or I guess participate in those discussions, I go where they are. It has nothing to do, what so ever, with my posting on this board or any other board I post on reef related topics.