More than a one dimensional community.

[Iolaus]

It really kinda defeats the meaning of the word "Community" to have to self censor all the time. We aren't able to get a real sense of who we are - a diverse community with wide ranging interests. Instead, we get a flat, one dimensional view of each other, and, to the outside observer, probably look like clothing obsessed narcissists.

I really wish we had a "Basement" where any and all subjects could be discussed openly (except "adult content" of course). If a thread did get heated, it could just be sent there. If it were segregated from the "New Posts" option, then only people that wanted to participate could see the updates, via email notification; the rest could just ignore it.

I guess leaving the "Penalty Box" threads open and cutting the ties to the "New Posts" button would do it.

[LoftGuy]

Iolaus,

I believe that's a good suggestion.

Bob

[longshadows]

What you say, Iolaus, is true. By keeping our topics (more or less) strictly to kilts we don't see the full picture of each other, but we remain in good spirits and continue to communicate with one another. Since the primary purpose of this board is for the support of kilted men, having one group upset at another due to political or philosophical differences would tend to put an end to some of that communication, I fear.

Your idea about providing a "basement" for open disucssion, where members could choose to go and express themselves might work, but then once someone identifies himself in a particular fashion, which might be objectionable to another member, that potential relationship is broken and the effectiveness of the whole board is a jepardy.

In a perfect world (forum), we would all behave like gentlemen, accept each other for who and what he is, listen to what another might have to say and not get emotional or prejudiced because of it and "move on." Is that possible here?

Call it a "kilted Disneyland," but this forum is not here to be all things to all people and it doesn't reflect the fullness of each member because that's not why we're here.

Tricky stuff, I know, but it seems to work well here.

[Iolaus]

In a perfect world (forum), we would all behave like gentlemen, accept each other for who and what he is, listen to what another might have to say and not get emotional or prejudiced because of it and "move on." Is that possible here?

You make a good point, that is the other side of the coin - "Is that possible here?"

My suggestion isn't totally without risk, I know. I'm not advocating a free-for-all. There would still have to be some rules about abuse and name calling, but as long as the discussion remained rational, and everyone still respected the authority of the Mods, as they do now...

[ozmeath]

Iolaus,
have you been into the anarchists' texts again? Well I hear and it's got potential. not a "gloves off" forum but an 8 ounce bag-glove forum...

yes i wonder if we can all be trusted.
erin.

[Mattg]

I don't know if it's a good idea. Sure, we're all friends here, but I've gotten in arguements with my friends that lasted for days and I'd hate to see the friendship broken here. I mean, we're guys here, we don't generally like to back down from a fight!

[Gillis13]

I think it could be done...in any "community" there are disagreements and in most cases things are handled in a mature, reasonable way.

Todd

[Mike1]

I really wish we had a "Basement" where any and all subjects could be discussed openly (except "adult content" of course). If a thread did get heated, it could just be sent there. If it were segregated from the "New Posts" option, then only people that wanted to participate could see the updates, via email notification; the rest could just ignore it.

You've already got it. It's called e-mail.

If you try to see it from this side of the table, you'll see how impossible this kind of an idea is, within a structured forum. The very first sentence I quoted proves the point.

It would be nice to have a place where 'any and all subjects could be discussed openly'. But then you already realize it really cannot be 'any and all subjects', because adult content would be inappropriate. So, already, there is a limitation.

Some people are offended by adult content, some are offended by religious discussion, some are offended by firearms discussions, some are offended by alternative lifestyle discussions, etc. So, where do you draw the line? What is appropriate and what is inappropriate?

Forum sections can be set up with limited access, but then the forum staff is spending all of its time trying to determine who has what access. Just as soon as you think you've got it all ironed out, somebody new comes along, or somebody decides that they want out and you're right back to it.

I hope this explains why we haven't already tried to steer in the direction you suggest. It keeps us on our toes, just trying to keep the kilt-related discussions on an even keel.

[Eujeankilt]

In life, I tend to classify others. Unfortunately, the more heated things become, the harder it is to see past the categorizing. Whjen I get to that point, I end up not really listening to the other's point of view.

In this forum, I have gotten a glimpse of what some of you are about and because of the moderation, things haven't devolved and I find it easier to listen to anothers point of view, even if I don't agree. In fact, I may have gone off and never returned, but I've stayed because I see real value in rational discussion. You know what - I learned a bunch from you lot, and not just about kilts.

Thank you to the moderators and to all X Markers.

Dale

[bubba]

All you have to do to see what comes for that "openness" is check out a few IRC chat channels. This is far better and much more pleasant.