Apolitical

I've been seeing some political postings going up that really have nothing to do with Audioholics or our hobby in general! Why don't we keep this site out of politics all together? No one is going to convince ayone to vote one way or the other and my experience is that politics leads to bickering! There are many, many blogs out there that caters to the political, why not take your political dissatisfactions or satifactions to those places. It seems to me the "venting site" is to vent on audio issues not political. I'd hate to see this place become another quasi political mess....and to be frank about it if it does begin to, what's the point of the site?

stratman said:

I've been seeing some political postings going up that really have nothing to do with Audioholics or our hobby in general! Why don't we keep this site out of politics all together? No one is going to convince ayone to vote one way or the other and my experience is that politics leads to bickering! There are many, many blogs out there that caters to the political, why not take your political dissatisfactions or satifactions to those places. It seems to me the "venting site" is to vent on audio issues not political. I'd hate to see this place become another quasi political mess....and to be frank about it if it does begin to, what's the point of the site?

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People have made this argument many times before you, and I'm sure there will be others after you, but I don't see the point. If you don't like those types of post don't read them. The steam vent is there for a reason, why should we be restricted in the topics of our discussions? A free flow of ideas is what an open community such Audioholics is about. Though we are a group united by a hobby, we are not merely one dimensional beings and thusly should not be restricted to act as such. Even though these discussion can become heated, they allow for people's exposure to different view points which may broaden their world view and make them a more well rounded individual...or it could turn into a massive flame war...either way it makes for good entertainment, outside of the arguments about speaker break-in, all channels driven test, and the audibility of cables.

THE STEAM VENT

"Talk "just about" anything you like here. Or if you've got a beef about a "manufacturer", or just want to vent some "audio" steam.....come on in."

Seems pretty clear to me. No one wants to "censor" or stop the flow of ideas, bottom line this is not a political site. And if something is posted I have right to make a comment on it, just as someone has a right to agree or disagree. POLITICAL WHINING does not belong on this site by the same token neither does human rights. pet rights, etc etc (ad naseum).

stratman said:

THE STEAM VENT

"Talk "just about" anything you like here. Or if you've got a beef about a "manufacturer", or just want to vent some "audio" steam.....come on in."

Seems pretty clear to me. No one wants to "censor" or stop the flow of ideas, bottom line this is not a political site. And if something is posted I have right to make a comment on it, just as someone has a right to agree or disagree. POLITICAL WHINING does not belong on this site by the same token neither does human rights. pet rights, etc etc (ad naseum).

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I see that you're new here...if you don't like the culture that has already been established in this forum then don't participate. Just as you don't like political whining, I don't like whining about whining. Get over it, and enjoy the forum for what it is.

nibhaz said:

I see that you're new here...if you don't like the culture that has already been established in this forum then don't participate. Just as you don't like political whining, I don't like whining about whining. Get over it, and enjoy the forum for what it is.

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So what's the time required to fit in your "culture"? (Since I'm NEW) And I guess by your invitation for me not to participate (because I don't a gree with a thread and have my own opinion) makes you what: Owner, Mediator, Thought Police??? And since I'm NEW here should I change my political affiliation? If you don't like whining: don't. If you don't like my opinion "you don't have to respond or read my threads"

You don't seem to have an executable opinion on this topic... Either you are convincing people not to post politics (which is fine, but just as fruitless as the political posts you speak of) or you are asking US to step in and outlaw certain types of topics/speech (which is a quick way to lose members and waste lots of our time).

To be honest, we're not hip on them either (which is why you won't catch us posting in there) but we're also not into censoring what people choose to talk about topically on the forums.

I guess it's a catch 22, my opinion still stands---I believe this site is not the right venue for political notions, why don't you guys make a forum specifically for it (them)(I guess that would be executable) so whoever goes in knows what they're getting into? This way it won't spill into other forums. A nice name would be Political Alcoholics??

"Is it not ironic that those that demand support for their concept of freedom of speech and ideas are the first to censor those that don't agree with them"?

At the risk of sounding like doctor Phil here:
While this is first and foremost a site for audio and video information and discussion, it's also a community. While I generally don't participate in the political discussions, my feeling is this; If it keeps decent and knowledgeable people coming back here I say keep it up!

I'm fairly new to this site. I've read many, many posts--I'll never get through all the pages in all the topics, though--and have already expanded my a/v knowledge by an order of magnitude, at least.

I was glad to see the Steam Vent forum. (Hey--I can talk about kidney stones with the best of them! LOL) But I can go two ways on whether political discussions should be allowed. As I understand it, political and religious discussions are not allowed now.

I used to participate on a web forum that centered on a far different topic, though absolutely anything was allowed. I have no problem if someone disagrees with me, as long as we can have an intelligent and polite debate on the topic. But some people on this other site got angry with people who didn't agree with them. Many people got into name-calling. Why? Sorry, I'm far out of middle school, and there's no place for this in my life.

If some of this happened at this site before I found it, I can see why politics was made taboo.

On the other hand, I've seen many posts here that lead me to think that many, many members are smart and level-headed. If they can discuss politics--or any other subject without sinking to ad hominem arguments--that's cool as far as I'm concerned.

BUT--this is a privately owned site, and the people in charge can do with it as they wish. I completely accept that. If I had a popular web site, I'd want the same control.

I agree with nomo, though, that this is a community. No one will like everyone. I talk about politics with a select number of real-life friends, but I doubt that I'd participate in a web-forum political thread. (Never say never, though.)

Chris

I just made a simple observation and interjected with an opinion. I still hold to this: Gene and company should make a forum so persons that want to get into politics, religions, pets, etc have place just for that. That's my "executable opinion". The vent room (as advertised) is not about venting on religion, politics, porn, etc etc, the disclaimer in THE VENT ROOM is clear: trash a manufacturer, trash audio,
trash anything audio related. Yes, from what I can read this site is fortunate to have erudite members and I never spoke about censoring or stopping the flow of ideas....all I said was: make a forum for those types of threads and postings, in the long run everybody wins.

stratman said:

I guess it's a catch 22, my opinion still stands---I believe this site is not the right venue for political notions, why don't you guys make a forum specifically for it (them)(I guess that would be executable) so whoever goes in knows what they're getting into? This way it won't spill into other forums. A nice name would be Political Alcoholics??

"Is it not ironic that those that demand support for their concept of freedom of speech and ideas are the first to censor those that don't agree with them"?

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Hmmm. Lemme get this straight. You want to censor what people can talk about on this forum. Simultaneously, you don't want to be censored for what you have to say. That makes for a most interesting ideology.

stratman said:

I just made a simple observation and interjected with an opinion. I still hold to this: Gene and company should make a forum so persons that want to get into politics, religions, pets, etc have place just for that. That's my "executable opinion". The vent room (as advertised) is not about venting on religion, politics, porn, etc etc, the disclaimer in THE VENT ROOM is clear: trash a manufacturer, trash audio,
trash anything audio related. Yes, from what I can read this site is fortunate to have erudite members and I never spoke about censoring or stopping the flow of ideas....all I said was: make a forum for those types of threads and postings, in the long run everybody wins.

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Actually the steam vent clealy states that you can discuss any topic in good taste.

"Talk just about anything you'd like here. Or, if you've got a beef about a manufacturer, or you just want to vent some audio steam... come on in. This is the only place you won't get in trouble for flame wars - all other places are off limits. Note: Any comments, criticisms or name calling of Audioholics should be done via PM or directed to circularfile@audioholics.com. Suggestions can be made in the 'Site Suggestions and Feedback' forum."

The point is that there is an established culture within this online community that has worked for years for its members. There are plenty of online communities that discuss audio related topics. Perhaps one of them will better fit your concept of the ideal forum for you. If you want audio only topics to be discussed, then perhaps you should eat your own cooking and only post audio related topics. Otherwise accept the good with the bad and enjoy the forum for what it is.

Here, here. I don't really see any problem in discussing a topic that is in good taste. If a political thread turns ugly, then a moderator should step in an fix the problem wether it be setting them straight or just closing the thread. If the political thread stays cleand then what is the problem? The Steam Vent is just a general topics forum, so why not politics or religion. This isn't a bar it is a forum were people share common interests audio and other topics alike.

As it is, this doesn't seem like a serious problem, but more of an agenda. People like to know they are being heard and like to know that they can make a difference. In this case what can stood to be gained from banning political talk other than the satisfaction that you made an influence for change, your points were seen, and enforced. It seems to me, maybe this gives some kind of satisfaction, or maybe I am just talking out my butt.

You know I happen to like my cooking! And I still stand by what I said and if some don't like it, well I'm not one use foul language!!!LOL

I am glad that you aren't one to use foul language, because nor do I, even in day to day conversation. So it is very comendable. I am also glad that there have been no explosions to speak of, were some forums de-escelate quickly into a huge pot of swearing and illogical homosexual slander.

There's never a need for foul language, that happens when a pea brain can't figure what to respond. And besides if you're going to surf the net or be a regular at a forum you better have thick skin my friend.

This thread is turning happy, look at all the grinning.

My step-father can use the "F" word multiple times in one sentance when he is angry, He doesn't have any college degrees to say the least. Though he is a master of saying random, completely unintelligent things such as when I say "Hey, the service engine soon light is on" and his responce, "If you don't shut-up, I'll service your engine." Moments later after I died from laughing he realized how stupid and questionable his statement was. I will quote him sometimes just to poke fun, and he gives me plenty of material.

Seth, Seth,

You can't take these things seriously!!!But, I will say it again my opinion stands And besides there aren't too many AV sites that are this entertaining!!! I must admit I like to see people get twisted

Are you saying I shouldn't take it seriously, or that I am not taking it seriously? I am simply making conversation. And it is funny sometimes, especially when you can get the same people worked up numerous times. Finding reasons to make people argue or get frustrated is sick, but gives an underlying satisfaction. Call it part of the human psyci.

You (or anybody) shouldn't take it seriously! For Pete's sake this is an AV site!No one is changing the world here!
I've never been uptight and I won't start now! I must admit it's fun to see people get worked up!