Adult content in threads..

Originally Posted by Roy Munson

I also wouldn't make any assumptions about the self-control of all members, especially when someone wants to make a point.

Nice veiled reference to the recently departed (albeit self-indulgent and foolish), terminated with extreme prejudice.



The horror!!

Maybe it's the cock-eyed optimist in me that wants to think the best of people. There's a line between "mischief-making" and being downright vile, and I'd like to think that those who frequent this site can make that discretion.

No, really!!!

regards,
jazz

Originally Posted by jazzgeek

Nice veiled reference to the recently departed (albeit self-indulgent and foolish), terminated with extreme prejudice.

There's probably no way to convince you that I intended no reference, veiled or otherwise. It's an "if the shoe fits" situation, I guess, but I didn't have any single person in mind when I made the comment. I like you as much as I ever have, Dale (a lot), but I'm not going to bother explaining that situation to you. Maybe there's even more to it than you know.

The horror!!

I'm just an errand boy, sent by grocery clerks to collect a bill.

Maybe it's the cock-eyed optimist in me that wants to think the best of people. There's a line between "mischief-making" and being downright vile, and I'd like to think that those who frequent this site can make that discretion.

No, really!!!

I'd like to think the best of people too, but I can't reasonably extend that to ALL people. But heck, I really don't care much about this anymore. Let's start the new sub-forum, create a new gray and nebulous line, and hope that everyone stays on our side of it.

Originally Posted by Roy Munson

There's probably no way to convince you that I intended no reference, veiled or otherwise.

Now, y'see, right there you're not thinking the best of me.

If it was mere coincidence, so be it.

I like you as much as I ever have, Dale (a lot), but I'm not going to bother explaining that situation to you. Maybe there's even more to it than you know.

No explanation needed NOR desired; nor am I being an apologist. And I'm SURE there was more to it than I know. I'm familiar with crap-laden PMs.

I'd like to think the best of people too, but I can't reasonably extend that to ALL people. But heck, I really don't care much about this anymore.

Aw, Dean. You cared enough to reply.

Let's start the new sub-forum, create a new gray and nebulous line, and hope that everyone stays on our side of it.

As I've previously opined, I don't think it's that gray and nebulous. I'd think that corn enthusiasts, be they neo-conservative or flaming commie pinko liberal, be they Roman Catholic or Pastafarian, won't tolerate something you wouldn't show your mother.

And I've got a 77 year old loving and foul-mouthed Irish mother.

But hey, at least we're on the same side.

regards,
jazz

Originally Posted by jazzgeek

Aw, Dean. You cared enough to reply.

Well, I wrote that I don't care much. I guess I cared just enough to reply.

As I've previously opined, I don't think it's that gray and nebulous. I'd think that corn enthusiasts, be they neo-conservative or flaming commie pinko liberal, be they Roman Catholic or Pastafarian, won't tolerate something you wouldn't show your mother.

And I've got a 77 year old loving and foul-mouthed Irish mother.

But hey, at least we're on the same side.

You may be right. I hope so. Generally, I think you ARE right. I'm not worried about most of the regular, active members here. And if I'm worried about the trolls, well-- they can strike anywhere. Yeah, we're on the same side.

Dean-
I didn't make the moderation comment because I doubt you or the other mods. On the contrary, I want to make this as easy for the 3 of you as possible, and I only thought that if, by chance, you 3 didn't WANT to moderate that forum...it might be easier. What I mean is...I rarely see Mike or Susan involved in the more political discussions. There is nothing wrong with that, of course, but, unless they are "called in" by a reported post...I rarely see them comment. I was merely thinking of their right to NOT be involved in such a forum should they choose that. I only thought that a new moderator team specifically FOR the new forum would be more ready and accepting of the position. Afterall...this wasn't a concern when the 3 of you accepted your positions, and I don't think that it should be "forced" on you any more than the discussions should be "forced" on anyone else.

If there was a 2 person team dedicated to keeping order in the adult OT forum, you three would never have to worry about reading something you didn't want to read. Likewise...it would limit personal feelings in making decisions about the topics in there. It seems only reasonable that if Mike or Susan have no desire to participate in anything in that forum, they might react more strongly than someone that has the desire to be there...and very rightfully so. If they(or you) are forced into a situation they deem unacceptable on a personal level, it may be more difficult to moderate fairly on a public level.

The three of you have a right to choose your level of participation just as any of the rest of us do. I just didn't think it would be fair to force a new chapter into your collective novel. Perhaps I am overthinking the situation in that respect, but......it only seems fair to both you 3, as the fantastic team you make, and the participants. Just my $.02...

As regards your other concerns...I don't really think there is anyone on this forum that would be accepting of graphic, pornographic, obscene, or violent content in ANY forum. Personally, I doubt that there is anyone that would enjoy seeing pictures of *every* piercing on a person's body. I don't think anyone WANTS to read a long, drawn out, Penthouse Forum reply about someone's most recent adventures with their spouse...at least not here, and not in a public forum. This is why I made the statement earlier that using the term "Adult Forum" was not meant, at least by me, to imply anything pornographic or sexual in nature.

What I mean is...I truly think that the majority of people advocating for a new forum are people that genuinely CARE about the forum as a whole, and do not wish to see it turned into a brothel of words, no matter what forum they are reading. "We" merely want a place to have more lively discussion about current events, political debates, religious discussions, human rights(in all areas), and the other controversial topics that abound, without "forcing" other people to participate. A place where a discussion between right-wing and left-wing fundamentalists can be conducted without developing into a 50 page discussion about whether or not it belongs on a cornsnake forum. A place where desertanimal can post her shoutout on Coming Out Day without worrying about how the majority of the general population *might* react to it. A place where someone can vent about a bad day, and use "implied profanity" without offending the sensibilities of the general membership. I don't think anyone wants to open a thread and read about Dale's encounters with his latest redhead...at least not here at CS.com.... I don't think anyone wants to open a topic and see pictures of my piercings...at least, I hope not....

Don't get me wrong...I fully understand your concern. And I appreciate the concerns of others who simply think it is unnecessary, and that such discussions should be left off the board entirely. As far as your concern...I don't think it will be the "free-for-all nightmare" that you are envisioning. For the other concerns...I respectfully disagree, and would appreciate a place to hold these discussions, without "forcing" them on those individuals.

Much like Dale...I prefer to think positively about our general membership, and the individuals interested in a new forum. I highly respect 98% or more of the membership here, and I am very interested in having these sorts of discussions, on a respectful level, with them. On the flip side of that coin, I also highly respect those members that do not want to participate, and would prefer to acknowledge that by having these discussions in a forum where they simply do not have to worry about "surprise topics".

But again...just one person's opinion...FWIW...

I don't like the idea about an adult only forum or HELL. This is a reptile forum, I like the idea that there is a chit-chat forum so people can talk about stuff other than corns, but I think all we really need is self-control. It's not like a robot came to your house and made you a troll, or made you post inappropriate discussions. You should know better. This is not a forum for those topics, if you want to discuss those things, by all means, create your own forum. We all came to this website to learn and have some fun with other people but sometimes it just gets out of control. Just my opinion.

I do not intend to offend you in any way, BUT...this is the case in point.

You are 13. You shouldn't have any desire to participate in socio-political topics of discussion. You shouldn't have any desire to debate human rights. You shouldn't have any desire to discuss world politics and war. These things are not supposed to interest you. At your age, this TOPIC shouldn't even interest you.

Which is precisely WHY we WANT this type of forum...so you, and others like you with no interest in those topics, don't have to see them or read them. It certainly is easy enough to say, "Those topics don't belong here. Use some self-control", but when someone says, "Those topics belong in a community. If you don't like them don't read them" it becomes a huge ordeal about what is acceptable and what isn't.

The only way, as far as I can see, to satisfy the desires of both sides of this issue is to create a forum specifically for those that DO wish to participate. Those that think it is unnecessary never have to go there. There is a sense of self-control in that issue...we control our posting of serious, debate topics to the Adult forum, you exert self-control by not going there.

It cannot satisfy both sides any other way, as far as I can see. If no adult forum is created, it's going to anger people everytime a political debate is started in the general chit-chat forum. And than there is another 40-some page discussion about why such topics don't belong here. Some people think they DO belong here.

I don't want to go to a different board to have these discussions. I want to have these discussions with my friends, right here, at cs.com. Why should that not be allowed? This is where me and my friends hang out, so why shouldn't be able to talk about the things that interest us beyond cornsnakes?

Originally Posted by tyflier

Dean-
I didn't make the moderation comment because I doubt you or the other mods.

I didn't take it that way, Chris.

What I mean is...I truly think that the majority of people advocating for a new forum are people that genuinely CARE about the forum as a whole, and do not wish to see it turned into a brothel of words, no matter what forum they are reading.

I agree completely. Except for Kathy L.. Gotta keep an eye on her.

HAHAHAHA...yea...that Kathy...she sure is a wildcat. Gonna have to watch her closely...

Originally Posted by SnakesRule1234

I don't like the idea about an adult only forum or HELL. This is a reptile forum, I like the idea that there is a chit-chat forum so people can talk about stuff other than corns, but I think all we really need is self-control. It's not like a robot came to your house and made you a troll, or made you post inappropriate discussions. You should know better. This is not a forum for those topics, if you want to discuss those things, by all means, create your own forum. We all came to this website to learn and have some fun with other people but sometimes it just gets out of control. Just my opinion.

It's not that simple, though. People are drawn here by the common interest of corn snakes. But, as we all interact with one another we begin to gravitate towards people. I think Jazz has a fantastically sharp wit and brings in a wide span of references that I enjoy. I've gained respect for Nanci, Janine, Rick and many others for their sage advice (even any advice I don't follow, not that I can think of an example at the moment). I grieved with Susan when she made the tough decision to put her dog down, reliving my own memories of doing the same thing. I think I'd like to have a beer with DesertAnimal if I'm ever in her neighborhood. I've grown fond of Jenn and smile every time I see she's posted and notice the "0.0.1 Human Fetus" and look to see the "1" move to the left somewhere). In other words, we become friends, and naturally start to loosen up a little with jokes and inuendo. Most keep it harmless; some push it a bit far (as long as there's a real rack in the picture somewhere, "nice rack" is funny... if there isn't, then it's not funny... I can't remember if there was or wasn't one in the referenced picture, not sure why).

Flip side of that coin is that just as one finds people they like in a place like this, it's also natural to discover people who you just don't like (for whatever reason). It's all too easy to start sniping at people you don't like. This, too, needs a bit of self-restraint, maybe even more because the internet makes it easy to lash out at people.

Sorry for such a long road to come to this conclusion: If it was strictly enforced that all discussions stay only about corn snakes and all comments were heavily monitored, you'd find that this place would become so boring that everyone would leave. There'd be some fantastic fact sheets for newbies to come and read, but no one would stay around after they learned what they needed to do. Rich knows this, as do the mods, which is why their job here is so tough.