Gloves Off Sub-Forum

[Tired of the Nonsense]

I would like to make a motion to our ruling high deity, otseng, as well as to the rest of the DC&R membership, that a "Site Supporters" sub forum called "Gloves Off," or something equally relevant, be designated as a "gloves off" area, where site supporters only can go to hurl insults, sarcasm, rude comments about another person's parentage and the horse they rode in on, and generally be allowed to get it off of their chests. More of an open arena then a PM. This sub forum would only be available to individuals who have contributed a minimum of $20.00 to the forum, and would be good until February 1 of the next calendar year, at which time another $20.00 contribution would be required to maintain access to the new site supporters only sub forum. Such an arrangement might help to end the unfortunate number of individuals being banned from the forum, and might even actually help out otseng financially in maintaining the site. Who knows, even Joey might pony up. And then he could tell you all what he REALLY thinks of you.

A general discussion concerning what terms and limitations, or if there are to be any any such limitations in the proposed sub forum, should be undertaken and agreed on by the membership prior to the creation of such a sub forum. Those who agree with the proposal? Those who disagree?

[otseng]

I'm not really open to this idea. There are plenty of other forums out there that have a completely hands-off approach to moderating. Here, we try our hardest to not be like those places. And anything that might seem to undermine our goals of civility and respect we stay away from.

But, if anyone wants to let me know what they really think of me, you are free to use PM to let me know.

[McCulloch]

To me this would be a tacit admission that civility and rationality are not always beneficial to debate. For that reason, I am opposed.

[Tired of the Nonsense]

To me this would be a tacit admission that civility and rationality are not always beneficial to debate. For that reason, I am opposed.

There is nothing tacit in the fact that the overwhelming number of individuals who have been banned from this forum have been theists. Non theists dominate this place, a fact which largely precludes beneficial debate. Theists feel stifled, and conclude that the forum is biased against them. I was hoping for an area where theists could fully express the intense emotion of what they believe. They could preach fire and brimstone, quote scripture as proof. And each side could freely express to the other side what knuckleheads they are without fear of banishment. There would need to be SOME guidelines of course. Maybe it should be called the "Gloves Off/No Hard Feelings" sub forum. And the ability to use this particular sub forum would be restricted to hard core members who have chosen to support the forum financially, a restriction which should naturally serve to keep out random youngsters. Only site supporters would be allowed access, and no one is required to participate. The rules for conduct in the Christianity and Apologetics sub forum would remain exactly as they are now. In fact the main problem I see with the idea is that most of the current site supporters are long time forum members who are reasonably friendly with one another. So I foresee a lag time initially of those interested in using the Gloves Off/No Hard Feelings sub forum. But it would allow an option for more "lively" discussions among those interested enough to make a cash contribution. And more of an arena with spectators than a PM.

[LiamOS]

I am opposed for the same reasons as Otseng and McCulloch.
Also, if that's what you or other people want, there's the comments section of YouTube.

[catalyst]

I for one think it is a good idea, in that, it may well put a halt, or at least curb to a certain extent personal attacks IN actual debate in other forums, such as Christianity and Apologetics.

I know for one that I am not here to do verbal fisty-cuffs with people, but on occasion, I have resorted in kind to barbs sent in my direction. At that point, a moderator usually "steps in" and.. then.. the viable content OF the debate, is usually abandoned. People may attempt to debate around it on occasion , but like it or not, it is STILL the elephant in the room.

If people could get all the "personal attacks" off their chest and even refer to where their angst lies and bring UP those points in this new "gloves off" arena, then it would allow the key points OF the debate to stand out in the other forums.

Also, the "gloves off" area would not necessarily have to be moderated either as none of the "report to moderator" choices would apply in there.

If anything I see Tired's suggestion as a positive rather than a negative, and giving it a fair trial period to see IF there are actually positive gains to it, is not going to hurt one iota...is it?

Even it the idea was put up for consensus ... to SEE if people would use it, wouldn't hurt, after all, civility AND respect here is KEY, no matter what idea is flung the Admin's way and as such, should not the Admin be observant of those rules too?

Cat xx

[Cathar1950]

Maybe cage matches?

[SailingCyclops]

I would like to make a motion to our ruling high deity, otseng, as well as to the rest of the DC&R membership, that a "Site Supporters" sub forum called "Gloves Off," or something equally relevant, be designated as a "gloves off" area, where site supporters only can go to hurl insults, sarcasm, rude comments about another person's parentage and the horse they rode in on, and generally be allowed to get it off of their chests. ....

This is a terrible idea. What makes these forums a pleasure to participate in is the moderation, and the civility it demands.

Bob

[99percentatheism]

Who's kidding who?

There already IS so much vitriol that gets through in the so-called civi forums, that an honestly truly nasty one designed as such would probably be a good idea.

[cnorman18]

Some confuse disagreement with vitriol.

That said, if there ever WERE such a subforum on this board, I'd be requesting a way to ignore it and have it removed from the display on my computer.