anyone peeked in on the Muslim thread?

I just did... it looks OK, pretty conscientious regulars are in on it... so it should stay OK, unless more descend upon it.

Alright, this is my opinion, it maybe unpopular... but here it is.

I think we should get rid of politics.  You cannot talk politics on this board.  I notice that there are people who ONLY post on those threads... they tend to get offensive, very quickly.  I personally feel very uncomfortable with it, if I wanted to talk politics I would find an appropriate board, versus a dog board. I know it's in NDR... but, I for one am sick of seeing the same people stir the same pot and the same people get their panties in a bunch.  I'm sorry, (mostly to Gina), I've left you to mod those discussions because I don't even want to poke my head in anymore. It gets my blood boiling and I'm sure I'm not the only one who is uncomfortable with those threads.  Yes, we can ignore them, and I do... but i'm beginning to think it maybe just inappropriate at a dog board.

So there. I say we ixnay politics.

((trying to get off my rather large soapbox))
 

I would tend to agree...but I am biased...LOL I hate them and also think that topic..esp this year..an election year is one that's fraught with the potential to hurt feelings and offend folks. It will escalate as the election draws closer, too.

But I do think IF it were to be a no no...we should wait for a particularly ugly thread to come up so we can show them WHY it's no longer a fit topic here. As of recently things have been "okay" since certain key agitators are missing...

I wonder...if it would help at all to keep all politics combined to ONE thread? It'd be big and unweildy but...maybe that'd be better and discourage it LOL. 

Well i think one thread would turn to a free for all, nothing would be offtopic... which is good and bad, cause it could get tangential and walk the line and still be OK.

I think you're right, they've been minding their manners, which is good.  I'm glad, as you said we are missing a few of the more explosive ingredients! lol  But if it does explode again, i think we should can it.  I get very grouchy with Politics, i believe what I believe and I don't want to debate it. If I did I would go to a political forum, doG knows there are enough of them.  This is a dog board and I enjoy dogs... and I don't want to read inflammatory things that insult my political stance. I don't do that to them.  

It makes me really grouchy.  lol
 

I've checked it and it's OK for now...

OK, I have varying thoughts on this and my attitude might change daily LOL.  Yes, the politics threads annoy me....they all get nasty and enemies are made on those threads.  Having said that, if we ban politics as a topic, and I am not necessarily saying that's a bad idea....where do we draw the line?  Can politics still be discussed if it's related to dog legislation?  Do we shut threads down if they start off discussing one thing and it turns political?  Can other hot topics be discussed?

It's a slippery slope but I won't pretend I'm not tempted to stand at the top and see what happens LOL.  In the meantime, ALL of us, but especially you guys, absolutely should say "I'm not comfortable modding that thread/topic" and I'll take care of it.  We all have hot buttons and don't need to be subjected to threads that press them.  If any or all of you want to leave the politics threads to me, that's fine.  I'm likely to be firm, which the masses might not like, but perfectly happy to be the bad guy. :)
 

I am usually not modding them because I post to them LOL. I am trying to behave...hopefully someone here will push me back if I get too involved. I do need that from time to time. My big issue is the race threads and I think all here know that much LOL.

How's the new gal feel about this? Don't see her about in here much, LOL.

 Grr. I just replied.

I said a lot. I got an error. So not happy.

Essentially:

IMNSHO: I think we should wait for the inevitable blow up, then snip the political talk in the bud.  If it's dog related politics, fine. Otherwise, no.  There are way too many political boards that people don't need to talk about it here on a dog board.

Ok ladies - I'm going to be the bearer of bad news on this one.  This is a dog board, but just like people like to discuss babies and horses with the friends they have made here, some like to discuss politics with their friends.  I will not forbid people from doing so because a handful of members cannot do so like adults.  Doing so would be detrimental to the dog-focus of the Community because I would risk alienating itelligent, well informed dog lovers who are active contributors to the dog discussions and thus pushing them away from the community all together.

I do recognize that political threads can get out of control and it takes a lot of effort from all of you to get them back under control.  I appreciate the time and effort each of you puts into maintaining this community, and as always, your enjoyment of the forum is more important to me than anything.  Therefore, if you are uncomfortable moderating them please feel free to stay clear of them as Kate suggested.  Typically, I try night to post too many in-thread warnings or edits so that you will all have another line of defense behind you when certain members get too unruly. To help manage these controversial political threads though, I am willing to do more editing.  Between Kate and myself I think we can cover them fairly well - especially if you don't mind alerting me to these threads since I am not on reading as often as I probably should.

Please feel free to ask questions if you have them about my decision.

Thanks,

Meghan

Meghan...

It's enough for me...to know that SOMEONE is there to step in that is above my head...you or Kate. Frankly I wouldn't put it past them to start on Kate because she "isn't even IN the USA..." so again...thank you.

I am sorry to be such a wuss about this and the race issue...But it is for the best...Mods shouldn't act like weenies I know...so I will try to avoid that LOL. Thanks

rwbeagles

How's the new gal feel about this? Don't see her about in here much, LOL.

As for political threads, etc. honestly one of the things I think is important as a moderator is that I don't let my feelings/opinions cloud my judgment.  I think at the moment I am still finding that balance.

Apologies if I am not doing enough

Karen

Just read the entire thing and didn't think it was too bad - some got close but people disagreeing is OK

 You're doing fine, Karen....we'd all just hate to think we scared you off.  :)  We were all new and needed to find our comfort zone at one time or another. 

kpwlee

Sorry Gina I really don't feel too sure of when and where to step in so I do a lot of checking in here and there.  In addition my life has been a bit hectic so not on here as much as my norm

Oh not intimating anything Karen, no worries.

I just was hoping you felt comfy enough to weigh in on stuff like this, or anything else I might post looking for input. I like viewpoints from all when possible...to balance out my own (which is admittedly odd and skewed and jes' plain batty at times hehe).

You are doing more than enough from what I see...in fact you'll be doing a lot more this, and next week when I am GONESVILLE...LOL.

rwbeagles

no worries.

Good!

Enjoy your hols!