Balance on forum - Page 3

In my opinion, there is nothing wrong with heated, passionate debate. It's what I always rather liked about this messageboard in years past.

I am personally annoyed at some of the unneccessary "stay on topic" warnings. Discussion will, by nature, wander a bit. Topics will shift slightly because things related to them will come up. This is natural and will allow more viable information to be discussed.

An example would be the USA SS thread. Of course the issues between our organizations will come up as they directly affect who will or will not be permitted to enter. Of course people will express frustration. What is the problem with this, so long as the TOS is not violated?

Recently, someone made a thread about how the average sport competitor has changed physically, and while I felt a bit insulted, I posted a civil, thought out post only to find the entire thread deleted. While the post could be considered slightly inflammatory, deleting it took away the opportunity for anyone to make an intelligent and potentially educating rebuttal.

I have always been 100% for moderation on this board. The nasty name calling, mud slingling and hateful language earned this place the nickname the "trash board" by more than one person I know and I have received no small amount of ribbing for posting here at all. Which disheartening, as this board was a hub of knowledge and networking for years, so I hoped to see the board cleaned up.

That said, I do feel it's becoming over the top.

Certain people have ruined it for all of us. Now MODERATORS have to be babysitters because there was TOO MUCH name calling and the topics got way out of line!
Oli gave EVERYONE a chance for a LONG TIME, but people did not want to listen, 
and continued with the bashing, insults...etc.,and this is HIS DATABASE!

I look to see Topic wise, but that is it! I look at the Want ads, pup pics....etc.

Thanks to the MODS for their hard work!

Dawn Bonome

I have been a member here a few years and have learned quite a bit from many of you (thank you).  I don't always agree with the opinions of others but try to remember what my mentor told me, I have no right to try to force a change of anyone else's opinion or belief, the best I can hope for is to educate. He said this is best done in a professional, compassionate, and objective matter.  He also said that those times when emotions become strong, the best thing is to sleep on what what you want to write and see if you feel the same way the next morning.  Also, he said to take a deep breath when things get emotional.  He was a psychologist for 50 years and dealt with many criminal cases as well as custody hearings (the worst to deal with for obvious reasons) besides having his own practice.
I realize that isn't always feasible, but I try to keep it in mind what he has taught me.  I agree that something needs to be done with those who try to "stir the pot".  These trolls do it to get a reaction and many times they succeed.  I don't know how many times I have read the beginnings of an interesting thread only to find someone bashing, insulting, etc, and would lose interest.  I believe if we stop reacting to those who like to "stir the pot" and just ignore them, we might get back our ideal of this forum.  I do believe that most of us want a good forum to share our experiences, ideas, and opinions in a professional manner and learn from others.
I personally would not want to be a moderator on this forum. I do hope that the new TOSs will cover many of the issues and the jobs of the moderators will become easier.  
I look forward to continuing to learn from all of you.

I used to start training threads all the time. Lately, it doesn't seem worth it. If it wasn't for my phone, I wouldn't even post here. Too many whiners!

When I have posted...I either try to help someone or say something that's on my mind...I NEVER try to slam anyone...Then when Moderators delete my post...I take it as a SLAP in the face...and therefore don't want to post anymore...
Some Moderators do a good job...and they're needed...others take things too personally and delete whenever...
Soooo...Go ahead and "This Post Is Locked" for yourself...
You can have your DRAMA and Delete Yourself...
You won't have to Delete anymore of my posts...This is all I care to take...

30

 If everyone remembered that the RIGHT to free speach should also carry the RESPONSIBILTY for what is said in in what form. these discussions would not come up. 
 Rights come with responsibilties. Simple.

I do believe that most of us want this forum to prosper be a place where we can find knowledge, get genuine opinions, and even get constructive criticism if done properly?

At the rate this forum is loosing its truly genuine valued members, it won't be long before there will be no need for new TOS and moderators to enforce them...

Its time we all stop and get back to the real purpose of this forum, which is GERMAN SHEPHERDS.....Its time for everyone take a deep breath and think what is the real purpose they are here...JUST MY OPINION!!!

Um, Nona, we're not all here for the GSD. This is an all breed forum.

 What is usually missing is acceptance. I don't want to change who anyone is, but many people do want to control who someone is, and what they say. I want to make people think. I want people to show me what they are talking about, and I will show you what I am talking about. Too many people want what they want, and that includes me, so there will always be silly shit going on. Is it really all that bad ? Does it really matter in the course of your day what someone on the internet says ?

I live in the United States, and we are supposed to have freedom of speech. I don't care what sort of silly slant someone puts on it, if you moderate, you are imposing on my rights. In my opinion, you are telling me that you know better than I what and how I want to say something. Our opinions are rightfully ours, and we should be able to express them. No one should tell someone else what words to use.

The few are the ones that whine, the many can see past this or that and get the idea that is being put forward. The many don't complain, but majority will never rule here in this new PC world, as they do not care enough to gripe about silly internet stuff.

However, the few are the ones that cause the most destruction. They are the ones who cry to have someone control others, as they are not happy. Not that their unhappiness has anything to do with what went on here, but they are just silly miserable people for the most part.

I like how offended they are, but they stay, usually contributing less than those that leave. Brilliantly, here and many other places, these whiners constantly win due to political correctness. 

The bible mentions that the meek shall inherit the earth, they forgot to mention that it is weakness of character, and that it was not going to be a good thing.