Coming Eventually, the New and "Improved" Super Forum

[perc-o-prince]

I like Louis's suggestion about a separate group (like a

That sounds like a great idea. Who will step forward to start one? I think Robert made it pretty clear that he wasn't interested in more work BUT I have a feeling that a separate group would probably get a good turn out. I just wouldn't call it anything but what it is. Automatic Washer.org was named as such, I assume, because it was about vintage automatic washers and the like; not politics, sex, or religion. Everything has it's place, and anyone who knows me knows that when in the proper setting I can verbally spar with the best sex pig! But you will not see me do it in this forum. Not the place.

Rapunzel writes... "A number of well-regarded, long-term members are amongst those who are sensitive and, it seems, more easily offended."

Olav, I'm not sure who you are thinking about, but let me ask you: When you call someone a racist with no cause or with no knowledge of that person, and the target of the accusation becomes offended, is the target being sensitive or easily offended? This is only a single example so no flames please. Let's face it... all of this bull$hit has come about because of one megalomaniacal, proselytizing, dramatic and, dare I say, psychopathic "wing nut" who wouldn't recognize a two by four if it was swung into his forehead. This is such a waste of time, energy and bandwidth that it just baffles me. I'm only taking the time to read through all of this post because I care about this site, and want to have my voice heard as we were asked for our opinions before changes were made.

I guess I just feel it's time to call it like I see it. I've always enjoyed this site, but am having a hard time seeing what it's becoming.

With much respect,
Rich

 

[rickr]

I am in 100 percent agreement with you Rich, but the problem is that one or two nut jobs screw it up for everybody. Finally they will get banned, or leave, then another one joins up and start trouble again. I really don't believe these people even own, or have much interest in any vintage appliances. It seems that they only want a "captive audience" to vent their endless frustrations and anger at. I know they have chased some other members out of here with the endless ranting and raving. I still think the only permanent solution is to keep the forums more on topic. I remember one person even tried to ruin a "Happy Thanksgiving" thread by posting something nasty on it. So how can anyone really keep someone from posting something offensive on any topic, if that person can find a way to "inject poison" into a thread about a simple holiday like Thanksgiving? (It's about eating, right???) lol!!

 

[sudsman]

The "other washer"site

WOW look at that a whopping 44 post during the entire year that is really a "HOT" site is is not!

 

[washabear]

I like the site the way it is, but whatever Robert wants to do is fine. I'm just happy that the site is here. Thanks, Robert.

 

[wiskybill]

Me next,

I rarely post, but constantly follow all three forums. I've learned a lot from everyone here. Lots of very interesting, articulate, funny, knowledgeable, and sometimes opinionated(to say it nicely) people. I'm not going to debate anyone's ideas, they're pretty good for the most part, and I could live with them. So here goes with my suggestions.

1. Stay with the three forum set-up.

I think it's pretty good and just needs some tweaking to clearly define what does and does not fly in in each one. The "hot button" issues should be clearly spelled out as to what is acceptable and what is not. Robert to decide with no debate. At this point, it is still his site.

2. Specific rules for posting or starting a thread should be developed, and made to be "clickable" for agreement to and adherence to in order to continue past the "preview" stage and continue on to post.
Consequences for violation should be clearly spelled out as part of this.

3. Leave "report" feature in place as is. It's new and may need tweaked, but may become unnecessay after a while.

4. Add a "Donate" button to the main page.

This would allow anyone to give to the cause and help Robert defray the cost of the site. This also allows Robert to be in complete ownership and control of the site.
If part of the site were to become "pay to play", some who pay may think of it as entitlement and implied ownership to say what they will with no regrets as to who it hurts or offends. This ultimately affects the overall tone and intent of the site whether you can or can't see what's said. Let's face it,people talk.

Anyway, these are some of my thoughts. I will support whatever decisions are made.
Robert, you do us proud.

Bill

 

[perc-o-prince]

So how can anyone really keep someone from posting something offensive on any topic, if that person can find a way to "inject poison" into a thread about a simple holiday like Thanksgiving?

Hey Rick,

I'm sure Rich won't mind if I field this one. First time they post, warn 'em. Second time, banish them into oblivion. It really is that simple.

As far as the rest of the discussion, I see an awful lot of support for banning politics, sex, and religion topics from the super forum. I fully agree with the hopes that the forum will remain the same with, maybe, minor changes.

I also see support for a separate forum somewhere else for those discussions. Rich even called for someone to start one.

Here it is! Robert- this is in no disrespect to you in any way, shape or form. If you find, or any other member finds, that it's not something that should exist for a good reason, I'll remove it. I have no attachment to it and only started it because a few suggested it, and I see it as a means to an end. My only connection to it is that I started it. Nothing else.

Probably will be sorry soon,
Chuck

http://groups.google.com/group/politics-sex-religion/topics

 

[sudsman]

Bill What is to stop those that pay to put in the kitty good

Then figure I "paid for the site" so I have the right to say what ever I want, and to cut everyone to threads. It will happen here.

 

[perc-o-prince]

p.s.- it's adult-content protected, and called [email protected]

 

[qsd-dan]

look look at th post above yours according to his profile he

Wow, born the week I graduated high school. Holy crap, I feel a thousand years old now!

 

[stainfighter]

It's your site...

Robert, and would pay a small fee to participate (I'm still waiting with bated breath for your next DVD of the fabulous Apex!) I like the idea of re-stating the purpose of SUPER forum. I hope you continue to offer this web site, it is very enjoyable overall
Thanks!

 

[Unimatic1140]

First of all Rich thank you for creating that group for aw members but on Google's servers. LOL I love your first post, naughty I think it could be really fun, ugh I can only imagine.

I appreciate everyone's support and open to even helping with the costs of running the site. I really have no plan on charging to use any of the three forums, I want to keep it free to read and post for everyone. My initial idea in post #1 of this thread above was simply to charge for the Super Forum to help keep the 18 crowd out and to cover the server costs.

At some point to raise money maybe I can offer special features (such as edit and delete your own posts, etc, etc.) and the use of those extra features could be fee based on an upgraded membership. But for now lets just keep everything open and free.

 

[strongenough78]

Question Robert.......

If we ever wanted to send you a donation for the hell of it, would that be cool?

 

[rapunzel]

'Second time, banish them into oblivion.'

I may be reading things wrong and I am certainly not speaking for or on Robert's behalf.

It is my impression that Robert doesn't mind the discussions on the Super Forum. Based on what he has written so far, he also doesn't strike me as someone who enjoys censoring or banishing people for their personal views or how they express them. His issue appears to be with people who consistently complain to him directly about the posts they choose to read in the SF, with the expectation that he puts in extra time (and money) to moderate that forum according to their personal wishes and opinions. If I am incorrect on that point I apologize, but that is how I read it.

Wasn't the Super Forum created so that people can have a space on this site, where they are able to connect and share views and ideas freely? In addition to (vintage) appliances, launddry additives and small appliances.

To me it seems obvious that the controversy isn't so much about what and how issues are being discussed in the SF, but that some people persistently make a big deal when their personal expectations aren't being met or validated.

On that note I second Gansky's response and will leave it at that.

rapunzel

 

[danemodsandy]

Um, Rapunzel...

"It is my impression that Robert doesn't mind the discussions on the Super Forum."

Can you tell me how you got that out of this (quote from the first post in this thread, by Robert)?

"...many times I roll my eyes reading Super Forum threads (the ones I actually read) thinking that they are inappropriate for the general content of this website. Also some of the posts not only are inappropriate for the website, but are inappropriate for the children that might have an interest in washers and stumble upon the site and we do want to encourage the younger generations to enjoy this hobby as well. I would just hate to think that a 14 year old who loves washers as much as I do would have his parents say he was not allowed to read this website because of stuff on the Super Forum."

 

[Unimatic1140]

Hold on Sandy, I would say that Olav is pretty observant. It does get really tiresome to get emails from people complaining about what they are reading (and I get them more than most would ever imagine) when they could simply click away and ignore. While I might not have said that directly I've mentioned it before in other posts.

That's not 100% of the problem, but it certainly is a factor. But really it goes along with the terrority and I realize that. And Olav I don't generally mind making changes to the system, programming can be really fun to nerds like myself. It's sort of like putting a puzzle together and I love the challenge. I don't ever do it because I feel like people are "expecting it", I do in spurts when I have the time and feel like it. Of course right now I have GE leaking oil all over the basement floor, the '56 Hotpoint timer is suddenly acting up, as of this week the timer in the KitchenAid dishwasher is only incrementing once every three increments and the WO-65 water valve started leaking last weekend. Everything at once, ugh! All can be fixed, but no time for coding now. And I'm working on restoring the '66 Lady Kenmore that Fred found while I was in out of town. ***back of hand on forehead***.

If we ever wanted to send you a donation for the hell of it, would that be cool?
I'll think about that Vern, thank you.

 

[danemodsandy]

Robert:

Well, now you've got me confused. Are the sentences I've just quoted (which seem pretty clearly stated) representative of your thinking, or is this about the complaints you receive off-list?

 

[Unimatic1140]

Are the sentences I've just quoted (which seem pretty clearly stated) representative of your thinking
Absolutely its representative of my thinking, but those email complaints can be a lot to handle as well.

 

[rapunzel]

Okay, I take that back and stand corrected

I should have gone back to re-read what exactly he said - my bad.

Instead of imposing restrictions, Robert is trying to implement a solution that may accomodate everyone and settle this matter once and for all - kudos to him.

Still, I don't think that the vast majority of SF posts are all that controversial. I have yet to come accross a post that uses cusswords and overt sexual content. Than again, I may not be as easily affected by what I read as other people.

rapunzel

 

[alr2903]

I am very disappointed, that we have, to have, this discussion or cause Robert to think he needs to write/rewrite code. I always admit i enjoy our debates, however i am regretful when it turns ugly and tend to leave the thread alone. We are an opinionated Lot, and sometimes have a spill of emotion. I am in favor of whatever Robert & Fred decide. It pained me to read the thread were Robert mentioned "he had guest's and had not seen, a particular post, that was in debate. I am thinking Robert did not create this site to be a cyber playground referee. Lets "reset" our manners, and look forward to the "donate now" button. alr2903

 

[jeffg]

Of course right now I have GE leaking oil all over the basement floor, the '56 Hotpoint timer is suddenly acting up, as of this week the timer in the KitchenAid dishwasher is only incrementing once every three increments and the WO-65 water valve started leaking last weekend. Everything at once, ugh!

Hey Robert, I think my partner can match that. The power has been off at our house due to storms for the last 3 day, today my partner went off to work, and ran into six road closures and detours on the way. An hour later he collapsed in sudden and overwhelming pain on his left side, 911 was called, he was rushed to the hospital. He had passed (we hope) a kidney stone. And when we finally got home tonight?

A jury duty summons for him in our mailbox.

Right now we don't know whether to laugh or cry, this day has been incredible.