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Automatic Washer - The world's coolest Washing Machines, Dryers and Dishwashers

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Dan...

I posted a comment earlier and have watched and read with interest the diverse range of comments and feelings that people have posted on this thread and all of them are perfectly valid.

BUT, I find it slightly amusing that there are still people out there that are not accepting of others and their comments...that is a shame really. I may be a 'card carrying' gay man but I am certainly not a 'flag waving' one...and how my partner and I lead our lives is our domain...and one I don't tend to share on forums so tend not to post many/any comments with innuendo...

BUT....

The innuendo that flys around here is tame....very very tame compared to other websites AND compared to what a person can encounter on almost any TV channel in most countries of the world....let alone what teenagers talk about and do from before I even knew what the words meant!

I am not saying that we should really 'let it fly' and be disrespectful to other people, rather the opposite, we should be mindful about what we post....But there is a point where being mindful is almost self-sensorship...

So far, I have not encountered any posts containing foul language...and by that I mean the 'big' four letter words...

...and I have not encountered or read any posts that are sexually explicit as such...

Though I have read some that were pointedly nasty to a couple of individuals which I thought rude and inconsiderate...but hey, they are adults and can ultimately take care of the issues themselves....

Diversity of people, including culture, nationality, religous preferences and sexual preferences is actually what makes the world go around....this website is nothing but a very small version of that and to start being heavy handed, which I doubt that Robert would intend to do, would be to remove some of this diversity and expression....wars have been fought over it people....

As an example, the debate on Health Care Reform was interesting to an outsider. Many of you have posted interesting comments. Others posted information that appeared to be based on hearsay and scaremongering from big business and political parties (we DO get international new here)....but it WAS and IS interesting....and all of your opinions and beliefs are perfectly valid...

....the crux comes when an individual or group try to make their opinion EVERYONES...that doesn't work.

People, be mindful of what you wish for because sometimes it isn't really what you want and/or need....to close out some topics will do nothing, to some degree, but to encourage narrowmindedness....which is the LAST thing I feel that the world currently needs - even our little world here...

Always
Chris
 
Dear Robert

I would be appalled if we lost the ability to discuss detergents and how to get clothes clean. I've learned so much from Laundress and others.

If you say that this kind of thing is off-topic so be it; it's your site! But for myself, I think of this site as having to do with everything in washing. I also enjoy the postings about other appliances. Losing this base of non-controversial knowledge because of political or other postings, which clearly ARE extraneous, would be a big disappointment. I've learned to skip most of those threads.

It seems to me that most posters would follow instructions to forgo the sexual and political topics. At least it would be worth a try. There are other ways to address the issue as others have outlined, but this would be the simplest of all.
 
Thanks you Robert, glad to hear there will be no rush to judgment.

I'd like to second a suggestion made earlier, increase the reports from 7, to 11, 14, or so which may be more appropriate. It's easy for a small subsection of a group to be offended. That way we are all sort of moderators. The other forum I frequent, AVS, http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/ has many many sub sections and a great number of moderators. From time to time things do get off the rails and posts are deleted, noted with a simple one line sentence, and things go back to normal. How about a few trusted moderators here? I know it's your baby but if you need a hand from time to time there is nothing wrong with that.

Stifling the free ranging topics in the Super forum would be a loss for all of us. While political or religious discussions may not change my mind, I will be the first to admit I have now have a much greater understanding of why people feel as they do, and that is a big thing in today's world. That is thanks to the Super forum.

There have been many great discussions, I feel bad that they are lost to obscurity, but they have had an impact on me and broadened my perspective and I thank you, this site, and all that post for that.
 
Dan...

I trust that since Robert is a proud gay man that this site doesn't have to go in the closet.

Straight folks have more positive role models and places to interact with. It's nice to be able to chat and share ideas with other members, many of which are gay here. I just don't feel that many would be put off by the references. Maybe we need to tone those comments down, but I wouldn't eliminate them.

Part of what makes this group special is the overall concern for each other. That includes appliance projects, pets, deaths, health, construction, etc. If you restrict the site to just appliance talk 100%, all of us members would look pretty dull in my opinion.
 
after reading thru everyone's ideas

here tonite i definately think no sex, no politics, no religion! no off color! i think you need to self censor it, spell it out exactly what can and can not be discussed! keep it to appliance related topics! and if you go with a tip jar then you'll have a very small minority contributing! that's the appeal of the word "tip". it means anyone can find an excuse not to! i find it hard to believe that a few bucks a month would hurt anyone to contribute!
 
How about we change the "report this post..." button to function like this: When ten people mark a posting offensive, the Super forum goes automatically into neutral drain and every thread drains out the bottom and we go back to thread number 00001. Welcome to the truly NEW and improved Super Forum indeed.

This site will never please everyone who sees it. In nearly ten years, it never has. Does it seem like much of an enjoyable hobby for Robert to be spending his time juggling several complaining emails a day? How about the time spent writing code to upgrade security, new forums or even a "report" button of any sort just to keep a group of people happy? Is that a hobby? This endless flaming, whining, transparent righteousness and fighting would make me want to flip the switch and let the whole thing sputter to a stop.

The rules have always been remarkably simple here; treat others as you expect to be treated. To be more specific, only a smidgen of common sense is required. If you don't want a fight, don't pick one. If you don't like the thread topics, you're holding the mouse - don't click on them. This is a free website, not a textbook with required reading assignments. Pick what you like and leave the rest. Why is that such a difficult concept to grasp? This logic has worked for almost 10 years from Yahoo! groups through today. Why not give that a shot before 'suggesting' we have something different from a person just looking to share his hobby with others?
 
I agree with many above - there are only a very few people who have caused the problem in the Super Forum. If a member cannot discuss a topic, no matter what the subject, without name calling and bad mouthing then they should be removed
FOREVER from the site. I hate to see a few ruin this for the rest of us. I vote Robert does what is easiest, and most effective to solve the problem. I appreciate his time and effort.
 
If a member cannot discuss a topic without name calling and

Well, I think removal may be a bit harsh. A number of well-regarded, long-term members are amongst those who are sensitive and, it seems, more easily offended. Although, I don't know them personally, they are probably very decent and otherwise kind individuals. I think that one shouldn't be too unkind. There are people who participate here, for whom this site represents the only opportunity for social interaction, where they can be themselves amongst others who share similar interests; in the relative anonymity of the net.

It takes all types to make this world go round. There is no need to ban members, unless they commit a major transgression against the site or its members. Whingeing, whining, moaning and complaining - well, unfortunately, that is what defines much of the human condition. Like Gansky pointed out, there have always been some who simply cannot be pleased.

May I also point out to Gansky that there is no such thing as common sense, but he probably already knew that. Sorry for pointing out the obvious.

I've had some people here express their dislike over some of the things that I've posted, rightly or wrongly. I've been questioned about the fact that I have no appliances listed in my profile and why I was here. Heck, there were even a couple of emails that I received, where my integrity and worth as member/visitor was questioned by a member or two, who, ultimatly are complete strangers to me. I've never complained to Robert about that or made mention of this in the forum until now - why should I? To me it's nothing more than water off a ducks' back. By allowing myself to be drawn into futile arguments and making a big deal, I am participating in their games. However, as they say, ignore something long enough, and it goes away - usually.

As I have mentioned before, we all need to re-claim ownership over our emotions and how we respond to people here. A little less projecting and a bit more tolerance always go a very long way to a happier co-existence. In view of so many regular members here, I still reckon that there is nothing wrong with us paying a small fee towards the upkeep of this site, especially if it makes life easier for Robert.

rapunzel
 
It is a sad state of affairs that things have finally come to this. I don't usually post when a topic deals with religion, politics, or matters of a sexual nature because I feel this is not the proper forum in which to air such things. It is sad that 1 or 2 bad apples have the possibility to ruin things for the majority. If a subscription fee is implemented for the Super forum, I may or may not decide to paticipate. I have made a few friends here, and would hate to see something like that change. But alas, Robert does have the final say on what goes here, and I will abide by it, whatever it may be. If someone continually tries to, or does push the envelope, why not just permanently ban them as has been done in the past, rather than resorting to such an extreme measure?
 
my tuppence worth...

I don't have a paypal account and I'm reluctant to open one. I never give my bank account details over the net and I don't wish to. I also don't like regular periodic payments, I'd prefer to send Robert maybe $20 a year than $1 a month. More to help with running costs than to buy entry into an open discussion forum.

I am a very political person, I love a political discussion and to me it would be a pity to remove political and religious discussions, though I concede it may be necessary for peaceful and smooth operation of this great website.

I like Louis's suggestion about a separate group (like a google group) for these more diverse discussions - something that Robert doesn't have to administer. That group should still have some rules about keeping a discussion civil and not offensive - no sexually explicit or suggestive language, no personal attacks or put-downs. we should be able to have a sensible discussion without getting nasty, shouldn't we?

I was always impressed with the logic of a comment I heard years ago - " I strongly disagree with what you say, but I strongly support your right to say it." Just because someone has an opinion or makes a comment you disagree with doesn't license you to rip into them. KEEP YOURSELF NICE!

I also thought the discussion on health reform a while ago was very interesting, it was quite political but informative too and it would be a shame if that were canned altogether, though that might make a good topic for discussion on an external group.

I would NOT like to see an "open slather" group, either a revised, no rules super forum or an external one. We should be able to discuss things in a mature manner, respect diverse opinions and try not to tread on each other's toes. I do not want to read any more childish name calling, vitriolic attacks or monotonously steering a variety of discussions around to the same old verbal ping pong matches.

Thanks Robert.

Chris.
 
Oh, and I'd love an edit button too - to correct mistakes, or to delete a whole post if I change my mind about it. The EDIT option would only work for the original poster - ie: I could only edit my own posts, not other peoples' posts.

(I also frequent a French car enthusiasts forum and they have that option.)

(sorry Robert, more code...)

Chris.
 
Robert I know you will do what's best for us all. I am thankful to have found a place where I can talk to and learn from people who enjoy the same things I do. Through this great website you have created I have found the vacuum collectors club, Rotaryphone and many other great sites I probably would have never found on my own. I really enjoy seeing other peoples collections and seeing the new items they have brought in thrifting and through other sales. I would have never imagined finding such wonderful like-minded people if it hadn't been for this site. I'm sure I speak for a few others when I say we greatly appreciate your time and dedication and wisdom both on and through this site. I hope it continues many many more years!
 
Robert, thanks for running this forum, it's clearly a real labour of love and it's very much appreciated.

Although a fourth forum would be ideal, I think the idea of making the Super a premium one seems to be a good compromise. A dollar a month is nothing, although can I suggest yearly memberships instead? $12 a year is good value and easily affordable, and yearly payments would mean less admin involved.

It's almost inevitable that forums can get heated, particularly where personal beliefs are concerned; what one person may consider innocuous may cause outrage in someone with different views, stir in a bit of Online disinhibition effect (see the link) and off it goes... Some perfectly nice, reasonable people can change behind the wheel of a car, and the same thing can happen with a keyboard. That doesn't make it right, but everyone has the potential to be fallable regarding something...

By the way Robert, have you ever considered running advertising on the site? I know not everyone approves of doing it, but I don't think there's anything wrong with wanting to earn from the site; after all, you put enough work into it!

But whatever happens, I'm glad you're still happy to be webmaster, aw.org is invaluable for us lot, and a great information resource for non collectors too!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Online_disinhibition_effect
 
Please Please Please!

Robert
If at all possible please NEVER have commercial advertising on this site, it is one of the (many) joys of automaticwasher do be able to browse though the postings WITHOUT having pop ups jumping all over the screen and my computer constantly bleeping at me about blocked downloads.

I have NO problem at all with craigslist/ebay items being highlighted to the membership in general, nor any problem with anyone would advertises vintage appliances they are thinning out from their collections - indeed I only wish I were closer sometimes to take advantage of them.

Sorry Simon - we will have to agree to disagree on this one :)

Al
 
To Robert

Is this normal?
coming Eventually, the New and “Improved” Super Forum
Is it just me or is it a really weird typo?
 
Please no ads...

Robert, I would pay any subscription or membership fee you choose if it will keep ads off this site!!
 
No worries!

Like I said in my posting, what one person thinks, someone else might not agree with! I'm happy to agree to disagree ;-)
 
My 3 cents is, it's a waste of time. There are plenty of forums online if you want sex, politics, a soapbox to rant on, guns, cars and everything else. IMO, if you want this to be a site that someone's 14yr old can read, then don't make this a site that includes a forum that's unrelated.

This is an amazing one-of-a-kind website, and I'd suggest paring it down to just what it's about. You've got 3 forums that cover the gamut from old appliances to look-what-I-found-estate-saling-today. That should be "it."

But it's your site, and you've got the vision for it, not me. My opinion is based on owning/running/moderating 3 online forums. A 5 year old could read our stuff....so could someone's 90 year old grandmother. Some might think, "How lame is that?" But you know what, it's actually kinda nice. Everyone's very nice to each other, there's no bad language, or even and representation of language, and no one's on a band wagon or soapbox. One group has been online since '97, so it seems to work.
 
Forgot to add.

Im disagreeing with Robert, If you gonna need to pay to use some Off-topic forum, a lot of ppl would leave.
 
hmmmm..I have to agree that it seems to me that there are only a few people here that abuse the super forum to the point of hurting others, using bad names, badgering or whatever. Those of us who read it all the time know who you are and YOU KNOW who you are...............I think its pitful that Robert has to stand in like this and try to take charge, his job is big enough and now here it has lead to him feeling like he needs to make it bigger, take on more,make it better and safer...........makes you wonder when it will end.

now about the pay, Robert should charge, theres no doubt but if this becomes a pay site..I dont know. I have enough bills that I cant afford to pay..That is not to say that I think its unfair for a charge.If I had more money this is one of the first things Id enjoy paying for.Personally I wonder if we shouldnt all make better efforts to set up some kinda regular volunteer pay to Robert, like say the 17th of eaach month is contribution day to the site, and each and everyone of us donate something and set reminders to the others of this day........just a thought.might even work better in the end.

about kids,really Im not sure if this site pertians to children that much, how many members are even under 18? Maybe Im way wrong about that.I appreceiate Roberts concern about that tho, in this sue happy world I completely understand it.

last but not least what this site has meant for me. ....Most of you dont live in a backwater area as I do. Id say 95 percent of this area is anti gay or at least believe they are.Robert has provided a place for me to intermingle and speak topics I cannot discuss else where and certainly not on any kind of daily basis. I would really miss the site as it isI would even miss the bickering and badgering that goes on coz I really do try to live by the live and let live creed and even tho I disagree from time to time with what some of you have to say I rarekly post about it and I always think what if that was my opinion, Id hate to have it squelched just coz someone else didnt like it.Man you guys!!!!

To Robert, the above is just meant as insite for you to help with whatever decision. Future apologies if I have offended you in anyway.I want to say once more just to be clear that I think you deserve pay , should get pay and if you decided we need to pay I will more than likely pay lol....I really want you to know that I appreciate everything you have done here. You are a God send.None of us would be here without you.Lee.
 
I've got my migration papers ready!

I'm sure it would make hundreds migrate to "the other" american washing machine community.

Wow, fabulous, this is news to me. Educate us Thomas, where is this other community and does that mean after nearly 10 years I can close down aw.org?
 
ummm

I've stayed out of this one, but Robert's last post alarmed me, even if it was in jest. Here are my own little thoughts. Robert, I would be more than happy to pay more than the pittance you suggested. This site must take up time and money, and I do appreciate your efforts. I would prefer to pay annually, as others have said, but whatever you come up with is fine.

Typically, this is the first thing I do upon coming home from work. I look forward to the discussions, cameraderie, and yes the occasional innuendo. People often look at me askance when they discover my interest in appliances. I feel at home here. Dare I say even accepted?

Personally, I think you are all fine people. Some have strong opinions, some are witty, some are just plain smart. I enjoy all of you. I hope that most of you feel the same. Let's show Robert our appreciation and allow him to proceed as he feels fit.

Rant over.

Keith
 
whole-heartedly agree

With Gansky's post except I think the super forum should automatically go into a 1140 rpm rapid dry spin and SPIN all the threads into oblivion. Then start over at post #1. :) <p> Here is part of what Gansky said and I think it is well worth repeating: <p>

The rules have always been remarkably simple here;<p> treat others as you expect to be treated. <p>To be more specific, only a smidgen of common sense is required. If you don't want a fight, don't pick one. <p>If you don't like the thread topics, you're holding the mouse - don't click on them. This is a free website, not a textbook with required reading assignments. Pick what you like and leave the rest. Why is that such a difficult concept to grasp? This logic has worked for almost 10 years from Yahoo! groups through today. Why not give that a shot before 'suggesting' we have something different from a person just looking to share his hobby with others?
 
Lets make Super Forum future so bright you gotta...

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Instead of having "report this post to the web master" how about something more "self" policing. If a member feels a post is extremly offensive they can click a horn icon (no member identification). This icon would then appear on the post (with sound) so the offending member can see it and delete or correct it. I know if I got a "horn" on one of my posts I would want to fix it. Maybe the horns can add up,one per member so that the posting member gets and idea of how offensive his post is.It also can add a little humor. This gives members a "chance" to correct anything they did not realizing it was offensive at time of post. Members who clicked on the "horn" icon should also be able to remove it in case of error.

<object width=425 height=344><param name=movie value=></param><param name=allowFullScreen value=true></param><param name=allowscriptaccess value=always></param><embed src= type=application/x-shockwave-flash allowscriptaccess=always allowfullscreen=true width=425 height=344></embed></object>
 

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