A block option is much needed!

[dilettante]

Ideally there would be a place for segregated communities. But the downside is that they quickly become echo chambers and the bizarre (as judged by society as a whole) becomes their normalized view of the world.

On the other hand when we try dumping everyone into the same boat it fails. Some are triggered by what they can't relate to and start name calling, demanding censorship, and start beating down what they don't want to hear by ganging up like a pack of rats trying to take the "offending" opinions down.

Many are just too emotionally fragile to deal with civil conversation. At holidays their friends and relatives just stop talking when they enter the room.

 

[Pappy]

I’ve been a member for 12 years now and have never blocked anyone. If a thread bothers you, move on and forget about it..

 

[Inept]

Another option would be a self imposed rule to avoid posting topics that are so controversial that they are guaranteed to draw fire.

Like politics, religion, gender, weight, height, fur, vegetables, cosmetics, shaving, nuclear energy, diesel fuel, electricity, wind power, dogs vs. cats, etc.

 

[JustDave]

Nope who decides what is controversial? That's just another form of censorship..

Yes, it's censorship, but censorship of your own behavior. No one person gets to decide "controversial," but you decide what you want to do. No one else censors that, unless you're a mod. Controversial is decided by society or subsets of society. Presumably, when you post an issue, you know who the readers are, and you anticipate the response. If the response is not what you wish, you have options. You can debate the issue further, you can withdraw, you can whine, or a combination of the above. But controversial is not censorship. Two different things.

 

[Pepper]

Doesn't anyone see the elephant in the room?

 

[HermitHogan]

I've blocked a few members, but only because they were disrespectful. I'm happy to debate any topic — no matter how controversial. But as soon as a person becomes disrespectful, I reach for the ignore button.

 

[Knight]

Doesn't anyone see the elephant in the room?

That could get you blocked

 

[Pepper]

That could get you blocked

I know. Thank you (((Knight))) for your shining armor.

 

[Inept]

Doesn't anyone see the elephant in the room?

We see it and we are enjoying watching it being demoralized ....... slowly.

 

[CallMeKate]

Doesn't anyone see the elephant in the room?

I see it.

 

[Pepper]

I see it.

You always do, my love.

 

[hollydolly]

Doesn't anyone see the elephant in the room?

is that the elephant with the lipstick on ?

 

[Pepper]

Sin comentario

 

[JustDave]

Sin comentario

I can read that. And I don't even speak Spanish. OK, I know one thing: No hablo espanol

 

[Remy]

Another person who does not comprehend my meaning...next!

You are being insulting to well established and liked members here.

 

[Inept]

is that the elephant with the lipstick on ?

Oh aye.

 

[Trish]

is that the elephant with the lipstick on ?

You're just jealous though



I'm joking of course!

 

[Inept]

You are being insulting to well established and liked members here.

Yes, but I'm sure all of them are "jealous, resentful, and envious".

 

[hollydolly]

You're just jealous though



I'm joking of course!

of the elephant or the Lipstick...?

 

[C50]

Doesn't anyone see the elephant in the room?

The one standing on the first admendment?

 

[Rindee]

Exactly!
And if this message board is not to anyone's liking, they can go find another.

Let's not deal with hypothetical situations, those are not certainties of what could, might, may, etc., happen. I am merely bringing forth an idea that would modernize and improve this site! Other sites, YouTube, Facebook, etc., allow the option to delete undesirable posts, and people from their posts, I have done it many times. It's not censorship, it's an option for a person who composes a post. What it would discourage is people from engaging in bullying, even in subtle ways, which by definition, is still bullying.

An OP shouldn't have the ability to delete replies at will, as it would discourage other members from participating in discussions. If your posts could be deleted by just about anyone, why would you bother taking the time to reply? As the sole admin, I’m already often criticized for censorship—imagine if everyone had the power to delete posts...

's

 

[Trish]

Yes, but I'm sure all of them are "jealous, resentful, and envious".

Well, I certainly am! Only been here since Friday and already has four pages of comments!! I can only dream of such a response

 

[Rindee]

The one standing on the first admendment?

Oh, you have freedom of speech and press, and I have the freedom not to have read it, or like it.

 

[Inept]

You are being insulting to well established and liked members here.

Yes, but I'm sure all of them are "jealous, resentful, and envious".

Well, I certainly am! Only been here since Friday and already has four pages of comments!! I can only dream of such a response

Alas, if only we possessed such attributes, Trish. Just think how much we’d accomplish!

 

[CallMeKate]

I am merely bringing forth an idea that would modernize and improve this site!

Well aren't you precious for trying... but this site's been running real smoothly for more than a decade without the ability for us to make someone go "poof" because we get offended at something they said. I saw it was suggested that maybe starting your own site would work better for you. ProBoards perhaps? Be sure to let us know the URL when it's running, 'kay?