Are the rules too rigid on this forum?

[vito]

Just posting this thread might get me into trouble, but here goes... I have been warned and suspended in the past because some of my posts have veered into the "political" side and I fully understand and accept that the owners of this forum have the right to make whatever rules they deem best. But many topics in the Lounge, and some other sub forums clearly depart from the primary subject of Smith and Wesson firearms. On occasion I have made a point while being careful to not name a politician, or a party, and may have just used phrases like "our national leaders" and then been warned that this is unacceptable. I enjoy this forum, but feel it would be of much more value and enjoyment to those who participate if there were at least a sub forum where politically tinged comments would not be a cause for alarm. Just my thoughts for today.

[Muss Muggins]

There are many other forums for the content you suggest. Or feel free to start your own . . .

[cballman]

NOPE good wholesome family fun here. That is why I come and lurk and learn. If you want politics go to Washington or somewhere else. I dont talk politics at work either. I and many others want a place to go to get away from it. Beside this is a private forum. The Big Gorilla is the one who owns and operates it. HIS rules are the GOLDEN ones. I will get flamed for this but "If you dont like his RULES and FORUM, Good bye.

[BigBill]

I can't say nothing, I'm on the lamb I have points. I'm sorry, Truely sorry if I offended anyone I didn't mean it that way.

This is a great forum, and I agree we must have rules and guidelines to avoid total kaos.

[MWark]

I am one that is not at all uncomfortable or insecure when it come to discussing any topic, thus I am somewhat sympathetic to your view.
However the owner is the one that make the rules, simple as that. I don't necessarily agree with the restrictions but I completely support his right to implement them. (I wonder it this thread will get shut down? ) :-)

[Skeet 028]

I sometimes think that the forum is too politically correct and restrictive on politically based subjects.... then I remember why I keep coming back. It is a great place to come with no arguing...aaahhhh

[soFlaNative]

Originally Posted by BigBill

I can't say nothing, I'm on the lamb I have points. I'm sorry, Truely sorry if I offended anyone I didn't mean it that way.

There is probably a forum somewhere for that kind of activity.
Too many rules? I'm a paying guest here, how I feel should not matter.

[diamonback68]

I question why the OP finds it necessary to trend towards forbidden topics here knowing they are forbidden? This forum is about, for and around guns mainly and there are dozens of forums where you can go and "duke it out" on religion, politics etc. Trust me this place would NOT "be of more value and enjoyment" allowing the taboo topics.

[BigBill]

I do wish we had a open forum on politics as who is pro gun and who is anti gun. This can affect gun manufacturers and gun sales. If we pro gun people could all unite on the same page it's possible to swing votes in the pro gun favor. It can be a win/win for all of us.

[BigBill]

Originally Posted by soFlaNative

There is probably a forum somewhere for that kind of activity.
Too many rules? I'm a paying guest here, how I feel should not matter.

No I made a comment in the spur of the moment that I would never say. Even in fun I was wrong.

[arjay]

I like it the way it is.There are countless forums and facebook pages where people can argue endlessly about anything.And they do

[Krell1]

I believe it's a learning curve on this forum. I've received points for some of what I've said but, over time, I've learned the rules and have been point free for quite a while. It's a great forum to discuss what we all love about Smith and Wesson. The success of the forum shows just how popular our S&W firearms are. The lounge exists to talk about other interesting topics and occasional humor. Great place to ask questions about other topics. I probably lurk more than comment and the information I'm able to get is sometimes very valuable. Keep it clean and non-political and we'll all do just fine.

[diamonback68]

I can here to enjoy and learn. Two of the "joys" here are peace and tranquility.

[mxbob]

I like it just fine, no change needed.
Bob Ray 1815

[5-Shot]

I have seen other great forums (fora?) blow apart and die when they became contentious and divided. The mods are making sure that doesn't happen here. More power to 'em.

Ed

[tomtheturner]

This place is a great place to visit. I come here for education on S&Ws, other guns, and to just pass a little time reading enjoyable posts. The fact that it is an enjoyable place to come did not happen by accident. It takes a lot of time and effort to keep this place running as it is. Politics could easily become a topic that would change the overall nature. My vote is to leave every thing as is! There are plenty of places to go where you may discuss topics that are banned here.

[ParadiseRoad]

...don't discuss politics or religion with anyone that you want to remain friends with...if you think the rules are rigid here...go over to the Colt Forum...the entire Lounge section here...would be 86ed over there for being off topic...they would probably even OPEN FIRE on the Drift Thread...

...P.S...I really appreciate the fact that there are places to have off topic fun on this forum...I think it adds to rather than detracts from the content...

[Fishslayer]

Originally Posted by Muss Muggins

There are many other forums for the content you suggest. Or feel free to start your own . . .

^^^ This. And this is coming from somebody who has been dinged more than once...

[pawngal]

I like this forum just the way it is. I read the rules and watch what I say so no problem.

I have been on numerous boards that had no rules and they usually imploded within months. I've been bashed, harassed & stalked elsewhere and I don't like it.

[Absalom]

Originally Posted by BigBill

I do wish we had a open forum on politics as who is pro gun and who is anti gun. This can affect gun manufacturers and gun sales. If we pro gun people could all unite on the same page it's possible to swing votes in the pro gun favor. It can be a win/win for all of us.

Most other gun forums have that, and it is never a win/win. The way political discussions develop is not suitable to swing votes. The opposite inevitably happens and the tone gets more aggressive and less welcoming to divergent opinions as a thread on a political topic develops. And the type you propose specifically tends to turn into really ugly politician-bashing, with people just wallowing in the chance to use the kind of gutter language they can't use when the wife and kids are around.

I commend the moderators of this forum for keeping a tight lid on things. Occasionally I disagree with where the line between political and historical is drawn, but that's always a judgment call. Generally, the atmosphere in this forum (together with the Colt form which is also strictly policed) is vastly more civilized and productive than in some others where I occasionally sneak in for a bit of info but never hang out.

[Kanewpadle]

I think we should look at it from Lee's point of view and that of his moderators.

I was a moderator on a non gun related forum several years ago. It was a free for all. We had no topics that were forbidden. It took an incredible amount of time to "babysit" the same members who constantly wanted to argue because they thought that the whole world needed to hear what they had to say.

And there are just some topics which don't need to be discussed in public.

If you look at the forum statistics, on any given day the LOUNGE is by far the busiest. Could you imagine moderating another sub forum entitled "Political Discussion"? Especially knowing that each and every thread would need constant scrutiny? No thanks.

Our moderators are volunteers. They are gracious enough to do so. Asking them to deal with such a topic would be too much.

I've been "awarded" points here several times. But never for discussing politics. I read the posts and move on. I suggest others do the same. If you put your hand in the fire you deserve to be burned.

[dswancutt]

My rule of thumb, which has worked so far, is a modification of Bill Murray's line from Groundhog Day "Don't post angry, don't post angry"

[ClayCow]

Well. I think this place is stricter than most. While ive been awarded points in other places and then quit because of its ridiculousness, I have stayed on here. I think it was actually unfair too because I was arguing against the mods views and then I got an infraction. Just seema like a conflict of interest, but heck, I dont own the company and they can do what they want. If i dont like it,ill leave.

[ClayCow]

Originally Posted by dswancutt

My rule of thumb, which has worked so far, is a modification of Bill Murray's line from Groundhog Day "Don't post angry, don't post angry"

Ive had aome infractions for posting angrily, but ive been infractdd more often than not for things which were misinterpreted and not posted angrily.

Heck on one forum this guys name was oldman. I wrote old man and it was interpreted as condescending.

[dswancutt]

I have to agree with Kanewpadle on a political forum. It would require constant attention from the moderators and end up with a lot of people with time outs or worse. It would be like a medieval fiefdom with every disagreement ending up where someones honor had been besmirched, and both parties demanding satisfaction in blood. Count me out, too much of that drama in real life.

[RobertJ.]

Originally Posted by vito

I fully understand and accept that the owners of this forum have the right to make whatever rules they deem best.

If this is truly the case, why the question?

They (the Owner and his Moderators) are doing their best to keep this place civilized and friendly, and compared to other forums, are doing a fantastic job!

The subjects that have been banned have all proven time and again to bring out the worst in people. Heck, I think banned topics should include Bigfoot, OC vs. CC, and the .380 ACP as a defensive cartridge!

[VM]

Originally Posted by vito

Are the rules too rigid on this forum?

Just posting this thread might get me into trouble, but here goes...

I have been warned and suspended in the past because some of my posts

I needed a good laugh today - thanks!

[snubbyfan]

Open carry or concealed carry?

[32flyingk9]

I need a bear gun...any suggestions?

[Comrad]

Isn't there an old saying, "an armed society is a polite society"

Seems to me, we're mostly all armed here and that means we're also polite.

You don't mess with the man with no eyes Luke!!!

[federali]

I too prefer the forum free of topics that might tend to turn forum members against each other. Not too long ago, I didn't fully understand the parameters of a particular sub-forum. Somebody came down unnecessarily hard on me with the result that I no longer post in or support that particular sub forum.

[BC38]

The only section rules I have any objection to are those for the classifieds section.

Getting infracted and or suspended for asking a question about something being advertised or making a suggestion to a newby to post pictures of something they're selling seems a bit draconian to me. I understand the idea and reason behind allowing no "chatter", but asking for info that someone has glaringly omitted - info that benefits anyone reading the ad - doesn't deserve a smackdown IMO.
FWIW.

[kthom]

I like it just fine here! I am here by invitation and choice and I can leave the same way. Here, the rules are clearly posted and we are often encouraged to read them. I've had a couple of communications from the head shed when I failed to keep the clearly posted rules fresh in my mind. No one to blame but myself!

I like it when the rules are clearly posted and quickly enforced. Reminds me to be on my best behavior! Without the enforcement, the rules ain't worth a pinch of dried up monkey manure. I've spent a lot of time on a lot of forums over the years. The owner here and his volunteers ain't perfect, but they come awful close, IMO. I'm glad to be here, and I am still here by my own choice. That's the best recommendation I can give.

[s&wchad]

It's nice to know where people stand.

If you've been dinged a dozen times (no exaggeration) for posting banned topics, you need to get with the program or take it elsewhere. Voicing your complaints in public is a bit over the top.

Our classifieds are free, but we do expect you to comply with our rules and review them when reminded. If you can't deal with it here, ebay would be happy to take your 13% and they're a lot stricter than we are.

These may be helpful:

General rules:

The following topics are BANNED on this Board:
Abortion
Religion
Racial issues
Gay rights/homosexuality
General LEO bashing
Political Discussion and Comment

This is from the classifieds:

NO extraneous posts!
The ONLY allowable posted reply to an ad is "I'll take it".
Ask questions, request additional photos and offer advice by PM or email, not in the ad thread.

Feel free to send me a PM if you have suggestions on how we can state things more clearly.