Political Forum Update

[Nucky]

Any news on the progress for The New Improved Political Site? Just wondering? I have a few things that I would like to discuss on TOTV'S that are Political. No hurry, no big deal. :ohdear:

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Old 01-01-2018, 03:18 PM
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Default Political Forum Notice
Political Forums Notice

TalkofTheVillages.com

TalkofTheVillages.com would like to wish everyone a safe, happy and healthy New Year!

There is a forum dedicated to political discussions that users have to opt into in order to view them. Due to the 'nature' of politics we only have less than .5% of all users subscribed to them. The other 99.5% do not.

Due to some programming and development updates that need to be done the Political Forum will be closed for an unspecified amount of time as these development improvements will take a back seat to the enhancements and upgrades scheduled that server the 99.5% of TOTV users. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Reminder: This does NOT mean that political comments are now allowed on the general forums they are not. Users who violate this rule will be subject to infractions issued against user account and further actions including account suspension and banning.

This would include but not be limited to reference(s) to a political party, political individual, or political topic. Moderators and Administrators retain the right to use their discretion and any politically related or implied thread or post will be removed.

[ColdNoMore]

I'm guessing there's no plan or intent...on resurrecting it. :shrug:

[Taltarzac725]

They need an impartial moderator who knows the usual posters on the Political Forum and will keep them from figuratively biting each others ears off like a Mills Lane in the Tyson/Holyfield fight.

[rivaridger1]

I did not go to the political forum much and was often surprised by the extreme bias and hatred expressed whenever I did. Little could be discussed rationally without the threads being hijacked by individuals with views so far out of the mainstream they shouted and screamed just for the pleasure they derived by doing so. If the political forum returns it needs to be moderated to hold down the babble and allow intelligent discourse to proceed. No, I am not anti free speech and enjoy a good argument as long people are willing to listen to each other and not rely on name calling and worse to express their views.

[justjim]

Political Forum, in its previous format, was giving TOTV a poor reputation in my opinion. If you want civil discussions, it became increasingly clear that it had to be monitored for personal attacks. Personal, even vulgar attacks, is not what TOTV is about.......

[Polar Bear]

I totally agree with rivaridger1 and justjim

[Chi-Town]

This is a much happier place without it.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

[Barefoot]

If the political forum returns it needs to be moderated to hold down the babble and allow intelligent discourse to proceed.
Since only .5% of TOTVers use the political forum, and most of us never go there,
I think it would be a waste of the Moderators' time and patience to moderate the forum.

[tomwed]

If someone enjoys debating politics there are other places to go.

Did anyone find a good place they could share?

Would this work?

Just Plain Politics! - Political Debate Forums (https://www.justplainpolitics.com/forum.php)

[Bucco]

If someone enjoys debating politics there are other places to go.

Did anyone find a good place they could share?

Would this work?

Just Plain Politics! - Political Debate Forums (https://www.justplainpolitics.com/forum.php)

Debate Politics Forums (https://www.debatepolitics.com/)

PoliticalForum.com - Forum for US and Intl Politics (http://www.politicalforum.com/index.php)

And your suggestion would work for sure.

[Bucco]

If someone enjoys debating politics there are other places to go.

Did anyone find a good place they could share?

Would this work?

Just Plain Politics! - Political Debate Forums (https://www.justplainpolitics.com/forum.php)

I agree, and will immediately allow and admit that I get sucked in, but on here, so many simply sneak the subjects, hide them with other things.

As I said, I have done the same things in response, but on the links I gave and the one you gave, you can relax, but most really get angry if you do not back up what you say.

[Taltarzac725]

I signed up for two of those but they seem kind of boring.

[Bucco]

I signed up for two of those but they seem kind of boring.

They are moderated and insist you stay on the subject. They are for discussion of politics, not people, not things that simply are not true. They frown on cartoons, and demeaning posts. They do not care what Villages you live in, where you are from or anything.

They deal with factual discussion for the most part.

If you want real political discussion then I do not know what to tell you.

[Taltarzac725]

They are moderated and insist you stay on the subject. They are for discussion of politics, not people, not things that simply are not true. They frown on cartoons, and demeaning posts. They do not care what Villages you live in, where you are from or anything.

They deal with factual discussion for the most part.

If you want real political discussion then I do not know what to tell you.

Just saying that they are kind of dull. Facebook is a lot more interesting for political discussion. And if you do not like one of the people jumping in on your discussion; you can just delete their posts from your Facebook page's purview.

A Talk of the Villages Political Forum reboot might be interesting but they should require some back-up for things that others might not believe. Like documentation of a reasonable nature.

[Rapscallion St Croix]

They need an impartial moderator who knows the usual posters on the Political Forum and will keep them from figuratively biting each others ears off like a Mills Lane in the Tyson/Holyfield fight.

I don't believe admins saw moderation as a problem.

[Nucky]

Those alternatives that were offered sound great. The original post today was the original notice from the Team that was rebuilding the site. I also had the same feeling that others have noted above and they are very valid in my opinion. The question was really to find out how they were progressing and if the site was, in fact, going to come back at all. The answers to this won't come quickly but it will come eventually, I know the Team has their hands full.

[Taltarzac725]

I don't believe admins saw moderation as a problem.

The Political Forum was full of illegal cyber bullying, racism, sexism, libel, and a great deal of hatred. It really needed to be moderated or shut down.

[Boomer]

I don't believe admins saw moderation as a problem.


“There’s the rub.” (sort of)

Rap, you oracle, you. Your response is classic.


My response: No matter what the political leanings, or leapings, of the owners of this site, I do not see how it could make good business sense to bring it back.

Any small business owner should know not to let politics enter in — unless said business is in the business of politics.

An online forum’s bottom line has to be about keeping advertisers and keeping posters. Maybe the identity crisis is over and TOTV has decided what to be — an especially necessary business decision in these highly divisive times.

We will see.

[billethkid]

If the political forum was such a small...SMALL...percentage and "nobody goes there" then just how does/did that SMALL give TOTV a "bad reputation".

Remember it was opt in....anybody that did not like what they saw or heard was not required to continue to visit and re-visit then continue to bad mouth how bad it was.

Opt in, plus sufficient warning given by TOTV about the content....some folks are amusing...like going to a X-X-X store and continuing to to go back.....right...it makes no sense...just like complaining about the content of the political forum......

unless there is an axe of a different kind to grind.

I say bring it back...with opt in...with a new rule to add...if one opts in and complains about the content the moderator(s) should opt them out and not allow opting back in.......for starters.

Also please remember that of that SMALL number that made up the political participants there were a single digit number of antagonists that most of us learned to ignore......I object to the general negative assignation of the political forum due to the disrespectful responses of the that few.

It is a shame with all that is going on in the world that affects or will affect many residents of TV, that we are unable to have a quorum in which to share thoughts and communicate......the few be IGNORED!!

[Miles42]

politics should be a no-no on this site. politics are personal as is religion. i have mine you have yours. no need to express either

[Barefoot]

It is a shame with all that is going on in the world that affects or will affect many residents of TV, that we are unable to have a quorum in which to share thoughts and communicate......the few be IGNORED!!I've thought about it, and I agree.
We should have some type of political forum, and it should definitely be "opt in".
But I wouldn't expect the Moderators to have the time or patience to moderate the political forum.

[Chi-Town]

If the political forum was such a small...SMALL...percentage and "nobody goes there" then just how does/did that SMALL give TOTV a "bad reputation".

Remember it was opt in....anybody that did not like what they saw or heard was not required to continue to visit and re-visit then continue to bad mouth how bad it was.

Opt in, plus sufficient warning given by TOTV about the content....some folks are amusing...like going to a X-X-X store and continuing to to go back.....right...it makes no sense...just like complaining about the content of the political forum......

unless there is an axe of a different kind to grind.

I say bring it back...with opt in...with a new rule to add...if one opts in and complains about the content the moderator(s) should opt them out and not allow opting back in.......for starters.

Also please remember that of that SMALL number that made up the political participants there were a single digit number of antagonists that most of us learned to ignore......I object to the general negative assignation of the political forum due to the disrespectful responses of the that few.

It is a shame with all that is going on in the world that affects or will affect many residents of TV, that we are unable to have a quorum in which to share thoughts and communicate......the few be IGNORED!!I have a cousin in Arizona who belongs to a fairly small political forum that an individual started. Discussions are kept civil and actual discourse takes place. But it is mostly composed of like minded individuals. Perhaps this is an opportunity you may want to consider.

How to Start a Forum: 6 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (https://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-Forum)




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[Mrs. Robinson]

They are moderated and insist you stay on the subject. They are for discussion of politics, not people, not things that simply are not true. They frown on cartoons, and demeaning posts. They do not care what Villages you live in, where you are from or anything.

They deal with factual discussion for the most part.

If you want real political discussion then I do not know what to tell you.

You don't know what to tell anyone because there is no such thing! :a040:

[Mrs. Robinson]

politics should be a no-no on this site. politics are personal as is religion. i have mine you have yours. no need to express either

Oh -- you mean like all the white crosses some people have on their front lawn??!?
:1rotfl:

[Nucky]

Can you imagine if the give and take in The Political Forum were as good as this thread has been so far? Things that are a hot subject just die out. The Walmart Cart Path, The Continuing Education Situation, The White Crosses, and the list goes on.

Our ideas on here are fantastic. I was ready to say forgetabouit after reading Boomers post yesterday and today am thinking the opposite after reading billethkid's post. The decision, after all, is not ours at all. The original post did make it sound like it was just a matter of time but also left an escape route if they decided not to crank it up again. Time will tell.

[Taltarzac725]

The problem with the TOTV Political Forum was the racism, sexism and criminal cyber bullying. This behavior is against the law in Florida and when crossing state lines. When there are criminal actions-- something against the law in FL and by Federal Statute-- then just ignoring the person or persons does not work especially when they are creative and find new ways of antagonizing their target.

And from the view count of some the threads on the Political Forum it looked like a lot more than just .5% of users of TOTV were looking at it. Most people on here never even post but they do read.

[Nucky]

The problem with the TOTV Political Forum was the racism, sexism and criminal cyber bullying. This behavior is against the law in Florida. When there are criminal actions-- something against the law in FL-- then just ignoring the person or persons does not work especially when they are creative and find new ways of antagonizing their target.

And from the view count of some the threads on the Political Forum it looked like a lot more than just .5% of users of TOTV were looking at it. Most people on here never even post but they do read.

The beauty of it Tal is that if the thread isn't opened then the content can't be threatening. The ignoring of a person or thread only works if a person doesn't take a peek.

[Kenswing]

Some people just used the Political forum to push their personal agenda and pet projects. It was also a great place for them to pad their post count and brag about having the post count lead..

[Taltarzac725]

The beauty of it Tal is that if the thread isn't opened then the content can't be threatening. The ignoring of a person or thread only works if a person doesn't take a peek.

How about overflow into the Regular Forum? I do not want to get into specifics but many people know what I am talking about with respect to one very glaring example of this last Fall through around February 5, 2018. And I could not take a pass on this as I ran the thing in question being used to bully by again anonymous posters.

If they bring the Political Forum back they should get rid of the anonymity. I cannot make a criminal complaint without some knowledge of the person doing the cyber bullying.

[Nucky]

How about overflow into the Regular Forum? I do not want to get into specifics but many people know what I am talking about with respect to one very glaring example of this last Fall through around February 5, 2018. And I could not take a pass on this as I ran the thing in question being used to bully by again anonymous posters.

If they bring the Political Forum back they should get rid of the anonymity. I cannot make a criminal complaint without some knowledge of the person doing the cyber bullying.

Just a thought. If it was bothering me that much I just would avoid it. I'm not going to beat a dead horse here. We all know the drill. There were times when I didn't look for a while. It is true that were are some knuckleheads on there do you think they went away? In my opinion, everyone on there had a bad day now and then. EVERYONE. I would rather discuss Political thoughts with people my own age in my community than those other Forums I looked at yesterday. I hope thing work out.

[Taltarzac725]

Just a thought. If it was bothering me that much I just would avoid it. I'm not going to beat a dead horse here. We all know the drill. There were times when I didn't look for a while. It is true that were are some knuckleheads on there do you think they went away? In my opinion, everyone on there had a bad day now and then. EVERYONE. I would rather discuss Political thoughts with people my own age in my community than those other Forums I looked at yesterday. I hope thing work out.

The horse is still alive, Nucky. Getting the views of people who live here in the Villages especially on politics would be useful. I am still on the young side but am well over 55 now. I have lived here in the Villages going on 13 years in June of 2018 (since 2005) And in Florida for 22 years as of July (since 1996).

[billethkid]

The problem with the TOTV Political Forum was the racism, sexism and criminal cyber bullying. This behavior is against the law in Florida and when crossing state lines. When there are criminal actions-- something against the law in FL and by Federal Statute-- then just ignoring the person or persons does not work especially when they are creative and find new ways of antagonizing their target.

And from the view count of some the threads on the Political Forum it looked like a lot more than just .5% of users of TOTV were looking at it. Most people on here never even post but they do read.

It is unfair to broad brush categorize "TOTV Political Forum" faults as a general trait of the political forum when what you are referring to was the disrespectful posting of some very few.
Aggravated by the continuous engaging of their disrespectful posts, when the very best method was/and still is to put those inconsiderate posters on ignore and do not engage......very simple solution.

[Taltarzac725]

It is unfair to broad brush categorize "TOTV Political Forum" faults as a general trait of the political forum when what you are referring to was the disrespectful posting of some very few.
Aggravated by the continuous engaging of their disrespectful posts, when the very best method was/and still is to put those inconsiderate posters on ignore and do not engage......very simple solution.

That is true that there were only a few very nasty posters whom I did try to ignore as much as possible. But who would soon find ways to get to me using the Regular Forum as a means to humiliate, insult, and aggravate serving no other purpose than a sick sadistic thrill for these people.

They would also put attacks on me in the Titles of threads which I had no way of not seeing because of how Talk of the Villages' index worked. I did have these people on IGNORE put still saw the Titles of their threads.

[ColdNoMore]

Those who used or read the Political Forum, know exactly the reasons...there hasn't been a rush to reinstate it.

Although it was totally voluntary, just like participation on TOTV in general, it was unmoderated and some people constantly whined that moderators should have been on hand...every time a post was made that they felt was a 'personal attack.' :oops:

Just imagine how much time, particularly since being a mod is an unpaid and voluntary position, a person would have to spend...trying to moderate that forum. :ohdear:

Having been a mod myself, on other sites, I can attest how much time & effort can sometimes be involved...dealing with 'problem children.'

And then of course, there were those that seemed to attract more than their fair share of personal attacks and were recipients of constant 'pile-ons'...when they expressed views counter to a certain group/clique. :D

Not that I would personally know, of course...anything about that. :1rotfl:

While I understand and respect TOTV's choice not to have it anymore...I do wish they would reconsider.

I think one way to minimize the concern of it reflecting poorly on TOTV, or The Villages in general, would be to put in some minimum requirements...before one can post in it.

1. Make it so that no one except TOTV members who have 'opted in' can see it (hide from general 'The Villages' searches).

2. Make it a requirement that a member have a minimum number of posts (25? 50? 100?) on the general forum...before even being allowed into the Political Forum.


However, it's my guess that the powers-that-be have decided that the headaches of receiving constant complaints/whining/threats of legal action...just wasn't/isn't worth the hassle. :shrug:

And who can really argue with them on that? :ho:

[Fraugoofy]

That is true that there were only a few very nasty posters whom I did try to ignore as much as possible. But who would soon find ways to get to me using the Regular Forum as a means to humiliate, insult, and aggravate serving no other purpose than a sick sadistic thrill for these people.

They would also put attacks on me in the Titles of threads which I had no way of not seeing because of how Talk of the Villages' index worked. I did have these people on IGNORE put still saw the Titles of their threads.And now we all know why the political forum went away. Enough said...

Sent from my SM-N920R4 using Tapatalk

[Bill32]

There is enough out there to aggravate me without trying to convert someone to my side.....I for one truly feel that at this time in our young republic it is a waste of time and energy......do you really think with the tremendous divide in our country today that a political discourse with someone on the left or right will move that person to the center?? I am all for a political forum on this blog, let people rant, let their frustrations out. It won't change anyone's thinking one iota but some people like the struggle anyway, so have fun...if you don't like it avoid the forum....simple...

[Taltarzac725]

There is enough out there to aggravate me without trying to convert someone to my side.....I for one truly feel that at this time in our young republic it is a waste of time and energy......do you really think with the tremendous divide in our country today that a political discourse with someone on the left or right will move that person to the center?? I am all for a political forum on this blog, let people rant, let their frustrations out. It won't change anyone's thinking one iota but some people like the struggle anyway, so have fun...if you don't like it avoid the forum....simple...

I changed some minds on the Political Forum of Talk of the Villages. It was very useful for reaching lurkers on Talk of the Villages. And all the hostility I encountered from about 15 posters must have been on account of something genuine. There were about 100 other posters on Talk of the Villages Political Forum who treated one another with respect.

The problem was a gang mentality among a group of posters who would target specific people-- often me-- and just keep attacking. Often dozens of attacks each day. And these people would sneak the animosity onto the Regular Forum as often as they could get away with. Often they did not get away with this hate.

[rivaridger1]

Do we really need a forum for " bigots " to express their views in anonymity ? That is what the Political Forum evolved into and what it will shortly become again if resurrected without moderation. Leave the forum rest in peace and let the bigotry die with those which espouse it.

[billethkid]

I changed some minds on the Political Forum of Talk of the Villages. It was very useful for reaching lurkers on Talk of the Villages. And all the hostility I encountered from about 15 posters must have been on account of something genuine. There were about 100 other posters on Talk of the Villages Political Forum who treated one another with respect.

The problem was a gang mentality among a group of posters who would target specific people-- often me-- and just keep attacking. Often dozens of attacks each day. And these people would sneak the animosity onto the Regular Forum as often as they could get away with. Often they did not get away with this hate.

The only reason the few posters persist is they know full well you will pursue their every word and counter.
You know what fishermen do when there are no bites at the bait they provide? They move on.

"Gangs" conveys some sort of coordination or cohesiveness. I do not think that is the case on the political forum. In my opinion, the few antagonists do nothing more than pile on when they see a gullible/culpable opportunity.

Countering/challenging/highlighting/re-iterating what they said or say only lends undeserved credence to their shallow commentary. They win every time the respondent engages.

[TOTV Team]

Thanks for the feedback and know we read these threads and take into consideration all the input given by everyone.

Best Regards,

TOTV Team