Thank you, Admin/Moderator …

[twinklesweep]

Thank you, Admin/Moderator, for closing down threads that consisted largely of political posts (that claimed not to be political).

Thank you for editing the political postings, or in some cases eliminating them altogether, in threads that had a legitimate point to be made but were often overridden by those with a political agenda.

Thank you for editing out the personal attacks and insults made by some TOTV members against others because of differing opinions/points of view, rather than their simply agreeing to disagree.

Thank you, as the owners of this website, for standing by some of your own rules. Rest assured there are members who appreciate this—and would appreciate even more your stated position—"We are implementing ‘posting bans’ of various lengths of time for conduct unbecoming a TOTV poster." Some posters just don’t know when to stop!

Thank you, that is, for mandating respect for the notice that you have appearing on every single page on TOTV: "Please note that political comments or references are not allowed on TOTV and can result in user account restrictions."

I would appreciate, as another poster suggested on a TOTV thread, that someone who cannot help but see absolutely everything solely in political terms start a website whose orientation is strictly politics. Then those who value politics above all else can have the field day they enjoy so much without intruding on the space of others who see life differently.

Once again, thank you!

[Golfingnut]

I second that emotion. I am such a sucker about getting pulled into those threads and find my blood pleasure off the charts. Race Religion and Politics always turns sour. I also take my hat off to Admin and the Monitors.

[twinklesweep]

I second that emotion. I am such a sucker about getting pulled into those threads and find my blood pleasure off the charts. Race Religion and Politics always turns sour. I also take my hat off to Admin and the Monitors.

Thank you for the second. But you must understand that if you are the "sucker" that you say you are, that is by your choice!!! We can all make the choice to ignore posters who foment flaming about race, religion, politics, and any other topics, for that matter--or if to comment on their postings, we can make the choice not to internalize them by giving these posters free space in our heads!

[Golfingnut]

Thank you for the second. But you must understand that if you are the "sucker" that you say you are, that is by your choice!!! We can all make the choice to ignore posters who foment flaming about race, religion, politics, and any other topics, for that matter--or if to comment on their postings, we can make the choice not to internalize them by giving these posters free space in our heads!

No I can not. As much as I wish, I do not have the ability not to take the bait. I first try to reason but just cannot do nothing as evidenced by my reply to this post.

[Arctic Fox]

Thank you, Admin/Moderator, for closing down threads that consisted largely of political posts...

I echo your sentiments, yet it does seem strange that, each time I log on to TOTV, I am met by a large paid advert exhorting me to "STOP RICK SCOTT'S VOTER PURGE!"

I guess money talks.

[Moderator]

I echo your sentiments, yet it does seem strange that, each time I log on to TOTV, I am met by a large paid advert exhorting me to "STOP RICK SCOTT'S VOTER PURGE!"

I guess money talks.

Thanks for your comments/feedback.

BTW, Arctic, some of the ads on the left column are generated by Google based on the content of the page. These are not TOTV sponsor ads.

[rp001]

Thank you, Admin/Moderator, for closing down threads that consisted largely of political posts (that claimed not to be political).

Thank you for editing the political postings, or in some cases eliminating them altogether, in threads that had a legitimate point to be made but were often overridden by those with a political agenda.

Thank you for editing out the personal attacks and insults made by some TOTV members against others because of differing opinions/points of view, rather than their simply agreeing to disagree.

Thank you, as the owners of this website, for standing by some of your own rules. Rest assured there are members who appreciate this—and would appreciate even more your stated position—"We are implementing ‘posting bans’ of various lengths of time for conduct unbecoming a TOTV poster." Some posters just don’t know when to stop!

Thank you, that is, for mandating respect for the notice that you have appearing on every single page on TOTV: "Please note that political comments or references are not allowed on TOTV and can result in user account restrictions."

I would appreciate, as another poster suggested on a TOTV thread, that someone who cannot help but see absolutely everything solely in political terms start a website whose orientation is strictly politics. Then those who value politics above all else can have the field day they enjoy so much without intruding on the space of others who see life differently.

Once again, thank you!

Thanks to Admin once again..Great Job

[gomoho]

I understand there are rules, but personally find talking about stretching lanais and who offers the best lawn service as rather boring. Respectful, intellectual give and take keeps us on our toes, makes us use our brains, and opens us to other ideas be it race, religion, sexual orientation or any other current event.

Please don't suggest I start my own website to discuss these things because I don't have the where-with-all to accomplish something like that and I appreciate sharing thoughts with my Village neighbors. I don't understand why the few who are offended don't exercise their right not to engage so the rest of us can engage. Just a thought of one humble Villager. I suppose this may be over the top???

[Arctic Fox]

BTW, Arctic, some of the ads on the left column are generated by Google based on the content of the page. These are not TOTV sponsor ads.


Noted - thank you for clarifying

[Irishmen]

I understand there are rules, but personally find talking about stretching lanais and who offers the best lawn service as rather boring. Respectful, intellectual give and take keeps us on our toes, makes us use our brains, and opens us to other ideas be it race, religion, sexual orientation or any other current event.

Please don't suggest I start my own website to discuss these things because I don't have the where-with-all to accomplish something like that and I appreciate sharing thoughts with my Village neighbors. I don't understand why the few who are offended don't exercise their right not to engage so the rest of us can engage. Just a thought of one humble Villager. I suppose this may be over the top???

I feel same way about topics this board has gotten old. A respectful conversation hearing different opinions from my own would be a fresh change.

[DaleMN]

I've been both the offended........and the offensive. I loved the political forum as much as it increased my blood pressure. :doh:

[billethkid]

not being able to discuss those things that affect our every day lives, or inform others of the pluses and minuses of local, state and federal issues is no less a need as where to get one's hair cut or lawn mowed.

Even when political was an "opt" in option, there were those who would opt in and then turn around and complain to the administration about their view/interpretation of what was being said or how. Add to that the very, very few who did not respect the rules of civility and the political forum was closed.

Fortunately there are other forums with current events policies to allow political participation.

I am still an advocate of a political forum here on TOTV with an opt in and a disclaimer to "enter at one's own risk". I recognize this is easier said than done.

I never could understand why those who dislike the subject so very much, never took the easy option....don't go in and read what you do not like.

Anyway it is what it is.....to each his own (to a point that is!).

btk

[graciegirl]

I feel same way about topics this board has gotten old. A respectful conversation hearing different opinions from my own would be a fresh change.

At one time I too was against the political exchanges on this forum. There were a couple of personalities that no longer post that were so full of disdain, and so bitter that it almost made my jaws ache from clenching my teeth.

In the recent for some reason allowed political discussions I found that both sides for the most part showed respect and were able to present their view as if they were present in the room. I found myself listening with my brain and my heart to what they had to say. I find that I agree with gomoho that we elders do have a lot of accrued knowledge and experience that makes us somewhat experts on life and living and how things "should" be done. I was surprised at many views and wondered to myself why anyone would hold them and then began to form opinions on that as well.

I don't know if I learned anything about issues but I learned a great deal about people, the good, the bad and the ugly and I also learned a lot about what people call short sightedness and hatred and most of all I learned a lot about patience. I don't know if I learned any new answers but I found a whole lot of new questions.

I learned to like some folks on both sides more and some far less.

Just my two cents.

Waiting for a penny change please.

[twinklesweep]

I understand there are rules, but personally find talking about stretching lanais and who offers the best lawn service as rather boring. Respectful, intellectual give and take keeps us on our toes, makes us use our brains, and opens us to other ideas be it race, religion, sexual orientation or any other current event.

Please don't suggest I start my own website to discuss these things because I don't have the where-with-all to accomplish something like that and I appreciate sharing thoughts with my Village neighbors. I don't understand why the few who are offended don't exercise their right not to engage so the rest of us can engage. Just a thought of one humble Villager. I suppose this may be over the top???

Might I suggest to you the very thing you suggest to others? If you are not interested in the daily, and yes often routine, issues that Villagers deal with (your examples being stretching lanais and lawn services), then you to can choose not to read those threads. Or if you are completely "bored" by TOTV without a political forum, then you are certainly free to drop out rather than continue to be "bored"! There were many people that I saw who were very active and contributed very positively to TOTV who are no longer on the forum--and this was their right too.

And if you personally are not in a position to create a Villages political discussion website, you might wish to get together with a group of like-minded neighbors, and maybe as as a group you can accomplish what you individually feel you are not able to. I am sure it would be a welcome addition to websites for and about Villagers, and there is certainly nothing "over the top" about it.


not being able to discuss those things that affect our every day lives, or inform others of the pluses and minuses of local, state and federal issues is no less a need as where to get one's hair cut or lawn mowed.

Even when political was an "opt" in option, there were those who would opt in and then turn around and complain to the administration about their view/interpretation of what was being said or how. Add to that the very, very few who did not respect the rules of civility and the political forum was closed.

Fortunately there are other forums with current events policies to allow political participation.

I am still an advocate of a political forum here on TOTV with an opt in and a disclaimer to "enter at one's own risk". I recognize this is easier said than done.

I never could understand why those who dislike the subject so very much, never took the easy option....don't go in and read what you do not like.

Anyway it is what it is.....to each his own (to a point that is!).

btk

I do not disagree with this at all. I too thought the "opt in" political forum was a great idea. However, TOTV is a private organization, and if its owners have taken this position--"Please note that political comments or references are not allowed on TOTV and can result in user account restrictions"--they are certainly within their rights. And when there was the "opt in" political forum and some who opted in complained about what was being said--and I must assume (this is very important!) that the complaints had to do with content and not personal insults and attacks--then that would have to be left as the problem of the complainers! However, there is no point in pursuing this, since there is no political forum....

I would suggest you and others in favor of a political forum to re-read my OP. My objection--and my gratitude to the owners of TOTV--stems not from a fair discussion of significant topics, even those that have nothing to do with TV (or perhaps do only remotely as they would do to anywhere in the country) but rather from at best the violation of the "no politics" rule of the owners of TOTV--and at worst from the personal, abusive, insulting attacks on those with differing views that certainly existed in the threads that I commend the Admin/Moderator for removing!

[graciegirl]

Might I suggest to you the very thing you suggest to others? If you are not interested in the daily, and yes often routine, issues that Villagers deal with (your examples being stretching lanais and lawn services), then you to can choose not to read those threads. Or if you are completely "bored" by TOTV without a political forum, then you are certainly free to drop out rather than continue to be "bored"! There were many people that I saw who were very active and contributed very positively to TOTV who are no longer on the forum--and this was their right too.

And if you personally are not in a position to create a Villages political discussion website, you might wish to get together with a group of like-minded neighbors, and maybe as as a group you can accomplish what you individually feel you are not able to. I am sure it would be a welcome addition to websites for and about Villagers, and there is certainly nothing "over the top" about it.




I do not disagree with this at all. I too thought the "opt in" political forum was a great idea. However, TOTV is a private organization, and if its owners have taken this position--"Please note that political comments or references are not allowed on TOTV and can result in user account restrictions"--they are certainly within their rights. And when there was the "opt in" political forum and some who opted in complained about what was being said--and I must assume (this is very important!) that the complaints had to do with content and not personal insults and attacks--then that would have to be left as the problem of the complainers! However, there is no point in pursuing this, since there is no political forum....

I would suggest you and others in favor of a political forum to re-read my OP. My objection--and my gratitude to the owners of TOTV--stems not from a fair discussion of significant topics, even those that have nothing to do with TV (or perhaps do only remotely as they would do to anywhere in the country) but rather from at best the violation of the "no politics" rule of the owners of TOTV--and at worst from the personal, abusive, insulting attacks on those with differing views that certainly existed in the threads that I commend the Admin/Moderator for removing!

On what topic/s were the posts or thread removed?

I missed this whole storm somehow?

I hope I didn't cause the problem.

[ijusluvit]

not being able to discuss those things that affect our every day lives, or inform others of the pluses and minuses of local, state and federal issues is no less a need as where to get one's hair cut or lawn mowed.

Even when political was an "opt" in option, there were those who would opt in and then turn around and complain to the administration about their view/interpretation of what was being said or how. Add to that the very, very few who did not respect the rules of civility and the political forum was closed.

Fortunately there are other forums with current events policies to allow political participation.

I am still an advocate of a political forum here on TOTV with an opt in and a disclaimer to "enter at one's own risk". I recognize this is easier said than done.

I never could understand why those who dislike the subject so very much, never took the easy option....don't go in and read what you do not like.

Anyway it is what it is.....to each his own (to a point that is!).

btk

I, for one, often disagreed with your posts when we had a political forum. But they were thoughtful and sincere. The sincerity sometimes had emotional content, and I think people often misinterpret emotion about an issue as anger expressed toward another poster. I think I saw the difference between those two motives and successfully avoided personal attacks.

I miss the exchange of sincere, heartfelt and emotional thoughts about issues which are very important to all of us. I miss the perspective on these things which came largely from retired folks like myself.

So, this time btk, I couldn't agree more with your post. Good job.

[JB in TV]

By becoming a member of this site, we all agreed to the forum guidelines. I recently posted a thread where it sounded like I was criticizing the admin/mods for allowing political threads. Quite the contrary, I was more commenting on the fact that we (the members and posters) often get involved in what seem to be political discussions.

Many of us first came to this site to have a question answered about The Villages, as we contemplated our decisions to get involved in the Villages Lifestyle, others found it by accident when looking for something to help them once they became Villagers (landscapers, lanai extensions, etc). The site provides a lot of different things to a lot of different people.

I wasn't here when the political discussions were allowed, so I can't comment on the disagreements and how all that went down.

There are always those in life who want to stir things up, and others who let themselves get "stirred".

And then there are those who are just very passionate about their beliefs.

It's not easy being a moderator...trust me....

The staff here does a great job. I echo the OPs comment....Thank you, Admin/Moderator.

[cbg150]

Civil discussion and respectful disagreement with one's neighbors is the very essence of what it means to live in a democratic society. When did we become so fearful of discourse? Perhaps we are stuck in this polarized society because everybody is so wary to share one's principles and listen to (and try to understand) their neighbors convictions too. Politics is not evil, close-mindedness is.

Sent from my KFJWI using Tapatalk 2

[ilovetv]

Civil discussion and respectful disagreement with one's neighbors is the very essence of what it means to live in a democratic society. When did we become so fearful of discourse? Perhaps we are stuck in this polarized society because everybody is so wary to share one's principles and listen to (and try to understand) their neighbors convictions too. Politics is not evil, close-mindedness is.

Sent from my KFJWI using Tapatalk 2

BRAVO!!!

I wouldn't say that the close-mindedness is "evil".....if somebody wants to live only in their stubborn head that wants to hear only their own opinion, they have a right to be such.

To me the problem of close-mindedness is that it deprives a person of fact and reality that can change their life and society's, opening up all kinds of possibilities for interaction and constructive exchange, conversation and involvement with others.

[Villages PL]

No I can not. As much as I wish, I do not have the ability not to take the bait.

I appreciate your honesty. I think it speaks for most of us and is therefore refreshing. Ahhhh!

Even when I start a thread myself, sometimes people will come along and try to bait me into moving in an unintended direction. They sometimes go so far as to air grievances based on things they think I said in previous threads. And I don't think the moderators have time to police it all. They often let it get totally out of hand and then when someone complains, they shut it down. (I guess I'm not going to get any brownie points here.)......:)

[Villages PL]

I understand there are rules, but personally find talking about stretching lanais and who offers the best lawn service as rather boring. Respectful, intellectual give and take keeps us on our toes, makes us use our brains, and opens us to other ideas be it race, religion, sexual orientation or any other current event.

Please don't suggest I start my own website to discuss these things because I don't have the where-with-all to accomplish something like that and I appreciate sharing thoughts with my Village neighbors. I don't understand why the few who are offended don't exercise their right not to engage so the rest of us can engage. Just a thought of one humble Villager. I suppose this may be over the top???

The thoughts you expressed are at the top of my approval list. They're at the top but not "over the top".

[Bucco]

[/COLOR]

On what topic/s were the posts or thread removed?

I missed this whole storm somehow?

I hope I didn't cause the problem.

My lousy unwanted two cents worth.

I have been on this forum either at the beginning of the forum or certainly very close to the beginning.

Political discussion was part and parcel of everyday conversation on the aboard. Then, as I recall, someone wanted to bring a horse track to The Villages. The admin set up a special section for this discussion as it prompted mucho interest. It became political as a group leaning one way was for and a group leaning the other was against.

This brought many new folks to TOTV and when the horse racing discussion ended they stayed. Politics was part of the board with no private spot.

Many of those who joined TOTV at that time were smart, aggressive and well read on politics. Lots of high spirited debates ensued.

I guess from here on should be considered my opinion. Up front, as a result of the more aggressive posting, a number of us who were "old timers" were asked privately by the admin if we felt the experience on here was worst, same or better the other political discussion boards we visited. My response was it was not bad, and in my opinion it wasn't.

At this point, and again my opinion, some posters began to use the "complaint" method with the admin and it got to be a workload, plus, and this I will never understand other posters on TOTV complained of being "exposed" to political discussions......why, someone will Ned to explain to me. If I am offended by ANY THREAD OR DISCUSSION, I don't read it.

Anyway,so it went private to resolve this issue,and a number of posters were thrown off the board. One problem I might mention is THAT MANY OR MOST CAME BACK...STILL COME BACK WITH MODIFIED NAMES.

The political forum,WHICH REMEMBER REQUIRED YOU TO TAKE STEPS TO EVEN VIEW,was, IN MY OPINION, then "hijacked" by a faction who actually teamed up and had strategies on posting. They would surge the board.

Unlike the original members, IN MY OPINION, these were not well read informed folks, but those who had ties to parties and groups and thus, they were NEVER INDIVIDUAL POSTERS,at least not in the traditional sense.

The demands the admin time by those not discussing but plying a strategy became it appears a real strain.

A political discussion, by its very nature is high spirited and can become personal. I found posters a few years ago to have sharp tongues at times, but not sufficient for some of the actions that we're happening at the end.

I support political discussion,however if there is No way to control those who are not here to discuss and the demands are that high then so be it.

BUT PLEASE explain the effect the political discussions in a private signin area has on anyone besides those who want to agree to become a part ?

[Golfingnut]

Might I suggest to you the very thing you suggest to others? If you are not interested in the daily, and yes often routine, issues that Villagers deal with (your examples being stretching lanais and lawn services), then you to can choose not to read those threads. Or if you are completely "bored" by TOTV without a political forum, then you are certainly free to drop out rather than continue to be "bored"! There were many people that I saw who were very active and contributed very positively to TOTV who are no longer on the forum--and this was their right too.

And if you personally are not in a position to create a Villages political discussion website, you might wish to get together with a group of like-minded neighbors, and maybe as as a group you can accomplish what you individually feel you are not able to. I am sure it would be a welcome addition to websites for and about Villagers, and there is certainly nothing "over the top" about it.


I do not disagree with this at all. I too thought the "opt in" political forum was a great idea. However, TOTV is a private organization, and if its owners have taken this position--"Please note that political comments or references are not allowed on TOTV and can result in user account restrictions"--they are certainly within their rights. And when there was the "opt in" political forum and some who opted in complained about what was being said--and I must assume (this is very important!) that the complaints had to do with content and not personal insults and attacks--then that would have to be left as the problem of the complainers! However, there is no point in pursuing this, since there is no political forum....

I would suggest you and others in favor of a political forum to re-read my OP. My objection--and my gratitude to the owners of TOTV--stems not from a fair discussion of significant topics, even those that have nothing to do with TV (or perhaps do only remotely as they would do to anywhere in the country) but rather from at best the violation of the "no politics" rule of the owners of TOTV--and at worst from the personal, abusive, insulting attacks on those with differing views that certainly existed in the threads that I commend the Admin/Moderator for removing!

Bingo, Well said and I agree 100%

[JB in TV]

Bucco, thanks for the very clear and thoughtful explanation. I agree with your comment that if one is offended by a thread or discussion, that person should not read it. For some folks, that can be easier to say than do. Forums can be very addicting.

I have no idea how many staff TOTV has, but to offer a political discussion area would likely require more staff.

[Golfingnut]

I appreciate your honesty. I think it speaks for most of us and is therefore refreshing. Ahhhh!

Even when I start a thread myself, sometimes people will come along and try to bait me into moving in an unintended direction. They sometimes go so far as to air grievances based on things they think I said in previous threads. And I don't think the moderators have time to police it all. They often let it get totally out of hand and then when someone complains, they shut it down. (I guess I'm not going to get any brownie points here.)......:)

Thank you. I know where I stand on so many issues and they are just too liberal for some folks and when challenged negatively, TO MY FAULT, I would fall into that trap and open my big mouth too wide and get in trouble with Admin. Admin has been more than tolerant with members with both points of view, but when it got crazy they did what needed to be done and shut it down. I know I see more members posting now and more TOTV supporters placing ads. I say with my most sincere honest opinion, that I have NO CLUE what race, political affiliation, Gender or age any of the Moderators or Admin are. That is amazing to me how neutral they are. :BigApplause:

[graciegirl]

My lousy unwanted two cents worth.

I have been on this forum either at the beginning of the forum or certainly very close to the beginning.

Political discussion was part and parcel of everyday conversation on the aboard. Then, as I recall, someone wanted to bring a horse track to The Villages. The admin set up a special section for this discussion as it prompted mucho interest. It became political as a group leaning one way was for and a group leaning the other was against.

This brought many new folks to TOTV and when the horse racing discussion ended they stayed. Politics was part of the board with no private spot.

Many of those who joined TOTV at that time were smart, aggressive and well read on politics. Lots of high spirited debates ensued.

I guess from here on should be considered my opinion. Up front, as a result of the more aggressive posting, a number of us who were "old timers" were asked privately by the admin if we felt the experience on here was worst, same or better the other political discussion boards we visited. My response was it was not bad, and in my opinion it wasn't.

At this point, and again my opinion, some posters began to use the "complaint" method with the admin and it got to be a workload, plus, and this I will never understand other posters on TOTV complained of being "exposed" to political discussions......why, someone will Ned to explain to me. If I am offended by ANY THREAD OR DISCUSSION, I don't read it.

Anyway,so it went private to resolve this issue,and a number of posters were thrown off the board. One problem I might mention is THAT MANY OR MOST CAME BACK...STILL COME BACK WITH MODIFIED NAMES.

The political forum,WHICH REMEMBER REQUIRED YOU TO TAKE STEPS TO EVEN VIEW,was, IN MY OPINION, then "hijacked" by a faction who actually teamed up and had strategies on posting. They would surge the board.

Unlike the original members, IN MY OPINION, these were not well read informed folks, but those who had ties to parties and groups and thus, they were NEVER INDIVIDUAL POSTERS,at least not in the traditional sense.

The demands the admin time by those not discussing but plying a strategy became it appears a real strain.

A political discussion, by its very nature is high spirited and can become personal. I found posters a few years ago to have sharp tongues at times, but not sufficient for some of the actions that we're happening at the end.

I support political discussion,however if there is No way to control those who are not here to discuss and the demands are that high then so be it.

BUT PLEASE explain the effect the political discussions in a private signin area has on anyone besides those who want to agree to become a part ?

I think that what you say has merit. I wonder why some discussions are allowed to stand and others not in the present time.

[JP]

Thank you to the moderator for keeping us all civil and on task to answering the current post.

[Bucco]

I think that what you say has merit. I wonder why some discussions are allowed to stand and others not in the present time.

I think it is a moderator/admin to decide. It appears that each have their own way of looking at things.

I can accept what ever. My criticisms are on things I do not understand and therefore cannot speak to intelligently.

1. How or why are banned posters allowed back on the board ?

2. Why does the opinion of non participating members carry ANY WEIGHT whatsoever ?

Again, these are my questions and PLEASE be aware.....I do not have a clue what is involved in running the board.

[janmcn]

I think that what you say has merit. I wonder why some discussions are allowed to stand and others not in the present time.


IMO whether a discussion is political or not is highly subjective which is left to the moderators to determine. One person might consider it a lively discussion while another person deems it too political. As members, we have to abide by the rules of the forum.

[Barefoot]

I understand there are rules, but personally find talking about stretching lanais and who offers the best lawn service as rather boring. Respectful, intellectual give and take keeps us on our toes, makes us use our brains, and opens us to other ideas be it race, religion, sexual orientation or any other current event.

Please don't suggest I start my own website to discuss these things because I don't have the where-with-all to accomplish something like that and I appreciate sharing thoughts with my Village neighbors. I don't understand why the few who are offended don't exercise their right not to engage so the rest of us can engage. Just a thought of one humble Villager. I suppose this may be over the top???

Gomoho ... I totally agree with your comments. I personally found the Political Forum to be interesting and educational. And I felt the sensibilities of other members were protected by making it an Opt In Forum.

But sadly, it's water over the bridge. Of course the Owners of the business called TOTV have the absolute right to make any rules they wish. Unfortunately we lost some good members with sharp minds when the Forum closed its doors.

[ilovetv]

No I can not. As much as I wish, I do not have the ability not to take the bait. I first try to reason but just cannot do nothing as evidenced by my reply to this post.

I understand inability to resist "taking the bait". But here is what many of us do not understand:

When the political forum was allowed, it was by choice that a viewer or commentor here subscribed to that forum. When a person did not subscribe to the political forum, the political threads did not show up in the view of a person who did not subscribe to political.

Therefore, if you did not subscribe, there was no bait to see, much less take. The answer was in not subscribing. I don't see how that is a problem to those who don't want to take the bait but can't resist.

[gomoho]

I would be interested in seeing some numbers on how many people view and then post on "non Village discussion" threads vs Village discussion threads. If you just look at this one you can see it has raised a lot of interest.

[CFrance]

I wonder... TOTV is a business, after all. Could some of the sponsors have objected to the content of the political forum? If Bucco is right and groups were getting together to push a certain political agenda, some sponsors could have been concerned about affiliating themselves with that.

Just a theory; I have no facts.

[Golfingnut]

I understand inability to resist "taking the bait". But here is what many of us do not understand:

When the political forum was allowed, it was by choice that a viewer or commentor here subscribed to that forum. When a person did not subscribe to the political forum, the political threads did not show up in the view of a person who did not subscribe to political.

Therefore, if you did not subscribe, there was no bait to see, much less take. The answer was in not subscribing. I don't see how that is a problem to those who don't want to take the bait but can't resist.

I agree, if you don't want to be involved in something, don't do it. I for one loved Political.

[Golfingnut]

I wonder... TOTV is a business, after all. Could some of the sponsors have objected to the content of the political forum? If Bucco is right and groups were getting together to push a certain political agenda, some sponsors could have been concerned about affiliating themselves with that.

Just a theory; I have no facts.

Hummm. Good point and I bet your correct.

[ilovetv]

I wonder... TOTV is a business, after all. Could some of the sponsors have objected to the content of the political forum? If Bucco is right and groups were getting together to push a certain political agenda, some sponsors could have been concerned about affiliating themselves with that.
Just a theory; I have no facts.

Well, if that were the case (maybe it is, maybe it isn't), if sponsors were against "a certain political agenda" being pushed by a group of posters, I'd say they are pushing the other political agenda. For every righty comment, there were plenty of lefty comments to balance it out.

Surely the advertisers want business from both righties and lefties since all our money is the same color green and works for all the advertisers at all the banks and all cash registers.

To me, controversy on this board is good for advertisers, because the more controversial/argumentative (not inflammatory or destructive of others), the more views the board gets.

If every thread had 100% agreement when somebody says for example, "The IRS is totally correct in its decision on the tax-free bonds", there would be no discussion and viewership of the advertisements would drop to nothing.

[eweissenbach]

I was a regular participant on the political board, though I occasionally opted out to give my blood pressure a sabbatical. It seems to me it was a worthy and interesting forum, though as some have said, it was not a place to change the hearts and minds of others, but a place where several people could state their opinions. I think that seldom, if ever, were minds changed, or differing opinions accepted, but it was an interesting and entertaining diversion. As an "opt in" forum, it would seem that the firewall would protect those that were not up to the jousting that took place in political. The problem that seemingly led to the demise of political was the inordinate amount of time required by the mods and the administrator to police it during the election season. I was hoping it would come back after the elections, but don't know if the admin really has the interest or the motivation to restore it. The political forum was really populated by relatively few "regulars", and most seem to still be around, so the decision to end political seems to have cost the admin very few contributors. Again, I would welcome the return of political, but I still enjoy participating in TOTV, and am probably personally better off without some of the unpleasantness.

[Moderator]

This thread has veered far off the original topic and will be closed.

The Admin/owner of TOTV long ago decided that the political forum and partisan/political/name calling discussions would not be allowed.

[TOTV Team]

This thread began as a 'Thank you' and has been 'hijacked'. We appreciate the positive responses. I've never added up all the hours spent moderating the site each week because it would probably surprise even us. There is a lot of work that is put in by moderators and admin and we appreciate the efforts made by them to maintain TOTV as a good place for research and community.

If anyone has a question regarding Admin decisions, per the site rules and terms of service please email us directly and we will respond.