View Full Version : This administrator would like your opinion
Talk Host
08-16-2007, 07:07 PM
Talk of the Villages has been approached by several political candidates about buying advertising here. At first, we considered doing it and in fact offered one candidate a great opportunity to reach the Villages voters with a forum of his own here on the board. The price was steep, but he agreed to it, but then backed out. He has since kinda dropped off the radar screen.
Here is my two part question. We have over 2,000 members currently and 250,00 page views a month and it grows each month. We reach lots and lots of Villages voters. As new residents and voters in this state, would you want to have political ads here on TOTV, or would you prefer that we not do it for anybody. Secondly, I have been around local, state and national politics for many, many years. I know just about all there is to know about the process. I would be willing to do some homework for all of us by examining the candidates for local and state office and make an official TOTV endorsement or at least some recommendations when the time comes. I really do know how to wade through their BS and separate the good from the bad. I would do it in a completely nonpartisan way. We all do need some guidance since we are so new. On the other hand, we could just leave it alone and do nothing at all with politics. Remember our vote and voice is important.
darbyduff
08-16-2007, 07:26 PM
My only concern is that this political year we are going to be bombarded on the TV and Radio with "Vote for Me's) This is such a calming spot to come to I'm not sure it would be something I would want here. Yes, I would be interested in hearing from candidates in other forums and would like to be notified if they are speaking somewhere in TV but that, I'm afraid would be it for me.
I have been involved in partisan politics for over 30 years. I ran local campaigns as well as a paid consultant and worker on national campaigns. I was the 6th congressional chairman here in Colorado for 5 years etc. I'm afraid I walked away from all of that and am really happy to not get involved even in a small way. But, that said....If everyone is for it....I'll throw my hat in that ring too!!
REDCART
08-16-2007, 07:54 PM
TOTV is not free and if you need the revenue to keep this board going, I say take the money. I'm sure you won't surrender total oversight. If political attacks get out of hand, you'll shut them down. I'm also sure that all candidates should be interested in reaching TV voters, and if they're not interested, that will say something about how they feel about Villager votes. For my two cents. I have no objections. Good luck.
Oh by the way, maybe you could keep them out of the General Forum. You see I want it both ways.
zcaveman
08-16-2007, 08:52 PM
I have no problem as long as the politicians in Marion County are aware of the ability to use TOTV. I know that the Marion County area of TV is small and are always slighted when it comes to being advertised in the Daily Sun - garbage pickup, election candidates, etc - so I will agree if we are properly represented.
Happy Villager
08-16-2007, 09:23 PM
I think it might be a good idea especially if we can ask them questions. I for one was not happy when Gov. Christ and the FL legislature put the citizens of this state at risk when they sold reinsurance coverage to insurance companies. If the state gets hit with a large catastrophe how did they plan on paying out the coverage losses if not on our backs.
jim16g
08-16-2007, 09:33 PM
My only concern is that this political year we are going to be bombarded on the TV and Radio with "Vote for Me's) This is such a calming spot to come to I'm not sure it would be something I would want here. Yes, I would be interested in hearing from candidates in other forums and would like to be notified if they are speaking somewhere in TV but that, I'm afraid would be it for me.
I have been involved in partisan politics for over 30 years. I ran local campaigns as well as a paid consultant and worker on national campaigns. I was the 6th congressional chairman here in Colorado for 5 years etc. I'm afraid I walked away from all of that and am really happy to not get involved even in a small way. But, that said....If everyone is for it....I'll throw my hat in that ring too!!
I agree. We get enough political ads from other sources.
JohnZ
08-16-2007, 10:05 PM
I think an unbiased presentation of all candidates is the way to go. I recommend TOTV to take a neutral postion. Once you "officially endorse" a candidate, you obviously run the risk of alienating those who hold a different view. This can be especially damaging when soliciting other potential advertisers and not to mention that your existing sponsors may not like the TOTV endorsement as well. But, of course you already know this and that it's a tough business decision.
Personally, as a business owner, I would not want to jeopardize losing a single customer's business by advocating a particular political position and being careless enough to attach my business's name to my personal views. My Franchisor doesn't not allow this anyway...and for a good reason.
I like to assess the views of the candidates myself, all candidates, and form my own conclusion. I'm an intelligent guy and I don't need others to wade through the B.S for me.
Avista
08-17-2007, 06:19 AM
I agree with JohnZ.
"I think an unbiased presentation of all candidates is the way to go. I recommend TOTV to take a neutral postion."
Those who want can always "discuss" on Political Forum.
F16 1UB
08-17-2007, 07:06 AM
JohnZ
:agree:
Steve
villages07
08-17-2007, 07:50 AM
I agree with gryoung's post.... if you have a chance to earn some revenue to compensate you for maintaining this site...go for it. But, it needs to be non-intrusive...no different than your other sponsors. Any candidates who want to interact with your members can use a separate topic within the forum. Keep the general discussion pure and away from politics. I agree with JohnZ that your offer to do analysis and provide endorsements may cause you more heartburn than it is worth.
beady
08-17-2007, 08:19 AM
I agree with village 07 and F16 1UB if you can use the revenue to compensate your time and effort go for it.
Keep the political discussions unbiased and in a separate forum.
I will listen and interact with any candidate that wants to capture my vote.
This sight has been invaluable to us in our search for a TV home. Armed with all we have learned on TOTV we will make a better informed decision in September when we hopefully find a home.
kar guy
08-17-2007, 08:41 AM
I WOULD LOVE TO SEE IT BUT ONLY ON A SEPARATE FORUM. I DO NOT WANT TO GO THROUGH 40 PLUS "ADS" FOR POLITICAL WHATEVER TO GET TO WHAT I WANT.
SteveZ
08-17-2007, 08:51 AM
Suggest that before you take any political ad, you may want to check with a media attorney. The internet is such a crazy communications mode, so whether any of the "equal access" reporting laws apply here could be a concern, as well as the cost of reporting, maintenance of records that may be specific to political advertising, etc..
This is a great forum, and it does come with a cost. Just my 2-cents worth.
I would like to keep it neutral also..... I say no advertising, but they surely can post to the political forum if they wish... Q & A only
Talk Host
08-17-2007, 10:43 AM
I would like to keep it neutral also..... I say no advertising, but they surely can post to the political forum if they wish... Q & A only
This could be a big mistake. One inch turns into a mile. I can see certain candidates taking advantage of the fourm. I think there should be some harnesses.
togabill
08-17-2007, 11:06 AM
No !!!!!!!!!!
Talk Host
08-17-2007, 11:14 AM
No !!!!!!!!!!
Don't sugar coat your feelings. Get to the point. ;D
pvb526
08-17-2007, 01:08 PM
If you keep it in the political forum we would at least have the choice of reading their views or not.
Talk Host
08-17-2007, 01:45 PM
I prefer to keep this medium free from all polotics. We certainly get enough of it everywhere else.
Thanks for requesting the members' input.
One thing I want to keep in mind is that our vote for these candidates is very important. We should be well informed when we select our elected officials. They have a limited time to communicate with the voters and if they are barred from public forums, it has a chilling effect on the political process. At the same time, there is sadly an odor associated with politics. It is the same odor you get around high pressure salespeople and telemarketers. Yet, these are the people we choose to represent us in decisions that govern our lives and our future.
swrinfla
08-17-2007, 02:28 PM
If you install anything even remotely connected with politics, please, please make it utterly, completely, totally separate from this General Discussion.
We will all have to put up with enough garbage from the idiot politicians and their followers over the next year-plus from other sources, that I think we need a few places to get away from "them."
Trueblue
08-17-2007, 03:13 PM
Thank you for asking for our input. Two points:
1. Jan, if you can limit the extent of the ads in some way and still make a few dollars from politicians to help support this terrific website that you manage, then I am 100% for it.
2. It seems to me that political ads run on TOTV might benefit our membership since ads that are run on TOTV would likely emphasize platform "promises" which would be favorable to 55 + voters. We might then be better able to assess which candidates seem more interested in 55+ causes.
KenMac
08-17-2007, 03:51 PM
Thank you for asking for our input. Two points:
1. Jan, if you can limit the extent of the ads in some way and still make a few dollars from politicians to help support this terrific website that you manage, then I am 100% for it.
2. It seems to me that political ads run on TOTV might benefit our membership since ads that are run on TOTV would likely emphasize platform "promises" which would be favorable to 55 + voters. We might then be better able to assess which candidates seem more interested in 55+ causes.
Assuming, of course, that what they tell us is really what they intend to carry out... which is not QUITE always the case.
I would also like to put my comments in re: "unbiased opinions" - I believe that everyone's own opinion is ALWAYS completely unbiased, and ALWAYS based only upon fact - and never with any emotion involved (just check the string on "Hillary for president..."). Maybe that is why we are admonished to never get into a discussion with friends over politics or religion.
lrkehoe
08-17-2007, 04:06 PM
Hi,
I agree with those who said if the revenue would help TOTV, great. I wouldn't care if the ads were kept in the Politics section, but further discussion on political subjects should be, IMHO. We might learn something.
Thanks for seeking opinions.
bestmickey
08-17-2007, 05:06 PM
I think an unbiased presentation of all candidates is the way to go. I recommend TOTV to take a neutral postion. Once you "officially endorse" a candidate, you obviously run the risk of alienating those who hold a different view. This can be especially damaging when soliciting other potential advertisers and not to mention that your existing sponsors may not like the TOTV endorsement as well. But, of course you already know this and that it's a tough business decision.
Personally, as a business owner, I would not want to jeopardize losing a single customer's business by advocating a particular political position and being careless enough to attach my business's name to my personal views. My Franchisor doesn't not allow this anyway...and for a good reason.
I like to assess the views of the candidates myself, all candidates, and form my own conclusion. I'm an intelligent guy and I don't need others to wade through the B.S for me.
What JZ said...I'll assess the candidates myself. Also, I wouldn't want pop-up ads (ever) on this site. Keep political discussions in political sections.
villagerjudy
08-17-2007, 05:15 PM
Can anyone name the past 4 ads that have appeared on the board so far? I can only name one and I'm not sure if it really the acai berry stuff. I can ignore political ads just as easily as I can ignore other ads.
Now for political discussions....put them in a separate forum where if anyone goes they understand that their political love may get bashed and their personal feelings hurt. I do have my politically preconceived notions but sometimes someone can take a brick out of my distorted reality and let a different light in. Heck I can always ignore what is said in the forum too. It has the potential for fun.......
Poor Jan we are going to have to pay you since this will be a full time job for you by the time all the ideas are instituted.
rdkent
08-17-2007, 07:30 PM
I'm not a resident of TV (yet), but I have become a major follower of this forum. I agree that political ads don't bother me - I can view or ignore, no problem. If the revenue helps keep this site going, great. I would prefer to keep political discussions out of the general forum. My wife and I are politically active, and have strong political opinions. We don't mind a spirited discussion in the proper arena, but we also like to get away from it also. As divided as this country has become, I don't want to lose an online "friend" because I made him mad about something I said or he made me mad ditto. Unfortunately, anymore when a political discussion gets started it can get out of control pretty quickly.
jjdees
08-17-2007, 08:18 PM
I think it's ok too, and agree it should be in the political thread. It can be fun for those who like to voice opinions.
Frangyomory
08-17-2007, 09:06 PM
Was involved in politics back in NY when I ran for state assembly. I feel like a novice here since we have lived here only two years. I would welcome a separate forum for political issues, ads, etc. This way, folks who don't give a hoot won't be bothered by having to go through the forum.
I don't believe you will have any equal access issues if it is a "paid" forum. Each of us should be bright enough to cut through the crap and find out what the candidate is REALLY saying with the plus of having comments from folks who have lived in Florida for a while and who might know more about what the candidate has done or not done for our category of voters.
:bigthumbsup:
Hancle704
08-17-2007, 10:53 PM
Might be helpful to let them post their positions on issues in the Political Rorum as long as they are willing to deal with questions and responses from the rest of us.
bogeygolfer
08-18-2007, 08:10 AM
If they will do Q & A it should be interesting. :bigthumbsup: I would like to ask Gary Breeden what he has against the Sumter Humane Society/SPCA. Is he a friend of Michael Vick? Heard some bad things about his concern for neglected animals in the county. Sumter is the only county in Florida without an animal shelter! >:(
peepop
08-18-2007, 03:11 PM
In an effort to give a complete well thought out answer everhthing turned out to be a disaster so...
If you want to sell them ads, by all means go ahead. Ads are easily ignored if we choose to,
Let all candidates post to a specific forun. We can read, respond, ask questions whatever if we choose, if not, don't ope the forum. ThaT simple
Peepop
The Great Fumar
08-20-2007, 09:41 PM
TAKE THE MONEY , BUT STAY NEUTRAL..
ENDORSING SOMEONE COULD DAMAGE THIS GREAT SITE..........IT WOULD BE INTERESTING TO HEAR CANDIDATES POSITIONS ON MATTERS THAT EFECT THE OVER 55 CROWD......
LindaManson
08-22-2007, 10:59 PM
I agree with the notion that if you Need the money, then I could live with it, but I really, really, really don't like political ads. This forum is fun for me and a way to catch up on the news in Paradise, not my choice to decide who I will vote for. I stop watching Television much when it gets close to the elections. and if I do I make sure I DVR EVERYTHING so iI can skip the commecials. If you sell sapce can it just be their name and party and what ethy are runnign for ( like a yard sign) without all the whoopla and mudslinging???
JohnFurey
09-02-2007, 01:30 AM
I think we should stay out of politics completely. Otherwise I'm afraid we would be opening a Pandora's Box. What next? Religion?
Regardless of how it's handled (separate forum, endorsements, paid ads, etc) poison from the inevitable vitriolic discussions that ensue will trickle down into our virtual community here on the net. Possibly being the Friendliest Town in the U.S. will become only a memory. Allah Forbid!
jtdraig
09-02-2007, 07:23 PM
No problem...take their money....if they get nuts one way or the other, more money to be had....jreaders just gotta use common sense to sift out the religious and pollitical to get to their positions on the issues...
Bubbalarry
09-02-2007, 10:03 PM
If it keeps this site up and running by all means make em pay and bring em on. Mosts don't care about the ads anyway.
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