Is the political thread pulling down TOTV?
 

I hesitate to ask this, but it seems like the thread on politics - the politcal thread seems to make this not such a friendly site. Many people that used to post here regularly no longer do. I think the comments and threads posted on political are a big reason for that. Anyone agree? Everyone has their own beliefs but that site seems to bring out the very worst in people. It seems to be a I'm right and you're stupid and wrong forum. I am drawn to it and hate it at the same time. Just my thoughts.

I think that it has a lot to do with it.

I am an owner and administrator and don't participate in the political forum. I don't even go there. The reason is that some of the discussion is beyond my level of comfort. I will not boycott the other forums just because I don't like the political forum. It's hard to imagine one would exit the department store because they don't care for one item on display.

JLK

I understand completely...however
 

I understand completely...however

I think some people truly enjoy the debating and do not see it as fighting etc.

Most of us just like to vent, thus making us feel better. I for one do not take it personal.:shrug:

Talk Host - I agree if they saw one thing they didn't like, they would not leave the department store, but if the salesperson yelled at them or criticized them - they might never return. I am just wondering what happened to all the wonderful people who used to post on TOTV. Did they move away? lose interest? or could it be that forum?

One of my favorite forums though I rarely participate in it. I thoroughly enjoy the back and forth opinions of both sides of the issue. At least these participants are willing to post how they feel about certain issues and are not just content to hide behind blinders. More power to them.

Maybe once or twice
 

I maybe posted in Political forum once or twice, but have not in a long time. I agree it is a place to vent, but I think many people do take it personally. I now avoid it and am sorry to see so many valuable contributors gone, although I have no way of knowing if the political forum was their reason for not being here any longer.

It's hard to imagine any open internet forum that wouldn't have contributors with strong political beliefs. Such beliefs always lead to heated debates/discussions. The good news is anyone can avoid the political forum with their mouse.

Quick story
 

This reminds me of a quick story. Man goes to his doctor and tells him every time I drop a brick on my foot, it hurts. Doctor tell him to quit dropping bricks on his feet.
I "lurked" on the political thing for a few days, saw what little in the way of brain cells was offered and have never been back.
As Staples states, "That was easy".

THere is a reason why people who insist on arguing politics are often not invited to parties.

We're loud, opinionated, and obnoxious.

I should just stay away. But those who wish to participate are doing no harm, and at least our wives/husbands don't have to listen to us rant so much.

All of the mean nasty things I say on the forum I say to my 3 best friends who happen to be politically inclined in a different direction than I. But we laugh, drink beer, fish, boat, golf, watch hockey. We're still friends.

Sometimes it takes a meaner tone in print.

Prior to the election, I would go to the Political tread on a regular basis. I found it interesting to 'see' how other people were thinking. Now I rarely go....mostly because I don't care for the battering back and forth. Sometimes it is so depressing to me. HOWEVER, no one is making everyone click on any particular thread. It is up to the individual what they want to read. That is the wonderful thing about living in the U.S......we have choices.

You have every right to ask this question.

Like others have responded, I simply ignore that section and enjoy reading and posting in the other sections.

To each, his own.

I avoid the political thread. I'm not opposed to the thread, just don't like the tone of some things written. I'm happy to see there is a thread specifically for politics since it keeps those discussions away from the general threads I enjoy reading.

Good points have been made here. I agree, having that thread keeps the political discussion and disagreements out of other threads.

I look in on it, and am usually sorry that I did. I usually find it kind of depressing with the same partisen things being rehashed over and over.

Also, by getting it out of my system on the boards, I hope to be invited to parties.