[golfing eagles]

Originally Posted by tomwed

The reason we have a "free world" is because of our laws
Do you suggest ignoring or working around the lawbreakers if there is an easy alternative?

I do.

I grew up in the city. Streetsmarts kept me relatively safe.
[the experience and knowledge necessary to deal with the potential difficulties or dangers of life in an urban environment.]

Let's ignore the DUI laws---we can stay off the roads when they're out

I don't drink and drive. So I don't ignore the laws. But years ago when it was more common I would stay off the roads when I knew there was a lot of celebrating going on.

Let's ignore burglars---we can replace what they steal
I lock the doors.

Let's ignore pedophiles---we don't have any young children living here

I don't worry about pedophies in The Villages. When I have grandchildren I won't be afraid to supervise them at the squares or the pools. I don't want them going through life being afraid of strangers.

Let's ignore ISIS----we can convert to Islam
I don't worry about ISIS in the US. I still fly, go to national monuments, vacation where ever I want. I flew home last week and when I was boarding when I got to my seat there was a computer bag under the seat next to me., no person, no one around. I got the stewardess right away. She told me the owner was in the bathroom at the back of the plane and I did the right thing. So I'm aware of my surroundings but I don't worry.

Where do we draw the line on which rules to enforce and which to allow violations?

Pee Wee Herman has a right to park his bike at a biker bar, and order a sasperella but if you ask my street smart friends, I think they will agree that he's asking for trouble.

I've never felt safer than I do now. I want others to think it out too. .

So, in other words, you ARE advocating ignoring enforcement of existing laws when it is expedient to do so. No problem, the purpose of a forum is to express opinions. I just happen to disagree, I think this is the first step down the path to anarchy.

[tomwed]

You lived in Brooklyn. What years? I lived in Jersey City, Secaucus and Newark. It's funny how we think so differently.
Take a look at this---I think you will enjoy it.

[JCMSr]

Not sure if this is correct but I was recently told that the problem with Villages personnel doing anything about the seat saving violations is that they have no legal power to enforce these rules. If that is true then how does someone get banned from the squares as we know happened in a different confrontation? And if there was never any intention to enforce these rules why post the signs and make the announcements in the first place!

Nothing irritates me more than those who think that the rules are for everyone else to abide by but do not apply to them. If a situation presented itself whereby there were no other available seats except a group of roped off seats with nobody in them I would not hesitate to sit down. Unfortunately I would be alone since my wife prefers to avoid any and all confrontation at all costs. The difference in attitude could be because I am 6'2" and 250 lbs. while she is 5'4" and less than half my weight (I dare not say exactly).

[Challenger]

Originally Posted by outlaw

I thought the developer solved this issue at Brownwood. Don't they keep the chairs locked up or inaccessible until about 30 minutes before the entertainment starts? If so, why not do this at the other town centers? an alternative would be to post some professionally made signs that politely say "No chair saving, please." Then, one would just need to point out the sign to anyone who insists on saving a seat. I think that would take care of probably 99% of the problem. A similar tactic is used in the fitness centers. Each machine has a little sign on it stating "Do your reps and move on." A little more direct, but it seems to work. It helps to keep people from homesteading a machine in their attempt to sculpt their obese bodies while they're surfing the net on their smart phones between sets.

The signs and notices also ligetimize those who then occupy saved but unused chairs and may well reduce confrontation.

[tomwed]

Originally Posted by outlaw

"No chair saving, please." Then, one would just need to point out the sign to anyone who insists on saving a seat. I think that would take care of probably 99% of the problem.

I think this is a great idea. Thank-you

I would take it one step further. Make a template "No chair saving, please" and spray paint it on every chair. No one could say they didn't know.

[Boomer]

It seems like there are now more asses among the masses. It is sad and too bad. But I choose my battles and chair traffic control is not one of them.

And I still like going to the squares from time to time. It is so nice to have the option of deciding last minute to go out and about for some entertainment. We like Lenny Wilson And Uncle Bob. We also like to stand around on the periphery of the energy that comes from Scooter and his crowd.

I do have concerns though that TV eventually could end up analogous to a big lab experiment where way too many rats are crammed into a maze.

But, for now, see you at the squares sometime.

[outlaw]

Originally Posted by JCMSr

Not sure if this is correct but I was recently told that the problem with Villages personnel doing anything about the seat saving violations is that they have no legal power to enforce these rules. If that is true then how does someone get banned from the squares as we know happened in a different confrontation? And if there was never any intention to enforce these rules why post the signs and make the announcements in the first place!

Nothing irritates me more than those who think that the rules are for everyone else to abide by but do not apply to them. If a situation presented itself whereby there were no other available seats except a group of roped off seats with nobody in them I would not hesitate to sit down. Unfortunately I would be alone since my wife prefers to avoid any and all confrontation at all costs. The difference in attitude could be because I am 6'2" and 250 lbs. while she is 5'4" and less than half my weight (I dare not say exactly).

In this particular case, you SHOULD avoid confrontation at all costs!

[MusicLover]

Originally Posted by BS Beef

I'm not a fan of the seat saving. That being said it's a shame it would come to that in any case. Maybe I'm just too passive but I just find my own space and/or enjoy something else around the square(s).

I am going to join those saying if that's the policy then the policy needs to be enforced. What's wrong with having a section where you can save seats and the rest is open?

I agree I'm not a fan of saving seats but it's not a deal breaker, I'll still go. Maybe a reserved section would be a reasonable compromise? Either way the venue management should do at least a little rule enforcement once in a while.

[Radioman41]

Last Saturday at Brownwood the announcer stated, among other things, no seat saving is allowed. This is the first time I have heard this statement.

[bigrig353]

How about acting your age?

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by MusicLover

I agree I'm not a fan of saving seats but it's not a deal breaker, I'll still go. Maybe a reserved section would be a reasonable compromise? Either way the venue management should do at least a little rule enforcement once in a while.

Good attitude and great idea, MusicLover.

[Shadmama]

Originally Posted by Cedwards38

Isn't crowd control, including enforcement of venue rules, a service to be provided by local law enforcement? I know I see cops at ballgames, fairs, and other places where people, alcohol, and temperaments are present.

No, it isn't. The officers you have seen at the events you listed are working part-time jobs. The venue had approached the local police department letting them know they were going to need services. It would then be put out to officers. An officer would have to be approved by the department to work the job. The venue would pay the officer directly.

The events being discussed here are on private property [page 5 of this thread: The Villages Entertainment * Special Events Department (352) 750-5411]. Private property entertainment is equal to a retail store as Golfing Eagles pointed out, private security would be used.

[capecodbob]

Part of life is making choices. You can go to the square, see the roped off chairs and turn a blind eye. Or you can just take off the ropes and seat pads, pile them out back, and let others who are older and weaker enjoy a front row seat. I choose the latter.
]

[biker1]

Chairs were available at least an hour, and probably sooner, on saturday at Brownwood. This is typical from what I have observed.

Originally Posted by outlaw

I thought the developer solved this issue at Brownwood. Don't they keep the chairs locked up or inaccessible until about 30 minutes before the entertainment starts? If so, why not do this at the other town centers? an alternative would be to post some professionally made signs that politely say "No chair saving, please." Then, one would just need to point out the sign to anyone who insists on saving a seat. I think that would take care of probably 99% of the problem. A similar tactic is used in the fitness centers. Each machine has a little sign on it stating "Do your reps and move on." A little more direct, but it seems to work. It helps to keep people from homesteading a machine in their attempt to sculpt their obese bodies while they're surfing the net on their smart phones between sets.

[capecodbob]

Oh, if you've been there for a while, and it's a big crowd, and you see a couple searching for seats, get up and invite them to sit in your seats.