Controversy

SCReptiles · 08-09-03, 08:48 AM

Why is it that every time there is disagreement leading to controversy someone will inevitably say “that is not what this forum is for.” Look back at the controversial threads, they have 5 and 6 times as much traffic as the mind-numbing “oh you are so right threads.” To be “not what this is about,” they sure pull a lot if interest. Think about it, is this really the type of forum we want:

Snake lover 101 : My Snake has mites, what should I do?

Python player asa: Why don’t you put some medicine on them.

Snake lover 101: Oh my god, I never thought of that. Thank you Python player asa.

Boa joker: Yes Python player asa, you are so right. Putting medicine on them is good.

Do we really want that? Disagreement sparks massive exchanges of ideas and leads to growth. I think controversy is positive and should be a part of any public forum! Everyone has the choice about what they read, if you are truly offended by someone’s ideas then simply do not inter that thread. Problem is solved and no further need for censorship.

daver676 · 08-09-03, 08:55 AM

Very well said SCReptiles.

I totally agree.

Dave

08-09-03, 09:05 AM

beats out all the off-topic posts that wind up cluttering the forums

Snakesafe · 08-09-03, 09:12 AM

True...True...

Wonder who will disagree on this one??

SCReptiles · 08-09-03, 09:14 AM

Hey snake safe, going to the shop tonight to box up the new pigs. want to come over to see the new diamond back? he is a beast, at least 1/2 foot longer then the other one. =)

red bootz · 08-09-03, 09:15 AM

Mr. Hurd. I am disappointed. I thought we agreed that free expression was bad.
Seriously though, In this day and age where we can and do interact with so many people, societies, cultures, we NEED the exchange of opinions, ideas, beliefs, etc. so that we can understand where each of us is coming from. Its actually kind of funny. We all want the general public to understand and accept our hobby and love for our herps and we advocate education and discussion as a means to this end. Yet, when a controversial subject comes up WITHIN the hobby there are always people that say "you are wrong, that is terrible, that is disgusting, we should be ashamed..." This is the same attitude that herp haters have for herpers.
We as human's have the ability to express and communicate abstract thoughts. This is how societies are made. I, for one, beleive that the single most advantageous aspect of this site is the freedom with which the moderators allow us to post. I've seen jokes posted, hip-hop, personal advice...I think its great. But the controversial stuff is the best. It pushes the boundaries and aloows for a better understanding. Maybe it won't change your view, but it helps to understand what others are thinking. And there's nothing wrong with that.

Snakesafe · 08-09-03, 09:17 AM

I'll send you a PM...

SCReptiles · 08-09-03, 09:20 AM

Well said red bootz, for a Canadian that is. =)

Shane Tesser · 08-09-03, 09:24 AM

It has never been said that debating and differance of opinions wasnt allowed on the forums?!?! What is not allowed is demeaning of peoples opinions / newer herpers questions etc... if someone is asking a "dumb" question they properly actually dont know that is why they are asking... The problem is some people dont know how to take and read text, it comes across wrong, people get upset, blow things out of proportion etc etc... When people rebuttle with facts, differant ideas etc etc, there isnt a problem as long as they go about it the right way, when someone says "what your saying is wrong, are you that much of a idiot??" thats not a exchange of opinion its demeaning someone and that kind of stuff wont be tolerated.

red bootz · 08-09-03, 09:31 AM

SCreptiles, is getting that whole american-canadian thing going again! I am grossly offended! I demand an apology...
Whatever! I think everyone needs to lighten up a little soemtimes

We are all in this ship together.

Shane Tesser · 08-09-03, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by SCReptiles
Snake lover 101 : My Snake has mites, what should I do?

Python player asa: Why don’t you put some medicine on them.

Snake lover 101: Oh my god, I never thought of that. Thank you Python player asa.

Boa joker: Yes Python player asa, you are so right. Putting medicine on them is good.

Wrong Way: yeah just put some medicine on your herp, go get some cough medicine and cover it for 24 hours.. LMAO are you that much of a idiot to put medicine on your snakes??? Where did you get that information from???

That kind of response or something similar is not a uncommon thing and THAT is what isnt tolerated.... Period.

Right way: There are alot of various ways of ridding your snake mites, you might try Provent-a-mite or Nix, pull a search for mites in the forums and you can probably find the answers your looking for.

There is a huge differance, first one being the kind of people we dont need in the forums period.

Second being a helpfull responce that actually helps the individual who obviously needs help.

SCReptiles · 08-09-03, 09:46 AM

Well, when it’s my opinion that someone is an idiot, then I will express it. =) If they think I am a jerk cause I thought they were an idiot, then they will express that. Still an exchange of ideas. But I wasn’t necessarily talking about moderators by this. They are usually pretty cool. You will always find at least one democrat who will spout out, “this is not what this forum is for.” Those idiots are the ones I am addressing here.

Matt_K · 08-09-03, 09:52 AM

I guess you're refering to me cause i told you yesterday the forum wasnt for you and another member to act like children with your name calling.. Last time i checked, attacks on other members INCLUDING name calling wasn't allowed in the TOS. Have you read the TOS Chuck?? Keep pushing that envelope Chuck

Colonel SB · 08-09-03, 10:08 AM

You can debate the issuse's of herp keeping with gusto and vigor WITHOUT makeing it personal and name calling! There is always a mature way to dicusse the issue's at hand.

Just becasue someone call you a name does NOT mean you have to do the same...it's a little something called moral high ground, you do not have to sink to thier level. It makes them look that more stupid when you don't skin to thier level.

Shane Tesser · 08-09-03, 10:12 AM

Chuck, thats kind of the whole point... If you think someone is posting a "idiotic" question or response... We feel its better to educate them with facts then call them a idiot or demean them... Or just not respond and one of our members will be glad to set them straight with facts in a postive way so they wont feel shunned and will actually take the information given and learn from it.