Peter, Dave, Andrew, Is there a way?

[mhall]

Is there anyway to make the off topics board a above 18 years of age option? I know......Kids could still find their way on here, true. But maybe it is something to think about. Also if this happened continue to monitor it the same as you always have, but at least now it would have a warning lable.

The events of the world are important to alot of people. I really only get to banter about this kinda stuff with you fellas and a few co-workers and that's about it. I suppose that's why I like venting on here. I know for sure sometimes I step over the line, my emotions tend to get the best of me sometimes. Anyway I digress.......Is it possible, would it help?

The other option would be to stop this board all together, or make some sort of special side entry to it or something, just kicking ideas guys.

Dave, Andrew, Peter, sorry we have been such a pain in the Keester we are just passionate about this junk and sometimes it shows.

[apb]

Some good points. An 18 an over would be of use. Might have to check into whether we could set it up as an option. That is, folks would have to request access to the forum. I've always given a little more leeway here than on the other forums as few kids, if any, would be checking this stuff.

Andrew

[DJD]

I know we always kicked the idea around of a members only (anything goes site) but i undrstand the potential problems with that. An 18 and over would be nice and I hope that is possible because I love to hear other points of view on all the topics here.

[peter]

I think there is some sort of age validation option in this board. Don't know how it works.
There are options most likely but I must get back to work. Members only is one where you would have to request membership but then the members would have to be approved (more work, more time) there is probably a simple answer out there.
google --- vbulletin age requirements or something. But even with the age requirement I don't think we want a bunh of racist stuff from any race or about any race and that would not stop that.

Any ideas?
Peter

[Grumpy]

Rather than trying to complicate the board by making it for 18 year olds and over, I think that if we all abide by Peter's simplified rules, we can all still express ourselves on this site. Besides that, if everyone knew that the board was for ADULTS ONLY, too many of us (me included) may go overboard in expressing ourselves and not follow the rues.

Peter's simplified rules:
1) If you wouldn't say it out loud so those around you could hear what you say at a resturaunt, ball game or any other public place in any part of the country it is not allowed.
2) If your mother would not like it it is not allowed.

I know some mothers are more premissive than mine would be, but it is still a great measure of what I (we) can say on an open forum. Also, it is not hard for me to visualize myself in the middle of a group of people, of all races, genderss, ages, etc.) and then make posts accordingly so as to not offend anyone. I don't necessarily mean that we have to be totally POLITICALLY CORRECT the way some people would like, but the idea is what should keep within bounds.

Grumpy

[mhall]

It certainly wasn't my suggestion that we got ape nuts and start slinging profanity and racial slurs guys....As stated in my original post stay within the constraints that are presently in place. Also I don't want to create work for people and if it's a big deal, Bag It, it was just a thought.

I also don't want extra work for Peter or anybody, I'm not a Puter Head by any means, and sometimes what I think might be simple for somebody may actually be bid deal.

I didn't see the rest of the Pitino thread obviously it got kinda racey, and it is dealing with a very sensitive subject, that alone may have been the deciding factor on canning it.

[peter]

There may be an easy way to do it. Will take some research. Andrew may know of another board where this is done and we could learn from that.

[apb]

.... But even with the age requirement I don't think we want a bunh of racist stuff from any race or about any race and that would not stop that.

I agree. Those kind of posts would still be deleted. As would any post that used profanity or was an out right attack or threat against another member.

I think what Mark was refering to was that some of the discussions can get heated and that may cause things to be said that momma would have washed your mouth out with soap for saying. Given that we are all grown ups and, I believe, we know better than to take any of this serious, some leeway might be appropriate here that would not be appropriate for one of the other forums here.

An anything goes forum is out of the question.

Andrew

[Dave Stewart]

Here is how I look at this issue in a nutshell:

This is a website that is by it's logo a fishing related website. Fishing by nature is a familiy oriented sport and this website has always promoted this site to be family oriented.

I am one of many folks in the fishing business that have ties to this website. My clients and I am positive the clients of the many other fishing related businesses that have ties to this website serve the public...that is, people of all ages, races, religions and political affiliations.

Since I consider this website to be one of the best websites on the internet for folks to get fishing related information, especially for those that fish on our lakes and rivers here in Kentucky (no matter what state they reside) and because it is a website that basically has a "G" rating in accordance with the rules, I know my clients can come here and browse this site and not get personally offended as is the case on some sites. With this thought in mind, I am always recommending this site to my clients and even I have on many occassions promoted this site as such to folks all over the country over the years when I have traveled to do fishing seminars. Here are a few of the places I have spoken to large crowds over the years to give you an idea: New York, Massachusettes, Florida, Alabama, Virginia, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, North Carolina, Missouri, Kentucky, Louisiana and more.

I can tell you as a fact, the folks in the audiences that I have spoken to either doing seminars or one on one between seminars are made up of every race, religion and political affiliation. These folks were not there to debate politics or any other topic..they were there to share and learn more about fishing.

Now, as far as the "Off Topics" board here...I do not see a need for a change other than folks need to just abide by the rules if they want to continue to debate these controversial subjects. In my opinion, if the folks that visit the "Off Topics" board cannot keep their comments at a "G" rated level then the "Off Topics" board needs to be totally eliminated. I think Peter is giving you folks that visit the "Off Topics" board a chance to police yourselves to keep all aspects of this site as family oriented...that means all families of any race, religion or political affiliation.

Getting all fired up in these controversial subjects and losing control once in a while and then apologizing later is not good enough in my way of looking at it. I don't want my clients seeing your over the top posts before a moderator has a chance to see it and delete it...time and time again. It is not good for my business, nor is it good for the business of this website or any of the other fishing related businesses that are affiliated with Fishin.com

Here is my suggestion:

Do away with the Off Topics section and keep this site fishing related and family oriented..for all families.

If enough of you want to debate this stuff...then get together and pay Peter to host your own website that is politically oriented etc....that way you could go at it all you want with no holds barred and the folks that come to Fishin.com to discuss or share fishing information can do so without being offended by some of the things that get posted on the "Off Topics" board.

[mhall]

Wow, didn't mean to start Armageoden (spelling), heck kill the board I wouldn't want to put anybody out of business. Personally I had no idea this board had reached that level in some's eye's, I never really thought it was all that bad, I'm done and I'll say no more.

[Dave Stewart]

Certainly not trying to run anyone off....opinions were asked for and this is my opinion, not Peter's or anyone else's...sometimes we all don't look at things the same way nor should we.

[DJD]

I don't think I have ever challenged the Moderators or Peter since I really try and respect others, their work and their opinions.

I understand that this is a fishing website but we all do more than fishing and we all have opinions on various subjects.

Killing the board would be a mistake IMHO. I visit the site multiple times a day and post on many boards not just the off topics board. I have purchased a Kayak, Trolling Motor and Tackle from the Community Tackle Box before which helped other members and myself.

I guess my point is...isn't there room for all boards because we all get something different from each board. I say post within the rules and leave it alone.