Feeling guilty.

[justfishin]

I am feeling a little guilty here. I started a politically charged post in which I am afraid started some tempers flaring. I love political subjects and like the back and forth discussions they seem to bring to the table. I also realize that this might not be the place for these types of discussions. Although I feel that the " Everything Else " thread was a ideal place for these types of discussions, in hindsight, I think I was wrong. Papa Rock, come on back and forget about that post, and Glenn, I apologize for interjecting such a thread. This is your site and not a democracy, as I initially felt it was. You run a good, clean, fun site here. Although, not everyone is going to agree on all the topics brought to the table here, I am afraid that some discussions are better off left alone. A little constructive back and forth arguing is great and some good old fashioned arguments can be fun but, I feel that the politics might better be squared off in another venue. Again, lets forget about all the politics and just continue to rib each other in jest in this thread and keep it on a friendly level. Thanks---Jim

[Cigarlover 1]

Nice post.  

Personally I try to stay away from political discussion when I'm on a forum or chatting. It's hard enough to dicsuss politics in person let alone over the internet.

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

If you all will notice, there is a new sticky here in "everything else".

Too many of our family have been turned off to the site because of political/religious posts.  

This is a fishing forum and that should always be the priority.

These last few posts were merely the final straws.  Glenn asked our opinions as a staff and we agreed unanimously.  No more political/religious threads.  They are not worth the loss of valued members.

[Grey Wolf]

LBH, you mods made the correct decision on this one.

Politics and Religion can get too combustable !

[Cigarlover 1]

Glen and mods, great idea.

Now let's get back to talkin bout some Big Mouth Bass!  

[Catt]

Glenn asked our opinions as a staff and we agreed unanimously. No more political/religious threads. They are not worth the loss of valued members.

[Glenn]

Couldn't have said it better, Russ!

Jim - nobody is blaming you for anything.  Paparock is in control of his own actions.  You didn't force him to leave. In addition, this isn't the first time this has happened.  We've been increasingly clamping down on such topics as a result, and then people STILL leave because we clamped down on them!  It's a no-win situation.  :-/

So, as LBH stated, the mods and I have decided to just ban those topics outright.  Hopefully this will avoid the situation all together.

[Dan:]

Everyone knows that I love to talk politics, but I agree, the sort of emotions and reactions between members that the debates stir up are not favorable. The anger the debates create don't promote a positive feeling in the community. This is supposed to be a community united by a common interest in fishing, the debates fracture that community.

[Siebert Outdoors]

I completely agree with you mods and glad to see you did that.  

Thanks

[preach4bass]

Does this mean that I have to change my name? ;D

[Tom Bass]

Life is too short to mix fishing with politics and religion.

[K_Mac]

I also love to talk politics and religion, and have been involved in many discussions about both on this site. As much as I enjoy the exchange of ideas though, it has become clear to me over the last few months that these topics are better discussed elsewhere. Discussing politics or religion can be divisive even among good friends unless all participants are very careful; to do it online where body language, facial expression, and tone cannot be expressed or discerned is even more difficult.

Our religious and political beliefs are very much a part of who we are as individuals, and while we can not and should not try to separate ourselves from them, open discussion of them here has proven to cause more harm than good. I believe Glenn and his Mod squad have made a tough call that is in the best interest of the forum. Good job guys.

[skillet]

Glenn and the Mods (sounds like 70's British Invasion Group),

 I know not everyone is going to agree with your decision on this subject. As far as I'm concerned THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANKYOU .This was one of the main reasons I joined this site!

 Have visited other sites where one of these "discussions" has degenerated to the point to where if I was one of the participants and fishing in a boat with the other one, I wouldn't turn my back while he had a handful of 6'+ rod and a large lure with a lot of treble hooks ;D....

                                              As Ever,

                                               Skillet

[fourbizz]

Bass Fishing Forums » More Topics » Everything Else ».

Bass fishing is what we are really here for guys. I for one am happy about the new rules.

[chitwnbass]

Good bye to politics and religion. Hello to bass fishing!!!! It's a shame people take discussions on here so personal but its better to not have them at all if people are getting upset.  I hope the rod and reel factions don't start fighting or we may have to shut down the fishing equipment forum. ;D ;D ;D