Re-name Paddock?

Tim M

Tim M

PRESIDENT, Member # 015
GCC Member
Location (City)
St. Charles
First Name
Tim
Last Name
Mauldin
Since there are two types of topics discussed in the Paddock, Politics and Jokes, why not rename it that?

I find it hard to believe that with 50 or so CAR guys in this club that POLITICS take center stage and dominate the Paddock. Out of the 5 - 8 threads started per day, more than half are ALWAYS political. Really? Nothing else to talk about? I'm not saying stop, but wow, is it really necessary to point out things that do not really affect you, like, oh I don't know the price of gold in china and why our government won't do anything about it? I mean really, meaningless topics that generate no discussions. Look at your threads posted in the paddock, sure, a lot of views, how many responses on average? If less than 5, what's the point? I realize it is a paid area. I realize anything goes (almost). But, think of it this way, if a new member comes and looks at the site, they will see more drama on this forum than you see on All My Children at noon on ABC. :rolleyes: Just sayin'
 
No need to re-name. Some guys like nuts. Some don't. Almond Joys have nuts. Mounds don't. If ya don't like politics, jokes, religious, or other topics in the Paddock there's lots of stuff that presumably you do like that you can delve into.
 
Nothing constructive to say. I just want to help you get over 5 posts:D
 
Thanks Brandon :D Yet another thread killed. Countdown to deletion - t minus 10, 9,8,
 
Tim,

On this one I have to agree with Dave. "If it ain't broke...don't fix it"...

Since when have political subjects been meaningless....???

Politics and the unintended consequences of the decisions of our elected officials... influence each of our lives and the lives of our offspring more than any other topic you can identify. I would characterize any OTHER topic as trivial and "meaningless" by comparison. Sports...entertainment...automobiles....ANY personal possession for that matter are insignificant to the influence that politics have on each of our lives. Bad decisions by poor lawmakers motivated by self interest will adversely affect each of us and this country for decades to come.

Many of us post political topics for two primary reasons:

1. We want to discuss issues we may not initially be clear about with people who's opinions and intelligence we respect in order to gain a a more balanced view. This can then assist each of us to come to a better understanding of all ramifications of the subject and a better informed position on the issue.

2. We want to keep people we care about informed as to the negative effects the policies and agendas of certain elected officials have on our lives.... in the hope that these same rational friends can help take corrective action at the next election.

I'm afraid you do us all a disservice by underestimating the importance of having a political forum on subjects that are FAR more important to each of us than who was selected in the first round of the NFL draft....or how many bimbos Tiger bedded....

We are all drawn to this forum and have become friends as the result of a common interest in cars. But why should the discussion here be restricted from issues that are far more important and influential on our future than the one that initially brought us together?

Personally I'm pleased to see the emphasis that has been placed on politics in this forum. Because it illustrates that there are conscientious people here who love this country and care about it's future and are doing their part to inform others and redirect the misguided directions our politicians sometimes take.

Kerry
 
Tim,

Don't be so quick to use your power of deletion...

Not everyone is on the forum when these threads are posted...and then deleted.

All members should be given the opportunity to post their thoughts on this or any subject as it may influence the final discussion.

You may have several members who support your view but have not been given the opportunity to say so if a thread is deleted an hour after it was started.

In addition it keeps all members informed as to what was being discussed and why.

Stay away from the delete function...as it has been over-used...to the point of being mis-used.

Kerry
 
Kerry, again, I'm ok with the DISCUSSIONS. When the threads that are started are posted as a matter of fact without any actual basis is where they lose me. I know snopes.com can be wrong too, but there are plenty of other sources that can disprove many of the posts. Far too often, the posts are merely mudslinging and do not present any facts to back up the reason the thread started in the first place. I can point to no less than 10 threads recently started that have no factual basis, they are merely re-posts of chain e-mails that get passed along without further review.

My point was, the forum is dying. There are people that stay away and won't post because of the drama, misdirection or misplaced answers to threads, or because they simply aren't interested in what's being posted. Take this thread for instance, 29 views, 6 answers. How can one take away a learning experience or gain any value in 6 answers? Build threads and other hobby related posts seem to generate more discussion. 64 replies, 42 replies, 73 replies..... now from that I can gain some knowledge and valuable info. Just seems these political threads die quick. I'm not saying that SOME of the issues aren't important, but come on, political jokes? Political nonsense that merely comes from chain mail?

If you want to 'impress' me, talk about gun control, illegal immigrants, taxes, who should run for Prez and why, our congressmen and senators, etc.... things that I can vote on and things that affect us. Can't see how a stupid remark by a politician is relavent. I know some of these topics have been covered, and I would highly suggest to those that don't know how, please use the SEARCH function before posting. No need to keep posting something about Obama when there are existing threads.

Here's what I would like to see then -
- More accurate titles to the threads started by the author. That way, those that aren't interested can bypass it
- Since I was made a moderator, i read everything posted, whether I want to or not, so sometimes I overreact to something simply because I'm tired of reading the same thing (in principle) over and over again. I get it, the majority here doesn't like Obama. Everyone knows that. You trying to get us to like him less? So, deleting posts is part of it, and to keep things semi civil and keep everyone friends here. I NORMALLY run any thing that I think should be deleted (minus my own posts) by Mark and let him be the ultimate decision maker.
- I would like to see discussion on topics, not just statements expecting no answer.
- I would like to see topics that affect all of us, not just a few

ok, getting off soapbox now.....carry on.....
 
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Tim,

Very well said. Excellent points. I completely agree with your last post.
 
I like this thread because it concerns the importance/purpose/utility of "The Paddock." There are perhaps lots of others who could care less about this thread or opinions stated in the Paddock. Does that make me or them wrong or weird. No just different.

Kerry believes that subjects/concerns other then politics are not as important as politics & that their significance/importance is lower. I respect him for his strong opinions even if they are different then mine.

Personally my faith is the most important thing in my life & everything else is secondary. My pastor said the the 3 most important things in life are the 3 Fs. Faith, family & friends. My dear friend Chuck Grbich added a 4th F that I like a lot too. Fun. :):cool::D

I like the paddock because it permits us to exchange meaningful dialog regarding not only politics but many other things as well. Some of us like to talk about draft choices some us do not. BTW The draft choices thread was in the lounge & was kept "clean." Granted if we rank that thread along other more weighty subjects it is not as important as others. BUT it was Fun (1 of the 4 "Fs") for me & hopefully for others. Hey Kerry you & Kathy like the Cards why not start a thread re the Cards?

IF the forum is "dying" Tim it could for reasons which could be different then the reasons you may think are causing the forum to "die." Why do certain people within the club wish to control what is or is not said in the forum? If a certain group of members within the club wish to discuss certain subject areas within the forum & enjoy the rapport & camaraderie of like minded members then I say GREAT! However, those that are not like minded should not resent/ostracise/backtalk & malign those that are not of the same ilk as themselves & others that are in their clique. This is a problem within the club that is causing derisiveness & divisiveness which is totally unnecessary. This problem needs to be dealt with by the leadership of the club for the best interest of the club. If that is "dramatic" & causes some to complain about "drama" then so be it.

I totally agree with Kerry that the "deletion" power has been overused & abused. If someone says something then it should be left there for everyone to view & determine who said what. Deletion should only be used in very narrow & limited circumstances.
 
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Tim - I don't think to forum is dying. I think we're bored. We should be out driving instead of typing. I know I'm about to loose my cookies bigtime.:(

Dave - I don't think any of this has anything to do with various persons or personalities. It has more to do with manners. Treating each other like the friends that we are, and keep a public level of standards, no porn, no racism, those are the keys.

We can all spot the garbage posts, e-mail chains, etc. I delete 99% from my in box, and I don't read them here. The neat thing about this forum is The Paddock. Most forums never allow any topic other than the specific interest of the group. That makes this forum different. It also makes this forum a little hot to the touch, a bit dangerous. As long as we are careful with our posts we won't burn each other. And for God's sake don't type every single blithering thought that comes to mind. Use a little internal editing.

The rule they use on Gasholes is - Anything goes, everything does not. I personally like my rule for the Paddock - Strip Bar Rules. Behave yourself and enjoy. You know what's in there before you go in. Don't complain about it once you're in. Don't act up in there, or you're out. It's wild in there, but that doesn't mean you can act like an animal.

Politics - I'm bored with it. What's the song lyric - Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right - here I am stuck in the middle with you. - Steelers Wheel

I think the left and the right have screwed the pooch for years and years.

That's all I have to say about that.
 
This is a tough call for me. I am very political, sometimes privately, sometimes publicly. I joined the forum for conversation about cars and the things associated with cars. I don't log on to read politics. I think I know where most people here stand and I stand with you. Having said that, I can see where someone would feel unwelcome if they didn't agree politically with the majority of the group. It would be a shame to loose cobra guys because of the politics. The goal of the forum is to promote the hobby not a political point of view. I like to read the occasional thread about congress or Iran or what ever but we seem to be overran with it here on the forum and I know I don't have to read it but it is still there day after day after day after day.......
 
WOW Dean. I think that was most lucid, intelligent & cogent anti-Paddock post I have read. However, having said that I'm still in favor of keeping it for the reasons I have stated previously in this thread & other threads re the topic of keeping the Paddock.
 
STL Mark said:
Tim - I don't think the forum is dying. I think we're bored. We should be out driving instead of typing. I know I'm about to loose my cookies bigtime.:(

AGREED!

Dave - I don't think any of this has anything to do with various persons or personalities. It has more to do with manners. Treating each other like the friends that we are, and keep a public level of standards, no porn, no racism, those are the keys.

NO PORN? Oh man now you just ruined the day for 3 guys. Just kiddin. :D

I personally like my rule for the Paddock - Strip Bar Rules. It's wild in there, but that doesn't mean you can act like an animal.

Now you just really ruined Mikey's day. :D
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Stever for President.
 
I have to admit that I do not frequent the site as much....when I do, I try not to post my opionion because there are too many controlling individuals that may be offended or perhaps delete my post.
Enough of that, I going back to Fox and catch Hannity or O'brien or may sit up till midnight and watch a rerun of Glen Beck.
 
The post maybe ratings.

The most read is the jokes. Maybe for the whiners and cry babies we should rate everthing like PG13, R , GA, NUDITY, X RATED. I believe if you don't like it don't read it. And sad to say if you think everything snopes says you might want to check them out. Many things that are put on here can not be pulled up in canada and on military bases, you ever wonder why.
 
A Snake said:
I have to admit that I do not frequent the site as much....when I do, I try not to post my opionion because there are too many controlling individuals that may be offended or perhaps delete my post.
Enough of that, I going back to Fox and catch Hannity or O'brien or may sit up till midnight and watch a rerun of Glen Beck.
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Mike - I've never known you to hold back an opinion. As for deleting posts, that's been my decision and at my direction. The way I figure it, I'd rather delete a post or group of posts that are offensive or against the rules than publicly embarrass somebody, or temporarily or permanently ban them from the site. I'm sure you agree.

The Management.
 
STL Mark said:
Mike - I've never known you to hold back an opinion. As for deleting posts, that's been my decision and at my direction. The way I figure it, I'd rather delete a post or group of posts that are offensive or against the rules than publicly embarrass somebody, or temporarily or permanently ban them from the site. I'm sure you agree.

The Management.
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I don't mean to speak for Mike & I agree that Mike is not reticent about voicing his opinion, BUT I think what Mike was saying in essence is that certain individuals are trying to control what is said or not said on the forum in accordance with what they perceive are topics which are or are not "garbage" posts. I say we should all be able to post what we want with others who enjoy talking about the same things & if that's not your cup of tea then join in on the conversations that you enjoy & stop trying to control what others do or do not say.
 
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I tend to agree with David on this in theory. There are always exceptions but I firmly believe that you should say what you mean and mean what you say. In real life, face to face interactions you can't take it back. You can apologize but once it is said, well, its out there. The option to let people "take it back" isn't real world for me. If you say something, stand behind it. There is a real need for a moderator but the delete function should rarely be used. It becomes to easy to pretend something was never said.

I really don't want the paddock changed. I would just like to see more car stuff. I thought the paddock was where we talked about Chevy's!
 
Chevys! What's that? :D I find myself apologizing most of the time when I over-react too quickly when someone has hurt my feelings. :eek: I guess I'm too sensitive. :rolleyes: I should take a deep breath & cool off before I respond when I'm attacked & then respond. I would probably get in a lot less trouble that way. :rolleyes: I am always quick to apologize & quick to forgive because I wish to build & maintain relationships whenever possible. I believe in swallowing my pride & admitting fault even if ARGUABLY I'm right for the sake of restoring & maintaining relationships. Others may perceive that as a weakness & if so, so be it. For me its not about winning arguments, but winning friends even it means losing face & an argument. If I let someone else "win" an argument, we both win. I win because I've maintained a friendship & the other person wins because I haven't challenged his pride. Most of the things we human beings argue about aren't worth the breath we use to argue with. End of class. :D Philosophy 101 will reconvene later. :D
 
STL Mark said:
Dave - I don't think any of this has anything to do with various persons or personalities. It has more to do with manners. Treating each other like the friends that we are, and keep a public level of standards, no porn, no racism, those are the keys.
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I agree & I disagree. It has EVERYTHING to do with various persons or personalities. We as a club must be broadminded, open & accepting of & towards all members & potential members regardless of political, religious or other preferences. We should not be narrow-minded & cliquish. Those who are different then some should not try to control others who are different then themselves. There are some within the club who like me & I am confident there are others within the club who have a great disdain for me for whatever reason. However, I have chosen & will continue to treat those who do not like me with respect, kindness & courtesy. I am resolved not to try to control, ostracize, ridicule, malign, insult, belittle, berate, name call, say shut up or engage in other similar disrespectful conduct towards other members of the club. When others members treat me in this fashion I am resolved to turn the other cheek & offer it to them. It is the least I can do for my savior. After all he died on the cross for me & he will heal my soft sensitive heart when I am treated cruelly by other members.

We lost Karl as a member & I believe some were/are glad he is gone. I for 1 am not. Karl is a good guy. He was just different then most of us. We lost Leo. We have perhaps lost Paul from Poplar Bluff(?). Granted I guess you can't keep everybody happy.

I agree that we should all treat each other like the friends that we are. However, if at any point in time anyone within the club perceives that someone is not, then someone should take it upon themselves to address the issue. If you guys want to call me the "drama queen" for being that person then so be it.
 
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