There are a number of interesting points found in this thread.  One point of fact which I may have missed is that these forums/bulletin boards are for the most part brought forth as efforts of individuals or private businesses with their ideas of what they wish for them to be.

These entities are, in fact, their creation and rightfully subject to their manipulations.  We've each the ability to establish, present and shape our own forums and only those who fail to understand this will unfairly and mistakenly accuse managers and administrators of censorship.

With regard to the use of the word censorship to describe the efforts of site owners and administrators to manage their site, my opinion is in the context of describing the management of a private internet site the use of the word "censorship" is improper.  The modern understanding of the term has evolved into the supression or prohibition of speech or writing deemed by a politically governing body to be subversive.  Assumption of authority, such as management of a website, to some degree carries the task of editing (censoring if you must) the writings and submissions of those subordinate.

As we have chosen to speak about political postings, personal experience demonstrates that for some politics becomes a substitute for religion.  They preach with the fervor of a tent minister and the only thing upon which they can count is that few are going to read what they've posted and the next person whose mind they change will be the first.  Their mind-numbing posts quickly reveal them to be a one-note tune and they would surely be crushed were they to learn realize their credibility disappeared at about the same time the last member decided to no longer read, muchl ess respond, to their efforts.

It shouldn't be a revelation that this is a recreation-, social-type board given that, at least for me, a motorcycle is a toy and implement for enjoyment.  It's not a "lifestyle" or a statement as in a life of proper balance one is defined by factors of greater moment.  Motorcycle for most whom I know were purchased for fun.  An internet site relating to motorcycles should reflect such. 


--Colt

OK, been sittin here in da corner and bout time to kick the desk back and spend my 2 cents worth. Then again with todays economy the way it is, I wouldn't give ya a half cent fer it.

Now it seems a lot of you have missed a spot on the front page I read almost daily. The "upcoming News" section. I have posted a few things there, you can comment on articles just like you do with blogs. (Could probably use a different name to make it appear easier to use. But anyone can post items to it and comment.

I do, as boring as some articles can be, read most of Goldirons stuff. Scan for the pertinant stuff n all. But then I am not an excitable person. Of course those of you out there that know me I am sure would agree. RIGHT! I fuckin thought so!

Good point Kitten and we started a group for expressing political info!

Glad to announce The Political Junkie Group is now officially on the road to fruition!  lol  And thanks my friend Goldiron for utilizing it!

From: Johnny_RoadKill

A small portion is interesting but most isn't even worth the time it takes to read the headline.


From: administrator

For me personally, I come here to enjoy myself and have fun and share in other members having fun, and that's it.  I want to be entertained and stimulated and have fun, period. 

I deffinatly agree with Johnny on his points. ( call wadin thru the bull an looking for the good stuff fishin)

No one wants to see the site turn into a 'job' for you Tony. Hate to see ya have to stick your head somewhere

Information overload can happen. I have to agree on the political post. They are over excessive at times. (I also realize the person behind them is sharing whats important to them, what they want us to 'know', what they want to inform us about as Americans.) We can all agree the government and the people who run it are lacking...and I'll leave it at that.
At least with the forums, even if the roll up when a comment is posted, they can be easily overlooked just scanning the page. Blogs are a seperate issue, they seem more on a personal level, but thats just my opinion.
To some, politics is personal. It effects us all.

ClemnPeach, I created a political forum and that still exists, but like I said, I believe you will get tired of seeing it surface every time someone posts something in that forum.  I know people are tired of the political stuff, and it seems to only generate conflicts and arguments and worse.  We could democratically put this to a public community vote through a poll, but I'm just concerned about making rules at all, or limiting what people can write about.  I don't believe it would be censorship to limit certain topics, but I also don't want to be chasing after people and telling them what they can and can't do.

For me personally, I come here to enjoy myself and have fun and share in other members having fun, and that's it.  I want to be entertained and stimulated and have fun, period.  I can meet lots of incredible people, ride with them, get out on the road and ride across the country to meet more of you one day, and that's where my heart is at.  Personally, if I want to educate myself about political and legislative concerns, I'll go elsewhere to find information.  But, I also don't want to make a lot of rules.  Eventually, things change and the rules would also have to change, and it's a nightmare trying to keep up with it all.  I would constantly be chasing people down, explaining the rules, and telling them what they can and can't do.  ...and that flies right in the face of me wanting to have fun

What's the best way to have fun and be entertained?  Do things that get people involved in fun stuff.  Have as much fun as possible, and people will follow LOL!  If more people write blogs and post in the forums with stuff they enjoy, a culture is created - of the people, by the people, for the people.

Tony ~

Wow!  Hasn't this been an informative blog?  I love hearing the views and opinions of everyone on this issue and thank you all for your input!

I have also seen people I have not had the pleasure of talking with and have also had new friends requests. 

Thank you all again for your input and with the weekend approaching be safe and have fun!

Margo

Do you have a Forum area for Politics Tony? Maybe GI could take what he feels would benefit us and blog it and post the rest in a political forum.
I know alot of us on here know each other pretty well and althought GI's information is beneficial to all, I think Domino's issue would take precidents over some of it.
Also I think alot of people are sick and tired of the Political Mayhem, I know I am and have heard alot of others express the same opinion.

WELLI FOR ONE DON'T HARDLY POST ANYTHING ON HERE AND SINCE I DON'T KNOW WHO ALL ARE FRIENDS OF DOMINOS THAT ARE MY FRIENDS I KINDA FIGURED THE BEST WAY TO COVER ALL BASES WAS TO BLOG UPDATES ON HER OLE MANS CONDITION FROM THE ACCIDENT A CAGE CAUSED THAT PUT HIM IN THE HOSPITAL

well thank you tony ........that is if i understand you correctly ...... i wouldnt want to be part of something where i had to be careful what i said or thought , where my veiws were not wanted ....... was starting to sound alot like censorship to me ....... i always though bikers were free thinking kind of people who stood up for what they believed ....... not a bunch of old fuddy dutties wanting only to hear from those who shared there point of veiw  .......... different opinions kind of makes it more interesting ........ in my opinion anyway

Nobody ever wins when arguing online with the bloggers.... it just goes on and on and on....and on.

Usually nothing original, just copy and paste something somebody else aready said. 

A small portion is interesting but most isn't even worth the time it takes to read the headline.

Just remember that  arguing on the internet is like being the winner in a special olympics race.

Yes you won a gold medal, but you're still retarted...

I've toned things down quite a bit since the election. I agree that postin' 4 or 5 blogs a day is crazy! Every day, I almost always have to flip to the next blog page to make sure that I haven't missed a good joke, poem or an update that has been posted, 'cause it wuz pushed to another page due to over posting.

Have a Great Week!!!