WARNING standard of disscusion must improve

[Chopper]

WELL DONE Alan not before time ,Regards Chop.

[GM]

I do not always agree with peoples points of view but I do not believe in censorship unless it is to stop profanity or pornography and racial intolerance.
If our sport is so week that it cannot stand differences of opinion being aired publicly then perhaps close the forum completely.
If people feel we are undermining our sport by arguing then our sport is doomed.
Yes there are groups who would see shooting banned but continually gagging your membership will not stop them.
If you don't like the contents of certain threads just don't read them.
Please grow up a little.
My thoughts,
GM

[Guest]

WELL SAID GM not before time.
Barry

[AlanF]

There has never been a problem with people disagreeing - that indicates honest discussion and is healthy for the future of the sport. What I see as damaging is the negative tone in many of the posts, and the inability of some posters to disagree without being spiteful. And then you have the stirrers who plant the seeds on a controversial topic, knowing it will cause a brawl. I agree with GM that there is some growing up to do in some quarters, but not sure we're talking about the same people.

Alan

[Guest]

Alan, without someone (a stirrer if you like) raising topics to debate, this forum would be useless. if a member sees fit to start a topic that may cause a lengthy discussion or argument, well,so what! it only means that the topic itself needs to be discussed with all points of view taken into account, we all have differences of opinion and no problems simply go away without some form of discussion.

It would appear that you are the instigator of this one, that would make you a stirrer, would it not?

[AlanF]

Adam,

I raised this subject as an announcement out of concern for the quality of discussion, which is quite the opposite of trying to stir up a damaging argument.

Another thing which I mentioned in the announcement was that a few posters seem intent on provoking arguments whenever they post. Can you honestly say you are not in that category? In this current post you use terms like "useless", and "so what!". Maybe you want to preserve a tough talking image, but I think many would see your style as very provocative, particularly when combined with the negative theme of many of your posts.

Alan

[Guest]

That would all depend on how sensitive you were Alan, I can safely put you in the overly section. When you have something to say, get to the point or dont bother! Im not interseted in a forum where you have to screen everything you say just incase someone may take offence to a personal preference or one in which differs from theirs.
Basically we cannot disagree with anything posted because that will hurt someones feelings. sounds like a perfect world! have fun.

[GM]

. I agree with GM that there is some growing up to do in some quarters, but not sure we're talking about the same people.

Alan

I actually was meaning all of us.
Alan, my father and six of his brothers fought for democracy in WW2.
He drilled into me that even if you hate/disbelieve what someone says you must fight for his right to say it because that is what seperates democracies from the fasicism and communism etc.
I do understand that people can be offended and feel they are being attcked by some comments.But the fact is if you believe in what you are saying then ignore the personal attacks and defend your point of view.
The rational and clear thinking majority will see through the crap.
If people who don't post are reading this please don't be intimidated by anyones style of posting,have your say that is what public forums are for.
I believe in the above 110%.Freedom of speech and expression are a precious gift.Exercise them well and defend the rights of people to use them or oneday you may find them gone.
That's my take,right or wrong.
GM

[John E]

Alan,
I agree 100% with GM. I have looked through the Forum index, and I haven't seen any posts that should offend any mentally stable person --- if anyone is so mentally fragile so as to have been offended or intimidated by any posts, then perhaps they are the ones that we should be concerned about having firearms.
As to the anti-gun lobby, they are in the distinct minority and the politicians are well aware of that at this point of time, so I wouldn't worry about them.
I think your threat to take action against any forum member for any of their posts is heavy handed and unnecessary.
I trust that you don't consider this post to be intimidating or inflammatory to anyone.
John

[AlanF]

GM,

I would very much like to agree with you, most of us have ANZACs in our families, and I'd add that many of our current NRAA shooters are veterans of more recent wars (and a few WW2 still). But I can't think of any vet I have known who wasn't a quiet and respectful person - it seems to be a common trait, no doubt because of what they've been through. Sadly, I doubt if they would consider some of the behaviour on our forums as something worth fighting for. Have a say by all means, but please try to be polite about it. Most of the American forums seem to be better behaved, and no suggestion that they are being denied the right to speak out - why can't we follow their example - it isn't that hard surely?

Alan

[Woody_rod]

Most of the American forums seem to be better behaved, and no suggestion that they are being denied the right to speak out - why can't we follow their example - it isn't that hard surely?

I agree, but only as the US sites are either overtly edited, or covertly so. Don't believe me, try some sweaing and see how far you get.... True, some posts are inflammatory, but that is what makes the discussion interesting.

This forum is more like sitting at the bar, and having a frank discussion with a few mates, than being in a room full of cardigan wearing limp wrists (men or women), that strive for political correctness

On the whole, I see most of the posts, even ones possibly seen as negative (probably myself included), as people that are very much committed to their sport, and its future. Being in the company of fellow (meaning guys and girls) shooters, particularly ones that DO speak their minds, is very refreshing.

I like the more direct posts here, that are sometimes more "considered" in the US, so as not to be viewed unfavourably.