Do we need a political forum?

[blackcrystal22]

I voted yes.
I think the only reason so many political threads end up in the quarantine room is because no one respects others opinions.
Especially when they arise their opinion, as if it were a fact.

Hence the reason I rarely ever give my opinion on political issues. Sometimes, I'd just rather avoid the rudeness.

[AndrewGeibel]

I say yes... it should be a sub category of the quarantine room..... You have to get mods ok to enter.

Great idea. A place for political discussions that will no doubt be heated that the general public can't access therefore keeping the image that the website moderators desire.

[rabernet]

The staff is discussing, and no - a forum dedicated to posting about legislation that affects our hobby will never be in QT out of the eye of the majority of the forum membership.

Other political threads that are not industry related will continue to go to QT, because this is a REPTILE forum, not a political one. BP.net does not desire to become a political forum either.

There's a HUGE difference in having a forum that keeps everyone up to date on current legislation that affects us as reptile keepers and a general political forum. My Yes vote was for a forum for current legislation and alerts, but would be No for any other type of political forum, since we already have QT.

[grim reaper in NY]

Thanks Robin. I have seen many good forums suffer major blows due to politics, religion, and other controversial topics. I would hate to see this site suffer the same consequences due to opinions and ideals that not everyone agrees with. I voted "no" just for the reasons I stated. We have a great forum here and it's really an enjoyable place to come to and hang out at. I would hate to see the atmosphere here change because of politics or other controversial topics.

[JLC]

I do not think it needs to be in qt room. Everyone, no matter age, is entitled to their opinion. A open forum for subjects like 669 and anything else political should be open for everyone all the time.

Just to clarify something...the QT room is not exclusive to age or anything else. Any member who wants in need only let us know.

A forum for subjects like 669 is one thing...and something the staff is now currently considering (as Robin pointed out). But "anything else political" can stay in the QT forum.

(Great meeting you this weekend, btw! )

[wolfy-hound]

A forum for legislation and possible bills and laws would be a good idea. I don't care for politics discussions or forums online, because no one seems to be able to respect that there are differing opinions.

[Jyson]

The staff is discussing, and no - a forum dedicated to posting about legislation that affects our hobby will never be in QT out of the eye of the majority of the forum membership.

Other political threads that are not industry related will continue to go to QT, because this is a REPTILE forum, not a political one. BP.net does not desire to become a political forum either.

There's a HUGE difference in having a forum that keeps everyone up to date on current legislation that affects us as reptile keepers and a general political forum. My Yes vote was for a forum for current legislation and alerts, but would be No for any other type of political forum, since we already have QT.

Definitely, I agree. I don't want Bp.net to become that either, but keeping it like the way you describe would be perfect imo.

[The Letch]

I'm fairly new here but I'd like to share a bit of experience with a general political forum. I'm a super moderator over at another website, dedicated to the martial arts. THE BIGGEST headache for the mod staff over there is the political forum. Politics are hugely emotional and will create heated debate. That heat, if not very closely monitored, can very easily turn into a full on conflagration. If you want a politics forum be prepared for some of your members to go from some of the nicest folks you've ever met to complete monsters... on both sides of the aisle.

Just my .02

[mainbutter]

There is a difference between POLITICS IN GENERAL and HERP LEGISLATION.

I would LOVE to see a herp legislation forum.

Politics in general can be whatever the site owners/mods want it to be. There are pros and cons for how that would affect the community here, and it works well enough to keep that in the quarantine room.

I really do think that especially with the focus on HR669 and similar recent proposed/passed legislation that a herp legislation forum would serve the community very well, facilitate discussion, help us organize to keep the hobby afloat, and help inform people about local laws.

[Jyson]

There is a difference between POLITICS IN GENERAL and HERP LEGISLATION.

I would LOVE to see a herp legislation forum.

Politics in general can be whatever the site owners/mods want it to be. There are pros and cons for how that would affect the community here, and it works well enough to keep that in the quarantine room.

I really do think that especially with the focus on HR669 and similar recent proposed/passed legislation that a herp legislation forum would serve the community very well, facilitate discussion, help us organize to keep the hobby afloat, and help inform people about local laws.

Make that a pet legislation forum, and that could be exactly what we need.(?)