One other thing that Pyro should try:
A political forum where only those who have a valid username here can view. That way you keep prospective clients from being frightened away if they just want to browse the forums without registration.
It works very successfully in many forums.
::Edit:: sorry fort he wall. I didnt realize I had rambled on that long LMAO
I'd agree with that. But I never played hide the identity anyway.
Hell. I'd be willing to use my real name as I've never been shy about bringing these topics up or expressing my views on them with even perfect strangers.
Personally. and with all due respect to Pyro.
I've never seen a BBS where the subject he claims "most boards" wont allow. save one. And that was so long ago I cant remember the name of it.
(wasnt very active either)
Personally I dont see how the goings on in the O'club is any different then the banterings that go on in the "General Discussion" forums.
Only the subject matter is different.
Its sad. Because they just killed the best damn parts of the O'Club.
Back in olden times the towns people (usually men) used together at the local pub. Drink a few pints, Smoke their pipes or cigars. And debate and quite often argue the politics and topics of the day.
Nowadays people only go to their local pub to get drunk.
I've always seen the O'Club as a kind of return to that time.
I've always viewed it. Even with all of its flaws,and arguments as a positive thing.
On politics. This place has forced me to bother to actually look up and learn about things that like most people in the general public. I probably wouldnt have bothered to otherwise.
As I found out the hard way. Here. moreso then anywhere else. that if you have a view or opinion on something. and you try to present it as factual.
You better have some sort of source or data to back you up.
Because if you dont. and you are wrong.
Someone here not only will call you on it. But will prove just how wrong you are.
Whereas other boards. you typically just see rantings. with little ty no degree of facts to back them up.
Because of the O'club.
I consider myself a much more politically educated person then I was when I first started here all those years ago.
On alot of subjects. Ranging from Politics to Tazers. I am much more educated then I was all those years ago.
As an end result. In spite of the inherrent problems that come with some of these subjects.
I consider myself better off now. then I was when I started here.
Personally. Rather then see these subjects banned.
I think that everyone in America. should have to spend some time here.
We still might not always see things the same way.
But.
We'd have a pubic that is much better prepared to cast votes.
Some time ago. I was at a friends house arguing with him a subject that is of no consequence.
As it was just one of many I've had with him over the years.
during the arguement he would say one thing. and I'd respond with a fact. bang,bang,bang. And offer to prove it. He didnt bother because we'd been this route before. And every time he has agreed to let me show him the proof. I was able to.
Later on i the evening. His wife said to me. "How does anyone win an arguement with you."
The responce was simple and honest.
"You either dont argue with me to begin with
Or.
You have to spend some time in the O'club to learn how"
While I understand the reasoning for Pyros move.
I dont agree with it by a long shot.
I dont think they fully realise what they have here.
A flavor, a collection of some pretty bright minds and insights that you just dont see at many other places.
I consider myself better of BECAUSE of rather then in spite of, some of the arguements I've been involved with here.
In the end they just barred about 9o% of everything worth talking about.
and of the remaining 10% . 7% will have difficulties being discussed without bringing the banned subjects into play.
And the other 3% I predict with degrade into arguements anyway. LOL
