Forum Rules Review

[newood2]

We should also drop statements like "my prayers go out to you and your family" or, "my blessing" when a member has a tragedy. Because the words prayer and blessing are intrinsically religious in their definition and understanding. We should use a more secular term like "good luck to you". -I say this only in reference to the rule, not my own convictions-.
I believe, you see, religion(spirituality) and politics(social views) are core passions of our very existence, and to stifle them in any form(free speech for one) is an insurmountable task. Our passions keep us alive. Our passion for power, for success, religious beliefs, political views, love, violence, sports, certain values, etc, is what we live for. Can you imagine the doctor or anyone telling you to give up woodwork. Perhaps you would rather die. That's being passionate.
So in our conversations, dialoques, debates, forums, the things that we have intense feelings about will inevitably surface. This is our individuality.
To maintain the peace and contain pandemonium on this public(not private as some stated) forum the creator -Oops- mandates that certain hot button topics/passions be suppressed.It will be like ice cream without the flavors, but I can work with that.
The only thing is, it should be for all members. Secondly the line drawn should be more clear in terms. That includes avatars, signature lines, names.

[Rslaugh]

Let's not throw the baby out with the bath water. The intent is to keep the forum free from discussions that history and experience in other forums shows usually escalate into flame wars. It's worked well for a number of years.

As far as public vs private, my wife has a store that the public is certainly invited into but I guarantee you that it is private property and she can kick anyone out for any reason she chooses. If you don't like her rules or her merchandise then please feel free to shop somewhere else. I think the same applies to this and most other forums. Sam owns the machines the forum runs on. He maintains all the software and licenses. He invites the public in but this is his place & his rules.

[Alex Franke]

We should also drop statements like "my prayers go out to you and your family" or, "my blessing" when a member has a tragedy. Because the words prayer and blessing are intrinsically religious in their definition and understanding. We should use a more secular term like "good luck to you". -I say this only in reference to the rule, not my own convictions-.

It's a good thing English isn't formally our official language here in the USA, or we'd have to ban the use of that, too -- for clearly political reasons. Of course, "English in the USA" is a pretty hotly debated political issue, so perhaps everyone in the States should type in Pig Latin just to be on the safe side.

oodgay riefgay...

[Hoakie]

If Sam says no Politicin' or Religulatin', then don't. Plenty of other sites to do that. If someone slips, don't jump in and add fuel to the fire, P.M. a Moderator and let them take appropriate action, if any.

If you can't resist yourself and want to discuss religion/politics, do us all a favor and go elsewhere. It is pretty cut and dry in my book.

If you ARE offended by anything anybody says on the internet, I'd suggest loosening up a bit. The internet it is such an anonymous media that it is easy for people to put on the equivalent of "Beer Muscles" and trash talk as they are sitting alone behind the keyboard hundreds of miles away.

Peace, Love and Sawdust.

[leehljp]

We should also drop statements like "my prayers go out to you and your family" or, "my blessing" when a member has a tragedy. Because the words prayer and blessing are intrinsically religious in their definition and understanding. We should use a more secular term like "good luck to you". -I say this only in reference to the rule, not my own convictions-.

Newwood2,

This very point has been discussed and addressed previously. It is the one exception.
Sharing bereavement, illness, accidents and family needs are a part of Community. Offering a "prayer" or "thinking/remembering you" for the specific purpose of support are fine - within this context only. If a person is not of a religious persuasion, then "thinking of you/remember you" is fine. As community, we should stay away from politics and religious vocab that intentionally or unintentionally provoke. But as a caring Community that one value should rise above our prejudices in that one case.

Newwood2 - This is not aimed at you - but rather to anyone who wishes to belabor this: There is no need to argue or discuss this particular point; This is the way it is.

[Stytooner]

Hank is correct. It has been addressed. Prayers, well wishes, condolences and inclusion in thought are all expressions of caring and feeling in this community.
They are acceptable responses. They are not stated to spark a discussion, nor do they pinpoint a specific religion or belief. They are offered to help a specific individual or Family in a time of need. I see these offerings in a category of their own.

These offerings also generally confine themselves to a single post in a single thread. This is not what happens with screen names and sig lines. They are in every post that you have ever made until they are changed.

In the past, we have not been as vigilant on sig lines or screen names as we should have been. Some is due to us not being aware of certain religious implications. If you see something that you think may have religious or political overtures, then please PM the mods. I can assure you that it will be looked at. We will continue to do our best at keeping the forum free of these topics. You as members must do your part too. As a member, you have a responsibility to use good judgment when you post anything. Mistakes will be made and actions would be taken.

As for this being a public forum, no it is not. It is open for public viewing only. To post, you must be a member. To become a member, you agree to uphold the wishes of it's owner, Sam. You then have a responsibility to uphold his wishes and post within the simple guidelines he requests. The Forum exists at Sam's discretion.

I own a couple websites myself that are open to public viewing. I can assure you that they are privately owned as well.