Just My Opinion

[Divot]

I’ve owned a Valkyrie for a little over a year and since discovering this site I have been an active viewer and sometime poster.  I proudly display the VRCC emblem on the back of my riding jacket and greatly appreciate those who willingly share their expertise about Valkyries.  I enjoy reading about members travels and the sites they’ve seen, hoping to visit them myself someday on my motorcycle. 

However, it seems to me that over the course of the past year this board has taken a turn for the worse and is populated by some notables who feel a penchant to share their vitriolic view of government and politics and their religious fervor.  Now, I respect every person’s right to believe what ever they choose about those topics, I’d just rather they not tell me about it on a motorcycle forum.  Personally, I do not believe that words such as “tyranny”, “nazi”, “communist”, “socialist” or other similar inflammatory words belong in the same paragraph of a dissertation about our government leaders, regardless of party affiliation, in any forum let alone this one.

For comparison, I recently visited the VOIA forum (which I seldom do) to see if the same type and tenor of posts existed there.  I saw no posts that I would consider comparable to what is seen daily on this board.  If that forum is an example, then it is clearly possible for a forum to retain a focus on Valkyries and motorcycle riding without the other creeping in or taking over. 

For whatever value my input is worth, I’d encourage those who feel the urge to jump on every possible post or start a thread to express a political or religious view to reconsider.  Surely there are alternate forums out there where this type of discourse is invited and encouraged.  Here’s hoping that maybe this forum could turn back towards one that is focused on Valkyries and the fellowship of motorcycle riding as opposed to other more divisive and unrelated subjects.

[Valker]

As a moderator on the VOAi forum, I'd like to address a few things. You are right about it being a bit more focused and less political. BUT, there are a heck of a lot fewer posters there. The folks who are there have asked me to keep it civil, so I use the "delete thread" key as often as necessary.
I frequent several motorcycle boards which are even more politically active than this one. Most have an "Off Topic" section which people can choose to ignore. One of my favorite for trip reports is Adventure Rider. They have a section called "Jo Momma" which I never read since I don't like the language, pictures, antagonism, etc. I like the freedom and openness of this VRCC board (I am member #810), but there are several people who's posts I purposely don't read, as I'm sure there are some who skip my posts. People are very diverse in their feelings. Most of this board reflects that.
If you want to stay away from the political discussions and off topic stuff, may I recommend you read the "Tech" board here. That stays pretty much on topic all the time.

[Super Santa]

"I’d encourage those who feel the urge to jump on every possible post or start a thread to express a political or religious view to reconsider."

I agree.

[f6john]

If you want to stay away from the political discussions and off topic stuff, may I recommend you read the "Tech" board here. That stays pretty much on topic all the time. cooldude
   
  +1, I never read anything but the tech board on the old forum but since the change to the new format I view them equally. I pledged not to post to any political threads last year and so far have managed to keep my word. I appreciate the staffs position and feel they can handle the situation.

    As a side note, from what I understand the general board in the "old days" could get pretty heated also.

[solo1]

IMHO, the persons who ride Valkyries are not just passionate about the Valk.   They, including me,  have strong ideas and opinions and that's why they ride Valkyries.

Within reason, all topics are discussed.  At 82 years old, I always learn something on this Board and it's not all technical.  The unpaid administrators of this forum do a good job of knowing when the line is crossed and they delete at their discretion.

The forum today is much better controlled than a few years ago and I personally don't mind the off topics that come up.  Topics that are not to my liking I don't open them or respond to.

As mentioned, the tech board stays on topic, the Valk.

[Jeff K]

However, it seems to me that over the course of the past year this board has taken a turn for the worse

I've been a member since 1999 and I can honestly say that this is far from "as bad as it gets".
It goes in cycles, but there has always been people with strong opinions on this board.

[R J]

However, it seems to me that over the course of the past year this board has taken a turn for the worse

I've been a member since 1999 and I can honestly say that this is far from "as bad as it gets".
It goes in cycles, but there has always been people with strong opinions on this board.

Amen what Jeff says.
I have been around from the start, #173.

I have learned to ignore the ones I no like and move on down the road.

Sure, I get pee-oed every once in awhile and run my pie hole, but we have people in power who have a delete key.

No like the General, stay on the Technical side then, that is my story and I'm stickin to it.

Otherwise, have a nice day, and many many safe miles with the rubber down and the shiny side up......

[mattfidaho]

man you Idahoans sure stir the pot.......

wait..... crap I am from Idaho never mind

I do agree with your post...

[Wingman]

Excellent post Divot! I agree in principle, but as some have pointed out, the diversity of the postings here keep this board alive and vibrant. I have, over time, developed a sincere distaste for some posters that insist on imposing their will and philosophies on others. I know who they are and I simply ignore their posts. If we place limits on what people can talk about, where would the line be drawn? You must have a mention of motorcycles at least once in your posts? Eventually a bulletin board such as this becomes a gathering of friends, some of this group are no longer riding Valkyries and some aren't riding at all. I would not want to lose input from these posters based only on their riding status as I still value their opinions.

I agree that some posters here, more than cross the line, but they are easy to pick out. No point in arguing with them, they will still be righter than you, or holier than you, or whatever else; sometimes you just have to take the wheat with the chaff in order to get the most wheat!

[Scott in Ok]

I’ve owned a Valkyrie for a little over a year and since discovering this site I have been an active viewer and sometime poster.  I proudly display the VRCC emblem on the back of my riding jacket and greatly appreciate those who willingly share their expertise about Valkyries.  I enjoy reading about members travels and the sites they’ve seen, hoping to visit them myself someday on my motorcycle. 

However, it seems to me that over the course of the past year this board has taken a turn for the worse and is populated by some notables who feel a penchant to share their vitriolic view of government and politics and their religious fervor.  Now, I respect every person’s right to believe what ever they choose about those topics, I’d just rather they not tell me about it on a motorcycle forum.  Personally, I do not believe that words such as “tyranny”, “nazi”, “communist”, “socialist” or other similar inflammatory words belong in the same paragraph of a dissertation about our government leaders, regardless of party affiliation, in any forum let alone this one.

For comparison, I recently visited the VOIA forum (which I seldom do) to see if the same type and tenor of posts existed there.  I saw no posts that I would consider comparable to what is seen daily on this board.  If that forum is an example, then it is clearly possible for a forum to retain a focus on Valkyries and motorcycle riding without the other creeping in or taking over. 

For whatever value my input is worth, I’d encourage those who feel the urge to jump on every possible post or start a thread to express a political or religious view to reconsider.  Surely there are alternate forums out there where this type of discourse is invited and encouraged.  Here’s hoping that maybe this forum could turn back towards one that is focused on Valkyries and the fellowship of motorcycle riding as opposed to other more divisive and unrelated subjects.

I mostly agree. 

Ever wonder how many folks just go away, or don't post anymore because of the actions of a few people who seem to dominate topics like politics or religion?  If I wasn't one of the admins, and actually care about the health of the VRCC community, I'd have been gone a long time ago.  My giveashit meter gets lower each time someone posts another BS political topic or stirs the pot just to see what sort of reaction they can get.

I will say though, that its not the subject of politics or religion I have a problem with.  A friendly discussion on either topic is welcomed on occasion.  But the endless multiple threads on those subjects every single day just about drive me crazy.   Some posters seem to have a new topic on those subjects every 2-3 hours day after day.

-Scott

[Serk]

I too was very active in the VRCC forums in 2000 and a few years after that, but I walked away from it at one point because it felt like VRCC stood for "Very Republican Christian Club"...

Having had the chance to meet more of these people in person over the years, I try harder to look past their constant preaching and praying, and even find myself agreeing on the political side more and more, but trying to keep my responses non-inflammatory...

As has been said, even the really REALLY wrong ones are generally really good people...

[Daniel Meyer]

Just wait till the next presidential election season starts...  

(what, in about 4 months or so?)

[G-Man]

I couldn't disagree more! 

To me, this is more than just a motorcycle forum.  This is where I met a really great friend, and soooo many others that I am proud to go as far as call Brother.  I come here to share, talk, vent, complain, and be an ear for others who wish to do the same.

I've owned my Valkyrie for 7 years now and, let's face it, have nothing else to say about it.  If I have a problem or an issue with the bike, I go to the tech board. 

Instead of trying to silence others from presenting topics you don't want to here, change the channel yourself.  If you don't like what's here, go somewhere else.  Please don't feel that I wish you bad tidings or even want you to leave, but, why should those who enjoy certain discussions (and from the large and varied replies), cease (or reconsider) because someone else doesn't like it.  Afterall, you're not forced to read it.

[G-Man]

My giveashit meter gets lower each time someone posts another BS political topic or stirs the pot

I don't consider politics BS because I choose to be informed.  We live in very treacherous times right now with two wars, debt over our heads, drug cartels killing US citizens in AZ, and an oil spill that threatens part of our country.  I feel that these topics should be discussed regularly, as they threaten us regularly.  We are the people who cast votes that put people in positions that will either help or exacerbate these issues.  I want to be as informed as I can when making that decision.  I want to hear other thoughts and opinions, even if I disagree. 

I can'T speak for others, but I really don't get much back and forth with politics at home or on the job.  I'm happy that I can look here for it, or with some facebook friends.

[RoadKill]

What would you like to talk about divot? I am offended by most things but as long as it isnt clothing or pet related...or food,or health or anything humorous. and PLEASE nothing pertaining to any kind of math or science( especially Physics)  I'm open. What did you have in mind?  

[9Ball]

I joined sometime in 2000 and some of the other old timers can vouch that what you see today is very civilized in comparison to years past.  We've had our share of issues.

If all we talked about was Valkyries, then this would be a pretty boring place.  It's the most active of the boards that I routinely watch and there's good ownership by the moderators.  Let's not be too restrictive on what is posted unless it involves blatant name calling, threats, and bullying.

VRCC is a special group and unfortunately we have lost a lot of knowledge over the past 5 years by members walking away.  I miss most of them, but I also enjoy all the new owners just discovering what we have known for a long time....

[Jabba]

I love Valks... but I also love politics, and hunting, and fishing, and dirt bikes, and barely clothed women, and LOTS of other stuff.

I like the diversity.

Jabba

[SANDMAN5]

"Very Republican Christian Club" I like that!! I'd gladly sign up.....except I don't
consider myself a republican. I USUALLY vote rep, but not always. Voted for
Clinton twice....honestly cannot remember how I voted in the Bush/Gore thing.
Didn't really want to vote for McCain but I would have voted for Hitler before
I would have voted for Hussein Obama. So I'm not a rep, being a Christian is
first and foremost to me. Christian first, American second.

[Billy]

Divot, you can always buy a Ducati and mosy on over to the Ducati board. Trading in for a MTS 1200 would lose you 300 lbs and gain yourself 50 hp.

[charligirl]

Excellent post Divot! I agree in principle, but as some have pointed out, the diversity of the postings here keep this board alive and vibrant. I have, over time, developed a sincere distaste for some posters that insist on imposing their will and philosophies on others. I know who they are and I simply ignore their posts. If we place limits on what people can talk about, where would the line be drawn? You must have a mention of motorcycles at least once in your posts? Eventually a bulletin board such as this becomes a gathering of friends, some of this group are no longer riding Valkyries and some aren't riding at all. I would not want to lose input from these posters based only on their riding status as I still value their opinions.

I agree that some posters here, more than cross the line, but they are easy to pick out. No point in arguing with them, they will still be righter than you, or holier than you, or whatever else; sometimes you just have to take the wheat with the chaff in order to get the most wheat!

+1

[elraque]

Just don't get me started on the FOREST SERVICE!!!... another one of those GUMMINT ENTITIES!!! 

(Sarcasm and humor indended, Divot... lighten up a little!)

[bigguy]

Excellent post Divot! I agree in principle, but as some have pointed out, the diversity of the postings here keep this board alive and vibrant. I have, over time, developed a sincere distaste for some posters that insist on imposing their will and philosophies on others. I know who they are and I simply ignore their posts. If we place limits on what people can talk about, where would the line be drawn? You must have a mention of motorcycles at least once in your posts? Eventually a bulletin board such as this becomes a gathering of friends, some of this group are no longer riding Valkyries and some aren't riding at all. I would not want to lose input from these posters based only on their riding status as I still value their opinions.

I agree that some posters here, more than cross the line, but they are easy to pick out. No point in arguing with them, they will still be righter than you, or holier than you, or whatever else; sometimes you just have to take the wheat with the chaff in order to get the most wheat!

+2

[Daniel Meyer]

It's those damn car tires, isn't it? 

[RoadKill]

I hope this is not offensive...Not religion/non political/no puppy dogs and rainbows and I dont see how it could possibly be Valk related !

Blues Brothers - Rubber Biscuit	powered by Aeva

Heere odda hilldidda hildhiruhah
Juuuyr adda hilldadida jigguwah
Hieere odda hittomamma jizzowazzah
Hoow bawlda hillowowa howahwah
Heere odda hilldeninne hilldennine
Hiiire odda hillimoney hilluwowahwah
Dwiire odda higgunama shuppobup
Deare odda hildumama hithuivha
Peurr onna hillimona hillduwiva

[big turkey]

Excellent Post Divot and I am guilty as charged.

Will try to do better in the future.

I like this board and want it to be the best.


Big Al

Independant Voter but Registered Republican.

Run a Motorcycle Specific Tire on the Back.

A Dale Earnhardt fan, SR. And Jr.

I eat fish on Fridays.

Christian by Second Birth.

Love to talk bad about Harley's and I own one. AS well as a Interstate.

Have Several Tattoos as well.

Married No Children and my house is payed for.

Cars paid for too.

Three Dogs, Two Schnauzers(JUST WASHED THEM ANDTHEY AIN"T HAPPY) a Yorkie Poo.

Three Cats, a Calico, a Tabby Cat from the Shelter and Oliver the Naploeon.

A bird named Charlie (COCKATIEL) who can say a few words and whistle if somebody is in the yard.

4 Motor cycles in all.

I like Chevrolets as well......

Apple Pie and Hot Dogs.

4 more years to retirement.

If I live that long.

Big AL

This is Oliver.

[Jess from VA]

I am with G-Man and Jabba, this is more than a Valkyrie board, and I like it that way.

While there are (no more than) a couple true dissenters and some who wish politics and/or religion would just go away, I believe the majority who post here regularly generally agree with the predominant themes of the political and religious posts.... if not the vitriolic and ranting nature of some of those posts.  Those who disagree can easily stick to the Tech side.

I thank VRCC staff for allowing relatively free speech here on most any subject, yet clamping down on things truly objectionable, personal attacks, full frontal nudity and the like.  It is not easy to moderate and I think you guys do a great job. 

[RoadKill]

Big  for the moderators...Not just for putting up with my S#!t, For a GREAT board with awesome members (that are usually just wrong!  )

[Skinhead]

I couldn't disagree more! 

To me, this is more than just a motorcycle forum.  This is where I met a really great friend, and soooo many others that I am proud to go as far as call Brother.  I come here to share, talk, vent, complain, and be an ear for others who wish to do the same.

I've owned my Valkyrie for 7 years now and, let's face it, have nothing else to say about it.  If I have a problem or an issue with the bike, I go to the tech board. 

Instead of trying to silence others from presenting topics you don't want to here, change the channel yourself.  If you don't like what's here, go somewhere else.  Please don't feel that I wish you bad tidings or even want you to leave, but, why should those who enjoy certain discussions (and from the large and varied replies), cease (or reconsider) because someone else doesn't like it.  Afterall, you're not forced to read it.

I am with G-Man and Jabba, this is more than a Valkyrie board, and I like it that way.

While there are (no more than) a couple true dissenters and some who wish politics and/or religion would just go away, I believe the majority who post here regularly generally agree with the predominant themes of the political and religious posts.... if not the vitriolic and ranting nature of some of those posts.  Those who disagree can easily stick to the Tech side.

I thank VRCC staff for allowing relatively free speech here on most any subject, yet clamping down on things truly objectionable, personal attacks, full frontal nudity and the like.  It is not easy to moderate and I think you guys do a great job. 

I agree with both of the above.  I apologize to the moderators who have to read all this drival, but the tech board is there for tech issues, the general board should be for all topics, and up to the reader to choose which ones they read.  (Unfortunately the moderators don't have that luxury).  I'd like to think of most of the members as friends, and some as almost family, and I enjoy having discussions on all subjects.  I'm sorry that I'm ALWAYS right, I know that can annoy some people, but you'll get used to it.

[valkmc]

I haven't been here long but have owned my valk for 12 years. I think it is great that we talk and disagree about our country and the way it is run. It says a alot about The United States that we can have these discussion on an open forum, it is not possible in may places around the world.

This country in my opinion is in serious trouble, we spend way more than we can sustain, $9 billion alone in Afganastan each month and don't spend enough  to do simple things like secure our own borders.  If talking about it helps in some small way by keeping us informed (I know I have learned a few things while reading these post) than it is a good thing.

[alph]

VRCC’s new name; Vicious Religious Condemnation Connection.

DIVOT,
I really hate it when religion gets pulled into any conversation.  It seems that when ever you get started, you end up going to hell just because you question “why”, or disagree.  

I agree with you whole heartily.  Now, bring on the cycle articles!!

[¿spoom]

Ever wonder how many folks just go away, or don't post anymore because of the actions of a few people who seem to dominate topics like politics or religion?  If I wasn't one of the admins, and actually care about the health of the VRCC community, I'd have been gone a long time ago.  My giveashit meter gets lower each time someone posts another BS political topic or stirs the pot just to see what sort of reaction they can get.


-Scott

+1 and I've been around as long as RJ and others who's names most of you wouldn't even recognize. (rhymes w/proctor & sean) Granted, after a while it got stale with nothing much happening on the Valk front and the same old questions over & over after it wasn't "new and uncharted" any more, but I seldom stop in anymore and the politics is a big part of it. I'll get sucked in and venture an opinion from time to time and then catch myself wondering why I bothered. Sadly it's usually the same few folks posting ad-nauseum and waxing over & over like a bullying broken record. Yeah, I can just ignore posts/posters, but it doesn't change the fact it just isn't as much fun anymore.

[the inspector]

I’d encourage those who feel the urge to jump on every possible post or start a thread to express a political or religious view to reconsider."

I agree.

"the inspector"

Excellent post Divot.....more motorcycles.....less BS

[Robert]

Did I miss something? like the ability of some who have computers to NOT Click a post that may upset them? Maybe its a self control issue that just cant seem to make the jump to the next post of relevance to them.  Or just like our government is the only way that they can enjoy things is to limit everyone else and the options available to them? Seems something more pointless than all the political posts and religious posts is the ones that tell everyone that this is a motorcycle board and cant just seem to miss those posts that are not.    I really dont want to be limited by others views and like what is posted on the board. Is this board short on storage space to such that it needs to limit the amount of posts? I have the idea if we get rid of all the other political and religius,personal and any other topic that is not motorcycle related all of a sudden everyone will have so much to talk about and it will free up all the extra space for them to post  Personally I have been informed on things that I really was happy that I was, like the recent post about the park in Arizona being closed off. Diversity is like anything else sometime you have to sift through the garbage to get to some good stuff. If it were only motorcycles then I wouldn't know about Joe's Presley or about the different jobs that people do who own valks. People who own Valks are diverse but share a common love, I like that and we all have at least one thing in common, this I cant say about most in this world today. It is through this common love of our bikes that we start to share some of the other concerns, ideas, life, and anything that our heart desires.  The only ones I do have some sorrow for is the moderators they have no choice but to read all that is put into the posts. Other than that to me its the same issue as illegal immigration you came to this board and its been this way, so if you dont like it why did you join? I have opinions you have opinions, opinions are like @@@@@@@@ everyone has one so I say just as you are trying to say about all the other posts keep your opinions to yourself.

[BF]

Where else can you learn about 86 year old grandma's getting tazed in their beds?   

[Big Rig]

Divot,

I can understand your thoughts...but if we all agreed on the same point, than why have the VRCC...we can ALL Agree that our bikes are the best ever built. And I do challenge anyone to disagree...we bash Harley because it is fun, and again, I do not think anyone has truly any harsh feeling to the brand. The Ploy Sci and Religious posts sort of makes the world go around. I am not the most informed in any of those posts, but I do like reading other opinions and thoughts...and I do try and bait some some times...but only for giggles...

You have the power to edit what you read and listen to...so please do not ask the admins to make the rest of us suffer....

I have met some great people here, and plan on meeting many more over the years,,,all because of the Valkyrie!!!

Ride Safe my friend.

[Scott in Ok]

Did I miss something? like the ability of some who have computers to NOT to Click a post that may upset them?

The problem for me, and I think for alot more people that you might think, isn't overlooking certain topics or posters......its the sheer glut of them.  In the last few weeks I have been extremely busy at my real job, my other job as a wheat farmer, and life in general.  I had maybe 20 minutes per day that I could sit down and check out the board.  On a least 5 different occasions when I checked the board more than half the topics on the front page of the general board were politically related.  There are only 25 threads listed on the front page, and 6 of those are stickies that don't move down.  Of the remaining 19, at least 10 of those were politics.  When one or two people decide to change the world one VRCC thread at a time on their pet political view(s) it gets overwhelming and annoying.

And when I said BS political posts this is what I mean.  Example.  Lets say JohnnyVRCC is pissed about  some new legislation.  Instead of reading up on the subject, and then posting something like...."you know, I don't like this legislation.  Here's why....."  No, JohnnyVRCC would post: that !W$%T^ (insert politician here) is a sorry SOB who isn't fit for office. Check out this link with all this stuff I agree with, but have no idea if its true or not.  TAKE ACTION NOW!!!!!

Then, all his buddies respond with "Hell yeah! that sorry SOB! Lets revolt!"  Then of course, the other side would say: "You are a bunch of idiots!  This is the best legislation EVER!"  

"Conservative Jesus freak!"

"Liberal Pansy!"


Very little real discussion ever takes place.  Most folks are just out to prove the other side is wrong, the truth be cursed.  Thats what really annoys me.

-Scott

[Robert]

Scott I have to agree, but I personally dont read rants I click to the next post or unless the post is accompanied by some sort of backup. Yes there is bantering back and forth I hate to admit it but that can also be fun with a coke and a bag of popcorn. I do find that even in these type of things I have been informed on some issues though. Really I think Willow took a poll on who would change a point of view about a subject posting on this board and the number was small to non existent. But maybe a seed is planted and even to get someone to say maybe hummmmm may be enough. But it sounds like you could use a little R&R, sorry you have been running, like I said, the only ones I feel for is the moderators /head tech like yourself. By the way thanks I must say that I do really appreciate the work that you and others do put in.

[elraque]

Did anyone else notice that after Divot got this thread started (and got us all fired up and responding  etc.) there hasn't been another peep from him/her/it/them (trying to be politically correct, diverse and inclusive with that last bit).

Not a peep... Hmmm.....  ???

[ArmyValker]

I think there's a lot of passionate, knowledgeable people on the board. I also think the minute we start taking all this stuff seriously is about the time we deserve a well intentioned kick in the ass.

Life is full of stuff we have to take seriously, I try my best to limit that to the minimum.

 

[big turkey]

PEEP

PEEP

No not a Peep

Good call Elraque.

And thanks for being politically correct.

Big Al