Lately this forum has been changing...

[Alien]

When I first joined, I was pleasantly surprised at how nice everyone here was.  Folks here seemed to shed the faux "biker" swagger and just talk.  There was a family vibe that drew me in.  Lately though, there's been a LOT of anger fueled threads relating mostly to politics and religion (of course).  There's been a lot of intolerance on all sides, some of which sounds very close to actual hate.

My question is this:  Which is the best and truest representation of the people here - The nice, welcoming family that I met when I joined, or the venomous, raging "my way is right and your way is wrong and you're stupid and evil if you don't agree with me" vibe that comes off of so many posts now?

Honestly, I hope it's the former.  The latter does not interest me.  Life provides it's own negativity and drama, creating more is pointless.

Ride safe,
Alien

[PAVALKER]

Politics has a funny way of changing people.  This time of year is difficult for many, and it's probably even more difficult than sports rivalry arguments for most.   It should calm down a little bit after November I would imagine....       

[Serk]

IMHO, when the rubber hits the road, with VERY few exceptions, we're all family...

There are some people here who I strongly disagree with, to an extreme level.

But, I'd still be honored to share some wind with them. And if I saw a post that they were riding near me and needed a hand, I'd be happy to lend them a hand however I can.

To me, it appears our society as a whole has turned very nasty. The art of disagreeing without being disagreeable it becoming rare. The only defense for that that I can see is that most people seem to no longer thing that we're arguing about minor points about the political or spiritual soul of our nation, but now we're fighting for it's very existence. When one side believes the "others" truly want to destroy our country or their religion, it's hard to remain civil any longer.

[HayHauler]

Alien, it's pretty easy.  I just don't read the political or religious posts if I an not in the right frame of mind.
I would rather read about a rode and see some pictures of other parts of the country.

Ride safe.

And most of the people on this board are top notch, no matter how they sound in their posts.

Hay
Jimmyt

[flamingobabe #44]

My question is this:  Which is the best and truest representation of the people here - The nice, welcoming family that I met when I joined, or the venomous, raging "my way is right and your way is wrong and you're stupid and evil if you don't agree with me" vibe that comes off of so many posts now?
I have to agree with you and hope that after November this board goes back to what it use to be....I've been around for a long time...note member #44...I get up in morning and the 1st thing I do is turn computer on...get cup of coffee...and VRCC National is not the 1st link I go to any more....it use to be...hope to see changes in November

[Jess from VA]

IMHO, when the rubber hits the road, with VERY few exceptions, we're all family...

There are some people here who I strongly disagree with, to an extreme level.

But, I'd still be honored to share some wind with them. And if I saw a post that they were riding near me and needed a hand, I'd be happy to lend them a hand however I can.

To me, it appears our society as a whole has turned very nasty. The art of disagreeing without being disagreeable it becoming rare. The only defense for that that I can see is that most people seem to no longer thing that we're arguing about minor points about the political or spiritual soul of our nation, but now we're fighting for it's very existence. When one side believes the "others" truly want to destroy our country or their religion, it's hard to remain civil any longer.

Exactly.   

[RainMaker]

When I first joined, I was pleasantly surprised at how nice everyone here was.  Folks here seemed to shed the faux "biker" swagger and just talk.  There was a family vibe that drew me in.  Lately though, there's been a LOT of anger fueled threads relating mostly to politics and religion (of course).  There's been a lot of intolerance on all sides, some of which sounds very close to actual hate.

My question is this:  Which is the best and truest representation of the people here - The nice, welcoming family that I met when I joined, or the venomous, raging "my way is right and your way is wrong and you're stupid and evil if you don't agree with me" vibe that comes off of so many posts now?

Honestly, I hope it's the former.  The latter does not interest me.  Life provides it's own negativity and drama, creating more is pointless.

Ride safe,

Alien

IMHO, I think that the anonymity of being on a computer keyboard with no chance of being rebutted verbally or facing physical confrontation leads to the extremes we see on the forum for subjects where opinions are not universal.  Across a table, the discussions would never reach these levels.  We can't convey the way something is being said when we type text, so many somewhat innocent off the cuff remarks are taken in a way not intended by the originator.  Then it goes downhill from there.  The pile-on gene is enhanced by a computer keyboard so tame subjects get nasty much quicker than they would in real life.

Back when I was in the corporate world, I stopped all email communication between my people if they were in the same building.  They had to go and talk to the person.  Keyboard rage became a thing of the past.

In my travels to the different areas and events, I've always enjoyed the company and family of the VRCC.  Even when politics or religion came up, the discussions were always civil when face to face.

I mostly stick to the Texas board.  (It's pretty much the type of forum you are looking for, by the way).  

[R J]

Vell, I is an old klunker on this board.    It shows by my #,#147, and my # of posts.

I have a list of people in my head I'll not open their post just for the reason you speak of.

If ytou would like to get in on some fun, Look after this link.     We are having a ball on this link.

Well blow my nose, I fur getted the link.    DUH......   I'll accuse it on old age instead of Bush.

 http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,38573.msg361612.html#msg361612

[BIG--T]

Alien, I agree with everything said so far and hopefully after the elections things will go back to normal for the most part. Like HayHauler said, don't read it!! There will always be arguements but for the most part there are some great ppl on this forum and will go out of their way to help you. The very few I have actually met in person are super nice people.

I can relate to what you're saying and have even gotten off the board because of the very same reason. Like Hayhauler, I don't even click on the topic and avoid my blood boiling over!!  

[dreamaker]

Also Here is my two cents!!!       If  you want a perfect world, then go to Disneyland it is nearly always perfect.  I somewhat agree with you.  But I think we need to look at the big picture.  I don’t think these people are as angry as they are maybe scared and hurting inside and maybe doesn’t know how to deal with it.  The way I look at is we are family and I will listen to their opinions and views, because that is what families do.  In many cases people are just venting which is a good thing and in many cases they feel better. I think it is a healthy way to express feelings and opinions, it only words.  It’s only when they take it on the road it is a problem.  If it starts to upset you just change the channel and don’t read the threads you think that would upset you, but keep one thing in mind you creating this thread you are venting in your own way and I am sure you felt better after you wrote it. Like everyone says when the rubber hits the road it’s all good. Look at it as making a member feel better; you don’t have to agree with them.

[Black Dog]

Well said dreamaker 

I've been around here a  long time too, and just like the PMS we folks in the northern states go through each winter, the political seasons seem to bring a 'spike' to the hostilities on the board.

I like to see what other folks think...  It would be a very boring world if everyone thought alike 

Black Dog

[BIG--T]

I think the bottom line is that people, including myself are scared and naturally it spills over on the board. I have never seen our economy and country in such bad shape. I think we all have something to be concerned about.

[BIG--T]

Well said dreamaker 

I've been around here a  long time too, and just like the PMS we folks in the northern states go through each winter, the political seasons seem to bring a 'spike' to the hostilities on the board.

I like to see what other folks think...  It would be a very boring world if everyone thought alike 

Black Dog

Black Dog, I've never thought about it but I guess we southerners don't get PMS!  We can just jump on out bikes, put our knees in the breeze and get wind therapy! 

[old2soon]

I think the bottom line is that people, including myself are scared and naturally it spills over on the board. I have never seen our economy and country in such bad shape. I think we all have something to be concerned about.

   Agree with yer assement of the situation we now find ourselves as an entire nation. I know for a fact i come off strong more than one person should but that's just me. We have a lot of diverse views on this board and i for one welcome them. I have NO ONE on my ignore list. I try to think and reason something out BEFORE i hit reply but i'm not always succesful to that end. I enjoy this board and the people on it. It fer sure aint boring here bouts.  RIDE SAFE.

[da prez]

  Alien  , Just run into a little trouble and ask for help.
         
               YOU WILL THEN SEE THE TRUE FAMILY!!!!!!

                                                 da prez

[BIG--T]

  Alien  , Just run into a little trouble and ask for help.
         
               YOU WILL THEN SEE THE TRUE FAMILY!!!!!!

                                                 da prez

 

[solo1]

The VRCC board members haven't changed , the country has. WE are faced with some of most perplexing problems that I can remember in my lifetime.  The problems need to be solved this November.

I believe that the members are just venting just like family members bit## and complain to each other.

However, the family bond is still there although it's not obvious.  I would not hesitate to help anyone on this board and the reverse is also true. 

As mentioned here many times, if you don't like particular posts, don't condemn the family, just don't read the offending post(s).

My .02

Wayne

[BF]

The VRCC board members haven't changed , the country has. WE are faced with some of most perplexing problems that I can remember in my lifetime.  The problems need to be solved this November.

I believe that the members are just venting just like family members bit## and complain to each other.

However, the family bond is still there although it's not obvious.  I would not hesitate to help anyone on this board and the reverse is also true. 

As mentioned here many times, if you don't like particular posts, don't condemn the family, just don't read the offending post(s).

My .02

Wayne

Waynes .02 and my .02 makes 4 cents.   

[Duffy]

Speaking only for myself, I agree there is a lot of ugliness on this site. I have learned to do my best to ignore it. I can't count the number of times I have written a reply to a stupid post and then hit the delete before posting...

On the other hand, I have met some people from this board that I consider good friends, and that is what lasts. I encourage you to ignore the dumbasses and make the best of this board. There are a lot of good people here. 

Here are just a few of them:

[donaldcc]

  I think sometimes posters have on online personality that may vary quite a bit from their "in person" personality.

[#2944]

I just shrug my shoulders and say oh well and hope the next post reads a good bike story or picture.  My member # and amount of post don't reflect all the information I've learned from this site.   It is odd how people will chat freely on the board but when meeting face to face at gatherings they clam up.... so yes hiding behind the key board can cause mis-understandings and bold posiions of right and wrong at the drop of the hat.  Read it and move on......
Thanks for all the information and being here when we have a question or product research.
Zots  

[9Ball]

There have been many times this board has gone through nastiness...I remember a time about 6 years ago I got fed up and left....temporarily.

Things run in cycles, but I must say that what you are seeing recently is not bad compared to some of the truly negative times we've experienced around here.

Hang in there...it will change.  The friends I've managed to make over the past 12 years through this website far outweigh the negativity.

[JimmyG]

Alien, I can see your point and have witnessed the same on occasions. I had some folks picked out that I knew I did not want to associate with if I met them in person, but then I went on a ride and met several people and they were all good folks. then I went on another ride and met more and guess what, they were good folks too.  Then I figured it must be me that is weird and thinks differently or something.  I think several have hit the nail on the head in their replies. Bottom line for me is this, I tend to judge to quick sometimes, and make assumptions when I shouldn't. That is one of my many flaws. So far, I don't think I've met anyone in person that was not a likable person, and helpful too.  Politics and religion can be very passionate subjects, and right now our nation is going through a lot. It hurts to see people use politics or religion to benefit themselves for the wrong reasons.  I honestly believe, no matter if you claim religion, or politics, that we all will reap what we sow.  Hang in there and just stay away from negativity and hopefully, we will all be in better moods after the election, or whatever else is dragging us down. Love and peace, and all that stuff to you.

[BIG--T]

  I think sometimes posters have on online personality that may vary quite a bit from their "in person" personality.

 

[Moonshot_1]

IMHO, when the rubber hits the road, with VERY few exceptions, we're all family...

OH YEAh??? What KIND of rubber are we talkin about? If you ain't a darksider then you ought to be. And oil, Dino or Synth? C'mon which is it??

[RDAbull]

The VRCC board members haven't changed , the country has. WE are faced with some of most perplexing problems that I can remember in my lifetime.  The problems need to be solved this November.

I believe that the members are just venting just like family members bit## and complain to each other.

However, the family bond is still there although it's not obvious.  I would not hesitate to help anyone on this board and the reverse is also true. 

As mentioned here many times, if you don't like particular posts, don't condemn the family, just don't read the offending post(s).

My .02

Wayne

Waynes .02 and my .02 makes 4 cents.   

and mine, Roger     .02

If we could get a couple hundred more of these, and everyone sends them to me, I could go get a Starbucks........

[dreamaker]

You can't say you guys don't have any cents.

[Ice]

Speaking only for myself, I agree there is a lot of ugliness on this site. I have learned to do my best to ignore it. I can't count the number of times I have written a reply to a stupid post and then hit the delete before posting...

On the other hand, I have met some people from this board that I consider good friends, and that is what lasts. I encourage you to ignore the dumbasses and make the best of this board. There are a lot of good people here. 

Here are just a few of them:

What Duffy said  cant say it better than that.

[Stanley Steamer]

Well......not everyone on here can be as Handsome, well adjusted, low-key, and shy as me........but then, my buddies can attest to that!!.......

Don't sweat the petty stuff......or is that pet the sweaty stuff?(I'd never do that!).......

[Novavalker]

Actually this forum is changing for the better. People are paying more attention to whats going on in the world. There is nothing wrong with that. 

[FryeVRCCDS0067]

I think the bottom line is that people, including myself are scared and naturally it spills over on the board. I have never seen our economy and country in such bad shape. I think we all have something to be concerned about.

   Agree with yer assement of the situation we now find ourselves as an entire nation. I know for a fact i come off strong more than one person should but that's just me. We have a lot of diverse views on this board and i for one welcome them. I have NO ONE on my ignore list. I try to think and reason something out BEFORE i hit reply but i'm not always succesful to that end. I enjoy this board and the people on it. It fer sure aint boring here bouts.  RIDE SAFE.

Agree with you both.

[BIG--T]

Well......not everyone on here can be as Handsome, well adjusted, low-key, and shy as me........but then, my buddies can attest to that!!.......

Don't sweat the petty stuff......or is that pet the sweaty stuff?(I'd never do that!).......

 

[saddlesore]

IMHO, if you don't like the arguing about politics or religion or whatever just don't go to those threads.
I like to know something about the people I meet here.  What makes them tick.
We all come from many different circles so we will never agree on everything.
I've seen this happen on other forums and it creates a big divide.
The common thread that holds us all together is our Valkyries. That's why this forum was created. That's what we should concentrate on. And if we let our personalities show, great.
We all like to make our bikes a unique bike. Just like us, we are all unique. But we still like all of the bikes. Should we not like the unique owner like we like the unique bike?   

TOLERANCE my friends, TOLERANCE.

[BIG--T]

IMHO, if you don't like the arguing about politics or religion or whatever just don't go to those threads.
I like to know something about the people I meet here.  What makes them tick.
We all come from many different circles so we will never agree on everything.
I've seen this happen on other forums and it creates a big divide.
The common thread that holds us all together is our Valkyries. That's why this forum was created. That's what we should concentrate on. And if we let our personalities show, great.
We all like to make our bikes a unique bike. Just like us, we are all unique. But we still like all of the bikes. Should we not like the unique owner like we like the unique bike?   

TOLERANCE my friends, TOLERANCE.

Well said Saddlesore. 

[musclehead]

I suppose some of my posts have been anger fueled, and I am very angry at the way the country and her people are being treated. I will also admit frustration with folks that have their 'head stuck in the sand' either not willing to admit or wilfully ignorant of 'facts'. I try to keep clear of name calling.

really though, I've seen opinionated, wild, angry discussions over firearms, mosty over open carry.....

[BIG--T]

I suppose some of my posts have been anger fueled, and I am very angry at the way the country and her people are being treated. I will also admit frustration with folks that have their 'head stuck in the sand' either not willing to admit or wilfully ignorant of 'facts'. I try to keep clear of name calling.

really though, I've seen opinionated, wild, angry discussions over firearms, mosty over open carry.....

Yep and I'm guilty of it!    Btw is Anvil still here? I was off the board a while myself.

[Chillerman]

Alien, I have put my foot in my mouth on more than several occasions. I just decided to stay out of the political/religion threads and I am now a happier person!

Some people are too stupid to know how ignorant they are! 

[Dr Bobs Patient]

I try to stick to bikes and such here.  Leave the politics and religion to Facebook so I can be defriended there!

DBP

[BIG--T]

I try to stick to bikes and such here.  Leave the politics and religion to Facebook so I can be defriended there!

DBP

That's smart! 

[RoadKill]

I argue and bicker with all my friends and family. If I never disagree with some one....it is because they are not worth the conversation. If I like you I will try to save you from your own misconceptions!