Willow, Please.

[threevalks]

[DirtyDan]

Disagree

Dan

[Moonshot_1]

That in itself is political

[Gavin_Sons]

Really? You call for no politics after it has died down?

[dreamaker]

If I am understand things correctly. Point one, some time it gives member a place to vent in a rational way. Point two, If you don't what to read or discuss politics, then don't click on it, don't read it!

[FryeVRCCDS0067]

My guess is that the freedom of discussion on this board brings in and holds more members than it drives away. And that without that freedom of discussion this board wouldn't have enough hits to keep on keeping on.

I've been here for quite a while, as have our bikes. There are members whose posts I tend to skip over or whose posts I know in advance I will disagree with.

Do I want them to be prevented from posting because I know I won't like what they say? No, there's room in my world for people who aren't just like me and I'm proud to be part of a motorcycle oriented community who feels the same.

Would I still come here if we were limited to motorcycle related posts only? Probably not, at least not often.

I'm riding a 20 year-old bike. I'm already on top of most of the tech problems that seem to crop up with these bikes although I'm sure new ones will come up as they (and we) age but I could truthfully keep track of those issues which come up in 5 minutes or less each week. What keeps me coming back is the colorful people and personalities of our members. The insights I get from reading what people from widely divergent back grounds and daily lives have to say about politics, life and motorcycles.

The strictly motorcycle related stuff I can find in other places. I come here because I like to hear what the members have to say about all subjects.

[Misfit]

Willow does not control this board. Neither do I ,or any other single person. This board is controlled by the staff as a whole. If it were up to me I would move or get rid of politics on here. Fortunately it is not up to a single staffer. Anything of that nature has to be voted on between us. I really think that if those that seem to come here only to post about politics and stir the pot would pause and think for just a nano second, is what I am posting going to benefit this community or cause grief?
  I was on a job site the other day and there were a couple of subcontractors there listening to talk radio. They were both in agreeance on the subject matter yet they were both all lathered up and yelling back and forth across the room at each other trying it seemed to convince each other that they were right. These two were on the same side of the aisle and they were having heated exchanges. Just think. If they were on opposite sides of the aisle. Nobody here is going to change anyone else's mind. The fact is that I would guess 85% on this particular board are on the same side of the aisle. Do the 85% really think that they are going to change the minds of the 15%? Maybe they think that by posting all of the political crap here on a motorcycle forum that they can change the world. Unfortunately the 15% seem to think that they can post there rhetoric with the same world changing effect. In the end what you end up with is a bunch of hurt feelings on both sides and a few moderators trying to keep peace among friends. It's funny we never have to address these problems at Inzane. When folks are toe to toe they seem to find things to talk about without needing moderators. Here you get arguing and hurt feelings. When we are all face to face you get smiles and laughter. You would think that with all of the age and wisdom that we have here that folks could get along better. We need to leave the egos and self serving attitudes at the door and be friends. On the other hand what do I know?

[phideux]

Yeah lets get away from politics and into something that don't rile folks up, like Left Lane Idiots or something.

[Rams]

My guess is that the freedom of discussion on this board brings in and holds more members than it drives away. And that without that freedom of discussion this board wouldn't have enough hits to keep on keeping on.

I've been here for quite a while, as have our bikes. There are members whose posts I tend to skip over or whose posts I know in advance I will disagree with.

Do I want them to be prevented from posting because I know I won't like what they say? No, there's room in my world for people who aren't just like me and I'm proud to be part of a motorcycle oriented community who feels the same.

Would I still come here if we were limited to motorcycle related posts only? Probably not, at least not often.

I'm riding a 20 year-old bike. I'm already on top of most of the tech problems that seem to crop up with these bikes although I'm sure new ones will come up as they (and we) age but I could truthfully keep track of those issues which come up in 5 minutes or less each week. What keeps me coming back is the colorful people and personalities of our members. The insights I get from reading what people from widely divergent back grounds and daily lives have to say about politics, life and motorcycles.

The strictly motorcycle related stuff I can find in other places. I come here because I like to hear what the members have to say about all subjects.

Excellent post, I agree.   

Willow does not control this board. Neither do I ,or any other single person. This board is controlled by the staff as a whole. If it were up to me I would move or get rid of politics on here. Fortunately it is not up to a single staffer. Anything of that nature has to be voted on between us. I really think that if those that seem to come here only to post about politics and stir the pot would pause and think for just a nano second, is what I am posting going to benefit this community or cause grief?
  I was on a job site the other day and there were a couple of subcontractors there listening to talk radio. They were both in agreeance on the subject matter yet they were both all lathered up and yelling back and forth across the room at each other trying it seemed to convince each other that they were right. These two were on the same side of the aisle and they were having heated exchanges. Just think. If they were on opposite sides of the aisle. Nobody here is going to change anyone else's mind. The fact is that I would guess 85% on this particular board are on the same side of the aisle. Do the 85% really think that they are going to change the minds of the 15%? Maybe they think that by posting all of the political crap here on a motorcycle forum that they can change the world. Unfortunately the 15% seem to think that they can post there rhetoric with the same world changing effect. In the end what you end up with is a bunch of hurt feelings on both sides and a few moderators trying to keep peace among friends. It's funny we never have to address these problems at Inzane. When folks are toe to toe they seem to find things to talk about without needing moderators. Here you get arguing and hurt feelings. When we are all face to face you get smiles and laughter. You would think that with all of the age and wisdom that we have here that folks could get along better. We need to leave the egos and self serving attitudes at the door and be friends. On the other hand what do I know?

Oh, I think you know quite a bit and aren't wrong.   I also think that there are those adults among us can keep things separated from personal discussions, we keyboard warriors are not as bold or argumentative in person in those face to face meetings, we're there to ride, not rock the boat.    A lot of things posted in the written word are not necessarily transmitted and received as intended.   Some times they are.   

This I will say, Rob and Bob are most likely the two people I disagree with the most, both are welcomed at my place and they know it.   Even if we talk politics at my place, it will be done with respect or, I'll cut off their iced tea and, they know it. 

[Robert]

What the heck is this congress or something   

[Oss]

I did ya one better Rams

Both the Meathead and Mr Baldo showed up at my ride

both made colorful entrances

Meathead by following the wrong bikes but arriving in time for lunch
He missed this view by minutes   but we went back the next day because Brenda deserved to see the views

Baldo by arriving as we were backing out of my driveway to go to dinner

I will say tho that both of them Meathead and Baldo got to ride in the pouring rain for their efforts and Brenda was a great sport throughout
Meat is lucky to have her

Baldo missed the 2 great rides because he was fixing his Valk to make the rides in the first place so he has my respect on that score
coming from way out by Cape Cod

Wild6 made all 3 days others just one or 2 of them

The politics was limited to the silent Trump -Pence sign on my lawn and the flag of our country beside the front door

A great time was had by all and that is pretty much my experience at every ride I have been on with vrcc and voai

I cant say that its the lack of politics that has crushed the voai- rather I am sure its been the lack of an involved board to keep things as they are in this club.

Politics doesnt bother me, its the childish calling of names that pisses me off  Check out your own stuff before insulting someone else's stuff



Oss

[Rams]

I did ya one better Rams

SNIP

Politics doesnt bother me, its the childish calling of names that pisses me off  Check out your own stuff before insulting someone else's stuff



Oss

Oh, I see.  Name Calling and being insulting pisses you off and is childish but, one upmanship is alright...............         

Hopefully, we'll see you in Billings, ride safe.

[Oss]

    busted    

keeping up with the Jones's is as american as who makes the best apple pie or BBQ     and if you have been to GOTF you know everything is bigger in Texas



wish you could have made them last year.

Sorry I cant make IZ this time you are still more than welcome to come to my ride Columbus weekend this year.

[Alien]

It's not just here.  Actually, for the internet, this board is pretty tame.  I use Facebook to keep in touch with friends across the country and let me tell you, it's getting really cruel there.  Friendships ended, things said within families that can never be taken back, etc.  All in the name of "we're right and you're wrong."

The problem with talking politics or religion is that peoples convictions run too deep to allow them to really consider what someone of an opposing viewpoint has to say, therefore you have exactly ZERO chance of EVER changing anyone's mind on those two topics.  ZERO.  Not happening.

Absolutely, I'd love a less political board but I accept it for what it is.  When it gets too deep, I take a little vacation.  

Since the vast majority of posters on this board are white, Christian, conservative and um.. "seasoned" (At 41 I'm decidedly on the younger end of the VRCC spectrum) the only real way to change the tone of the board would be to change it's demographics.  

Being a liberal myself, I think we should impose a rule that anyone who owns more than one Valkyrie should be required to donate the extra bike (complete with VRCC membership) to a deserving Muslim, liberal, or person under 30 years of age. This would inherently balance opinions here on the board.  What do you say guys?  

Don't mind me, the coffee maker is broken.

Ride Safe,

Alien

[The emperor has no clothes]

Oss, thank you for inviting us on your ride. We had a GREAT time and you are right I am very lucky to have Brenda by my side in life.   God has blessed me in many ways.
  I have in the past stuck my nose in where it shouldn't have been. And for that I sincerely apologize to ALL of you. I have been trying to moderate my opinions on here after a discussion with Willow. I haven't been completely successful in that but I am trying. I understand most don't agree with my politics and I will try to keep them more to myself.
 Rams, I look forward to the time we get to share an Ice Tea  

[Rams]

 Rams, I look forward to the time we get to share an Ice Tea  

Oh Yeah, so do I.   Just remember, no Brenda and you're out the door with no tea..   

[The emperor has no clothes]

Since the vast majority of posters on this board are white, Christian, conservative and um.. "seasoned" (At 41 I'm decidedly on the younger end of the VRCC spectrum) the only real way to change the tone of the board would be to change it's demographics.  

Being a liberal myself, I think we should impose a rule that anyone who owns more than one Valkyrie should be required to donate the extra bike (complete with VRCC membership) to a deserving Muslim, liberal, or person under 30 years of age. This would inherently balance opinions here on the board.  What do you say guys?  

Don't mind me, the coffee maker is broken.

Ride Safe,

Alien

[Pappy!]

This board survives on motorcycles that are, at the newest, 14 model years old.

There is not much that has not been discussed about them.
There is not much that we have not seen with them.
The board is now competing with YouTube and FaceBook to stay alive.
Once in a while we get to welcome new faces and owners into our group.
Sorry to tell ya' this but Politics is part of what keeps this old board alive! We have developed friendships in here and we get into discussions.
If you do not like the political posts, by all means....do not read them. It is YOUR choice!

Almost sounds like a Liberal trying to make everyone conform.....Lord help us!  

[Moonshot_1]

It's not just here.  Actually, for the internet, this board is pretty tame.  I use Facebook to keep in touch with friends across the country and let me tell you, it's getting really cruel there.  Friendships ended, things said within families that can never be taken back, etc.  All in the name of "we're right and you're wrong."

The problem with talking politics or religion is that peoples convictions run too deep to allow them to really consider what someone of an opposing viewpoint has to say, therefore you have exactly ZERO chance of EVER changing anyone's mind on those two topics.  ZERO.  Not happening.

Absolutely, I'd love a less political board but I accept it for what it is.  When it gets too deep, I take a little vacation.  

Since the vast majority of posters on this board are white, Christian, conservative and um.. "seasoned" (At 41 I'm decidedly on the younger end of the VRCC spectrum) the only real way to change the tone of the board would be to change it's demographics.  

Being a liberal myself, I think we should impose a rule that anyone who owns more than one Valkyrie should be required to donate the extra bike (complete with VRCC membership) to a deserving Muslim, liberal, or person under 30 years of age. This would inherently balance opinions here on the board.  What do you say guys?  

Don't mind me, the coffee maker is broken.

Ride Safe,

Alien

As long as the Valkyrie is solar powered, gender neutral, and gluten free we should have no issues

[Hook#3287]

Being a liberal myself, I think we should impose a rule that anyone who owns more than one Valkyrie should be required to donate the extra bike (complete with VRCC membership) to a deserving Muslim, liberal, or person under 30 years of age. This would inherently balance opinions here on the board.  What do you say guys?   Grin Grin Grin

    Yeah, the two chances of that are NONE and NO F&^^&^ WAY!

[art]

What the heck is this congress or something   

    Congress is a word describing a bunch of baboons.

[Pappy!]

What the heck is this congress or something   

    Congress is a word describing a bunch of baboons.

Now THAT is something everyone can agree on lately!

[Gavin_Sons]

It's not just here.  Actually, for the internet, this board is pretty tame.  I use Facebook to keep in touch with friends across the country and let me tell you, it's getting really cruel there.  Friendships ended, things said within families that can never be taken back, etc.  All in the name of "we're right and you're wrong."

The problem with talking politics or religion is that peoples convictions run too deep to allow them to really consider what someone of an opposing viewpoint has to say, therefore you have exactly ZERO chance of EVER changing anyone's mind on those two topics.  ZERO.  Not happening.

Absolutely, I'd love a less political board but I accept it for what it is.  When it gets too deep, I take a little vacation.  

Since the vast majority of posters on this board are white, Christian, conservative and um.. "seasoned" (At 41 I'm decidedly on the younger end of the VRCC spectrum) the only real way to change the tone of the board would be to change it's demographics.  

Being a liberal myself, I think we should impose a rule that anyone who owns more than one Valkyrie should be required to donate the extra bike (complete with VRCC membership) to a deserving Muslim, liberal, or person under 30 years of age. This would inherently balance opinions here on the board.  What do you say guys?  

Don't mind me, the coffee maker is broken.

Ride Safe,

Alien

Don't donate them to anyone I know, you will just get a bunch more conservatives. I only know 3 or 4 liberals outside of this club.

[DirtyDan]

Yeah lets get away from politics and into something that don't rile folks up, like Left Lane Idiots or something.

Stay away from politics....... and left lane idiots

Dan

[Willow]

As Misfit has said it's not my choice or his.  It's a group decision and we all stand behind what the group decides.

I don't personally have a problem with politics or anything else that someone wants to discuss on the general board.  What I do have is a problem with ridiculing or demeaning posts on any subject.  It does seem that we have some members who don't seem to be able to express their own position without being disrespectful and ridiculing.  I get that way sometimes.

If  it were up to me I would remove any post that involves using cute little demeaning names for those whom the poster opposes.  That type of communication simply indicates a small mind and leads to the ridiculing and demeaning of others in the discussion.

As has been noted we tend to communicate civilly person to person.  For Pete's sake how much trouble is it to adapt that practice in one's message board communication?   Let's all work hard at growing up a bit and consider what is the best way to carry on a civil conversation.

I have adopted a policy of not initiating a political thread.  I don't see the point in doing so.  I don't think I'm going to change anyone else's mind and there is just no productive reason to repeatedly be beating my own drum and trying to impress those who already agree with me.

Rules are needed primarily for people who will not simply consider the welfare of the group and act accordingly.