A reasonable Proposal
 

5 days ago Chuck proposed we make some reasonable changes in rec.boats.

I have found a kinder and gentler rec.boats to be a vast improvement from
where we were. If we are going to attract more regulars to discuss boating
issues, we need to make sure we don't chase them away after one visit.
Chuck's proposal is a start in the right direction.

I would like to propose we extend the challenge for the next 30 days.

As Chuck said:

During this period of time, I propose that the group of worst
offenders, self included, take the lead in this challenge by doing the
following things.

1. Refrain from launching any sort of political or religious thread.
2. Resist name calling and put personal feuds aside.
3. Resist the temptation to respond to any political threads trolled
through the NG
4. Launch a minimum of two boating-related threads (not required of
non-boaters)

A reasonable Proposal
 

Why do we have to keep proposing a deadline at all?

Let's just keep it going the way it is now.


"Reggie Smithers" wrote in message
...
5 days ago Chuck proposed we make some reasonable changes in rec.boats.

I have found a kinder and gentler rec.boats to be a vast improvement from
where we were. If we are going to attract more regulars to discuss
boating issues, we need to make sure we don't chase them away after one
visit. Chuck's proposal is a start in the right direction.

I would like to propose we extend the challenge for the next 30 days.

As Chuck said:

During this period of time, I propose that the group of worst
offenders, self included, take the lead in this challenge by doing the
following things.

1. Refrain from launching any sort of political or religious thread.
2. Resist name calling and put personal feuds aside.
3. Resist the temptation to respond to any political threads trolled
through the NG
4. Launch a minimum of two boating-related threads (not required of
non-boaters)

A reasonable Proposal
 

JimH,
that is a very reasonable proposal.


" JimH" wrote in message
...
Why do we have to keep proposing a deadline at all?

Let's just keep it going the way it is now.


"Reggie Smithers" wrote in message
...
5 days ago Chuck proposed we make some reasonable changes in rec.boats.

I have found a kinder and gentler rec.boats to be a vast improvement from
where we were. If we are going to attract more regulars to discuss
boating issues, we need to make sure we don't chase them away after one
visit. Chuck's proposal is a start in the right direction.

I would like to propose we extend the challenge for the next 30 days.

As Chuck said:

During this period of time, I propose that the group of worst
offenders, self included, take the lead in this challenge by doing the
following things.

1. Refrain from launching any sort of political or religious thread.
2. Resist name calling and put personal feuds aside.
3. Resist the temptation to respond to any political threads trolled
through the NG
4. Launch a minimum of two boating-related threads (not required of
non-boaters)

A reasonable Proposal
 

I sorta agree. The reason why I started posting political stuff here
is cuz others would not refrain from it, a lame excuse I know.
Furthermore, political sites are so overcrowded that ones ideas get
lost. I'll go along with this embargo of politics.

A reasonable Proposal
 

JimH wrote:
Why do we have to keep proposing a deadline at all?

Let's just keep it going the way it is now.


"Reggie Smithers" wrote in message
...
5 days ago Chuck proposed we make some reasonable changes in rec.boats.

I have found a kinder and gentler rec.boats to be a vast improvement from
where we were. If we are going to attract more regulars to discuss
boating issues, we need to make sure we don't chase them away after one
visit. Chuck's proposal is a start in the right direction.

I would like to propose we extend the challenge for the next 30 days.

As Chuck said:

During this period of time, I propose that the group of worst
offenders, self included, take the lead in this challenge by doing the
following things.

1. Refrain from launching any sort of political or religious thread.
2. Resist name calling and put personal feuds aside.
3. Resist the temptation to respond to any political threads trolled
through the NG
4. Launch a minimum of two boating-related threads (not required of
non-boaters)



The 5-day program is and or was important. Changing behavior (which is
what is involved here- changing the behavior of a group we all belong
to) is tough enough, and when one adds "change behavior forever....."
to the equation the task seems so daunting that it is relegated to the
status of "impossible dream". The 5-day task provides a little bite.

Of course, if we can keep the peace for one day we can keep it for two.
If for two, we can keep it for four, and if for four why not a week? If
for a week, then for a fortnight. If for a fortnight, perhaps a month,
a season, a year....................

Certainly the worst traditional offenders *have* taken the lead in
reducing the amount of political garbage and flame throwing here. As a
group, the worst traditional offenders (self included) can be slightly
gratified by the improvement. An unforseen result is that a group of
previously consistent but (relatively) low-level rabble rousers are now
as obvious as $20 hookers at a high school prom. This too may pass if
we can continue avoiding the temptation to respond to threads with
titles along the lines of, "George Bush is Adolph Hitler", "Liberals
are Satan", and try to stay on topic.

There are thousands of places to discuss the evils of the Republican
party, Democratic debauchery, the shame of American Imperialism, and
our glorious struggle to defend America in Iraq. Rec.boats doesn't have
to be one of them.

Skipper suggested we need a moderator. Nah, all we really need is some
self control- and a group effort to exercise some during the last
several days has made a startling improvement in the tone and content
of this group.

The trick will be to keep it up going forward.

Statistically, the tough benchmarks are the 21st and 28th days. If
we're still relatively civil, respectful, and on-topic the 3rd week of
January there's a good chance the fix will stick.
We should all continue to do our parts. It only takes a few adults to
break the cycle- and it only takes a few to put us back in the toilet.

We still need more boating content, but I have noticed a few new names
with some boating related questions the last few days. Maybe we're not
scaring away potential
participants as badly as we were.

A reasonable Proposal
 

wrote in message
oups.com...
I sorta agree. The reason why I started posting political stuff here
is cuz others would not refrain from it, a lame excuse I know.
Furthermore, political sites are so overcrowded that ones ideas get
lost. I'll go along with this embargo of politics.


At least here, the audience is somewhat finite. If the discussions didn't
descend into obnoxious bull****, some were actually interesting. Look at
some of the longer ones, and if you can, imagine what they would've been
like if 80% of the messages didn't involve some ****** complaining about a
boat that Harry may or may not have owned. Or, Scupper dropping anti-semitic
remarks.

A reasonable Proposal
 

See comments below

wrote in message
oups.com...
The 5-day program is and or was important. Changing behavior (which is
what is involved here- changing the behavior of a group we all belong
to) is tough enough, and when one adds "change behavior forever....."
to the equation the task seems so daunting that it is relegated to the
status of "impossible dream". The 5-day task provides a little bite.

It is the reason why AA says "Just take it one day at a time". Rec.boats
was out of control, and I was as guilty as anyone.

Of course, if we can keep the peace for one day we can keep it for two.
If for two, we can keep it for four, and if for four why not a week? If
for a week, then for a fortnight. If for a fortnight, perhaps a month,
a season, a year....................

I want to turn it into a "Movement" (from Arlo Guther's song)
;)


Certainly the worst traditional offenders *have* taken the lead in
reducing the amount of political garbage and flame throwing here. As a
group, the worst traditional offenders (self included) can be slightly
gratified by the improvement. An unforseen result is that a group of
previously consistent but (relatively) low-level rabble rousers are now
as obvious as $20 hookers at a high school prom. This too may pass if
we can continue avoiding the temptation to respond to threads with
titles along the lines of, "George Bush is Adolph Hitler", "Liberals
are Satan", and try to stay on topic.

There are thousands of places to discuss the evils of the Republican
party, Democratic debauchery, the shame of American Imperialism, and
our glorious struggle to defend America in Iraq. Rec.boats doesn't have
to be one of them.

Skipper suggested we need a moderator. Nah, all we really need is some
self control- and a group effort to exercise some during the last
several days has made a startling improvement in the tone and content
of this group.

The trick will be to keep it up going forward.

Statistically, the tough benchmarks are the 21st and 28th days. If
we're still relatively civil, respectful, and on-topic the 3rd week of
January there's a good chance the fix will stick.
We should all continue to do our parts. It only takes a few adults to
break the cycle- and it only takes a few to put us back in the toilet.

We still need more boating content, but I have noticed a few new names
with some boating related questions the last few days. Maybe we're not
scaring away potential
participants as badly as we were.

In my opinion, this is the reason why OT Political Threads are so
detrimental to rec.boats. It chases away any and all new participants from
rec.boats. Then we are left with 10 old farts, who are posting very few
boating related threads.

A reasonable Proposal
 

Harry Krause wrote:
Doug Kanter wrote:
wrote in message
oups.com...
I sorta agree. The reason why I started posting political stuff here
is cuz others would not refrain from it, a lame excuse I know.
Furthermore, political sites are so overcrowded that ones ideas get
lost. I'll go along with this embargo of politics.


At least here, the audience is somewhat finite. If the discussions didn't
descend into obnoxious bull****, some were actually interesting. Look at
some of the longer ones, and if you can, imagine what they would've been
like if 80% of the messages didn't involve some ****** complaining about a
boat that Harry may or may not have owned. Or, Scupper dropping anti-semitic
remarks.




Frankly. I find this place vapid now. I don't miss the strife, but
without real discussions about issues, what's the point of having a
discussion group? I mean, how many times do *you* want to discuss
battery chargers?

It's certainly possible to have discussions without the pig-piling and
personal insults. I don't see why anyone here should take it personally
if I refer to a certain national political figure as a lying,
intellectually lazy, worthless piece of crap, or I think that huge,
heavy sports cars are a contradiction in terms.


Harry, the theme of the group is supposed to be the discussion of
things related to boating. If you find the discusssions "vapid", then
perhaps you might consider either contributing some boating related
content or spending more time on one of the thousands of political feud
and flaming groups that proliferate on the internet. The fact that the
majority of people on rec.boats are voluntarily refraining from posting
inflammatory crap
means that the majority of people would prefer not to see it here. If
you're looking for
a daily political brawl, there are plenty of them elsewhere to choose
from.

Describing a "certain national political figure" as you just did is one
reasonably certain way to restart the name calling and the pig piling.
Give it a rest, please. This group doesn't exist solely for the
personal entertainment of 2 or 3 people, and none of us should treat it
as if it does.

A reasonable Proposal
 

Harry,
Here are some lively newsgroups you may want to check out:
http://www.politicalnewsgroups.com/



"Harry Krause" wrote in message
...
Doug Kanter wrote:
wrote in message
oups.com...
I sorta agree. The reason why I started posting political stuff here
is cuz others would not refrain from it, a lame excuse I know.
Furthermore, political sites are so overcrowded that ones ideas get
lost. I'll go along with this embargo of politics.


At least here, the audience is somewhat finite. If the discussions didn't
descend into obnoxious bull****, some were actually interesting. Look at
some of the longer ones, and if you can, imagine what they would've been
like if 80% of the messages didn't involve some ****** complaining about
a boat that Harry may or may not have owned. Or, Scupper dropping
anti-semitic remarks.


Frankly. I find this place vapid now. I don't miss the strife, but without
real discussions about issues, what's the point of having a discussion
group? I mean, how many times do *you* want to discuss battery chargers?

It's certainly possible to have discussions without the pig-piling and
personal insults. I don't see why anyone here should take it personally if
I refer to a certain national political figure as a lying, intellectually
lazy, worthless piece of crap, or I think that huge, heavy sports cars are
a contradiction in terms.

A reasonable Proposal
 

"Reggie Smithers" wrote in message
...
See comments below

wrote in message
oups.com...
The 5-day program is and or was important. Changing behavior (which is
what is involved here- changing the behavior of a group we all belong
to) is tough enough, and when one adds "change behavior forever....."
to the equation the task seems so daunting that it is relegated to the
status of "impossible dream". The 5-day task provides a little bite.

It is the reason why AA says "Just take it one day at a time".
Rec.boats
was out of control, and I was as guilty as anyone.

Of course, if we can keep the peace for one day we can keep it for two.
If for two, we can keep it for four, and if for four why not a week? If
for a week, then for a fortnight. If for a fortnight, perhaps a month,
a season, a year....................

I want to turn it into a "Movement" (from Arlo Guther's song)
;)


Certainly the worst traditional offenders *have* taken the lead in
reducing the amount of political garbage and flame throwing here. As a
group, the worst traditional offenders (self included) can be slightly
gratified by the improvement. An unforseen result is that a group of
previously consistent but (relatively) low-level rabble rousers are now
as obvious as $20 hookers at a high school prom. This too may pass if
we can continue avoiding the temptation to respond to threads with
titles along the lines of, "George Bush is Adolph Hitler", "Liberals
are Satan", and try to stay on topic.

There are thousands of places to discuss the evils of the Republican
party, Democratic debauchery, the shame of American Imperialism, and
our glorious struggle to defend America in Iraq. Rec.boats doesn't have
to be one of them.

Skipper suggested we need a moderator. Nah, all we really need is some
self control- and a group effort to exercise some during the last
several days has made a startling improvement in the tone and content
of this group.

The trick will be to keep it up going forward.

Statistically, the tough benchmarks are the 21st and 28th days. If
we're still relatively civil, respectful, and on-topic the 3rd week of
January there's a good chance the fix will stick.
We should all continue to do our parts. It only takes a few adults to
break the cycle- and it only takes a few to put us back in the toilet.

We still need more boating content, but I have noticed a few new names
with some boating related questions the last few days. Maybe we're not
scaring away potential
participants as badly as we were.

In my opinion, this is the reason why OT Political Threads are so
detrimental to rec.boats. It chases away any and all new participants
from
rec.boats. Then we are left with 10 old farts, who are posting very few
boating related threads.

Unfortunately, it seems to be a trend in a several other NGs to go
political as well

A reasonable Proposal
 

"Shortwave Sportfishing" wrote in message
...
On 24 Dec 2005 10:21:29 -0800, wrote:

An unforseen result is that a group of
previously consistent but (relatively) low-level rabble rousers are now
as obvious as $20 hookers at a high school prom.

Those were the days.

Er....

Never mind.

Absolutely funniest line I ever heard about hookers, and it was $20 at that.
Shore fishing for stripers one evening near the SF Bay bridge. At that
time, the judge in Oakland told the cops she would not prosecute a hooker if
there was no John brought in. So there were about 250 Ho's on West
MacArthur Blvd, every evening. This Black guy next to me, says, "Man, 250
Ho's, and all they know is $20! You think there would be a price war." I
almost fell in the bay I laughed so hard. Still laugh, once in a while,
about that comment o this day.

A reasonable Proposal
 

Harry Krause wrote:
Frankly. I find this place vapid now. I don't miss the strife, but
without real discussions about issues, what's the point of having a
discussion group?


Shortwave Sportfishing wrote:
Allow me. There are blogs and other groups where commentary is not
only warranted, but invited.

No, please allow me:

Harry, talk boats. Or shut up. We know that you can talk
boats if you want, the choice is yours.

It's true that there are other places on the WWWeb where
political comments & discussion (and a fair amount of
name-calling) is appropriate & welcome. But it's silly to
drag a huge amount of politically motivated bickering &
butt-biting into a boating forum.

Shortwave Sportfishing wrote:
... Here, the only "discussions" were
related to who insulted who and why - there wasn't any real discussion

That's not true. There was a certain amount of real
discussion going on. I actually learned a fair amount and
followed a number of interesting links.

- just a lot of hootin' and hollerin' and posting "articles" that
everybody had pretty much read anyway.


Then how come every time I posted documentation of my
statements, a fair number of anti's always rose up in heated
disarray, proclaiming "it ain't so" even though they never
had any facts to indicate that it ain't? You did this
yourself several times, although you can see I'm not one to
hold a grudge.

.... The
past few days have been interesting - everybody has gotten along and
everyone has had fun and maybe even learned something along the way.

I much prefer this as it is. The volume is down, the language is
normal and things are just fine.


I agree. The last few days have been a big improvement. It's
obvious that the offenders can use self-control *if* they
choose. Perhaps with the right kind of encouragement from
the rest of us, they'll continue to exercise that self-control.



What has interested me is that there have been several attempts to
initiate combat, but they have been rejected soundly.


Perhaps.

Frankly, I see this thread as the first feeble stirrings of
the next round. Just wait and see.

Regards
Doug King

A reasonable Proposal
 

On Sat, 24 Dec 2005 10:41:22 -0500, "Reggie Smithers"
wrote:

5 days ago Chuck proposed we make some reasonable changes in rec.boats.

I have found a kinder and gentler rec.boats to be a vast improvement from
where we were. If we are going to attract more regulars to discuss boating
issues, we need to make sure we don't chase them away after one visit.
Chuck's proposal is a start in the right direction.

I would like to propose we extend the challenge for the next 30 days.

As Chuck said:

During this period of time, I propose that the group of worst
offenders, self included, take the lead in this challenge by doing the
following things.

1. Refrain from launching any sort of political or religious thread.
2. Resist name calling and put personal feuds aside.
3. Resist the temptation to respond to any political threads trolled
through the NG
4. Launch a minimum of two boating-related threads (not required of
non-boaters)


I'm in.
--
John H

**** May your Christmas be Spectacular!****
*****...and your New Year even Better!*****

A reasonable Proposal
 

On Sat, 24 Dec 2005 10:56:18 -0500, " JimH" wrote:

Why do we have to keep proposing a deadline at all?

Let's just keep it going the way it is now.


"Reggie Smithers" wrote in message
...
5 days ago Chuck proposed we make some reasonable changes in rec.boats.

I have found a kinder and gentler rec.boats to be a vast improvement from
where we were. If we are going to attract more regulars to discuss
boating issues, we need to make sure we don't chase them away after one
visit. Chuck's proposal is a start in the right direction.

I would like to propose we extend the challenge for the next 30 days.

As Chuck said:

During this period of time, I propose that the group of worst
offenders, self included, take the lead in this challenge by doing the
following things.

1. Refrain from launching any sort of political or religious thread.
2. Resist name calling and put personal feuds aside.
3. Resist the temptation to respond to any political threads trolled
through the NG
4. Launch a minimum of two boating-related threads (not required of
non-boaters)



Agreed.
--
John H

**** May your Christmas be Spectacular!****
*****...and your New Year even Better!*****

A reasonable Proposal
 

On 24 Dec 2005 10:55:06 -0800, wrote:


Harry Krause wrote:
Doug Kanter wrote:
wrote in message
oups.com...
I sorta agree. The reason why I started posting political stuff here
is cuz others would not refrain from it, a lame excuse I know.
Furthermore, political sites are so overcrowded that ones ideas get
lost. I'll go along with this embargo of politics.


At least here, the audience is somewhat finite. If the discussions didn't
descend into obnoxious bull****, some were actually interesting. Look at
some of the longer ones, and if you can, imagine what they would've been
like if 80% of the messages didn't involve some ****** complaining about a
boat that Harry may or may not have owned. Or, Scupper dropping anti-semitic
remarks.




Frankly. I find this place vapid now. I don't miss the strife, but
without real discussions about issues, what's the point of having a
discussion group? I mean, how many times do *you* want to discuss
battery chargers?

It's certainly possible to have discussions without the pig-piling and
personal insults. I don't see why anyone here should take it personally
if I refer to a certain national political figure as a lying,
intellectually lazy, worthless piece of crap, or I think that huge,
heavy sports cars are a contradiction in terms.


Harry, the theme of the group is supposed to be the discussion of
things related to boating. If you find the discusssions "vapid", then
perhaps you might consider either contributing some boating related
content or spending more time on one of the thousands of political feud
and flaming groups that proliferate on the internet. The fact that the
majority of people on rec.boats are voluntarily refraining from posting
inflammatory crap
means that the majority of people would prefer not to see it here. If
you're looking for
a daily political brawl, there are plenty of them elsewhere to choose
from.

Describing a "certain national political figure" as you just did is one
reasonably certain way to restart the name calling and the pig piling.
Give it a rest, please. This group doesn't exist solely for the
personal entertainment of 2 or 3 people, and none of us should treat it
as if it does.

And, it soon becomes more than just the name calling of a political figure. I agree,
we don't need it in the group.
--
John H

**** May your Christmas be Spectacular!****
*****...and your New Year even Better!*****

A reasonable Proposal
 

Harry Krause wrote:
Doug Kanter wrote:

wrote in message
oups.com...

I sorta agree. The reason why I started posting political stuff here
is cuz others would not refrain from it, a lame excuse I know.
Furthermore, political sites are so overcrowded that ones ideas get
lost. I'll go along with this embargo of politics.


At least here, the audience is somewhat finite. If the discussions
didn't descend into obnoxious bull****, some were actually
interesting. Look at some of the longer ones, and if you can, imagine
what they would've been like if 80% of the messages didn't involve
some ****** complaining about a boat that Harry may or may not have
owned. Or, Scupper dropping anti-semitic remarks.



Frankly. I find this place vapid now. I don't miss the strife, but
without real discussions about issues, what's the point of having a
discussion group? I mean, how many times do *you* want to discuss
battery chargers?

It's certainly possible to have discussions without the pig-piling and
personal insults. I don't see why anyone here should take it personally
if I refer to a certain national political figure as a lying,
intellectually lazy, worthless piece of crap, or I think that huge,
heavy sports cars are a contradiction in terms.


There are other groups for other topics. The "issues" you refer to are
not on-topic for this group. If the traffic slows down, that's fine
since it will be on-topic Q&A related to boats, boat parts, boating, etc.

Your comments about political figures may, or may not, be taken
personally but they are off topic.

Dan

A reasonable Proposal
 

P. Fritz wrote:
Unfortunately, it seems to be a trend in a several other NGs to go
political as well

That's actually good news. There will be a lot of appropriate forums
for the folks who just can't get enough name calling, bickering, and
flame throwing. If we maintain our self control (and thanks for your
portion of the improvement) rec.boats doesn't have to be about naming,
flaming, and political wrangling.

A reasonable Proposal
 

wrote in message
oups.com...

P. Fritz wrote:
Unfortunately, it seems to be a trend in a several other NGs to go
political as well

That's actually good news. There will be a lot of appropriate forums
for the folks who just can't get enough name calling, bickering, and
flame throwing.

And inappropriate ones as well.

If we maintain our self control (and thanks for your
portion of the improvement) rec.boats doesn't have to be about naming,
flaming, and political wrangling.

We will see if it holds.........it would be nice if it does.

A reasonable Proposal
 

Paul,
We just need to stay away from tasty looking lures being trolled past us,
and take it one day at a time.


"P. Fritz" wrote in message
...

wrote in message
oups.com...

P. Fritz wrote:
Unfortunately, it seems to be a trend in a several other NGs to go
political as well

That's actually good news. There will be a lot of appropriate forums
for the folks who just can't get enough name calling, bickering, and
flame throwing.

And inappropriate ones as well.

If we maintain our self control (and thanks for your
portion of the improvement) rec.boats doesn't have to be about naming,
flaming, and political wrangling.

We will see if it holds.........it would be nice if it does.

A reasonable Proposal
 

Well, if a few of you gte doing it, I will never see them ;-)

"Reggie Smithers" wrote in message
. ..
Paul,
We just need to stay away from tasty looking lures being trolled past us,
and take it one day at a time.


"P. Fritz" wrote in message
...

wrote in message
oups.com...

P. Fritz wrote:
Unfortunately, it seems to be a trend in a several other NGs to go
political as well

That's actually good news. There will be a lot of appropriate forums
for the folks who just can't get enough name calling, bickering, and
flame throwing.

And inappropriate ones as well.

If we maintain our self control (and thanks for your
portion of the improvement) rec.boats doesn't have to be about naming,
flaming, and political wrangling.

We will see if it holds.........it would be nice if it does.

A reasonable Proposal
 

Baby steps, Jim, baby steps.

" JimH" wrote in message
...
Why do we have to keep proposing a deadline at all?

Let's just keep it going the way it is now.

A reasonable Proposal
 

On Sat, 24 Dec 2005 10:41:22 -0500, Reggie Smithers wrote:

5 days ago Chuck proposed we make some reasonable changes in rec.boats.

I have found a kinder and gentler rec.boats to be a vast improvement from
where we were. If we are going to attract more regulars to discuss boating
issues, we need to make sure we don't chase them away after one visit.
Chuck's proposal is a start in the right direction.

I would like to propose we extend the challenge for the next 30 days.

As Chuck said:

During this period of time, I propose that the group of worst
offenders, self included, take the lead in this challenge by doing the
following things.

1. Refrain from launching any sort of political or religious thread.
2. Resist name calling and put personal feuds aside.
3. Resist the temptation to respond to any political threads trolled
through the NG
4. Launch a minimum of two boating-related threads (not required of
non-boaters)

I got a bit of a problem with this.

Although I would like to see less childish name-calling and political
hijacking ("The weather sux" "It's the Democrat's fault!"), I come here
for political discussions. I gave up looking for any boating-related
discussions here years ago. For boating, I go to http://bcboatnet.org .
For political rants, I go here.

After all, if this group "cleans up", all I will have to find out what the
typical American is thinking is The Daily Show! :)

Lloyd

A reasonable Proposal
 

"Harry Krause" wrote in message
...
Lloyd Sumpter wrote:
On Sat, 24 Dec 2005 10:41:22 -0500, Reggie Smithers wrote:

5 days ago Chuck proposed we make some reasonable changes in rec.boats.

I have found a kinder and gentler rec.boats to be a vast improvement
from where we were. If we are going to attract more regulars to discuss
boating issues, we need to make sure we don't chase them away after one
visit. Chuck's proposal is a start in the right direction.

I would like to propose we extend the challenge for the next 30 days.

As Chuck said:

During this period of time, I propose that the group of worst
offenders, self included, take the lead in this challenge by doing the
following things.

1. Refrain from launching any sort of political or religious thread.
2. Resist name calling and put personal feuds aside.
3. Resist the temptation to respond to any political threads trolled
through the NG
4. Launch a minimum of two boating-related threads (not required of
non-boaters)

I got a bit of a problem with this.

Although I would like to see less childish name-calling and political
hijacking ("The weather sux" "It's the Democrat's fault!"), I come here
for political discussions. I gave up looking for any boating-related
discussions here years ago. For boating, I go to http://bcboatnet.org .
For political rants, I go here.

After all, if this group "cleans up", all I will have to find out what
the
typical American is thinking is The Daily Show! :)

Lloyd




Hey...if you want vapid, this be the place.


Harry, you are beginning to sound like this: http://tinyurl.com/8y7e5

A reasonable Proposal
 

" JimH" wrote in message
...

"Harry Krause" wrote in message
...
Lloyd Sumpter wrote:
On Sat, 24 Dec 2005 10:41:22 -0500, Reggie Smithers wrote:

5 days ago Chuck proposed we make some reasonable changes in rec.boats.

I have found a kinder and gentler rec.boats to be a vast improvement
from where we were. If we are going to attract more regulars to
discuss boating issues, we need to make sure we don't chase them away
after one visit. Chuck's proposal is a start in the right direction.

I would like to propose we extend the challenge for the next 30 days.

As Chuck said:

During this period of time, I propose that the group of worst
offenders, self included, take the lead in this challenge by doing the
following things.

1. Refrain from launching any sort of political or religious thread.
2. Resist name calling and put personal feuds aside.
3. Resist the temptation to respond to any political threads trolled
through the NG
4. Launch a minimum of two boating-related threads (not required of
non-boaters)

I got a bit of a problem with this.

Although I would like to see less childish name-calling and political
hijacking ("The weather sux" "It's the Democrat's fault!"), I come here
for political discussions. I gave up looking for any boating-related
discussions here years ago. For boating, I go to http://bcboatnet.org .
For political rants, I go here.

After all, if this group "cleans up", all I will have to find out what
the
typical American is thinking is The Daily Show! :)

Lloyd




Hey...if you want vapid, this be the place.


Harry, you are beginning to sound like this: http://tinyurl.com/8y7e5

This is too funny.

It has been a pleasure the last week. Though I had my doubts at first, it
has been a pleasant surprise.

A reasonable Proposal
 

On Tue, 27 Dec 2005 11:22:33 -0800, Lloyd Sumpter wrote:

On Sat, 24 Dec 2005 10:41:22 -0500, Reggie Smithers wrote:

5 days ago Chuck proposed we make some reasonable changes in rec.boats.

I have found a kinder and gentler rec.boats to be a vast improvement from
where we were. If we are going to attract more regulars to discuss boating
issues, we need to make sure we don't chase them away after one visit.
Chuck's proposal is a start in the right direction.

I would like to propose we extend the challenge for the next 30 days.

As Chuck said:

During this period of time, I propose that the group of worst
offenders, self included, take the lead in this challenge by doing the
following things.

1. Refrain from launching any sort of political or religious thread.
2. Resist name calling and put personal feuds aside.
3. Resist the temptation to respond to any political threads trolled
through the NG
4. Launch a minimum of two boating-related threads (not required of
non-boaters)

I got a bit of a problem with this.

Although I would like to see less childish name-calling and political
hijacking ("The weather sux" "It's the Democrat's fault!"), I come here
for political discussions. I gave up looking for any boating-related
discussions here years ago. For boating, I go to http://bcboatnet.org .
For political rants, I go here.

After all, if this group "cleans up", all I will have to find out what the
typical American is thinking is The Daily Show! :)

Lloyd


Check out 'alt.obituaries', there are all kinds of political rants going on over
there.
Find the thread: PREVENTING A MASS OBITUARY IN AN AMERICAN CITY NEAR YOU

We've just found it's much easier to remain on a friendly, even keel without them.
--
John H

**** May your Christmas be Spectacular!****
*****...and your New Year even Better!*****