On Fri, 20 Oct 2006 15:06:51 GMT, Short Wave Sportfishing
wrote:




Many OT threads can go for days without inflammatory posts or name calling.

True, but some are determined to get their points across and will
blame this or that on them or they and it degenerates.

That's what I mean about bad behavior.

However, a political or religious thread that doesn't devolve to same
within about five posts is extremely rare.

That's because they are designed to do that - bad behavior.

Then let's agree that bad behavior is what Chuck is trying to keep out of
the group.

Could that be the reason Chuck, et al (including me), keep referring to OT
*political and/or religious* posts and not your typical off-the-wall OT
post?

Perhaps. I still think it's a disconnect between types of behavior
and the willingness to dispute any and all issues. Or the willingness
make a post just for the sake of starting an argument.

Well, why would anyone here post political posts, especially cut'n'pastes,
if *not* for the sake of starting an argument. Is it simply a charitable
desire on their part to help educate those here who can't read?

There is one poster here who does it all the time - on anything and
for any reason - and the participants who fall for the bait presented
are just as bad as the original poster if only because they know why
it was posted and react to it anyway.

And vice-versa for the one poster and for the bait takers.

Participants like you and Chuck have a good point - I don't deny that.
However, my approach, and my suggestion, is not to engage, but (1)
ignore or (2) have some fun with the post.

I'll say this again because I think it's an important point. There is
a place for civilized, rational and polite discussion of issues that
affect us all. Boats, boats, boats 24/7/365 is a completely and
totally unrealistic goal.

And I don't disagree. The current amateur radio thread is an example of a
post only peripherally boating related, but civilized, rational, and
polite. The vast majority of off-topic posts, except those which are
political/religious, meet those criteria. The vast majority of
political/religilous posts quickly become uncivil, irrational, and most
impolite.

I like Chuck and I enjoy his presentations of boats he reviews. He
edits a top notch magazine and I enjoy that also - he has been kind
enough to send me the magazine and I actually look for it on a monthly
basis.

However, his approach to boating and my approach to boating are
completely different. His posts regarding cruising level boats, while
interesting, are not relevant to my boating experience - he's a large
boat cruiser and I'm a small boat speed freak and fisherman. Doesn't
mean that I don't appreciate his efforts, we just don't enjoy the
hobby in the same way.

Ditto.

On the other hand, Chuck has some opinions on issues that are similar
to mine. Not all, but some. I would like to explore that commonality
and would engage others who share similar opinions. I think that
Chuck's approach to rec.boats is limited and short sighted.

If Chuck is opposed to any and all posts which are not directly on topic,
then I'd agree with you. I think Chuck is referring primarily to political
and religious posts which are known to cause conflict 99% of the time.

I think it can be a much better place if we all work to make it a
better place by being civilized and not use rancor to issue political
ideology rants or personal bashings based on past issues.

And, if we all left out the political/religious posts, it probably would
become such a place.

Yesterday is yesterday - tomorrow never comes.

We have today and if we limit how we engage others to strictly one
subject, then we are all poorer for it.

Agreed.