I couldn't agree more, Chuck.

--Mike

"Chuck Gould" wrote in message
oups.com...
On Feb 15, 6:53?pm, Short Wave Sportfishing


What I find curious though is the approach that you have with regard to
the off topic and oddball discussion. I might point out that you are
not the arbiter of what is and isn't appropriate. Usenet groups are the
ultimate democracy - almost libertarian - and the group reigns supreme
over attempts by those who wish to control. Your role in this is as one
who chides and nags and attempts to force your opinion on everyone else.
You might say you are the very thing you rail against with your only
defense being that you wish for "purity" rather than chaos.

I vote for chaos.


And that is surely your privilege to do.

But, in trying to foster chaos, how is your activity any different
than mine? (Aside from the end you hope to achieve). You prefer a
group where chaos reigns, where you can be entertained by the flame
wars and "observe" personalities interacting. I feel that the group
has been there, done that, and over the years we have become less
useful as a resource for boaters as a result.

I will continue to "jawbone" for a group where we stick to boating
most of the time. You don't have to like that or agree that having a
group centered on boating is better than a group with no particular
focus at all.

You will probably continue to use the group as a blog, informing us
all about the details of your personal life and posting links to
videos you find amusing. I don't have to care much either way about
that, or agree that flame wars are useful entertainment.

None of us have any ability to "control" anybody else. How unfortunate
that anybody would interpret the expression of my personal opinion as
some sort of control mechanism. Perhaps my opinion will influence
somebody, perhaps not. Same as the opinions you express- no difference
at all.

(BTW, you asked about discussions at the yacht club; one thing that is
never, ever, ever discussed is partisan politics. In general, the
members respect one another enough to also respect individual
political perspectives. Live and let live.)

The sign over the cyber door still says "Boating Newsgroup". I fail to
see how it is wrong to try to influence content toward that end. It's
your right and privilege to disagree.