Looks Religious to me!

[TracyP]

It's closed, it can easily be reopened if needed.

 

[toolman]

WOW! :BangHead::BangHead::BangHead:

 

[TracyP]

We need to reply to some of the positive threads to move this one down in the list, and maybe it won't be so noticeable.

 

[toolman]

The last time this got out of hand the Off Topic was shout down for a week or so, and that stop it! If this keeps going we may need to do the same. Let see how it goes..

 

[Glennbear]

Kind of after the fact but IMHO, whenever possible we should directly cut and paste policy sections when making posts such as Doug did. I am sure a majority of the staff knew what he was saying but some folks will twist verbiage they do not like. Here, (with apologies to Doug), is what I would have posted in the staff announcement forum:

This is the time of year when several religions have major holidays and they are celebrated by many of our members which of course is admirable. Just as a reminder here are the NCWW policies regarding religious content in posts:

A Special Word About Religion

Many of our members are very devout and feel their religion and beliefs play a fundamental role in their lives. We applaud adherence to beliefs of your choice. Members with different, but equally devout, beliefs may be in direct contradiction. Please remember that some of mankind's worst and longest lasting wars were fought over differences of spiritual belief. Statements of a religious nature can cause disharmony. Therefore, in the spirit of "prevention", all religious content is banned from this site. However, the following exceptions will apply:

Phrases such as, "God bless you", "Bless you", and "you are in our prayers" are more than acceptable. Such phrases are not proselytizing and are regarded as non-denominational. (Technically, even atheism is a belief system.) No one is criticized for saying they would or would not pray. Also, phrases used to greet and or wish well being during certain seasons or holidays such as "Merry Christmas" are allowed and even encouraged, regardless of the religious foundation.
​

It is an inconvenient fact that some of our members posts are driven by emotion but to use the established policy as the message rather than one from staff members takes us out of the equation and leaves little room for false interpretation or arguement by disgruntled members when they do not like the message. It is a lot easier to argue with a staff member than it is a document. :gar-La; Steve Coles and the administration staff did a great job on the policies and they are pretty straightforward. While I am on my soapbox I would suggest that we make an effort to get ALL members to read the policies. As of 1:30 AM today there have only been 387 visitors to the policy page and I know that several of those visits were mine. This low number of page visits vs. our number of members (3,797) does not bode well. :no:

​

 

[Douglas Robinson]

I agree. It certainly could not have gone much worse, but I am not sure that those that responded would not have done as they did anyway. I may post a final response (or not) and I may send PM's to one or two (NC Turner and boxxmaker). I doubt anything I say to Jackleg or PChristy will make a difference.

Funny thing is, by making my original post I did the opposite of what I wanted, namely to make the moderator's lives easier. Oh well, live and learn.

Doug

PS I am up this late trying to install the Festivus pole for the feats of strength!

 

[ScottM]

The last time this got out of hand the Off Topic was shout down for a week or so, and that stop it! If this keeps going we may need to do the same. Let see how it goes..

That will cause a whole set of new problems. At this point I am leaning toward just ignoring them and they will go away on their own. All they want is attention. CHILDREN.

 

[froglips]

I went to bed too early. All caught up now.

I applaud Doug's well intentioned post. This strikes me as a Kobayashi Maru no-win scenario.

What I did notice is we don't hear much from the "we support the policy" crowd.

Jim

 

[sapwood]

Wow, I missed a lot yesterday :BangHead:

Perhaps, too late, but here's my thoughts.

1) Doug's original post was not about Christmas, it was a reminder of site policy regarding religion.
2) Clearly, any mention of religion is a hot button that quickly evokes heated exchanges that can lead to personal attacks.
3) Generally, because of 2), our current policy is validated (IMHO)
4) Therefore, I would suggest that BOD or senior staff edit the original post, delete all responses, then close the thread. Alternate would be to post new announcement (BoD/staff) re: policy, close thread, then delete the entire old thread.

I really think it is important to delete the provocative posts :yes4lo:

Still lame ducking,
Roger

 

[Bas]

I really think it is important to delete the provocative posts :yes4lo:

Agreed. It emboldens people, and sets a bad precedent.

 

[froglips]

I agree. Delete the posts.

I'd keep Doug and Glennbear's posts.

Jim

 

[sapwood]

I'll be happy to do it. However, I would like one of more of BoD to note their agreement (or disagreement) since they have been in the thick of this one.

Roger

 

[toolman]

To me "just ignoring them and they will go away on their own." will not work. this is my $.02.

I like sapwood's view. :icon_thum:icon_thum:icon_thum:icon_thum

 

[Glennbear]

Count me in as concurring with sapwood's sage advice. :icon_thum

 

[Travis Porter]

PS I am up this late trying to install the Festivus pole for the feats of strength!

Ahhhh.. The feats of strength!!! Must have pictures!!!!!:rotflm:

 

[Douglas Robinson]

I am ok with following Roger's advice. Take the policy quote from Glenn's post stick it in the original and then delete the rest of the responses.

Doug

 

[TracyP]

If no one else has taken care of that, I will.

 

[Douglas Robinson]

It has been closed but the responses have not been deleted.

 

[TracyP]

Now they have, patience grasshopper:rotflm:.

 

[TracyP]

Now I have many pm's coming. :swoon::swoon:. It's ok though. I am answering them one at a time. All in the same manner and tone.