 Off-Topic, er, Topics...
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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OP
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Gotta try out the polling feature now. Since politics was mentioned (a couple times) I've an idea for a poll.
How do you feel about off topic discussions like politics, religion, etc.? Do they have a place here? (Ultimately it's up to Robert, naturally.) Options #1 and #2 also assume a certain degree of civility.
Yes, and I think the Lounge is the appropriate place. (43%, 85 Votes)
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Yes, but I think Robert should create a special forum for it. (20%, 40 Votes)
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No. This is no place for anything but bike talk and related topics. (37%, 73 Votes)
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Re: Off-Topic, er, Topics...
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,823
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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FriarJohn i think you have opened a can of worms with this one..lol
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Re: Off-Topic, er, Topics...
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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OP
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Naw, I'd rather get it out in the open and figured out as a policy rather than wait and pick up the pieces after the first major fight. 
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Re: Off-Topic, er, Topics...
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,960
Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Cool my first poll on the new site. I don't think this is the place but others obviously won't agree with me, hell I've even chimed in to a few in the past. I don't think they should be put a stop to unless it takes over the board or becomes derogatory to certain points of view. From what I've seen most here are rational-minded people who don't mind a good debate once in a while.
There's always the other option as well. If your offended by what is being said don't read the posts. You take away their power of arguing that way.
John
Like a dog on a car ride with my tongue in the wind
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Re: Off-Topic, er, Topics...
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 9,223
Big Bore
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Big Bore
Joined: Jan 2005
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Personally, there should be a separate forum. Call it crap 'cause that's all it is!!  btw, what the heck is a minimac?
"Never underestimate the power of human stupidity" - Robert Heinlein
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Re: Off-Topic, er, Topics...
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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OP
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
It's a new Apple computer they just introduced this week. The place I linked to is giving them away.
Disclaimer: I have no affiliation with the site, I'm just trying to get my own free Mac.
Last edited by FriarJohn; 01/14/2005 8:09 PM.
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Re: Off-Topic, er, Topics...
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Posts: 3,960
Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
It's a new Apple computer they just introduced this week. The place I linked to is giving them away.
Only in the US! It's discrimination I tell ya. Where's my lawyer?
John
Like a dog on a car ride with my tongue in the wind
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Re: Off-Topic, er, Topics...
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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OP
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Quote:
There's always the other option as well. If your offended by what is being said don't read the posts. You take away their power of arguing that way.
If that were the prevailing opinion I'd change my vote from "no" to "separate forum." I'd still like the Lounge to be "on-topic." To me "miscellaneous member discussions" is wholly different from "free for all."
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Re: Off-Topic, er, Topics...
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,823
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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hi wojo when i frist saw this poll i said man here we go..i belive this will always be a hot subject here..but here is my take on it frist i go by the name it's call the lounge.and in any lounge i have been in we have talked about any thing and every thing..so i feel it sould be open to all topic but that is just the way i look at it ..
BIKER
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Re: Off-Topic, er, Topics...
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,960
Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
If that were the prevailing opinion I'd change my vote from "no" to "separate forum." I'd still like the Lounge to be "on-topic." To me "miscellaneous member discussions" is wholly different from "free for all."
True John, I only meant that if it's ignored the topic usually dies quickly.
John
Like a dog on a car ride with my tongue in the wind
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Re: Off-Topic, er, Topics...
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Posts: 4,072 Likes: 82
Loquacious
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Loquacious
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I voted that it should be allowed because I would like to think this a place where people can come and feel comfortable and free to open a thread about whatever they feel the need to talk about. If I'm not interested in the discussion topic of a particular thread, I just pass it up and move along to something that interests me. I would never presume to dictate what people can discuss in an open forum and would like to think that the same limitations wouldn't be placed on me.
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Re: Off-Topic, er, Topics...
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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OP
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Yeah, I knew what you meant. To me a lounge is a place to kick back with buddies. Let me be clear: I don't see it as a huge problem. I just wanted to foster some discussion about the topic. If we can start out civil maybe we can keep it civil. So far, so good!
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Re: Off-Topic, er, Topics...
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
..i belive this will always be a hot subject here...and in any lounge i have been in we have talked about any thing and every thing..so i feel it sould be open to all topic but that is just the way i look at it ..
Biker,
I didn't vote for it. But again that's only my opinion. I have no problem of others discussing it, but like I said if it overtakes the forum....well, there are political forums that those people can go to. As I said in an earlier post, if you don't like it don't read it, it can't bother you then.
John
Like a dog on a car ride with my tongue in the wind
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Re: Off-Topic, er, Topics...
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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FJ, Discussion is good. Everyone should have an opportunity to let their opinions be known on this, and no opinion is wrong. Plus you said it best; Quote:
If we can start out civil maybe we can keep it civil.
Agreed
John
Like a dog on a car ride with my tongue in the wind
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Re: Off-Topic, er, Topics...
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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OP
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Quote:
I have no problem of others discussing it, but like I said if it overtakes the forum...
I wouldn't worry about that.
::glances over Moderator Hammer of Smitingâ„¢ hanging on the wall:: 
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Re: Off-Topic, er, Topics...
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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I'd like to comment, but I am still getting over being a "stranger" on a site I have been a member of since early 2001.
I don't think my response is "off topic"!
I think calling people who are close to being charter members to the bike and the site is WAY OFF!!!!!
Bob _Budesky
aka- rbb
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Re: Off-Topic, er, Topics...
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I come here to read about motorcycles. I go to church to hear about God. I`ll tune into CNN to get the lowdown on my politics.And all will be right with the universe!!!
"Big" Jack Wilson
Mishawaka,IN.
2010 Thunderbird
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Re: Off-Topic, er, Topics...
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Member
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Member
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I say off topic in another category here is just fine. The posts relating to elections a couple months ago and the related debates taken up by members of this site added much more insight to the issues (at least more colorful) than any mainstream or independent media I follow. Granted the posts sometimes went a little too far, but if it's in a separate listing you'd at least have to be looking for it to read it....ignore it if you choose.
Too many valid opinions on a wide variety of subjects to squelch them all.
Cheers, Mike
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Re: Off-Topic, er, Topics...
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Well, I don't think it'll be any surprise, how I voted, but I did think maybe a separate place might be better. If you want to call it the "Free for all" or Barroom Brawl forums, that's fine, whatever. Although I have to say, after a couple members got a bit personal last time, I have somewhat cooled my taste for open and frank discussions.
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Re: Off-Topic, er, Topics...
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,240
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
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I don't mind much what gets discussed in this Lounge. I might not visit a separate forum for political topics quite as often, if there were one. -------- I do believe that appropriately titled threads can entice interest, and steer clear anyone who may not wish to read and/or participate in such discussions. We are a very diverse bunch, and sometimes, as we have seen, the discussions can get quite animated. I'm fine with all of that as long as this Lounge does not get overwhelmed with too much political bantering. Politics might belong in a special category, but maybe general philosophy hits the Lounge spot on.
Keith
Houston
Ridin'Texas
'04 Speedmaster
AI removed, Pingle, UNI Filter, 1 shim, straight-through slash-cut TORs, Stage 1 DynaJet, 140 mains, 3 turns, 16/42 final drive, 115K
2020 T120 Black
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Re: Off-Topic, er, Topics...
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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Friar - Thank you for addressing this issue! I voted against opening up the lounge for off-topic political and religious issues. I'm not wishy washy on either. I am an ordained pastor and a former journalist - my job was the politcal and editorial beat for an Oregon newspaper. I think it would be peachy if none of the above were discussed here, or else, discussed in a separate forum or category. Here's one reason I believe that way: I've seen at least one decent bike forum go down the tubes thanks to politics. On the other hand, I also know of a successful biker forum that gives members a chance to vent off-topic stuff in an off-topic forum. http://forums.thesabregroup.com/Whether we keep off-topic discussions or not, I'll stick around; 'cause I came here to talk bikes... Roadie
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Re: Off-Topic, er, Topics...
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Adjunct
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yo greg - is there an explanation somewhere for this 'bayern' stuff?
kinda surprised at your response to this. i personally enjoyed the way you held ground no matter how disgustingly low some of your 'responders' treated you!
BTW - perhaps you should be the moderator ( how DO you become a moderator? ) for such a topic as this.
jeffrey l. reamer
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Re: Off-Topic, er, Topics...
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friarjohn -
thanks for asking others opinions as well as mentioning it's roberts decision in the end.
i enjoy other site members opinions on a variety of subjects. i've learned more here than from the news or other sources regards many topics & would appreciate a separate 'topic' class for such . those offended need not bother with that section at all. i think 'lounge' should remain bike related even if it's just nonsense or general biker jabber.
jeffrey l. reamer
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Re: Off-Topic, er, Topics...
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13 |
Hi John, Since this is somewhat of an off topic post . . .Did you read the Terms & Conditions of the freeminimac website? Some highlights are Quote:
We also reserve the right to change the methods through which free items are earned.
Quote:
We may also add or remove any product listed as an incentive at any time. If we replace a product, the new product may not be of equal value.
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3. Emails.
(c) By signing up for this website, the user agrees to receive emails we or another 3rd party may send about special offers on our website, as well as third party advertisements or offers.
And I really like this one! Quote:
4. Cancellation of Account.
(a) There is no way to cancel an account. If a user no longer wishes to remain a part of this site, they should cease to access their account, and nothing more will happen with their information.
So they are saying that they guarantee nothing. No particular prize, no set ways to earn said prize and you can NEVER cancel your account. You are now going to receive junk mail forever and the price of beer just increased too. Well not really but they might as well have stated that too!
Thanks for bringing the free minimac offer into the realm of my consciousness, but no thanks! Free is usually one of the most costly things I can ever receive....
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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 Re: Off-Topic, er, Topics...
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Okay,okay, I voted "not" but after reading all the posts I think maybe a seperate forum would be good for venting opions and beating on each other. After all. I kinda like to um, well, talk about beer.
Budster
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Re: Off-Topic, er, Topics...
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I think there should be an area labeled for MATURE audiences only. Easily offended folk should not venture into these ignorant debauched places. I have always been a fan of controversy. And it is nice to read posts from people you have met really going at it. It is also nice to allow opinions to form before you meet someone. A place on the forum like this is needed. I also like to cuss and swear. Nothing like a good "f*** this" or "eat sh^T a**hole" in a discussion about religion. I really enjoyed reading Greg's (Bayenrnee?) posts on politics no matter how far off-base they were. Anyway, my opinion. Later
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Re: Off-Topic, er, Topics...
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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FJ, Quote:
::glances over Moderator Hammer of Smitingâ„¢ hanging on the wall::
You trademarked the Hammer of Smiting?? ******, you're good. And on top of that you go and start this thread. Now I'm involved in a pseudo-political discussion about, of all things, politics. Arg!
Hey! Previewing this post I noticed it won't let me type the work ******. What's with that! It's not like it's a ****** swear word or anything? ******, ******, ******.
John
Like a dog on a car ride with my tongue in the wind
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Re: Off-Topic, er, Topics...
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,960
Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Moe, Quote:
So they are saying that they guarantee nothing. No particular prize, no set ways to earn said prize and you can NEVER cancel your account. You are now going to receive junk mail forever and the price of beer just increased too. Well not really but they might as well have stated that too!
And a Canadian still can't get this!! Boy,I tell ya....  This makes me so mad I want to say ******.
John
Like a dog on a car ride with my tongue in the wind
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Re: Off-Topic, er, Topics...
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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OP
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Quote:
Thanks for bringing the free minimac offer into the realm of my consciousness, but no thanks!
Yeah, that's why I used my "spamtrap" - a Hotmail account I use strictly for signing up for stuff like that.
Hey, ya pays yer money and ya takes yer chances.
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Re: Off-Topic, er, Topics...
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,240
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
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I can't think of too much to talk about beer. Not too many kinds of beer out there. Free beer. Cold beer. KING of beers. Not much else matters.
Keith
Houston
Ridin'Texas
'04 Speedmaster
AI removed, Pingle, UNI Filter, 1 shim, straight-through slash-cut TORs, Stage 1 DynaJet, 140 mains, 3 turns, 16/42 final drive, 115K
2020 T120 Black
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Re: Off-Topic, er, Topics...
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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OP
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Quote:
Now I'm involved in a pseudo-political discussion about, of all things, politics. Arg!
I believe they call that a "meta-discussion."
Quote:
Hey! Previewing this post I noticed it won't let me type the work ******. What's with that! It's not like it's a ****** swear word or anything? ******, ******, ******.
Yes, like most modern forum software this one has a profanity censor, a list of words that are converted to asterisks, though I noticed "crap" ain't on the list. Oh well, I guess we'll all just have to be a little more articulate and edjumacated in getting our point across.
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 Re: Off-Topic, er, Topics...
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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OP
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Quote:
I can't think of too much to talk about beer. Not too many kinds of beer out there. Free beer. Cold beer. KING of beers. Not much else matters.
BW, I think in all confidence I can say that nobody here would be offended by beer talk. Even myself, who can't stand the stuff (I much prefer hard liquor for an adult beverage). Politics and religion still offend me much more than beer. So fear not... 
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Re: Off-Topic, er, Topics...
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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OP
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
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Re: Off-Topic, er, Topics...
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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I really like a little spirited discussion. I think it depends on the resources available. If Robert has tons of disk space and bandwidth, then let's go for it. On the old web site I knew the resources were getting stretched, so that limited my off-topic comments. If I knew what kind of bandwidth we had here, and how guarded Robert is on using it up, then I'd have a better idea about how to answer this poll. I'm a Unix system administrator and I allocate megahertz and disk space as part of my job. Some users think these resources are infinite, but they definitely are not.
One other thing to think about, if discussions on politics and religion disintegrate into name calling and bad feelings, then someone should step in and cut if off. We don't want that here, do we?
John
I was born a long ways from where I was supposed to be. - Bob Dylan
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Re: Off-Topic, er, Topics...
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 32
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 32 |
Quote:
I voted that it should be allowed because I would like to think this a place where people can come and feel comfortable and free to open a thread about whatever they feel the need to talk about. If I'm not interested in the discussion topic of a particular thread, I just pass it up and move along to something that interests me. I would never presume to dictate what people can discuss in an open forum and would like to think that the same limitations wouldn't be placed on me.
Chy's post expresses my views exactly, thanks Chy for saving me the effort.
Bedouin.
Blessed are those eyes that have seen more roads than any man! (Homer).
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Re: Off-Topic, er, Topics...
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Posts: 73
Member
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friar
this should be a clean site to escape to the world of Motorcycles and stuff ,leave the politics to others, the religion is out on a great ride!!
bill
coz007
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Re: Off-Topic, er, Topics...
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Posts: 3
Complete Newb
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Complete Newb
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Nothing fires up the folks more than talkin' religion or politics. But if you're talkin' full service here, give the folks their own forum to duke it out in.
I'm sure the little flame icon woulda' been a bonfire during last months "war talk".
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Re: Off-Topic, er, Topics...
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13 |
Quote:
Yeah, that's why I used my "spamtrap" - a Hotmail account I use strictly for signing up for stuff like that.
America's "Digital Goddess", Kim Komando calls that a Throw Away Address 
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: Off-Topic, er, Topics...
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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OP
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Oooh baby. She can call it anything she wants...
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