Take a Breath Before You React
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There has been considerable discussion about how to handle sensitive issues on the Lounge Forum, ie politics, religion, gun control, racism, sexist remarks, etc. Some of the threads and subsequent conversation gets pretty heated as members espouse their thoughts, ideas and opinions.

I can barely think of a topic, like the ones mentioned above, where once words start flying someone won't be offended or experience hurt feelings. We live in a verbally outspoken society. At times the Lounge Forum is a perfect example of that.

Before you get yourself involved in a thread that might make your blood boil (unless that is what you are after), think before you speak. Breathe before you react. Decide whether you're up for the dialogue or whether you'd rather skip the thread entirely or move onto something else.

See the lounge as either a multi-faceted magazine you subscribe to by choice or as junk mail you toss in the recycle bin; or stuff into your wet riding boots. One member's junk is another's treasure or reading pleasure.

Touchy subjects come and go. We are not in the business of censorship--after all we are motorcycle riders. We make a concerted effort to encourage all members to adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy when posting threads, replies, and photos. Another thing to take into consideration is we can't always convey emotion accurately through simple text. The person's post you are reading just might not have meant it the way you are reading it. Yet another reason to think first.

We don't want to lose members to other sites/forums due to puerile "he said/she said" rantings. Please, choose your battles and discussions wisely. And please, don't base your decision on whether to leave or remain a member or browser on BA.com, on whether one thread or another annoys or disappoints you.

There is a vault of knowledge to employ. Good exchanges and some really great information in the forums that deal directly with our motorcycles and riding them. There is some really good discussion in the lounge too.

We are brought together--Triumph bound--that's our common bond. It's about the ride. That's what brought us here. Let it be the thing that keeps us here.

mert