Quote:

I wholeheartedly agree with the mods decision to modify the rules established on this site. Thank you, all.




I too agree completely. Thanks Mods!

I think I have mentioned this before, but I will again because to me the similarities are striking. My other weakness in life is diving, especially diving on shipwrecks. I have been a member of a technical diving site for a number of years. It was started by some guys who wanted to start a separate forum for discussions on some of the serious issues involved in technical, deep diving. Before that site was started, the only thing around was the massive sites where all levels of divers, with different preferences, were thrown in together. No problem with that, but the new site created was small, very fraternal in nature, and the sharing of information regarding diving and life was great.

However, there can often be large egos in deep diving. Disagreements on the usual, politics and religion, as well as disagreements on methods of diving, has now led to one of the most mean-spirited places I have ever been. I rarely poke my head in now, and everytime I do it seems like there is some type of serious mud-slinging going on.

Although I have fairly strong thoughts on religion and politics, I tend to keep them to myself. For me, internet debate will not change my opinion. And I doubt I can change anyone else's. I really don't mind others debating the issues as long as it is civil.

However, I really would hate to see BA.com go the way of the diving site I mentioned. You know, the slippery slope phenom. Would it happen? I would hope not. This really is a great site with a lot of seemingly great people here (and no big egos............, OK just kidding). But, simply putting a smiley face after a rude or condescending comment does not always make the recepient of the comment smile.

To me, the price of admission for this bar has changed, and I don't have a problem with it. Still a great place to be.

Anyway, for what it's worth.

Mike

'05 America