FORUM DEVELOPMENT: Is it possible to have a bipartisan forum where no single view/party/candidate dominates?

[CGP]

I don't know yet if that's possible.

I hope so.

Is it?

[mavfin]

It'll take a lot of work from you and the mods on what's acceptable, and what's not. The forum at large will have to buy into this. You'll lose a lot of regulars who came here for the old agenda. Don't worry about it, there's nothing you can do to change that. Some people came here for Hillary, and if she's no longer the focus, they'll find another home.

You'll have to be pretty ruthless on the ban button at first, as people *will* test your limits. Some of your long-running members will no longer 'fit' the purpose that you, Muzza, wish the forum to serve.

After saying all that, yes, it's possible, if you want to do the work. You probably need to decide what IS off-limits. I would imagine negativity toward LGBT issues would be a big red flag. Discussion is one thing, but saying you don't have a right to exist would be another. This is YOUR forum when it's all said and done. If you wish to have a centrist forum with an LGBT-welcome flavor, then you can have it. You just need to think about it a bit.

And, it may have to wait past Obama's first 100 days before it really settles.

[Meg]

I don't think so...

I only say that because with an open membership, it may get to the point where one group feels outnumbered and discontinues posting. Everyone is going to have some very rigid views on some issues. If that's the case then the debates only become arguements.


But I do think you can have a forum where not one candidate dominates. If the forum is about issues and policy then yes, it shouldn't come down to one candidate.

[rainb]

Nope.. not when this was going on. Obama supporters were all behind this type of stuff and didn't give a crap just as long as they won.

YouTube - Obama Literature Comingled with Election Materials

[eyedoc333]

I think at this point, emotions are high and will remain this way for awhile. The forum is going through some growing pains, but I hope that it settles into a new routine that allows for respectful bipartisan discussion.

[Horizon]

I don't know yet if that's possible.

I hope so.

Is it?

We can only try.:rolleyes::rolleyes:

[portia9]

Honestly, I think it's not possible because it will just devolve into chaos. The range of political opinion is too broad. I suppose you could try it though, then tweak it until you find the right balance.

[Ikasu]

With an open membership, it's guaranteed.

[CGP]

With an open membership, it's guaranteed.

What is? Chaos?

[Ikasu]

What is? Chaos?

You'd need to have more mods. I don't think you'd have crazies flocking to the forum though. There are other places that they would like that are better suited for them. Doesn't hurt trying.

[geraldwhite]

I hope so.

I'm a new member here. I'm sure that their will be issues with people trying to rub it in, and those people I'm sure we'll be dealt with in some way.

I hope that I can bring something to this forum, hopefully that same knowledge that you have all given me over 8 months of Lurking here. I have learned a lot about the will and dedication of genuine people. One thing we can agree on, I'm from California and its a complete disgrace that prop 8 passed yes! Some other issue we will surly not agree on, but i respect everyone here.

Thanks for having me!:D

[mavfin]

2 key things make that kind of forum work

1) Respect for others' views
2) Only civil discussion allowed

If you can keep both of those, then the forum will grow a core of people who don't share all the same views, but respect each other as people, and respect the right to have differing views. Once the core is built, you can proceed. Really, the core is here, just needs a cooling off time. Discussion can get heated, but there's a line. Respecting that others may have valid (to them, at least) reasons for something is important.

Again, you'll probably have to define a few 'no-fly-zones' for things that are simply off-limits.

Your banhammer will be busy for a while, I think, and you'll need a good solid post about what is required in poster behavior to make it work. People have to be made to understand that shoving views down people's throats is not going to be acceptable. I can call Obama an idiot or a crook or a cheater, or call Bill that if I wish, but I can't call Mary (the forum member) that for supporting him. (Hypothetical, don't shoot me, Mary.)

[CGP]

2 key things make that kind of forum work

1) Respect for others' views
2) Only civil discussion allowed

If you can keep both of those, then the forum will grow a core of people who don't share all the same views, but respect each other as people, and respect the right to have differing views. Once the core is built, you can proceed. Really, the core is here, just needs a cooling off time. Discussion can get heated, but there's a line. Respecting that others may have valid (to them, at least) reasons for something is important.

Again, you'll probably have to define a few 'no-fly-zones' for things that are simply off-limits.

Your banhammer will be busy for a while, I think, and you'll need a good solid post about what is required in poster behavior to make it work. People have to be made to understand that shoving views down people's throats is not going to be acceptable.

Good points here. I agree with these comments.

[Folamix]

I think it is possible but I believe it will take a lot of work by you and your moderators. This is your forum and you set the parameters. By strict enforcement, it can be done. You will lose some, you will gain others.

Personally I welcome free-flowing bi-partisan forum where all views may be expressed as long as done in a mature manner.

[Horizon]

I hope so.

I'm a new member here. I'm sure that their will be issues with people trying to rub it in, and those people I'm sure we'll be dealt with in some way.

I hope that I can bring something to this forum, hopefully that same knowledge that you have all given me over 8 months of Lurking here. I have learned a lot about the will and dedication of genuine people. One thing we can agree on, I'm from California and its a complete disgrace that prop 8 passed yes! Some other issue we will surly not agree on, but i respect everyone here.

Thanks for having me!:D

Welcome to you,Gerald!! We are in transition at this point,please bear with us.We are a great group here and are always welcome to new ideas.Please enjoy your time here!

[CGP]

Personally I welcome free-flowing bi-partisan forum where all views may be expressed as long as done in a mature manner.

Me too. I am tired of us/them mentalities. And tired of unquestioned allegiances to any person/party. It's not healthy.

[JustMom]

I certainly hope so. I like to discuss and the partisan forums I was on get mad if you dissent. It would be nice to be able to respectfully express myself without being trounced. I don't mind people disagreeing with my views or opinions, I just prefer not to be called names or ignorant for holding those opinions. Try and persuade me, but don't ridicule me. I just may surprise you. :)

[CGP]

I certainly hope so. I like to discuss and the partisan forums I was on get mad if you dissent. It would be nice to be able to respectfully express myself without being trounced. I don't mind people disagreeing with my views or opinions, I just prefer not to be called names or ignorant for holding those opinions. Try and persuade me, but don't ridicule me. I just may surprise you. :)

Demoractic Underground - dems only.

Free Republic - republicans only.

What's lacking majorly is a site that is in between these two, or which caters to people from both.

[CGP]

It would be nice to be able to respectfully express myself without being trounced. I don't mind people disagreeing with my views or opinions, I just prefer not to be called names or ignorant for holding those opinions. Try and persuade me, but don't ridicule me.

Exactly.

[JustMom]

Demoractic Underground - dems only.

Free Republic - republicans only.

What's lacking majorly is a site that is in between these two, or which caters to people from both.

YES!!

[mavfin]

Demoractic Underground - dems only.

Free Republic - republicans only.

What's lacking majorly is a site that is in between these two, or which caters to people who don't really fit at either one.

There, fixed that for you. :D

I went to FR for quite a while. It has tons of great news and commentary, but, there's the far-right fanatics, and the bible-thumpers that make it a less than welcoming place for a social liberal like me. I get along great over there with the hawks and the fiscal conservatives, but when they pull out their bibles and start preaching, it gets old.

We won't even talk about DU. If I want to talk to people with a 13-year-old's mentality, I can play online games. It's a lot more fun.

[geraldwhite]

Demoractic Underground - dems only.

Free Republic - republicans only.

What's lacking majorly is a site that is in between these two, or which caters to people from both.

I think you can pull this off and if you do, you will most defiantly have one of the best forums around. I think if you even put 1/8 of the dedication you put towards Hillary Clinton and John McCain, you will have an outstanding place for everyone!

[Cate8]

Hi! I am a new member (been lurking the whole time registration has been closed, though!)

I am a conservative who manages to have civil discussions with friends of every political spectrum and of multiple religions (or lack thereof) and of orientation.

I will find it very very hard to have much to say civil to Obots for quite some time. I can joke around with normal people who happened to vote for Obama (for whatever reason), but the Obots are something different.

[Area504]

I think I told ya'll I used to be a mod/admin on the Kerry board in 2004. Since that board was an official part of the campaign website, we couldn't keep it going. So the other admin and I started a new board, Common Ground-Common Sense.org (http://www.commongroundcommonsense.org/forums/).

As the name implies, the intention was to try a bi-partisan effort among Progressives, Moderates, and Independents without regard to a particular political party or candidate. We sent an invitation to each and every person who signed up at the Kerry board; when CGCS went online we had over 3,500 on Day One.

Things started going downhill from the get-go and they never really got better. People were looking for someone to blame for the loss. Spin-off boards were created for the purpose of bashing those of us who ran the official board. By the time the board got to this election season at the beginning of this year, the posting membership was down to about 30-40 people -- almost all of those left ended up Obamabots. Their caustic personality and intolerance for people who think differently from them was made clear even before they started to back Barack. They ran off one decent member after another. I continued to try to reason with them until June of this year (right after Hillary suspended her campaign). I said good-bye, and never posted on the board again.

The point of telling ya'll this is to say what you're going through here today is nothing new. Those of us who didn't support The Anointed One need time to heal, and I can't say that I will ever be ready to make nice with Obamabots. Most of them just aren't interested in being nice or being tolerant of other viewpoints. Trust me, please.

[mavfin]

Hi! I am a new member (been lurking the whole time registration has been closed, though!)

I am a conservative who manages to have civil discussions with friends of every political spectrum and of multiple religions (or lack thereof) and of orientation.

I will find it very very hard to have much to say civil to Obots for quite some time. I can joke around with normal people who happened to vote for Obama (for whatever reason), but the Obots are something different.

I don't think the Obots will be on the 'accepted' list. If you want to be an ass, you can leave. :D (meaning Obots, not you)

[CGP]

I can joke around with normal people who happened to vote for Obama (for whatever reason), but the Obots are something different.

Well, yes, it's important to make a distinction between reasonable people who support Obama and abusive trolls who support Obama. These are 2 groups of people which have often been lumped in together but which are actually very different. The friendly, decent, reasonable people who voted for Obama are welcome. The extremist, abusive, unreasonable people who voted for Obama are not.

[CGP]

I think you can pull this off and if you do, you will most defiantly have one of the best forums around.

I hope so.

Be sure to vote in our "new name" poll.

Options:

www.bipartisancentral.com

www.midpointpolitics.com

www.centerlanepolitics.com

[NBM]

I like the idea, but I think it's too soon to force an open bipartisan attitude. It's only been about 24 hrs. since the election, and people need time to grasp the situation.

But I think it's attainable with some time, and some intense 'air traffic controller' moderating. And I think it's a noble idea and worth aspiring to. Slowly but surely it could work.

[mslas4hillary]

You have had a tremendous amount of success with this forum, it is widely known around the net and has even been mentioned on tv. After all that we've went through why would you want to change this forum into something that can be found anywhere?

[CGP]

I like the idea, but I think it's too soon to force an open bipartisan attitude. It's only been about 24 hrs. since the election, and people need time to grasp the situation.

But I think it's attainable with some time, and some intense 'air traffic controller' moderating. And I think it's a noble idea and worth aspiring to. Slowly but surely it could work.

By the end of 2008, I hope it's a reality. That should be enough time for people to accept what has happened - for those who didn't like the outcome anyway.

[Johnf]

I don't know yet if that's possible.

I hope so.

Is it?

I don't think so, that's mostly fence sitting. Most people generally have strong feelings one way or another. They have a passion - values. I see too much potential for abuse developing by trying to be bipartisan here. There was a lot of abuse in this election, media bias, fraud and lying. Forgetting it all is caving in. You either stand for somethign or not. No one says this has to be a hostile forum, but thinking the Obama supporters and Hillary supporters who spoke out strongly against the abuse, who believe in totally different things than one another are going to get a long, it's simply not going to happen. There are two very different values getting together; they are like oil and vinegar mixing right now. It will take time to heal, and those that supported Hillary and then also Palin in this campaign suffered some real losses, including loss of what they were fighting for, and that was respect.

You changed the direction of this forum around the day after the election, and those are significant changes, considering you supported the fight against Obama up until now. This now has become 3 very signifcant losses for people who believed in values and lost temperariliy the fight. They will reflect, brush the dust off and carve their path.

As I said, the key issue for me was about respect, someone coming into the presidency and treating the opposition, their people with respect. Mostly what I saw from the Obama camp was oppression, bullying, manipulating, cheating and fraud and it had been denied by the media. Because Hillary campaigned for Obama, doesn't mean she truly supports him. She owed nearly 10 million dollars. If you owed that much after the election, you don't think you would try and recover that, country first or not? That was her own money she put into that election.

I questioned why some people wanted Obama in. He made a lot of false promises, to the poor, wealthy, straight, gays, the sick, business, etc, that he is most likely not going to fullfill his promises. He is already back tracking on his acceptance speach and it will get worse as time goes on. I am concerned about the people who supported him because from waht I saw many were after a free ride. There are always people who take advantage of others; opportunists. Some people pray on the wealthy, weak, others do that with the trusting, sick, kind. I work with several gays, two who very strongly supported obama. Oddly enough the two who did seemed to do so becuase of what he promised or offered in terms of recognizing gay relationships, hopeful of what a civil marriage could bring them, the persons who supported Obama most were the gays who had nothing to lose, who wanted something from partners who were well established, well respected in community. The gays I know, most didn't support Obama and were not worried about what he would not offer them, so much as what he promised and reneg on. They didn't trust him. Trust is important.

Being bipartisn to me is liking watching or enabling abuse - saying nothing about it, and deciding it's ok, it's just another form of acceptance.

I understand your theory, that you want peace, and to bring people together, but you can't force peace on one another. You can't make people think one way, they will think the way they think. If they come around it will be when they are ready when they feel their values and goals are aligned, if they are ready, and they will need to feel the issues that matter to them are resolved.

I appreciate and understand what you are doing Muzza, I think you have a good heart and want the best for people, however, people have thoughts, and not everyont agrees on the issues.

Ask yourself: why did you start up this forum in the first place. What was important to you? What did you like best about HIllary? I liked that she fought for those who couldn't speak for them selves, she wasn't a quitter, she was a strong closer, but alas, things can go in cycles. Did you start up this forum to be bipartisan, or were you taking a stand, fighting for what you believed in? You can still fight for what you believe, for what matters to you wihout getting as heavily involved. There are all sorts of ways of bringing bring people together, but there has to be freedom of expression - honesty , the other side getting out there, otherwise, this place just becomes CNN, MSNBC, ABC.

[CGP]

You have had a tremendous amount of success with this forum, it is widely known around the net and has even been mentioned on tv. After all that we've went through why would you want to change this forum into something that can be found anywhere?

Well HCF started from nothing & grew. And an altered version of the current forum can do the same - only this time the base won't be zero. Yes, it will mean the forum's net identity will need to be established all over agin in terms of search engines/links and all that, but it can be done over time.

[mesofreee]

I say go for it. I'm looking forward to it.

[Johnf]

I like the idea, but I think it's too soon to force an open bipartisan attitude. It's only been about 24 hrs. since the election, and people need time to grasp the situation.

But I think it's attainable with some time, and some intense 'air traffic controller' moderating. And I think it's a noble idea and worth aspiring to. Slowly but surely it could work.


I agree forcing anything never works. You talk about intense air traffic control moderating; had too much of that in the media, sounds too much like media bias. Probably won't fly.

[CGP]

I don't think so, that's mostly fence sitting.

Bipartisan is not meant to imply neutrality - it's meant to invite inclusion of those who may share vastly different views - to encourage real debate, not stifle it. Forums which are politically alligned with one side or the other tend to fall victim to groupthink where everyone starts thinking the same way - and those that do not share that dominant view feel the need to leave (or are pressured out).

[Johnf]

You have had a tremendous amount of success with this forum, it is widely known around the net and has even been mentioned on tv. After all that we've went through why would you want to change this forum into something that can be found anywhere?

Exactly, there wasn't abuse before, now there is. By being accepting of everyone, and I understand the concept that Muzza is trying to bring, however, too tolerant is like enabling abusers. How can anyone so quickly embrace a canddiate or camp that had no ethics, abused and lied. Just doesn't make sense to me.

[ILBlue]

Nope.. not when this was going on. Obama supporters were all behind this type of stuff and didn't give a crap just as long as they won.

YouTube - Obama Literature Comingled with Election Materials (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9l7CuVr94Bo)

I want to see all federal and state funds taken away from ACORN.....

I'm embarrassed to see the Dems lower themselves to GWB level.:mad:

[evolin]

Good simple guidelines should keep this forum doable.
I think the first guideline for immediate banning would be personal attacks or ridicule of others. All good ideas welcome.

We come here with the many backgrounds. Some have been through the journey of hard knocks, some with more historical or political knowledge.
The backgrounds are various and rich with information to share.

I think this sharing of various ideas and backgrounds will enrich us all....if we can keep an open mind.

[CGP]

I agree forcing anything never works. You talk about intense air traffic control moderating; had too much of that in the media, sounds too much like media bias. Probably won't fly.

Well, to be honest, maintaining a pro-hillary, against-obama forum required some extremely strict monitoring as well. As did operating the forum during the Plan B days. So it's a myth to think HCF has been a place for free-flowing discussion of all kinds - it hasn't.

[CGP]

Good simple guidelines should keep this forum doable.
I think the first guideline for immediate banning would be personal attacks or ridicule of others. All good ideas welcome.

We come here with the many backgrounds. Some have been through the journey of hard knocks, some with more historical or political knowlege.
The backgrounds are various and rich with information to share.

I think this sharing of various ideas and backgrounds will enrich us all....if we can keep an open mind.

Yes, yes & yes!

[CGP]

I say go for it. I'm looking forward to it.

Yay, at least one person's excited about the idea!!! :cool:

[ILBlue]

I hope so.

I'm a new member here. I'm sure that their will be issues with people trying to rub it in, and those people I'm sure we'll be dealt with in some way.

I hope that I can bring something to this forum, hopefully that same knowledge that you have all given me over 8 months of Lurking here. I have learned a lot about the will and dedication of genuine people. One thing we can agree on, I'm from California and its a complete disgrace that prop 8 passed yes! Some other issue we will surly not agree on, but i respect everyone here.

Thanks for having me!:D

Well I guess it's about respect . And some control over emotions.

Not always easy especailly today and maybe a few more days for some here.

Welcome :D

[Johnf]

Bipartisan is not meant to imply neutrality - it's meant to invite inclusion of those who may share vastly different views - to encourage real debate, not stifle it. Forums which are politically alligned with one side or the other tend to fall victim to groupthink where everyone starts thinking the same way - and those that do not share that dominant view feel the need to leave (or are pressured out).

I understand group think; had been in HR a long time and what you are suggesting, that everyone conform to the "new thinking" to include all vast politcally charged point of views here, that some ethically do not or could not agree with - by the way, that is still group think, just a different take or name. Difference can be a good thing, but not just to be different. The people who supported Hillary through this campaign, the election and then Palin, as well as your website and you, just fought a hard battle, suffered losses, and the radical changes you made today, the day after, abruptly, don't make sense. These changes, seem to be encouraging abuse, it's obvious what is happening I can see it on the forum now. There are other ways of achieving what you want.

[Les33]

I think it's possible. I just think it was implemented too early. I think people needed a familiar, protected environment for a few days. The unchecked way differences have festered from last night through today has chased long-term members away. Bullies have already emerged. The atmosphere on certain threads has become toxic. Something as tenuous as what you're proposing, Murray, would benefit from a slower, more clarified period of transition. At this point, I'd say people are still trying to come to terms with whatever they're feeling and aren't ready for it. I know I'm not. I've wanted to say some truly inappropriate things to various people here today.

[Johnf]

Well, to be honest, maintaining a pro-hillary, against-obama forum required some extremely strict monitoring as well. As did operating the forum during the Plan B days. So it's a myth to think HCF has been a place for free-flowing discussion of all kinds - it hasn't.

I understand that, but what you're describing will take twice the manpower, becasue there are two extreme sides, and some in the middle and it's going to become very charge, especialliy so soon after what just happened.

[DC_Mark]

I think it's possible if the forum focuses on things that people from different parties can agree on. We all want ethical government. We all want a news media that's objective. We all hate wasteful government spending.

[Johnf]

I think it's possible. I just think it was implemented too early. I think people needed a familiar, protected environment for a few days. The unchecked way differences have festered from last night through today has chased long-term members away. Bullies have already emerged. The atmosphere on certain threads has become toxic. Something as tenuous as what you're proposing, Murray, would benefit from a slower, more clarified period of transition. At this point, I'd say people are still trying to come to terms with whatever they're feeling and aren't ready for it. I know I'm not. I've wanted to say some truly inappropriate things to various people here today.

I think it's about trust, too much loss for everyone all at once and you are right, there are long term members who have gone, as well as new ones. There's no direction. No stand. It's rudderless right now. Many people believed in important things, values. I believe the issues are getting lost, what was once important is lost.

[lanesharon]

I was watching the 'elections' coverage last night. They said that 45% of the registered voters in the US are moderates (centrists). I realized this year that I am one. :D

I always thought of myself as a left winged liberal, but the left moved much farther left on me over the last decade. Obama was wayyy too far left for me. So, now where do I go? I do not belong in the Democratic party, the way it now exists. I do not belong in the Republican party that GW runs. I need a place to land.

So, Murray, to answer your question, I have to say YES, with a further qualifier. If we have a forum that allows the moderates (centrists) a place to go and talk about the issues that are important to us, then it could work.

In fact, it would give us a place to actually formulate a 'platform' that would be palatable to most of us. ;)

[NBM]

The "intense moderating" was just referring to keeping the peace, since there will be many different viewpoints.

I also think you can suggest a (midpoint) direction, but it can't be imposed - one can't mandate a utopia. It has to organically develop the way this board did. This board became open minded of its own accord.

I also agree: passions and beliefs will be strong and should be. People need freedom to express any viewpoint, but without seeming antagonistic. And that's the responsibility of the poster, so there will be varying results.

But I still like it - it's worth a try - I just can't predict how it turns out.

[lin_h]

I'm new as well (thank you Adm's !) and also have lurked for months.

:D (I've been waiting to do that for months!)

I'm an independent from Alabama (by way of many other states, mostly blue). I'm a middle ground conservative who believes what Sarah Palin believes, i.e., I live my life based on my beliefs but I do not place my beliefs on others.

Re: your forum change, I suspect you'll have a period of adjustment but, with the excellent mods this board has I believe it will settle into a civil forum with differing opinions and respectful responses.

(hey, I've been in chat with y'all -- most recently with Country First !)

Thanks for having me! :D

[buffaloboy]

Well, yes, it's important to make a distinction between reasonable people who support Obama and abusive trolls who support Obama. These are 2 groups of people which have often been lumped in together but which are actually very different. The friendly, decent, reasonable people who voted for Obama are welcome. The extremist, abusive, unreasonable people who voted for Obama are not.

Yes. Maybe we can give some examples of Obama supporters that should be welcome here, and some that should not be:

Acceptable:
Juan Williams
Allen Colmes

Not Acceptable:
Chris Matthews
Keith Olbermann
Donna Brazile

And here are some McCain supporters that would/would not be welcome:

Acceptable:
Laura Ingraham
Elizabeth Hasselbeck

Not acceptable:
Rush Limbaugh

[Juggernaut]

I hope so.

Be sure to vote in our "new name" poll.

Options:

www.bipartisancentral.com

www.midpointpolitics.com

www.centerlanepolitics.com

Centerlanepolitics.

I believe it (bipartisan forum) can work, I've seen all of you do this effortlessly (except after the election during de-compression, when exhaustion and discouragement pushed the bar lower).

I am new to the forum, lurking around for several months....I am incredibly proud of what your team has accomplished and thank you all for your efforts. I hail in Maine currently, and after 10 years in New England I am still preplexed by their political responses year after year. I was born PA Republican straight-ticket with the fabled bible/gun clutch, but no more. You have helped me see the true democratic ticket for what it is, and also see Hillary in a new and more positive light. I will cross tickets now without hesitation, focused and bent on removing entrenched politicians who forgot who hired them (I see this as the next round).

I realized ''centerlanepolitics'' when Freddie and the Love Monkey of San Diego sent hundreds of flyers to PA and ME within days after my request, no questions asked. Your organization and dissemination of information was astounding. Toward the end of the race I turned off all media and lurked about this forum only, sharing your findings from this ''truth depot''.

Personally, I like Huckabee - But McCain got the nod and he has the integrity, honor, and experience to be commander. I am sure Hillary would have worked out just fine. With Obama, I lost my faith in our Justice system, and when this happens, faith cannot be restored for government or the people.

Everthing comes around full circle, as it will undoubtably will for Obama and Michelle (she reminds me of Frogger for some reason...)

I will continue to have an open wound and relentless drive until transparency is achieved and maintained.

My greatest fear in all of this is the supression of Free Speech, which is what I sense from the actions in the campaign as a sign to come.

Whatever you do PUMA's - Do not dissolve, your work is not finished and you are an asset to our country.

[mjoynaples]

2 key things make that kind of forum work

1) Respect for others' views
2) Only civil discussion allowed

If you can keep both of those, then the forum will grow a core of people who don't share all the same views, but respect each other as people, and respect the right to have differing views. Once the core is built, you can proceed. Really, the core is here, just needs a cooling off time. Discussion can get heated, but there's a line. Respecting that others may have valid (to them, at least) reasons for something is important.

Again, you'll probably have to define a few 'no-fly-zones' for things that are simply off-limits.

Your banhammer will be busy for a while, I think, and you'll need a good solid post about what is required in poster behavior to make it work. People have to be made to understand that shoving views down people's throats is not going to be acceptable. I can call Obama an idiot or a crook or a cheater, or call Bill that if I wish, but I can't call Mary (the forum member) that for supporting him. (Hypothetical, don't shoot me, Mary.)


thanks for these !

[ScottVA]

I certainly hope so. I like to discuss and the partisan forums I was on get mad if you dissent. It would be nice to be able to respectfully express myself without being trounced. I don't mind people disagreeing with my views or opinions, I just prefer not to be called names or ignorant for holding those opinions. Try and persuade me, but don't ridicule me. I just may surprise you. :)

I agree with what you say....... BUT, I think this type of disagreement can only happen in a setting like this where at least people are on a similar page. This forum should have a direction that supports a vision and not try to get too broadminded.... otherwise it will be a constant stuggle putting out fires in here! Plus, you will attract people who will only want to come in here with antagonizing as their sole purpose! Considering this site started originally to support Hillary Clinton maybe the focus of the issues should be moderate/middle of the road views on issues/topics similar to hers.... we're going to need an agenda to counterbalance the left wing liberals who've taken over the Democratic Party!

[Horizon]

2 key things make that kind of forum work

1) Respect for others' views
2) Only civil discussion allowed

If you can keep both of those, then the forum will grow a core of people who don't share all the same views, but respect each other as people, and respect the right to have differing views. Once the core is built, you can proceed. Really, the core is here, just needs a cooling off time. Discussion can get heated, but there's a line. Respecting that others may have valid (to them, at least) reasons for something is important.

Again, you'll probably have to define a few 'no-fly-zones' for things that are simply off-limits.

Your banhammer will be busy for a while, I think, and you'll need a good solid post about what is required in poster behavior to make it work. People have to be made to understand that shoving views down people's throats is not going to be acceptable. I can call Obama an idiot or a crook or a cheater, or call Bill that if I wish, but I can't call Mary (the forum member) that for supporting him. (Hypothetical, don't shoot me, Mary.)

KABOOM!!! just kidding!!:eek::D

[lanesharon]

Considering this site started originally to support Hillary Clinton maybe the focus of the issues should be moderate/middle of the road views on issues/topics similar to hers.... we're going to need an agenda to counterbalance the left wing liberals who've taken over the Democratic Party!

I totally agree with you on both counts. Hillary is a moderate, although she had positions on a couple of issues that were further to the left. That is why she and John McCain worked on certain issues together. John could see the benefits of some leftist stances. In fact, Bill Clinton also worked with John McCain on a couple of issues when Bill was in the White House.

If we, as Americans, could find 'common ground', maybe we could truly work to put this country back together again. That is why I believe a 'middle of the road' theme would be much more productive.

[CGP]

and the radical changes you made today, the day after, abruptly, don't make sense.

John - it's been discussed about for WEEKS now. Multiple threads have dealt with this issue. I know some have accused me of "doing a Taylor Marsh" but that's total BS. I am simply encouraging people to move on & to widen the focus of discussion.

[CGP]

These changes, seem to be encouraging abuse, it's obvious what is happening I can see it on the forum now.

No, that is not a fair comment. People must take responsibility for their own behavior. If some people are behaving in a hostile manner, that is their own issue, not mine or the forum's - rather than blaming someone else, people who are angry & acting out should bring their behavior under their own control.

[ScottVA]

I think Mr. Adminstrator is doing the right thing regardless if some people are still pissed off and want to vent it out in here. It's over......and believe me I was mad as hell last night.... but I woke up this morning and started to regroup! I put in a lot of money into both Hillary and McCain... I maxed Hillary out in the Primary and McCain out before his Convention... But at this point we're not going to change the results..... all we can do is find our own agenda with this forum to push moderate view points! We need to do our part to do what little we can to rip the Party back from the left wing liberals who have taken it for their own agenda... and we need to bust NoBama at every turn when he's falling back on his so called "promises" that he used to buy himself the WH!
I think personally that he's bitten off more then he can chew because he is constantly lazy as US Senator showing up late for important meetings.... and taking tons of vacations... He can't simply vote "present" as President.... so this might actually turn out to be amusing when he finds out there is actual work to do.... LOL

[scully931]

Nope.. not when this was going on. Obama supporters were all behind this type of stuff and didn't give a crap just as long as they won.

YouTube - Obama Literature Comingled with Election Materials (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9l7CuVr94Bo)

Okay, that video...:mad: One of thousands of these types of stories, I'm sure.


ANYWAY, my personal feeling is to start a new forum. If people want to join to discuss all aspects of politics, great. If not, great too. But, I think trying to branch off from here, when we were here with such a specific purpose, will create numerous problems.

[pagirl4sarah&hillary]

I was watching the 'elections' coverage last night. They said that 45% of the registered voters in the US are moderates (centrists). I realized this year that I am one. :D

I always thought of myself as a left winged liberal, but the left moved much farther left on me over the last decade. Obama was wayyy too far left for me. So, now where do I go? I do not belong in the Democratic party, the way it now exists. I do not belong in the Republican party that GW runs. I need a place to land.

So, Murray, to answer your question, I have to say YES, with a further qualifier. If we have a forum that allows the moderates (centrists) a place to go and talk about the issues that are important to us, then it could work.

In fact, it would give us a place to actually formulate a 'platform' that would be palatable to most of us. ;)

This sounds alot like me. I have some things that I would like to discuss but I cannot do it without being attacked by an extreme leftist or extreme right. That is not productive to me. This place is the most calm and I would like to see some civil discussions to see where some of us go from here and how we can help change the political scene.

[Tom Terrific]

Is it possible to have a bipartisan forum where no single view/party/candidate dominates?

Well, I've always thought this forum was about Hillary. We all believed she was the best candidate for our country, and that didn't change after she was driven out of the race. Because we all had become aware of the danger Obama presents to our country, we changed our immediate focus; but not our reason for being.

I trust that those of us who joined before Obama became the Democratic candidate still believe that Hillary is the right person for the Oval Office. It's still remotely possible for 2009, though I don't look for it to happen. It's possible for 2012. But even should it prove not to be possible at all -- should she state categorically that she will never run again, should she retire from public life, or even die -- the things that we respect and admire about Hillary will live on.

Hillary has become an inspiration for many, many people. I came late to that party; before this year, I thought of her as simply the best candidate running. But as I watched her performance during the campaign, my admiration and respect for her mushroomed. She became a hero, manifesting qualities that I wished so much to see in myself. In ways she probably never consciously intended, Hillary's example this year calls us to greatness: not for our country, and not for any of her policy stances, but for ourselves.

I see room for wide-ranging debate on any number of issues, with the caveat that they be done in an environment that acknowledges and respects her spirit. Until she leaves public office, we can still be the forum that believes in her value to our nation as a public servant; and after she leaves, if we're around that long, we can be the forum that remembers her contributions and honors that about her that made her great.

I have to smile, thinking back about what I've written. I suppose I must sound like some sort of Hillary groupie. The fact is -- as I've said before -- I don't agree with her on some of her policy stances, and I'm pretty sure I have problems with her political philosophy in general. In that way, my support for Hillary's candidacy was probably a lot like many of yours for Palin's. But I never saw this as an election about issues. This was an election about character, about strength, about leadership, about fighting for America. Hillary had it. She still does.

Let's remember her.

[Coach]

People came here initially because of their passion for Hillary. There was no other place we could go. It was really fantastic to talk with her supporters from every state and every spectrum of belief from left to right.

Many of us have stayed with the forum even after Obama was nominated because we remain passionate in our support of Hillary and the values she represented. The third way, taking the best from traditional conservative and liberal positions and forming a new populism.

While we all wish our new president well, somebody has to keep an eye on the guy and make sure the best of his promises are kept. The bots will not do it, the MSM will not do it, and the right wing media is insufferable. It would be great if this became such a place.

But just a generalized discussion about political "stuff"? I don't know. That sounds too unfocused to me. And I have a feeling that without a more specific focus, the loudest voices will dictate the agenda. Frankly, the forum got too right-wing and strident for me in the last few months and I am afraid that will happen again if the focus is not much more specific. And I miss the positive, intelligent parsing of progressive positions that we had during the primaries. The discussions were lively and respectful.

There is a lot of unfinished business that this campaign has put on the agenda. Reform of the Democratic Party's primary and caucus system. Holding the MSM's (and both parties') feet to the fire for their misogyny. And making sure that progressive values don't get thrown under the bus in the coming administration.

That would interest me.

[NSTYLE77]

Good simple guidelines should keep this forum doable.
I think the first guideline for immediate banning would be personal attacks or ridicule of others. All good ideas welcome.

We come here with the many backgrounds. Some have been through the journey of hard knocks, some with more historical or political knowledge.
The backgrounds are various and rich with information to share.

I think this sharing of various ideas and backgrounds will enrich us all....if we can keep an open mind.

There were trolls here earlier calling us stupid Hillary supporters and other insulting remarks. They were not banned:(. Any kind of bashing here is now accepted. HCF is well known and now it is just going to become like so many other blogs!
The thing that bothers me the most is within hours after the election the forum changed. This is the 3rd time we have gone through this and I think it is mean to not give us a few days to heal.

[Adayamo]

I don't get the meaning of it somehow.
Do you mean you want a forum where everybody is sitting together, talking about Politics in general or do you want a forum where we keep fighting on low-intensity against Barack Obama?

[sojourner]

I’m new here. I think you have an awesome site. Thank you for allowing me to join.

I definitely think it is possible to have a bipartisan forum where no single/party/candidate dominates. That is why I am here. But I do believe there are some things upon which we all must agree if we are to be successful, if only putting country first.

I agree with previous posters that there has to be respect. In a recent interview Sarah Palin was asked how she would work with the 50% of the population that disagreed with her. She said that you don't start by discrediting or invalidating them. You learn from them and work to find a middle ground. I remember it because I have never heard a politician say that before. It is beyond me how anyone can disrespect and belittle someone and then expect them to come around to their point of view.

[RE:]

Why...oh why...
did the forum not close down yesterday (11/5)?
I thought that was the plan!

Instead we had in-fighting and now it feels like a lab experiment gone wrong

[Adayamo]

Why...oh why...
did the forum not close down yesterday (11/5)?
I thought that was the plan!

Instead we had in-fighting and now it feels like a lab experiment gone wrong

Huge STAMP on that. :(

[hillwillwin08]

How can a forum exist without a central focus or cause or
point of view?

I came here in the spring to find information, support and
discussion about the possibilty of Hillary winning the nomination.

After the convention, I came here to find information, support
and discussion about defeating Obama and supporting McCain.

In both cases, we had a common cause. I had to come here
almost every day. The people were wonderful and the information
invaluable. It was a pleasure to post new information myself
and read posts from amazing people.

Maybe I'm confusing a forum with a users group. I guess I
was treating HCF as a users group. We were all coming from
the same place and we supported each other.

I was passionate about Hillary and I was passionate about
defeating Obama. I felt everyone else here had the same
passions.

A centrist political discussion forum could be interesting,
but if it doesn't have a focus or point of view, I don't think
it will work as well or have the attraction that the current
HCF forum has.

But hey, try it. If it works, great.
If it it doesn't, change the focus
again or close the forum.

Personally, I'd like to be member of a forum where the focus was to respectfully criticize the Obama
administration and have it be as wonderfully moderated as this one has been to date.

[PartyOfOne]

I said it before. Here it is again: There has to be a focal purpose.

A general "middle ground" chatty forum won't work and it won't produce any result other than distracting people from working toward a concrete goal. A few days of this might be cathartic and might serve to discover a commonality to focus on, but it can't last long.

Here is what I've observed so far:
1) At any given time there have been more non-members watching than members posting. This means you have an audience.
2) Core members are results oriented.
3) Since the Democratic convention there have been many comments about supporting Hillary's positions and proposals, but no specific talk about what those are.
4) Recently there has been a shift away from promoting any new role for Hillary.
5) HCF began as a purpose in search of people. Now you have people in search of an adhesive.

Find the commonality. Maybe articulate Hillary's ideas clearly and then do a poll:

"What issues would you be interested in supporting?
A) Gender equality
B) LGBT rights
C) Universal Healthcare
D) Hillary Watch (for keeping in touch with what she's doing and promoting her goals)
E) Fair elections
F) Holding the Administration accountable
G) Holding the Media accountable
H) Finding and promoting good candidates
I) I don't have an I but the list wouldn't be limited to my A-H.

I don't want to sound heartless, but if you try to water down your purpose enough to suit every current member, you're going to lose the goal-oriented members and wind up with people who are just looking for a distraction or a place to vent.

So here are my thoughts: After a few more days of hashing things out, create new "rooms" for poll topics that got good support. Every room should have actionable threads. I think the separate rooms would create comfort zones so that people who oppose the majority of the forum on one issue could still work and be productive on another without forsaking the focus on Hillary-oriented issues. Choose at some point to either drop the BO bashing or drop explicit references to Hillary support because it is partly about the audience. That's about it.

[Spagpusher]

I have to say, I think this move is a big mistake. It has taken the specialness of HCF and turned it into just another forum where pretty much anything goes.

I think you have good intentions. Having said that, I also am reminded of the old saying: the path to hell is filled with good intentions.

Thanks for providing a place for me to hang my hat this past year. It was a safe spot within the storm and I will miss it.

[foxyladi]

I don't know yet if that's possible.

I hope so.

Is it?

i hope so too...

[rosesnc]

Look, I'm an avid gardner. My biggest focus is roses, but hey I'll try growing almost anything...I can fall in love with a plant in mere nanoseconds. Naturally, I go to a lot of gardening forums and love them. They come in both stripes, very focused and very generalized and they both have their virtues and both types work well.

I haven't been here all that long, having found some reference to this site after the Primaries and came and took a look and stayed.

This forum originally was focused on Hillary Clinton's presidential run, which is now history. From my point of view the forum has real potential for other focus points: (i) females in politics and all the issues related thereto; (ii) moderate politics and candidates in general; (iii) monitoring Mr. Obama.

Having been a member of many forums (you know since modems), I cannot emphsize too strongly the need for respect and civility. Maybe I am old fashioned, but those qualities get too little exercise. If you exercise both, you'd be amazed at where discussion and idea exchange can take you.

I have not taken the time to thanks the mods and the creator of this site. It is in many ways, the best forum site I am a member of. I think we are capable of a bipartisan (or multi partisan) forum without the limitations of a single view/party or candidate.

Hey, why limit ourselves? It is not like we are incapable of learning more is it?

[Alessandro Machi]

I don't know yet if that's possible.

I hope so.

Is it?

Hello Muzza, ironically enough, Huffington Post forum became exactly what you are talking about. There were some really offensive posts on that site and she didn't want her name associated with it, yet she didn't just want to put everybody out who was already a member.

The site is now called http://www.debatebothsides.com I dare say it is a fraction of what this site currently is, but it is a site designed for all sides to engage in discourse.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

I think some connection to PUMA's would benefit this site. There is more than one kind of PUMA. I tend to primarily follow the PUMA's who believe the democratic race was a sham with tons of cheating and back room manipulation going on, and it wasn't cheating done by both sides that sort of cancels each other out. (ha ha). Now is the time to keep fighting so cheating doesn't happen again in 2012 the way it happened this time around.

There are also PUMA's who don't like Barack Obama's past associations.

I personally have decided to no longer post about any Barack Obama supporter of questionable character who is of a different ethnicity than myself, (with the exception of Oprah Winfrey, I make exceptions for billionaires). I think the different ethnicity trap was the big trap set out that enabled Barack Obama to squeak by relatively unscathed, that and George Soro's support.

It was probably offensive to many of Barack's supporters to see white people flail against Reverend Wright. However, there were white backers of Barack Obama that were equally egregious in their behavior, and that is who white supporters should have focused on.

My point is this forum should consider some type of connection with the PUMA's that believe cheating went on in this years democratic election process and want to PROVE IT beyond a shadow of a doubt so that it does not happen again in 2012.

For those PUMA's who can't stand some of Barack Obama's associations, if they would agree to research the questionable Barack Obama supporters that are of the same ethnicity as themselves, that would be a powerful one two punch to have associated with this forum.

[Horizon]

Why...oh why...
did the forum not close down yesterday (11/5)?
I thought that was the plan!

Instead we had in-fighting and now it feels like a lab experiment gone wrong

STAMP!!!

[Alessandro Machi]

Why...oh why...
did the forum not close down yesterday (11/5)?
I thought that was the plan!

Instead we had in-fighting and now it feels like a lab experiment gone wrong

I totally disagree. First off, this forum has stockpiled ongoing topics that may be researched, eventually, by some news media, somewhere.

But more importantly, this is a very valuable resource for communication among a large group of people. ACORN, and their cheating ways, is only going to get stronger, this is the worst time to give up and have everybody go their separate ways.

Plus, I haven't made it into the top ten yet. (that was a joke).

[lanesharon]

I will NEVER support Obama. He gained his 'win' through illegal and corrupt measures. So, if that is a requirement to continue here, then I will need to look elsewhere.

[Horizon]

I totally disagree. First off, this forum has stockpiled ongoing topics that may be researched, eventually, by some news media, somewhere.

But more importantly, this is a very valuable resource for communication among a large group of people. ACORN, and their cheating ways, is only going to get stronger, this is the worst time to give up and have everybody go their separate ways.

Plus, I haven't made it into the top ten yet. (that was a joke).

You can have my rank.It's getting not worth it.Sorry.Frustrated.:confused::confused:

[ScottVA]

Oh come on guys..........stay! I like screwing with them! LOL I need some help! :-) It's a lot more fun then just ranting to each other about things we cant currently change ..... :-)

[PALIN08HILL12]

I think as long as were all on the same page still, that we are anti-Obama and Pro-America we can make it work. We all came together for one purpose over the last year, country first. So I believe as long as we stick together to take back our country in 2012 we'll be aye ok ;)

[ScottVA]

I think as long as were all on the same page still, that we are anti-Obama and Pro-America we can make it work. We all came together for one purpose over the last year, country first. So I believe as long as we stick together to take back our country in 2012 we'll be aye ok ;)

I agree with you.......there will be some growing pains now that things are going in a different direction....and we'll find our own way here......maybe that's what Murray wants to see if we find our own way...... I still think that membership will pick up with more and more people who didn't know about us at first and the disenfranchised NoBama supporters become disgruntled.... Until then we're going to have to deal with 'Bots coming in here trying to muse us with the NoBama talking points..... it shakes things up a bit ..... I like screwing with them! LOL

[shadow]

Why...oh why...
did the forum not close down yesterday (11/5)?
I thought that was the plan!

Instead we had in-fighting and now it feels like a lab experiment gone wrong

I agree. I wish that chart, the wheel thing, was back. Because what I see happening is "concern trolls", excuse me for not being the new pc, have taken over, attempting to win us over. All this "well, maybe ob won't be so bad, lets give him a chance", is just more attempts at brainwashing.

Why did so many flood into here so fast? Because this was one place they knew they couldn't harrass OR "make nice" us to fall in line. I know what bo is and I will never accept his agenda.

So my answer to the original quesion is NO.

[ScottVA]

I agree. I wish that chart, the wheel thing, was back. Because what I see happening is "concern trolls", excuse me for not being the new pc, have taken over, attempting to win us over. All this "well, maybe ob won't be so bad, lets give him a chance", is just more attempts at brainwashing.

Why did so many flood into here so fast? Because this was one place they knew they couldn't harrass OR "make nice" us to fall in line. I know what bo is and I will never accept his agenda.

So my answer to the original quesion is NO.

See I'm with you on why did they, all the sudden, seem to want to come in here... 'Bots I mean.... there's no point it's not going to change minds......if we didn't change our mind in the umpteen months before the Election I don't think it's going to happen now... LOL

[Horizon]

Tha last two days have shown that it is an exercise in futility to think we can have a forum that includes all.

Some of the new people are intent on "recruiting" us and the manner in which they are attempting this is despicable!!

We need an agenda fast!!!

[Eddie3dfx]

No.

[Violet]

Perhaps what you need is an agenda.
Fighting sexism, racism, homophobia in the media.
Getting rid of ACORN and like orgs.
Fight the Fairness doctrine
Campaign finance reform

just some ideas. That way, you are working TOWARDS some goals and if there is bipartisan support, then great.

[sojourner]

I have been visiting since the primaries and liked what I saw. I am here because I see a lot of common ground and I think the change in direction will work and will make you even stronger.

Don’t you have to regroup and rethink your goals and strategies anyway? I am betting that in the end they will not be much different than if you had not allowed new members. And because you have created a “bigger tent” you will be stronger and more effective in reaching your goals.

Could you allow only some percentage of new members to join at a time, eliminate the bomb throwers at both extremes of the political spectrum, and allow things to settle down before allowing a new batch on members?

[CGP]

I have been visiting since the primaries and liked what I saw. I am here because I see a lot of common ground and I think the change in direction will work and will make you even stronger.

Don’t you have to regroup and rethink your goals and strategies anyway? I am betting that in the end they will not be much different than if you had not allowed new members. And because you have created a “bigger tent” you will be stronger and more effective in reaching your goals.

Could you allow only some percentage of new members to join at a time, eliminate the bomb throwers at both extremes of the political spectrum, and allow things to settle down before allowing a new batch on members?

Some good ideas here, thanks.

[CGP]

I cannot emphsize too strongly the need for respect and civility. Maybe I am old fashioned, but those qualities get too little exercise. If you exercise both, you'd be amazed at where discussion and idea exchange can take you.


Correct. When people resort to insults & snide remarks as a way to respond to people who hold different views, the quality of discussion goes south in a major way. It's really not that difficult to have a respectful conversation with someone who thinks about something in a very different way.

[MrSandMan]

Correct. When people resort to insults & snide remarks as a way to respond to people who hold different views, the quality of discussion goes south in a major way. It's really not that difficult to have a respectful conversation with someone who thinks about something in a very different way.

Like this comment? http://www.hillaryclintonforum.net/discussion/showpost.php?p=515780&postcount=101

[joeysky18]

I don't know yet if that's possible.

I hope so.

Is it?

It will be extremely difficult unless people learn to exchange idea without insulting each other. And it will require double the amount of moderators.

I think it's best if you laid out the "values & beliefs" of the forum.

1. None discrimination zone based on race, religion, sex, etc.
2. Gay friendly - pro equal right for gay couples, pro civil union, pro gay marraige.
3. Believe in Universal healthcare
4. Believe in discipline fiscal policy.
5. We are not anti-gun.

etc...

You have to set out those values, so we have a guidline on what we are fighting for.

Some people who are not pro-gay will know that this forum is not for them regardless if they are democrats/republican/indy.

[MrSandMan]

It's definetly possible. I agree with Joeysky, it will need intensive moderation. I'd like to suggest having a clear cut rule thread along with an "Infraction" system to help set boundaries (no favoritism to any members). vBulletin is a great script, I like the infration system. Another forum I freqent (its a webmaster forum) that use the Infraction system that really works. Members know their boundaries and they don't get banned until they get "X" amount of infractions. After "X" amount of days, the infraction expires.

Of course this is all set within the admin panel (I'm not sure if this system is a VB addon or a standard feature).

P.S. When I read the rules, it says "General Rules & Guidelines for expectations in this regard". I'm not sure where the General Rules & Guidelines is located. maybe have an active link to direct us there.

[Pepper]

It's definetly possible. I agree with Joeysky, it will need intensive moderation. I'd like to suggest having a clear cut rule thread along with an "Infraction" system to help set boundaries (no favoritism to any members). vBulletin is a great script, I like the infration system. Another forum I freqent (its a webmaster forum) that use the Infraction system that really works. Members know their boundaries and they don't get banned until they get "X" amount of infractions. After "X" amount of days, the infraction expires.

Of course this is all set within the admin panel (I'm not sure if this system is a VB addon or a standard feature).

P.S. When I read the rules, it says "General Rules & Guidelines for expectations in this regard". I'm not sure where the General Rules & Guidelines is located. maybe have an active link to direct us there.

LOL...thanks for the input.

[CGP]

It's definetly possible. I agree with Joeysky, it will need intensive moderation. I'd like to suggest having a clear cut rule thread along with an "Infraction" system to help set boundaries (no favoritism to any members). vBulletin is a great script, I like the infration system. Another forum I freqent (its a webmaster forum) that use the Infraction system that really works. Members know their boundaries and they don't get banned until they get "X" amount of infractions. After "X" amount of days, the infraction expires.

Of course this is all set within the admin panel (I'm not sure if this system is a VB addon or a standard feature).

P.S. When I read the rules, it says "General Rules & Guidelines for expectations in this regard". I'm not sure where the General Rules & Guidelines is located. maybe have an active link to direct us there.

I might introduce this in the future.

The rules & guidelines actually need to be re-done...

[Alessandro Machi]

I have been visiting since the primaries and liked what I saw. I am here because I see a lot of common ground....


Common Ground is a great name for a political forum that has desires to fix things that went wrong in the 2008 election so they don't go wrong again.

Common-Ground.com is for sale, I didn't research it any further than that, but that is a kick butt name for a forum...ahem, Murray.

[CGP]

Common Ground is a great name for a political forum that has desires to fix things that went wrong in the 2008 election so they don't go wrong again.

Common-Ground.com is for sale, I didn't research it any further than that, but that is a kick butt name for a forum...ahem, Murray.

I have: www.CommonGroundPolitics.net

[Alessandro Machi]

I have: www.CommonGroundPolitics.net

So you researched it and it is taken, or you took it?

[CGP]

So you researched it and it is taken, or you took it?

I took it. I had thought about that one before but backed away.

[Alessandro Machi]

Well give sojourner an assist. I think it's a great name.

[Alessandro Machi]

Although that doesn't mean that is the name Murray has chosen.

[jcless]

I want to see all federal and state funds taken away from ACORN.....

I'm embarrassed to see the Dems lower themselves to GWB level.:mad:

Why do you say GWB level. It was obviously put in as Pork Barrel incentives by the Dems just like they did on the first stimulus package. It looks like this forum may no longer have a place for me.
I will never be submissive to "The One", even if he managed to buy his election. He never won anything, not the nomination or anything else and my view of him hasn't changed just because he now is the President Elect. He cheated and lied; and I for one don't see him changing his ways. I'd rather be trying to figure out a way to get him impeached or something like that.He hasn't won me and I don't expect I'll change.

[MrSandMan]

Have you considered keeping this forum and making another forum and slowly merging them? I'd have to check, but there might be a bridge that allows users to register once to automatically be a member on both boards. And current members will automatically be a member on the new forum while this one remains active.

Another suggestion, try to pick a domain with keywords. Like this HCF domain name is a great name for the niche, it's brilliant and does very well in SERPs.

Just a suggestion to maybe help make the transition smoother. Not sure if it's practical for your needs or not.

[Isis46]

Muzza:

I have had some experience, having managed the forum library for Ann Coulter Official chat a couple years ago. From that perspective, I have a few suggestions that might be helpful.

* Pick 10 or so points that are not negotiable to you, and make it clear that these are the trademarks of this forum. People who post here should agree to abide by these terms. The ten points could include support of Hillary Clinton and a respectful tone when discussing her; acceptance that this is GLBT-friendly zone, so no remarks about morality pertaining to sexual orientation should be made. People who want to insult the Clintons can or transform gays to straights can find other venues.

* One of the hallmarks about this forum, and why I like it so much, is that you maintain a civil tone, so crude language would be an excuse for banning (unless we were discussing a specific thing Obama or his O-bots said).

* I think you will find many members are very upset about Obama's election, so in the interest of peace, you may wish to specifically state in the title if it is an Obama-negative or Obama-positive zone and keep comments segregated in this way.

* Religion should be avoided, as it never leads to anything but bad feelings (learn from my mistake, here: http://mutnodjmetsmusings.blogspot.com/2006/08/shame-and-eternal-shame-nothing-but_10.html).

I hope this is helpful.

[maximuss]

Muzza:

I have had some experience, having managed the forum library for Ann Coulter Official chat a couple years ago. From that perspective, I have a few suggestions that might be helpful.

* Pick 10 or so points that are not negotiable to you, and make it clear that these are the trademarks of this forum. People who post here should agree to abide by these terms. The ten points could include support of Hillary Clinton and a respectful tone when discussing her; acceptance that this is GLBT-friendly zone, so no remarks about morality pertaining to sexual orientation should be made. People who want to insult the Clintons can or transform gays to straights can find other venues.

* One of the hallmarks about this forum, and why I like it so much, is that you maintain a civil tone, so crude language would be an excuse for banning (unless we were discussing a specific thing Obama or his O-bots said).

* I think you will find many members are very upset about Obama's election, so in the interest of peace, you may wish to specifically state in the title if it is an Obama-negative or Obama-positive zone and keep comments segregated in this way.

* Religion should be avoided, as it never leads to anything but bad feelings (learn from my mistake, here: http://mutnodjmetsmusings.blogspot.com/2006/08/shame-and-eternal-shame-nothing-but_10.html).

I hope this is helpful.


Good points made and i support them

I would also like to add that this forum also focuses on the forthcoming media worship of Obama and highlights pro-Obama media bias. We must try to hold Obama accountable as the media will not do it . All presidents have to be held accountable and Obama should not be the exception. This is not necessarily Obama negative.

This must remain a Pro-Clinton website

I personally also feel it must remain a pro Palin website

Anti-Clinton or anti Palin comments here will be too much for me and too much for many other members too especially now.

I suggest you start with some of these basic themes and review things as time goes. New themes could always be added later.

Please let me know what you think

[maximuss]

Muzza:

I have had some experience, having managed the forum library for Ann Coulter Official chat a couple years ago. From that perspective, I have a few suggestions that might be helpful.

* Pick 10 or so points that are not negotiable to you, and make it clear that these are the trademarks of this forum. People who post here should agree to abide by these terms. The ten points could include support of Hillary Clinton and a respectful tone when discussing her; acceptance that this is GLBT-friendly zone, so no remarks about morality pertaining to sexual orientation should be made. People who want to insult the Clintons can or transform gays to straights can find other venues.

* One of the hallmarks about this forum, and why I like it so much, is that you maintain a civil tone, so crude language would be an excuse for banning (unless we were discussing a specific thing Obama or his O-bots said).

* I think you will find many members are very upset about Obama's election, so in the interest of peace, you may wish to specifically state in the title if it is an Obama-negative or Obama-positive zone and keep comments segregated in this way.

* Religion should be avoided, as it never leads to anything but bad feelings (learn from my mistake, here: http://mutnodjmetsmusings.blogspot.com/2006/08/shame-and-eternal-shame-nothing-but_10.html).

I hope this is helpful.


Good points made and i support them

I would also like to add that this forum also focuses on the forthcoming media worship of Obama and highlights pro-Obama media bias. We must try to hold Obama accountable as the media will not do it . All presidents have to be held accountable and Obama should not be the exception. This is not necessarily Obama negative.

This must remain a Pro-Clinton website

I personally also feel it must remain a pro Palin website

Anti-Clinton or anti Palin comments here will be too much for me and too much for many other members too especially now.

I suggest you start with some of these basic themes and review things as time goes. New themes could always be added later.

Please let me know what you think

[CGP]

The "intense moderating" was just referring to keeping the peace, since there will be many different viewpoints.

I also think you can suggest a (midpoint) direction, but it can't be imposed - one can't mandate a utopia. It has to organically develop the way this board did. This board became open minded of its own accord.

I also agree: passions and beliefs will be strong and should be. People need freedom to express any viewpoint, but without seeming antagonistic. And that's the responsibility of the poster, so there will be varying results.

But I still like it - it's worth a try - I just can't predict how it turns out.

Good insights.

And it's worth a try, I believe!

[Alessandro Machi]

I figured that after the election that the MSNBC crowd would reduce their sexism and bias, instead, they are "ASKING for it" as they continue to create a wide, wide, oh so wide berth for Airship Obama.

Good points made (by Isis46) and i support them

I would also like to add that this forum also focuses on the forthcoming media worship of Obama and highlights pro-Obama media bias. We must try to hold Obama accountable as the media will not do it . All presidents have to be held accountable and Obama should not be the exception. This is not necessarily Obama negative.

This must remain a Pro-Clinton website

I personally also feel it must remain a pro Palin website

Anti-Clinton or anti Palin comments here will be too much for me and too much for many other members too especially now.

I suggest you start with some of these basic themes and review things as time goes. New themes could always be added later.

Please let me know what you think

[G'aal]

Demoractic Underground - dems only.

Free Republic - republicans only.

What's lacking majorly is a site that is in between these two, or which caters to people from both.

I think this is a very insightful goal.

I was a registered Republican for 24 years, though in all honesty, much more of an independent. I have voted Democratic for president more often than Republican, in part because the party has been moving rapidly to the right for years - so far that it no longer reflected my own political belief systems. The Democratic party, by comparison, has shifted less, though I understand why some feel that it's skewing somewhat now.

I don't know of a message board that tries to appeal to true centrists. We have a growing number of registered Independents (I believe, by percentage, the same number as Democrats) and yet a dearth of forums that appeal to them. Obviously I'm new here, but this strategy is exactly what's needed at this time.

I moderate another board and have moderated previous ones as well. The key is respect. Respectful disagreement not only should be tolerated, it should be welcomed. Primarily from lurking, I know that was not always the case here in the past. If it gets out of hand, absolutely deal with it, either by editing, deletion, warnings and/or bannings. However, if this site evolves properly, I think those things should be few and far between. Most people want to discuss and exchange ideas, not argue. The last thing I want is everyone jumping all over me, nor do I want them blindly nodding their heads at what I say - especially when I'm wrong.

[CGP]

I was a registered Republican for 24 years, though in all honesty, much more of an independent. I have voted Democratic for president more often than Republican, in part because the party has been moving rapidly to the right for years - so far that it no longer reflected my own political belief systems. The Democratic party, by comparison, has shifted less, though I understand why some feel that it's skewing somewhat now.

I don't know of a message board that tries to appeal to true centrists. We have a growing number of registered Independents (I believe, by percentage, the same number as Democrats) and yet a dearth of forums that appeal to them. Obviously I'm new here, but this strategy is exactly what's needed at this time.

I moderate another board and have moderated previous ones as well. The key is respect. Respectful disagreement not only should be tolerated, it should be welcomed. Primarily from lurking, I know that was not always the case here in the past. If it gets out of hand, absolutely deal with it, either by editing, deletion, warnings and/or bannings. However, if this site evolves properly, I think those things should be few and far between. Most people want to discuss and exchange ideas, not argue. The last thing I want is everyone jumping all over me, nor do I want them blindly nodding their heads at what I say - especially when I'm wrong.

Great points.

Please see the "poll" about potential future names for the forum!

http://www.hillaryclintonforum.net/discussion/showthread.php?t=41175

[foxyladi]

With an open membership, it's guaranteed.

bring back.oh bring back my bonnie to me:D