From your perspective & experience, how would you describe the CURRENT focus/direction/tone of HCF?

[CGP]

Share your thoughts!

[SoCal4Hillary]

I like it. And I'm trying to encourage some old members to come back.

As I've told you privately, their concerns include the possibility that the forum will shut down again--and they're not interested in putting time, effort, and thought into participating only to have the rug pulled out from under them again.

Also, members who fled due to the influx of pro-Obama members/posts would like to come back, but not if it's a pro-Obama forum.

You know, Murray, as long as you're leaving the name of this place the Hillary Clinton forum, I don't think it's unreasonable to expect it to be pro-Hillary and NOT pro-Obama. As always, that's my $.02 worth and you can take it or leave it! :D

[CGP]

Also, members who fled due to the influx of pro-Obama members/posts would like to come back, but not if it's a pro-Obama forum.

You know, Murray, as long as you're leaving the name of this place the Hillary Clinton forum, I don't think it's unreasonable to expect it to be pro-Hillary and NOT pro-Obama. As always, that's my $.02 worth and you can take it or leave it! :D

From the perspective of ADMIN, HCF is now neutral-Obama, neither explicitly pro nor against.

Given Hillary Clinton is part of the Obama administration, adopting an explicity anti-Obama focus across the entire forum (pushed by admin) would not be appropriate at all. Hillary and Obama are now part of the same team. Given also that my own feelings towards Obama have improved (now in the neutral category), I would no longer feel comfortable being associated with a forum that didn't allow expressions of positivity/support for Obama.

So, individual participants at HCF can be either pro or against Obama, but the forum per se (from an admin perspective) will not be pushing any particular theme.

If those who don't support Obama are completely unable to communicate with those who do support Obama, I guess HCF is no longer the place for them as Obama supporters are free to participate here if they choose to. That said, there are very few Obama supporters presently posting here.

But, regardless of who one does/doesn't support, the same rules of respect & civility apply.

[CGP]

This below summarizes the current approach more clearly:

http://www.hillaryclintonforum.net/discussion/showthread.php?t=43363

[Aria]

I like it. And I'm trying to encourage some old members to come back....(1)As I've told you privately, their concerns include the possibility that the forum will shut down again.....(2)Also, members who fled due to the influx of pro-Obama members/posts would like to come back, but not if it's a pro-Obama forum.....(3)You know, Murray, as long as you're leaving the name of this place the Hillary Clinton Forum, I don't think it's unreasonable to expect it to be pro-Hillary and NOT pro-Obama.

(1) It will take time for some of the old members to regain their faith and patience and take the step back. Some, no doubt, have found another place that they are comfortable with and may not come back. That's their choice and understandable.

(2) I don't recall when this was ever a pro-Obama forum. Some people made the wrong assumptions and jumped ship too quickly, imo. Maybe they are missing out on a learning experience, but that's a personal choice.

(3) The campaign is over. Hillary and Obama are working together now, for the same purposes (we hope). They are not competing anymore for the same post. Just because the name of the forum honors Hillary and focuses on her work as SOS, does not mean that it is anti-Obama. Best if we consider it PRO-America, because that's the goal, isn't it? Our function here will be, in part, to criticize and praise either one, and other responsible parties, as we see fit.

[VotingHillary]

I like the direction so far, Murray, but most of all I like the TONE of discussion now. Disagreements are civilized. Board seems to have a broader range of topics as well.

[Aria]

I like the direction so far, Murray, but most of all I like the TONE of discussion now. Disagreements are civilized. Board seems to have a broader range of topics as well.

Ditto. :)

[joeysky18]

I like the direction so far, Murray, but most of all I like the TONE of discussion now. Disagreements are civilized. Board seems to have a broader range of topics as well.

My sentiment exactly.

[CGP]

(1) It will take time for some of the old members to regain their faith and patience and take the step back. Some, no doubt, have found another place that they are comfortable with and may not come back. That's their choice and understandable.

(2) I don't recall when this was ever a pro-Obama forum. Some people made the wrong assumptions and jumped ship too quickly, imo. Maybe they are missing out on a learning experience, but that's a personal choice.

(3) The campaign is over. Hillary and Obama are working together now, for the same purposes (we hope). They are not competing anymore for the same post. Just because the name of the forum honors Hillary and focuses on her work as SOS, does not mean that it is anti-Obama. Best if we consider it PRO-America, because that's the goal, isn't it? Our function here will be, in part, to criticize and praise either one, and other responsible parties, as we see fit.

Good points.

[CGP]

I like the direction so far, Murray, but most of all I like the TONE of discussion now. Disagreements are civilized. Board seems to have a broader range of topics as well.

I agree. It's possible to disagree (& strongly) without things getting personal & nasty.

[Laura Cereta]

I like the current tone and I like the broader range of topics. It's kind of quiet but I'd rather have quiet than discord.

[JustMom]

Well, I had deleted the link from my favorites and planned to never return. Last week, I decided to see what you all had to say on a political issue and stopped by. So far I am not feeling unwelcome and I did before.

[VotingHillary]

Well, I had deleted the link from my favorites and planned to never return. Last week, I decided to see what you all had to say on a political issue and stopped by. So far I am not feeling unwelcome and I did before.

Glad you gave this a second chance...but more happy you are feeling welcome here again...because you are.

[Laura Cereta]

I like the current tone and I like the broader range of topics. It's kind of quiet but I'd rather have quiet than discord.

I retract part of this statement... :rolleyes:

[CGP]

I retract part of this statement... :rolleyes:

Unfortunately, it goes with the territory. These political discussions always turn heated at some point when a variety of opinions are expressed...

But you have a demonstrated a very strong ability to compete well in such debates so fear not, you have good skills! ;)

[joeysky18]

Unfortunately, it goes with the territory. These political discussions always turn heated at some point when a variety of opinions are expressed...


Still. It's important to keep in mind that there is a way to make a strong disagreement without being personal. If we would just try.

[CGP]

Still. It's important to keep in mind that there is a way to make a strong disagreement without being personal.

Definitely.

It's really not that hard to do either.

Rebuking another person's arguments/ideas with facts/evidence/logic is more constructive and effective than a personal attack or a reactive sarcastic response.

[joeysky18]

a personal attack or a reactive sarcastic response.


That is easier but crude and ineffective to convey the message.

[VotingHillary]

Definitely.

It's really not that hard to do either.

Rebuking another person's arguments/ideas with facts/evidence/logic is more constructive and effective than a personal attack or a reactive sarcastic response.

I agree..."punked" responses don't serve your cause whatever part of the political spectrum your opinion may be grounded.

[CGP]

That is easier but crude and ineffective to convey the message.

Yes, personal attacks or sarcastic WTF respsonses are the easy way out.

It's more impressive, and more effective, when an opposing viewpoint is presented without any personal attack and without any personally-directed sarcasm.