To Avoid Leads to A "Void"?

[Baron Kurtz]

I don't see any reduction in the number of political discussions going on in the Observation Bar over what we had a couple months ago, before the ... erm ... happenings. The discussion seem just to have returned to a semblance of normality. Feathers obviously still get ruffled, but it seems to be remaining civil ... for now. Witness the sexual morality and profanity threads going on right now. Grand, very contentious discussions. Very diverse views. People backing their opinions with reasoned argument, and urging others to do the same. Hopefully it remains open for a long time.

But i'll say this: I stayed out of the Observation Bar for a while (most of February). The reason? Because i opened it one day, and there were at least five closed threads in the top 15. They were closed because they descended into shouting matches between a couple of people (always the same people, i note. Some sadly no longer with us ... RIP). These were arguments in which i could have joined - successfully - if i had thick enough skin to bear the insults without replying in kind (i don't).

There is a danger that we begin to view all contentious discussion as bad for the FLounge. Hopefully this will not happen. As people interested in the golden era (i assume) we have to discuss these things, because they were issues then, as much as they are now.

bk

 

["Doc" Devereux]

There is a danger that we begin to view all contentious discussion as bad for the FLounge. Hopefully this will not happen. As people interested in the golden era (i assume) we have to discuss these things, because they were issues then, as much as they are now.

bk

I have to say that I've been really impressed with the way that people have behaved over in the 'Ghosts' thread. We're a disparate group of people for all our love of things vintage, and some of us (including myself) are very firm in our philosophical beliefs. That we've been able to discuss a contentious and potentially polarising subject in such a fashion is a fine example of what we can do when we 'walk the walk', and of the qualities that make the Lounge a place I enjoy visiting. Thanks to all concerned.

I personally choose not to discuss my private philosophical or political beliefs in fora such as this, but wouldn't dream for an instant of imposing that rule on anyone else.

 

[John in Covina]

POV

I don't see any reduction in the number of political discussions going on in the Observation Bar over what we had a couple months ago, before the ... erm ... happenings. The discussion seem just to have returned to a semblance of normality. Feathers obviously still get ruffled, but it seems to be remaining civil ... for now. Witness the sexual morality and profanity threads going on right now. Grand, very contentious discussions. Very diverse views. People backing their opinions with reasoned argument, and urging others to do the same. Hopefully it remains open for a long time.

But i'll say this: I stayed out of the Observation Bar for a while (most of February). The reason? Because i opened it one day, and there were at least five closed threads in the top 15. They were closed because they descended into shouting matches between a couple of people (always the same people, i note. Some sadly no longer with us ... RIP). These were arguments in which i could have joined - successfully - if i had thick enough skin to bear the insults without replying in kind (i don't).

There is a danger that we begin to view all contentious discussion as bad for the FLounge. Hopefully this will not happen. As people interested in the golden era (i assume) we have to discuss these things, because they were issues then, as much as they are now.

bk

************
This kinda storta hits the nail on the head. In these types of discussions, it is rare if ever to Win an argument either point wise like some type of debate society or make converts. The most important thing is to see if we can understand the opposing view point if well expressed and perhaps place some value in that viewpoint.

 

[Lincsong]

I don't post anything here that I wouldn't say to someone's face or in front of my mother. I think that the most digressive thread I've seen here on the Lounge in 6 months did not have to do with politics, religion, John Kerry, George Bush, or sexuality, but BOXERS!:rage: And I don't mean breed of dog.

Yes! Boxer Shorts! A guy starts a thread on Boxer Shorts and it quickly digresses into a slugfest. Now that was the most shameless, asinine thread I've ever seen. Disagreeing over politics, religion and morality are healthy subjects and should be encouraged. But, degrading someone over the choice of, or lack of underwear? Ridiculous.

 

["Doc" Devereux]

I don't post anything here that I wouldn't say to someone's face or in front of my mother. I think that the most digressive thread I've seen here on the Lounge in 6 months did not have to do with politics, religion, John Kerry, George Bush, or sexuality, but BOXERS!:rage: And I don't mean breed of dog.

Yes! Boxer Shorts! A guy starts a thread on Boxer Shorts and it quickly digresses into a slugfest. Now that was the most shameless, asinine thread I've ever seen. Disagreeing over politics, religion and morality are healthy subjects and should be encouraged. But, degrading someone over the choice of, or lack of underwear? Ridiculous.

Well I suppose it's fair to say that the subject is one that's close to a gentleman's... heart. Not that this excuses the poor manners.

I simply remember that I am effectively speaking in public, and try not to say anything I wouldn't want to see quoted in the press. But this is true of the entirety of Johnny Interweb: hit 'Submit' and it's effectively published.

 

[CWetherby]

[QUOTE="Doc" Devereux]

I simply remember that I am effectively speaking in public, and try not to say anything I wouldn't want to see quoted in the press. But this is true of the entirety of Johnny Interweb: hit 'Submit' and it's effectively published.[/QUOTE]


Quite true, something we would all do well to remember!

 

[Cousin Hepcat]

I only wish that there was a "real" version of the Lounge around the corner where one could go in, order a pint and have a similar experience to the virtual one!

I agree!!! And could we have one in every state and country, please?

A franchise... like Subway! Only much more selective in who can start one, and in choice of operational staff... with operational training by Lounge bartenders... now there's some delicious food for thought, if not very practical

- Cousin Hepcat