its all getting a bit sterile on here without it....

As was said, we're hoping to bring it back on or around the 21st March.

The reason we pulled it was that it was taking so much time to moderate, and a few people were behaving like prats.

As we've also been thin on the ground in terms of Mods over the last two weeks, it seemed sensible to remove the politics now to allow us to play catch up on the rest of the site, then re-introduce it for the run up to any posisble elction in May.

Joe

It's back next Monday, a mere 3 days away... Surely you can cope.. :lol:

The reason they closed it in the first place was cos the Mods and Geoff clearly thought there was too much flaming and Politicing going on.

You could always try doing a google for politics forums. :D

Originally posted by JoePritchard
As was said, we're hoping to bring it back on or around the 21st March.



AROUND?! The 21st sounded quite definite before....

Besides it seems to be very selective censorship - surely the budget is about as political a topic can be? Yet that thread stood..... strange. It's a shame that people had to ruin it for everyone else, but I'm sure the best solution isn't to punish everyone for the actions of a few.

May I also say in looking forward to the politics area re opening,I imagine the admin team did not expect that it would prove quite so popular??
Its good to see it growing bigger all the time,this surely shows the forum has quite a few who are intersted in politics.
:thumbsup:

Originally posted by t020
AROUND?! The 21st sounded quite definite before....

Besides it seems to be very selective censorship - surely the budget is about as political a topic can be? Yet that thread stood..... strange. It's a shame that people had to ruin it for everyone else, but I'm sure the best solution isn't to punish everyone for the actions of a few.

t020,

AT the moment Geoff's on holiday, I'm away this weekend, other Mods are also busy, and the 21st is Monday. If we say definitely Monday and it doesn't appear we'll get lots of whining from people. I'm giving us a day or two's slack, here.

Before you start getting indignant about the word 'around', please remember that we all have other jobs and lives as well as SF.

The easiest option for us was to bin the politics forum altogether after some of the threads posted there. We decided not to. It will be back - within the next few days.

As for the Budget thread - well, I'm not going in to that again. It didn't get in to election mud-slinging and so we let it ride. It seems amazing that when we do allow a little flexibility, we get panned for it.

OK. The politics thread will be resumed within a day or two.

Question answered.

Joe

I like the politics thread also, but I can understand what Joe is saying.
The Forum only works because some people are helping to keep it running properly.
I have noticed that some debates get really heated.
Surely we all have to calm down a bit and respect each others opinions.
We are all different and that is what makes the forum so interesting

Originally posted by JoePritchard
t020,

AT the moment Geoff's on holiday, I'm away this weekend, other Mods are also busy, and the 21st is Monday. If we say definitely Monday and it doesn't appear we'll get lots of whining from people. I'm giving us a day or two's slack, here.

Before you start getting indignant about the word 'around', please remember that we all have other jobs and lives as well as SF.



Well if you need some help, you only need to ask. :hihi:

Originally posted by t020
Well if you need some help, you only need to ask. :hihi:

Ask again tomorrow, there may have been a blue moon tonight. ;)

JoeP what is it with you? Do you just hate me and me alone?

I raised a thread almost identical to this last week to have you pull it immediately. Then you proceeded to talk to me like something the dog had brought in on your shoe for questioning you.

I think that you should justify yourself. Mod you might be. God you are not. :rant:

Just to say I'm looking forward to the politics show being back on the road. 2 days to go and counting!

Just as a matter of interest why is the thread about the new Mosque in the politics area?

The thread about the new mosque was moved to the politics thread after certain users found it impossible to not use the thread to make political capital. Rather than simply removing the thread it was decided to move it across to the politics forum for later discussion.

Originally posted by Mo
[B]I raised a thread almost identical to this last week to have you pull it immediately. Then you proceeded to talk to me like something the dog had brought in on your shoe for questioning you./B]

:confused:

Your thread wasn't pulled but closed after your query had been answered in a perfectly civil way??? (the thread is here (http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?s=&threadid=32361))

Originally posted by evildrneil
The thread about the new mosque was moved to the politics thread after certain users found it impossible to not use the thread to make political capital. Rather than simply removing the thread it was decided to move it across to the politics forum for later discussion.

Surely people commending or deriding Gordon Brown's budget were also making political capital?

Somebody once said that in polite company it isn't wise to discuss religion or politics as the politeness of the company soon degenerates.

As a user of this forum (not under this username) since early 2003 I have to say that the friendly nature of the site has been compromised by some of the discussions on these subjects.

Maybe (and this is not entirely serious) the rule about such discussions in polite company should be applied to this forum. Perhaps it would be more pleasant and manageable that way...

Originally posted by BluSkize

As a user of this forum (not under this username) since early 2003 I have to say that the friendly nature of the site has been compromised by some of the discussions on these subjects.


I hope Geoff knows about this. :hihi:


Originally posted by BluSkize

Maybe (and this is not entirely serious) the rule about such discussions in polite company should be applied to this forum. Perhaps it would be more pleasant and manageable that way...

Censorship? No thanks. :)

The problem is not the dicussion of politics per se as almost anything you care to talk about has a political element the problem comes when people equate politics with party politics. The political sub forum was instigated as a discussion area only but was rapidly hijacked by a small number of members using it to make party political capital and worse yet to use it as some sort of recruitment and party organisational set which will not be tolerated.

Originally posted by evildrneil
The problem is not the dicussion of politics per se as almost anything you care to talk about has a political element the problem comes when people equate politics with party politics. The political sub forum was instigated as a discussion area only but was rapidly hijacked by a small number of members using it to make party political capital and worse yet to use it as some sort of recruitment and party organisational set which will not be tolerated.

Basically a few BNP members joined the forum and hijacked the politics area. Solution: ban them. That way no-one else suffers.

Originally posted by t020
Surely people commending or deriding Gordon Brown's budget were also making political capital?

An exception was made for the budget thread as it was (for the most part) a response to an event that impacted most people's day to day lives rather than a more general political thread.

Sometimes exceptions do have to be made - for example if there was another world trade centre event we would run the thread despite the political context :)

Originally posted by t020
Basically a few BNP members joined the forum and hijacked the politics area. Solution: ban them. That way no-one else suffers.

Censorship? No thanks :)

To coin a phrase!!!!!

Originally posted by t020
I hope Geoff knows about this. :hihi:

Censorship? No thanks. :)

Censorship? You probably "censor" your behaviour every day based upon the company that you find yourself in. Or maybe you don't. Maybe your private and public behaviour is exactly the same. Maybe self-control and awareness are beyond you. The rule about not discussing politics & religion is simply one of good manners, not censorship. Maybe good manners are also beyond you...

Originally posted by t020
Solution: ban them. That way no-one else suffers.
Believe it or not I've felt that way about you in the past t020 but because of the even handed nature of moderation on here and because free speech is still considered a goal worth pursuing you're still here.

It would be nice if you could avoid calling people hypocrits when you in fact one yourself, just like the rest of us to lesser or greater degrees.

Personally I think this place is a heck of a lot better without the politics threads because every time we get a politician on here the net result is more derision and division with a whole lot less discussion... actually no, the bit that really gets up everyones noses is that they never ruddy well listen.


Anyways.. the whole point is moot, it's coming back soon... so why are we arguing about the titanics deck chair arrangements again? :gag:

Originally posted by BluSkize
Censorship? You probably "censor" your behaviour every day based upon the company that you find yourself in. Or maybe you don't. Maybe your private and public behaviour is exactly the same. Maybe self-control and awareness are beyond you. The rule about not discussing politics & religion is simply one of good manners, not censorship. Maybe good manners are also beyond you...

Not at all. But that's why this forum is so vital - it allows people to discuss the serious issues that they might not feel polite to discuss with friends/colleagues/family. Discussing them with strangers, in text, who (by the fact they're following the thread) have the same desire to discuss the topic is in no way impolite or inappropriate.

Originally posted by t020

Basically a few BNP members joined the forum and hijacked the politics area. Solution: ban them. That way no-one else suffers.

Originally posted by t020
Censorship? No thanks! :)

Oh well, t020, I may occasionally fall down on a bit of spelling or grammar, but at least I understand the very basics of democracy.

Not that I would ever support the BNP myself, of course

Originally posted by Draggletail
Originally posted by t020



Originally posted by t020


Oh well, t020, I may occasionally fall down on a bit of spelling or grammar, but at least I understand the very basics of democracy.

Not that I would ever support the BNP myself, of course

I didn't say ban them because they are BNP members (though it may have read like this). I meant to ban them because they ruin the politics forum for everyone else. The BNP should be allowed to be discussed.

Well, cant wait to see what will be under discussion.
Lets hope it lives up to al the hype it has had since the thread went away.
I am sure(being the diplomatic person that I am!) that there is a way a message can be posted and worded so as not to upset people.It is a way of expressing opinions but not being confrontational.
Everyone is unique and is entitled to have their opinion.It is just important in life not to unnecessarily upset ones fellow forum users,when underneath all the banter,we are all the same.
It matters not where you were born,where you live or what job you do in this life.
We all are capable of the same emotions,anger,frustration,happiness,joy and can all be sensitive to the words that others use to express their feelings.
If everyone can think of this before they post,it may not be necessary for any threads to be closed or censored

Originally posted by evildrneil
:confused:

Your thread wasn't pulled but closed after your query had been answered in a perfectly civil way??? (the thread is here (http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?s=&threadid=32361))

Well for a start it wasn't a question to Mr P it was a question put out to all forumers.

And when I questioned Mr P in another thread (budget) which I had to do because he had closed my thread, this is what he said to me;

''Mo, I'm VERY aware of the rules about politics on the Forum and do not need reminding of them, thank you very much.''

Just that these rules are very flexible, depending upon who posts what.

I still have not had an explanation why my almost identical thread on this subject was closed and this runs, and I don't suppose that I will.

Dearest mo, do calm down. Tis the sabbath, you know.

Originally posted by redrobbo
Just to say I'm looking forward to the politics show being back on the road. 2 days to go and counting!

Countdown continues.......1 day to go.

The Mods will lift the starting gates tomorrow. Is everybody ready with their new subject posts? Can't wait to read what threads get started.

T020 wants to ban BNP people?? So much for democracy then?
I have been a member of this forum for a couple of years now and I will put my views on politics like all the rest.
ITS CALLED FREE SPEECH-t020 please take note.:thumbsup:

Originally posted by royjames
T020 wants to ban BNP people?? So much for democracy then?
I have been a member of this forum for a couple of years now and I will put my views on politics like all the rest.
ITS CALLED FREE SPEECH-t020 please take note.:thumbsup:


I didn't say ban BNP members either, just the ones that are causing the trouble (which, to be honest, I haven't seen for myself but there obviously must be for politics to get closed).

I beleive the reason it was closed was for some pruning and what have you,As has been said it was taking up considerable time to moderate at the possible expense of the rest of the site.
Anyway it will be back soon so we can engage in good reasoned debate lol.:heyhey:

Originally posted by Mo
JoeP what is it with you? Do you just hate me and me alone?

I raised a thread almost identical to this last week to have you pull it immediately. Then you proceeded to talk to me like something the dog had brought in on your shoe for questioning you.

I think that you should justify yourself. Mod you might be. God you are not. :rant:

Hi Mo,

No, I don't hate you - I don't know you well enough for that.

I haven't answered the thread until now because at the time you posted I was away from the computer in London. I've just logged on, so here I am.

Your thread was not pulled - it was closed because I'd answered the question.

My response was in part due to your agressive attitude towards me. If you have a problem with me as a Moderator then perhaps you could contact Geoff or one of the other mods formally, report me, and ask that I be removed.

Joe

so where do we sign up then? -:D

only kidding Joe... honest:thumbsup:

I havea interesting announcement when the politics forum is back.

Originally posted by royjames
I havea interesting announcement when the politics forum is back.

You're resigning from the BNP? :clap:

Originally posted by Rich
You're resigning from the BNP? :clap:

Lol Rich not quite,but something along those lines.:hihi:

Perhaps the politics forum should be reopened, but renamed the Racism forum, as that is the way most of the threads seem to go. Or keep it closed, but put a link to the stormfront forum on instead.

Seriously though, there are plenty of political forums for people to go on if they want to. (Admittedly, they won't be much use to those who want to use this forum to try to recruit people to their political party.)

Originally posted by Patchy
Perhaps the politics forum should be reopened, but renamed the Racism forum, as that is the way most of the threads seem to go. Or keep it closed, but put a link to the stormfront forum on instead.

Seriously though, there are plenty of political forums for people to go on if they want to. (Admittedly, they won't be much use to those who want to use this forum to try to recruit people to their political party.)


My god I did not realise you want to recruit people,which party are you recruiting for???
Let me guess RESPECT???:heyhey:

Originally posted by Internetowl
so where do we sign up then? -:D

only kidding Joe... honest:thumbsup:

I wasn't kidding - if members have problems with me then they have a right to complain.

Use the 'Contact Us' or 'Report this post' option.

Cheers,

Joe

Originally posted by royjames
My god I did not realise you want to recruit people,which party are you recruiting for???
Let me guess RESPECT???:heyhey:

Sorry Roy, you guessed wrong.... I would never support RESPECT!

Originally posted by Patchy
Perhaps the politics forum should be reopened, but renamed the Racism forum, as that is the way most of the threads seem to go. Or keep it closed, but put a link to the stormfront forum on instead.

Seriously though, there are plenty of political forums for people to go on if they want to. (Admittedly, they won't be much use to those who want to use this forum to try to recruit people to their political party.)

There are plenty of general forums, sport forums, entertainment forums, etc etc, but that's beside the point. Politics should be discussed here. If you start ridding this site of forums based on the fact that there are plenty of others out there, you'll be left with the Sheffield Chat and Moving to Sheffield forums.

[MOD NOTE]This seems an appropriate time to clarify a few things about the ressurected (or soon to be ressurected!) politics forum:

1. This is a debate only forum. Anyone using (or attempting to use) the forum for recruitment or other party political purposes will be banned immediately.

2. We will be logging any warning we are forced to send out to people infringing the rules. Anyone recieving multiple warning for the same type of infringement will run the risk of a ban.

3. Mods are allowed to have their own political oppinions - any posting from a mod not starting with [MOD NOTE] (or something similar!) is a personal opinion.

4. Open threads are not the place to debate forum policies - if you have problems with forum policies use the "contact us" link to inform us.

Originally posted by royjames
I havea interesting announcement when the politics forum is back.

Great! I shall look for you post with interest royjames.

Originally posted by t020
There are plenty of general forums, sport forums, entertainment forums, etc etc, but that's beside the point. Politics should be discussed here. If you start ridding this site of forums based on the fact that there are plenty of others out there, you'll be left with the Sheffield Chat and Moving to Sheffield forums.

True, but there seem to be some people coming on this forum just to support their own political party who have no interest in Sheffield. Maybe the solution would be to have a forum for politics, but only allow people to post on it if they have a post count of 100 or more. Just an idea.

Originally posted by Patchy
True, but there seem to be some people coming on this forum just to support their own political party who have no interest in Sheffield. Maybe the solution would be to have a forum for politics, but only allow people to post on it if they have a post count of 100 or more. Just an idea.

These points are addressed by the rules posted above (http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?postid=337043#post337043)

Originally posted by evildrneil
These points are addressed by the rules posted above (http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?postid=337043#post337043)

Does that mean we won't have any more posts by OurHeritage and Ivory then? :D

So long as they stick to the rules they are most welcome to post!

However we are going to be a lot tighter on the rules when the forum re-opens and are going to be rather more draconian in that are than in the rest of the fora :)

Originally posted by Patchy
Does that mean we won't have any more posts by OurHeritage and Ivory then? :D
Well they do seem to have lost interest in Sheffield Forum now that they can't bang on about immigration, asylum, Asians, Muslims ... oh yes, and the BNP.

We all like to see people contributing a little more widely to their local community. :thumbsup:

Originally posted by Tony
Well they do seem to have lost interest in Sheffield Forum now that they can't bang on about immigration, asylum, Asians, Muslims ... oh yes, and the BNP.

We all like to see people contributing a little more widely to their local community. :thumbsup:

Sorry but I still post so you have that wrong for a start.
To neil what do you mean your going to be more draconian????

Originally posted by royjames
Sorry but I still post so you have that wrong for a start.


Eh? Why is Tony wrong to say that OurHeritage and Ivory haven't been posting lately? You baffle me sometimes.

Ok Ivory is currently in France on party buisness so that explains why no posts.
As for our heritage I dont know why she has not contributed of late,still like I said I have and will continue to do so.
I have been to the pub so if you think your baffled then what am i??
Dont answer that, im off to bed.:hihi:

Originally posted by royjames
I havea interesting announcement when the politics forum is back.

No, honestly, you don't.

Originally posted by lastlaugh
No, honestly, you don't.

And never will.

Originally posted by lastlaugh
No, honestly, you don't.


These newbies they join and the same day make out they know all about the history of the site.
You couldnt make it up ,really you couldnt.

Originally posted by max
And never will.

Same old Max full,of it as usual.:hihi:

Originally posted by royjames
To neil what do you mean your going to be more draconian????

We were somewhat relaxed with rules enforcement last time - unfortunately that led to problems where threads ran a little bit out of control and party political. This time round we will be less flexible to keep the politics forum section more pleasent for all members :)

Is it open yet?
Roy/ big billy/ heidrich 41. How are you doing. Whats your big announcement, are you coming out into the open.

Originally posted by evildrneil
unfortunately that led to problems where threads ran a little bit out of control and party political.

God forbid anyone discuss politics in that forum eh?:loopy:

Are we there yet? Is it open?

Only Geoff has the system priveleges needed to open the politics forum up again.

The other Mods cannot open the forum up again.

Geoff is aware of the date.

I'm sure he will get around to it.

Asking 'are we there yet' will not speed it up, I'm afraid, and neither will smart alec comments! :)

I'm just as keen as you guys to get it opened up again.

Joe

Originally posted by JoePritchard

Only Geoff has the system priveleges needed to open the politics forum up again.

The other Mods cannot open the forum up again.

Geoff is aware of the date.

I'm sure he will get around to it.

Asking 'are we there yet' will not speed it up, I'm afraid, and neither will smart alec comments! :)

I'm just as keen as you guys to get it opened up again.

Joe


Countdown concluded. Where is it then? Today is the day the politics forum should be back. Come on Geoff.

Guess what?

It's there and available. It was there when you posted your message. Guess you didn't look.

Unlike politicians, we deliver what we promise, when we promise. :)

Enjoy.

As the Politics Forum is back, I'll close this thread.

Joe