Havent looked in on this forum for a while, and have been shocked at the lack of cutting edge topics, and heated exchanges of views between those of different ends of the political spectrum, what is going on?

Where are the threads about benefit fraudsters? The BNP? Single mothers? etc etc these are topics likely to bring out both the best and the worst in people, and are the best type of topics to engage in.

Let me refer you to this thread http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=364343.
Various changes have been made and it would appear forummers like it :)

Havent looked in on this forum for a while, and have been shocked at the lack of cutting edge topics, and heated exchanges of views between those of different ends of the political spectrum, what is going on?

Where are the threads about benefit fraudsters? The BNP? Single mothers? etc etc these are topics likely to bring out both the best and the worst in people, and are the best type of topics to engage in.

There are still heated head to heads as could have been witnessed last night, I don't think the forum has seen such a ding ding in a long time and not even the slightest hint of the mods wadding in.

Everyone went home, some with bruised egos I'll give you that, but no serious injuries and no blood on the carpet.

People have been commenting today by PM and email saying it was refreshing to see such a brew ha ha without mod intervention and they feel happier as has been commented before that they can truly express their views without being pounced upon by the professional posters.

Let me refer you to this thread http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=364343.
Various changes have been made and it would appear forummers like it :)

Yes, so much so I'm concidering changing my id to Victor Kiam.

Sheffield Forum was over moderated for a while which drove out the more interesting posters. Then those moderators left the building, but I suspect the damage was already done. The new regime seems a little more tolerant, but I wonder if the freewheeling intelligent spirit will ever return?

Yes, so much so I'm concidering changing my id to Victor Kiam.
Best speak to Geoff about that, I'm not sure the slogan would work so well ;)
Though you never know :D

Best speak to Geoff about that, I'm not sure the slogan would work so well ;)
Though you never know :D

I am glad to see you moderating Zebra. You are a good choice in my eyes. You can ban me any day without retribution. ;) That is not implied as a threat by the way. I have looked up your posts. :thumbsup:

Where are the threads about benefit fraudsters? The BNP? Single mothers? etc etc these are topics likely to bring out both the best and the worst in people, and are the best type of topics to engage in.

Haven't those topics already been done to death on here?

Havent looked in on this forum for a while, and have been shocked at the lack of cutting edge topics, and heated exchanges of views between those of different ends of the political spectrum, what is going on?

Where are the threads about benefit fraudsters? The BNP? Single mothers? etc etc these are topics likely to bring out both the best and the worst in people, and are the best type of topics to engage in.

Welcome back Mr Contrite, I was only thinking this week that I hadn't seen you on here for a while!!!

I know we've had a few battles on here over the years, so you'll be surprised to know that I actually agree with you on this one.

What has happened whilst you've been away, is that a large majority of posters whose preference is for a Tory government have taken over the forum in the political debates.

To be fair to them they are being quite clever, they throw a few articles in which criticise the Government, or an opinion poll that shows Labour in dissaray, or details of Labour sleeze; when you then challenge them to explain their feelings in more detail or try to tease them into discussing political issues they then back off.

I don't actually blame them for this tactic as it's exactly what Cameron is doing at a national level.

Unfortunately though for those of us like ourselves who like to discuss issues, the consequence of these lack of actions, is that debate is and will remain stifled.

So come on those of you wanting to see the Tories elected, come out of your closet and talk to us about the key areas that matter to people and what your party is going to do about them.

I must admit I missed last nights thread that another poster referred to, I'll have to go bak and stick my twopenneth in!!!!

Oh dear Mr Titanic you're such a cynic, its not a conspiracy its just that the world has change and the forum reflects that change that's all.

Plus the intolerant left tactics have been sussed by both the users and the management and they simply won't work any more.

You sir to put it simply are in the minority both in society and on this site, its not criminal to be so nor should you be victimized for it, but you need to come to terms with it because in the absence of like minded supporters simply increasing your post count won't help you to put over your outdated agenda in point of fact it just hacks people off who might be in agreement with you if you only tried to be a little more contrite.

Oh dear Mr Titanic you're such a cynic, its not a conspiracy its just that the world has change and the forum reflects that change that's all.

Plus the intolerant left tactics have been sussed by both the users and the management and they simply won't work any more.

You sir to put it simply are in the minority both in society and on this site, its not criminal to be so nor should you be victimized for it, but you need to come to terms with it because in the absence of like minded supporters simply increasing your post count won't help you to put over your outdated agenda in point of fact it just hacks people off who might be in agreement with you if you only tried to be a little more contrite.

No the world hasn't changed, peoples perception of this may have changed but the last time I looked we still had:

Lowest Unemployment levels for many a year
Personal wealth for people like myself is at its highest ever level
Plenty of jobs to go around
Lowest crime levels for many a year
Lowest Hospital waiting times ever recorded
Millions of Pensioners out of poverty
Millions of children out of poverty
5.5 million of our own people living a good life abroad

The only problem with the likes of yourself and others, is that you won't discuss any of these as it doesn't suit your desire to get the Tories back in power.

I think I read somewhere that you were previously in the Labour Party, if so are you seriously trying to tell us that they haven't and aren't doing well in these key areas, yes they've messed up in Iraq and Afghanistan and they should do more for young people trying to buy a home, but for the good of the country let's try and get the Tories to at least tell us what they intend doing, so we can make that choice an informed one.

This isn't a thread to carry on your political ranting.

contrite your a bit behind ............all those mentioned have always been done, still get done........in fact theres been a bnp thread on for the past 3 days which was getting quite heated.......i got bored and left it after about page 6 as it was doing the usual going round in circles bit.
its on page 17 or someat ridiculous now

This isn't a thread to carry on your political ranting.

But it's OK to carry on with yours, is it?

Oh dear Mr Titanic ......

Plus the intolerant left tactics have been sussed by both the users and the management and they simply won't work any more.
.

This isn't a thread to carry on your political ranting.

Not a Political rant at all, only correcting you with my observation that it is peoples perception of the world that has changed.

Nice to note though that you haven't challenged any of my points, becoming a bit of a habit of yours of late is it not.

No the world hasn't changed, peoples perception of this may have changed but the last time I looked we still had:

Lowest Unemployment levels for many a year
Personal wealth for people like myself is at its highest ever level
Plenty of jobs to go around
Lowest crime levels for many a year
Lowest Hospital waiting times ever recorded
Millions of Pensioners out of poverty
Millions of children out of poverty
5.5 million of our own people living a good life abroad

The only problem with the likes of yourself and others, is that you won't discuss any of these as it doesn't suit your desire to get the Tories back in power.

I think I read somewhere that you were previously in the Labour Party, if so are you seriously trying to tell us that they haven't and aren't doing well in these key areas, yes they've messed up in Iraq and Afghanistan and they should do more for young people trying to buy a home, but for the good of the country let's try and get the Tories to at least tell us what they intend doing, so we can make that choice an informed one.

MY BOLD - even so, they then went and did their best to drop everybody back into poverty by being greedy and getting rid of the 10p tax band........very UNlabore.

oh you forgot why most people are wanting to vote tory now.........the good old immigration issue (which is prolly the most talked about issue on here)

But it's OK to carry on with yours, is it?
I don't think the wolfman is actually ranting? He doesn't tend to specialise in page long posts like Titanic99 and he doesn't post stuff merely to wind people up as we were reliably informed that Titanic does. He just makes his points and moves on. IMO. :)

In response to the orginal point, there's still plenty of cut and thrust going on, it's just in a slightly more muted form. Many people have been cowed by past events and tend to let things lie these days.

I think that the reason that the subjects proffered by the op as subjects which are no longer debated is that everything which needs saying has been said. When these subjects appear the more sensible among us, from both sides of whatever the subject is, refrain from posting. It's only the more single issue posters who continually repeat their observations and that alone tends to put most people off.

I don't think the wolfman is actually ranting? He doesn't tend to specialise in page long posts like Titanic99 and he doesn't post stuff merely to wind people up as we were reliably informed that Titanic does. He just makes his points and moves on. IMO. :)

In response to the orginal point, there's still plenty of cut and thrust going on, it's just in a slightly more muted form. Many people have been cowed by past events and tend to let things lie these days.

I can make it short as well, to use a football analogy the score in these key areas is:

Labour 8 Tories 0

A lot of the people who started threads with bite have gone, either banned or driven away by the factions that were mentioned on another thread.

I know Ill get it in the neck but.... actually... I probabaly WONT get it in the neck now (Force of habit, sorry ) but People such as Bartfarst- and I KNOW he comes back in different guises and DOES post some horrible stuff, but thats a reaction to the factions already mentioned, before they started in on him, he was a good poster who made a hell of a lot of reasonable and good points- were given a hard time.

Their ultra extreme attitudes were simply a back-lash to the attitudes of a lot of the... well, you know who Im on about. The ones we like to call the PC brigade.

Before that lot got their hooks into SF, most of the posters who left or were banned DID post some good arguments and no one can deny that.

It would appear that the worm has turned on SF, lets hope the same thing happens in "Real" life, eh...?

I think that the reason that the subjects proffered by the op as subjects which are no longer debated is that everything which needs saying has been said. When these subjects appear the more sensible among us, from both sides of whatever the subject is, refrain from posting. It's only the more single issue posters who continually repeat their observations and that alone tends to put most people off.
indeed, i get bored "debating" the same topics day in day out, month in month out, year in year out.
these days id rather debate the political pesuasion of head lice or something.

as for the forum being different, i dont think it is really.

some big names have left.
some mods / admins have left.
some new mods here now.

but if we say the wrong thing, or ignore the usual mod lines (chatroom that way or stick to the op) we get whupped still the same
and topics still get closed, moved, retitled willy nilly

But it's OK to carry on with yours, is it?

It looks likes you just came here to score points Max.

Your snips out of context illustrate your leftist agenda, an agenda that I have pointed out is a part of history if it ever had been a reality.

Ranting on and on trying to score points against posters can't help you in the furtherance of what is after all is a lost cause and its this fact that you and your ilk don't seem to be able to cope with.

I can make it short as well, to use a football analogy the score in these key areas is:

Labour 8 Tories 0


There you go, its all about scoring points isn't it, you don't debate with anyone.

It looks likes you just came here to score points Max.

Your snips out of context illustrate your leftist agenda, an agenda that I have pointed out is a part of history if it ever had been a reality.

Ranting on and on trying to score points against posters can't help you in the furtherance of what is after all is a lost cause and its this fact that you and your ilk don't seem to be able to cope with.
lol
wolf, look in the mirror man, your doing the exact same thing, its not a left thing, its not a right thing its a person thing......but youve just turned it into a rant showing your predjidices.
and point scoring IS a political thing.......both left and right point score, its called getting one over on your opponent

you don't debate with anyone.

Crikey, we agree on something, but its hard to debate with the Tories who have nothing to say:hihi:

I am glad to see you moderating Zebra. You are a good choice in my eyes. You can ban me any day without retribution. ;) That is not implied as a threat by the way. I have looked up your posts. :thumbsup:
I don't really know what to say to that, other than thanks for the vote of confidence.

In the nature of the OP, lets keep it nice on the thread please.

Its all about balance.

Of course, the perfect balance will never be achieved but the forum used to be extremely unbalanced, and to make up for that, the factions on the "High" end of the scale felt they had to be more extreme and argumentative to redress that balance.

No one expects SF to be a right wing forum, but a hell of a lot of people wanted it to be a left wing one and thats exactly how it was until recently.

Balance is the key, it makes for good debates and arguments that dont get out of hand and prompt the Mods to do a bit of kicking.

[...] but if we say the wrong thing, or ignore the usual mod lines (chatroom that way or stick to the op) we get whupped still the same and topics still get closed, moved, retitled willy nilly
That's very true and they're the things that tend to annoy the reasonable people amongst us most ... for instance, patronising comments, random mergings that make no sense, bannings for no valid reason other than the wind changed or something.

However, while ever you have the present system, mods choosing, training and supporting other mods, you're likely to get the mixture as before. It would appear that the existing mods select new mods in their own image, and so it goes on.

It's do what you've always done, you'll get what you've always got?

But, oddly, it's still a hypnotic mix that we crave and so most of us just carry on and try to rise above the petty irritations of everyday SF life :D

But, oddly, it's still a hypnotic mix that we crave

Very true, but much as I enjoy the arguments I'm off out in the sun now to take my little mongrel for a walk folowed by a game of Golf, followed by a nice cold pint of Stella.

There are still heated head to heads as could have been witnessed last night, I don't think the forum has seen such a ding ding in a long time and not even the slightest hint of the mods wadding in.

Everyone went home, some with bruised egos I'll give you that, but no serious injuries and no blood on the carpet.

People have been commenting today by PM and email saying it was refreshing to see such a brew ha ha without mod intervention and they feel happier as has been commented before that they can truly express their views without being pounced upon by the professional posters.

Damn, missed it. Linky please.

lol
wolf, look in the mirror man, your doing the exact same thing, its not a left thing, its not a right thing its a person thing......but youve just turned it into a rant showing your predjidices.
and point scoring IS a political thing.......both left and right point score, its called getting one over on your opponent

Aha, I see, you lefties can't stand anyone pointing out what you are really up to and if we do, you accuse us of doing what you're KNOWINGLY DOING.

lol
wolf, look in the mirror man, your doing the exact same thing


No he ain't. Nowhere on this thread has he posted any claims about Tory successes and Labour failures, nowhere has he attempted to derail it into a political debate, and nowhere has he accused those with a different point to his own of stifling discussion.

He merely points out what some others are doing.

There are still heated head to heads as could have been witnessed last night, I don't think the forum has seen such a ding ding in a long time and not even the slightest hint of the mods wadding in.

Everyone went home, some with bruised egos I'll give you that, but no serious injuries and no blood on the carpet.

People have been commenting today by PM and email saying it was refreshing to see such a brew ha ha without mod intervention and they feel happier as has been commented before that they can truly express their views without being pounced upon by the professional posters.

I missed the tread you are talking about but by the sounds of it it’s the type of thread that keeps a forum alive, we can only take so much drivel or back patting before it gets boring.

Damn, missed it. Linky please.

Funnily enough it was the Ecington BMP thread that had turned into mostly a thread about the Harriett Harmon bill.

No he ain't. Nowhere on this thread has he posted any claims about Tory successes and Labour failures, nowhere has he attempted to derail it into a political debate, and nowhere has he accused those with a different point to his own of stifling discussion.

He merely points out what some others are doing.

To be fair neither did Max, think this is me you are thinking about and I stand by it and it's relevance to a discussion as to why there aren't as many juicy threads on here anymore.

I missed the tread you are talking about but by the sounds of it it’s the type of thread that keeps a forum alive, we can only take so much drivel or back patting before it gets boring.

Yes, I have to say that lately I've not bothered with (as I put it) 'our commie friends' but did wade in feet first on that one as it seemed some of them were at the old bully boy tactics again after recovering from the hammering's they have had of late.

To be fair neither did Max, think this is me you are thinking about and I stand by it and it's relevance to a discussion as to why there aren't as many juicy threads on here anymore.

You're claiming there are fewer juicy threads because Labour have done a good job in goverment?

How's that work then?

Yes, I have to say that lately I've not bothered with (as I put it) 'our commie friends' but did wade in feet first on that one as it seemed some of them were at the old bully boy tactics again after recovering from the hammering's they have had of late.

Hammering I think not, I seem to recall (didn't look in much yesterday) that you left it when I asked you if it wasn't a tad hypocritical of a nation who are the biggest or second biggest exponents of migrants to complain about people coming here, it seems that you re-appeared so perhaps you'd like to use this opportunity to answer the question that I asked you many posts ago on that thread.

You're claiming there are fewer juicy threads because Labour have done a good job in goverment?

How's that work then?

No I'm claiming that there are many political threads which don't get juicy, because those people who want a Tory government in power refuse to talk about key political issues that the public are interested in.

Hope that's clear enough!!!

No he ain't. Nowhere on this thread has he posted any claims about Tory successes and Labour failures, nowhere has he attempted to derail it into a political debate, and nowhere has he accused those with a different point to his own of stifling discussion.

He merely points out what some others are doing.

Indeed, and thanks.

I have never mentioned any Tory policy in point of fact anywhere as either a success or failure, the only thing I've said about the torys is that they will win the next election by default because labour are so crap to put it bluntly.

I have stated many many times add infinitum that I am a socialist although that doesn't suit the nu labour lot does it, so they keep ranting about me either being a tory or a fascist, whichever one they think they can get away with at the time.

No he ain't. Nowhere on this thread has he posted any claims about Tory successes and Labour failures, nowhere has he attempted to derail it into a political debate, and nowhere has he accused those with a different point to his own of stifling discussion.

He merely points out what some others are doing.

yes he was...........he was turning something that WASNT political into a political rant by venting his own petty predjidices against the left, and stilll he replied to me saying i have left wing bias.
if its not a political rant he does then why does everything have to rant AGAINST people being "lefties"? or doing something cos they are on the "left"?
i never accused anybody of being right wing, or tories whatever

going back to what jabbers said.........its funny how the forum looks different depending on which side of the political divide your on............cos i think its mostly right wing........you see it as mostly left wing hmmmmmm

going back to what jabbers said.........its funny how the forum looks different depending on which side of the political divide your on............cos i think its mostly right wing........you see it as mostly left wing hmmmmmm


And thats where balance comes in. The forum was VERY unbalanced in favour of the ..."Red end" of the spectrum until recently... Ok, it now seems to be leaning towards the Blue end of the spectrum, but eventually, and hopefully itll balance itself out.

A lot of changes have taken place, and its bound to be a little rocky at first.

No the world hasn't changed, peoples perception of this may have changed but the last time I looked we still had:

Lowest Unemployment levels for many a year
Personal wealth for people like myself is at its highest ever level
Plenty of jobs to go around
Lowest crime levels for many a year
Lowest Hospital waiting times ever recorded
Millions of Pensioners out of poverty
Millions of children out of poverty
5.5 million of our own people living a good life abroad



The only problem with the likes of yourself and others, is that you won't discuss any of these as it doesn't suit your desire to get the Tories back in power.

I think I read somewhere that you were previously in the Labour Party, if so are you seriously trying to tell us that they haven't and aren't doing well in these key areas, yes they've messed up in Iraq and Afghanistan and they should do more for young people trying to buy a home, but for the good of the country let's try and get the Tories to at least tell us what they intend doing, so we can make that choice an informed one.

I suppose you have "official" government statistics to back up all your ridiculous claims?

I suppose you have "official" government statistics to back up all your ridiculous claims?

I certainly do, which ones particularly interest you?

I certainly do, which ones particularly interest you?


All of them, don't hold back.

I find it particularly amusing that you claim that 5.5 million of our own people are living a good life abroad. Why would they want to live abroad when the picture you've painted of life here is so rosy?

I believe the mass exodus is still continuing at an accelerating pace. It brings one to mind of rats deserting a sinking ship. In fact, in a recent survey, a majority of Brits said they would leave the country if only they could afford to.

I suppose you have "official" government statistics to back up all your ridiculous claims?

Probably not, unless one reads all Hazel Blurrs speeches.

All of them, don't hold back.

Apologies to everyone else as this is slightly off topic, here's some of the employment details from the ONS for your benefit.

The trend in the employment rate is increasing, the trend in the unemployment rate is flat and the trend in the inactivity rate is falling. There has been another increase in the number of people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance benefit. The number of job vacancies has increased slightly. Growth in average earnings, excluding bonuses, has increased, but earnings growth including bonuses has fallen.

The employment rate for people of working age was 74.9 per cent for the three months to April 2008, unchanged from the previous quarter but up 0.5 over the year. The number of people in employment for the three months to April 2008 was 29.55 million. This is the highest figure since comparable records began in 1971 and is up 76,000 over the quarter and up 446,000 over the year. Total hours worked has increased by 6.3 million to reach 943.7 million.

The unemployment rate was 5.3 per cent for the three months to April 2008, up 0.1 over the previous quarter but down 0.2 over the year. The number of unemployed people increased by 38,000 over the quarter but fell by 34,000 over the year, to reach 1.64 million.

The number of workforce jobs in March 2008 was 31.67 million, up 44,000 on the quarter and up 237,000 over the year. This is the highest figure since comparable records began in 1959.

The claimant count was 819,300 in May 2008, up 9,000 over the previous month but down 58,100 over the year. The Claimant Count has increased for the last four months.

The inactivity rate for people of working age was 20.8 per cent for the three months to April 2008, down 0.1 over the previous quarter and down 0.4 over the year. The number of economically inactive people of working age decreased by 23,000 over the quarter and by 107,000 over the year to reach 7.86 million.

The annual rate of growth in average earnings (the AEI), excluding bonuses, was 3.9 per cent in April 2008, up 0.1 from the previous month. Including bonuses, it was 3.8 per cent, down 0.2 from the previous month.

There were 678,600 job vacancies for the three months to May 2008, up 100 over the previous quarter and up 35,200 over the year.

The redundancy rate for the three months to April 2008 was 4.3 per 1,000 employees. This is down 0.1 over the quarter and down 0.8 over the year.

It looks likes you just came here to score points Max.

Your snips out of context illustrate your leftist agenda, an agenda that I have pointed out is a part of history if it ever had been a reality.

Ranting on and on trying to score points against posters can't help you in the furtherance of what is after all is a lost cause and its this fact that you and your ilk don't seem to be able to cope with.

He merely pointed out your apparent hypocrisy.

You have then gone on to illustrate a further hypocrisy. In a post after this one you claim to be a socialist, whilst in this one you say leftism is a lost cause.

You are a paradox mr Wolfstalin, that us lesser mortals have difficulty understanding.

The Daily Mail only seeks to redress the balance of public opinion against all the subliminal, Leftist, Anglophobic propaganda put out by the BBC.

The Daily Mail only seeks to redress the balance of public opinion against all the subliminal, Leftist, Anglophobic propaganda put out by the BBC.

So who is the most accurate then, the BBC or the Mail?

The Daily Mail only seeks to redress the balance of public opinion against all the subliminal, Leftist, Anglophobic propaganda put out by the BBC.

And it saves the rampant overuse of the "Rant" option in the smilies.

I suppose you have "official" government statistics to back up all your ridiculous claims?

It looks like we have another Tory boy who has come on to spout off without being able to substantiate any of his claims. Perhaps we should have a new game on here, spot the Tory with an opinion on something of real importance.

No I'm claiming that there are many political threads which don't get juicy, because those people who want a Tory government in power refuse to talk about key political issues that the public are interested in.

Hope that's clear enough!!!

No, you mean that the public aren't interested in talking about what YOU THINK they should be talking about.

No, you mean that the public aren't interested in talking about what YOU THINK they should be talking about.

Are you saying unemployment, the NHS, Crime, personal wealth and poverty aren't important to people then.

Hope you are leading the Tories electoral campaign then.

At the danger of seeming like I'm overmoderating things, what happened to the topic? Is this now a disagreement between users about whether the BBC or the Daily Mail is more appropriate as a source for news?

At the danger of seeming like I'm overmoderating things, what happened to the topic? Is this now a disagreement between users about whether the BBC or the Daily Mail is more appropriate as a source for news?

It doesn't seem like you're overmoderating at all, Medusa.

So, I'll give it go! :)

You politico's .... back on thread topic or it'll be you in the naughty corner forthwith, and without parole! :cool:

How's that, Medusa? ;)

Are you saying unemployment, the NHS, Crime, personal wealth and poverty aren't important to people then.

Hope you are leading the Tories electoral campaign then.

Even your own wife came on here saying you're a pee artist, and you're disappointed that you get no respect.

medusa exactly.........this is what happens to every thread, the same people go round and round and round accusing people of lying, being involved in large left wing / right wing conspiracies...........which gets boring.

and end up getting personal...as above -----------^

Even your own wife came on here saying you're a pee artist, and you're disappointed that you get no respect.

Oh how novel, I thought for one moment you were going to make a comment that was relevant to the subject.

Oh how novel, I thought for one moment you were going to make a comment that was relevant to the subject.

I think is is relevant, this is a thread about how the forum is doing. You a a handful of other labourits keep complaining and moaning that the site has gone down hill. But the truth is your argument is really about the fact that the people have shifted away from you and you can't cope with that, so you spit your dummy's out and start bawling on and on about how hard done too you are while deliberately winding other posters up.

I think is is relevant, this is a thread about how the forum is doing. You a a handful of other labourits keep bitching and moaning that the site has gone down hill. But the truth is your argument is really about the fact that the people have shifted away from you and you can't cope with that, so you spit your dummy's out and start bawling on and on about how hard done too you are while deliberately winding other posters up.

No you are wrong yet again, the thread was posted by a poster who indicated that a lot of the "juicy" political threads have gone from the forum.

It was and is my contention that the threads are still there, they just get stifled now because one half of the political spectrum refuse to discuss any issues that their particular political preference are weak on.

On the other hand your position has shifted, initially you argued that the debates are still here, you then moved to argue that the lefties have all been sussed now and one of your latest is that people don't want to discuss areas like Unemployment, Crime and so on.

So going back to the original thread, I have stated my thoughts clear and unequivocally as to why this is, could you confirm why you think it is as your position seems to swing around quite a bit.

Lowest Unemployment levels for many a year
Personal wealth for people like myself is at its highest ever level
Plenty of jobs to go around
Lowest crime levels for many a year
Lowest Hospital waiting times ever recorded
Millions of Pensioners out of poverty
Millions of children out of poverty
5.5 million of our own people living a good life abroad


This is planet Earth calling the sinking ship...If things are this good how come you can't even beat the BNP in a by-election?????

:D

Some people are obsessed with party politics to such an extent that they can't discuss anything else and have to keep bringing in their pet hobby horse at every opportunity ... *coffs* Titanic99 *coffs* why not just try to stick to the subject of the OP?

I don't mind a bit of off topic general chat and witticisms but this endless harping on how wonderful NuLabour and Brown are is getting very old! And totally unfounded in most people's opinions now. They're a walking disaster! The economy is shot to pieces, no-ones got any money, businesses are going down the pan everyday and all we can find to do is waste our money and armed forces fighting losing battles in other countries.

If they'd turned their massive majorities and our money to getting back control of our water and power industries, there might have been some point to them, but as it is, what have they actually done to make our lives better? And please don't take that rhetorical question as an invite to post yet another long winded rant, please! We've read it too many times already on various other threads.

Some people are obsessed with party politics to such an extent that they can't discuss anything else and have to keep bringing in their pet hobby horse at every opportunity ... *coffs* Titanic99 *coffs* why not just try to stick to the subject of the OP?

I don't mind a bit of off topic general chat and witticisms but this endless harping on how wonderful NuLabour and Brown are is getting very old! And totally unfounded in most people's opinions now. They're a walking disaster! The economy is shot to pieces, no-ones got any money, businesses are going down the pan everyday and all we can find to do is waste our money and armed forces fighting losing battles in other countries.

If they'd turned their massive majorities and our money to getting back control of our water and power industries, there might have been some point to them, but as it is, what have they actually done to make our lives better? And please don't take that rhetorical question as an invite to post yet another long winded rant, please! We've read it too many times already on various other threads.
tbf its not just titanic..........also wolf seems to be throwing the word lftie about left right and centre (no pun) and upholders just appeared to to talk politics now........NOT the actual OP

this is whats wrong with the forum...........threads going round and round, petty sniping, and peoples political predjidices getting in every thread........even none political ones

now im out of this thread cos..........its boring (killed by the politicos)

Some people are obsessed with party politics to such an extent that they can't discuss anything else and have to keep bringing in their pet hobby horse at every opportunity ... *coffs* Titanic99 *coffs* why not just try to stick to the subject of the OP?

I don't mind a bit of off topic general chat and witticisms but this endless harping on how wonderful NuLabour and Brown are is getting very old! And totally unfounded in most people's opinions now. They're a walking disaster! The economy is shot to pieces, no-ones got any money, businesses are going down the pan everyday and all we can find to do is waste our money and armed forces fighting losing battles in other countries.

If they'd turned their massive majorities and our money to getting back control of our water and power industries, there might have been some point to them, but as it is, what have they actually done to make our lives better? And please don't take that rhetorical question as an invite to post yet another long winded rant, please! We've read it too many times already on various other threads.

With the greatest of respect I think you've gone off topic, what is your opinion as to why the so called "Juicy" threads have disappeared or indeed have they not?

With the greatest of respect I think you've gone off topic, what is your opinion as to why the so called "Juicy" threads have dissappeared or indeed have they not?
I did an answer of sorts as to why the more interesting and entertaining posters have disappeared from the forum at #28. Another reason is there are too many posters like yourself, boring on forever about their one and only topic, usually either politics or religion. It just turns people off, unless they're social inadequates with only the one arrow in their quiver too, no offence :hihi:

I've always taken a full and involved part in SF from the start, I post on most sections and socialise too. Which is not to say I don't also bore people but at least I'm not a one trick pony, I hope.

In my opinion the SF isn't the same interesting, funny and life enhancing place it was in Dec 2004 when I joined, but it's still a good place to be and I hope to stay here a little while longer if not forever! :)

upholders just appeared to to talk politics now........NOT the actual OP


Soz :rolleyes:

See rubydazzler's post 63 which was the point I was trying to make but not very well.

If you want on topic then here goes...I don't think this place has changed much at all, sensitive topics are still closed for the silliest of reasons, posts are still removed, one's gone from this thread which must have only been there for a minute but above all it's all the PC crapollogy from the right on brigade that does my nut in on here.

I'll still keep coming back though mel, wouldn't want you anarchists to have all the fun :cool:

Soz :rolleyes:

See rubydazzler's post 63 which was the point I was trying to make but not very well.

If you want on topic then here goes...I don't think this place has changed much at all, sensitive topics are still closed for the silliest of reasons, posts are still removed, one's gone from this thread which must have only been there for a minute but above all it's all the PC crapollogy from the right on brigade that does my nut in on here.

I'll still keep coming back though mel, wouldn't want you anarchists to have all the fun :cool:

BAH! dont say we agree on someat..............please god NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

:P posts are still removed, one's gone from this thread which must have only been there for a minute
It might have been there for only a minute but we all saw it! :)

I had one removed about what a good father Peter Andre was from the Celeb Father of the Year thread ... no explanation, I guess the mod just didn't like him? It's so random sometimes, it's one of those things that make you go ... hmmm? :huh: But hey ho, I suppose the temptation to use the power they have must be overwhelming sometimes. Like the patronising comments about off topic and the chatroom, as though we're all about 5 years old, it's an occupational hazard :)

I think there's a lot of 'tidying up' goes on which is another reason why the SF seems so boring and sanitised now, half the fun was coming on in the morning with your tea and toast and reading the overnight stuff :D There's nothing like that these days. Nothing to see here, move along!

:P
It might have been there for only a minute but we all saw it! :)

I had one removed about what a good father Peter Andre was from the Celeb Father of the Year thread ... no explanation, I guess the mod just didn't like him? It's so random sometimes, it's one of those things that make you go ... hmmm? :huh: But hey ho, I suppose the temptation to use the power they have must be overwhelming sometimes. Like the patronising comments about off topic and the chatroom, as though we're all about 5 years old, it's an occupational hazard :)

I think there's a lot of 'tidying up' goes on which is another reason why the SF seems so boring and sanitised now, half the fun was coming on in the morning with your tea and toast and reading the overnight stuff :D There's nothing like that these days. Nothing to see here, move along!

You're so right Ruby, I use to love reading what the 'Tipsy Posters" had to say the "morning after" :hihi: It was like opening the morning paper and going right to the comics first then reading what the rest of the world was up to.

If you want on topic then here goes...I don't think this place has changed much at all, sensitive topics are still closed for the silliest of reasons, posts are still removed, one's gone from this thread which must have only been there for a minute but above all it's all the PC crapollogy from the right on brigade that does my nut in on here.
:

I agree all heartedly.

By trying their hardest to stay PC and not to upset any group or individuals feelings ...... the people who are entrusted to run an interesting forum have stopped, deleted or banned all the interesting or contivercial threads and members.

Disagreements should be debated, not closed, locked or deleted, i agree when it gets off topic or personal, then yes, mods should step in but if theres a lively debate going on, 9 out of 10 times it disappears.

In cybor world colour, religion, disabilities, culture, wealth, education and any other differences are irrelivent ....... we are all equal, just words on a screen, which is why i get so annoyed when members are treated so differently and debates or comments are taken personally, we are all entitled to freedom of speech and our own personal opinions make debates lively and interesting.

You're so right Ruby, I use to love reading what the 'Tipsy Posters" had to say the "morning after" :hihi: It was like opening the morning paper and going right to the comics first then reading what the rest of the world was up to.


I used to love that too ........... and cringe at what i had wrote after a bottle of particularly fine plonk! :hihi:

.

In cybor world colour, religion, disabilities, culture, wealth, education and any other differences are irrelivent ....... we are all equal, just words on a screen, which is why i get so annoyed when members are treated so differently and debates or comments are taken personally, we are all entitled to freedom of speech and our own personal opinions make debates lively and interesting.


I have got to agree with you wholeheartedly, why do some people take comments personally, sometime ago we were both making similar arguments about parent –child parking spaces on a thread, yours were considered to be OK mine got me a rebuff , strange world. :huh:

This is certainly better, a bit of banter, disagreements between posters, biased govt figures.

I used to love that too ........... and cringe at what i had wrote after a bottle of particularly fine plonk! :hihi:

Some of my finest moments have been my drunken posts.

Some of my finest moments have been my drunken posts.

True! ...... (hic! :blush: Pardon! :))

One point concerning the assertation that crime rates are at an all time low, how about teenagers murdered in London, i believe the 17th died yesterday and we are not even half way through the year, the previous highest number was last year with 27 deaths, likely to be beaten by this years figure.

One point concerning the assertation that crime rates are at an all time low, how about teenagers murdered in London, i believe the 17th died yesterday and we are not even half way through the year, the previous highest number was last year with 27 deaths, likely to be beaten by this years figure.

This thread's not about that though. It's about a measurement of the forum's performance and increases in visitor and posting numbers.

If you want to talk about crime figures wouldn't it be more sensible to start a thread on the topic?

Welcome back Mr Contrite, I was only thinking this week that I hadn't seen you on here for a while!!!

I know we've had a few battles on here over the years, so you'll be surprised to know that I actually agree with you on this one.

What has happened whilst you've been away, is that a large majority of posters whose preference is for a Tory government have taken over the forum in the political debates.

To be fair to them they are being quite clever, they throw a few articles in which criticise the Government, or an opinion poll that shows Labour in dissaray, or details of Labour sleeze; when you then challenge them to explain their feelings in more detail or try to tease them into discussing political issues they then back off.

I don't actually blame them for this tactic as it's exactly what Cameron is doing at a national level.

Unfortunately though for those of us like ourselves who like to discuss issues, the consequence of these lack of actions, is that debate is and will remain stifled.

So come on those of you wanting to see the Tories elected, come out of your closet and talk to us about the key areas that matter to people and what your party is going to do about them.

I must admit I missed last nights thread that another poster referred to, I'll have to go bak and stick my twopenneth in!!!!


Thanks for the welcome, but how can anyone actually support Labour with all the cock ups they are committing, Scottish Labour in disarray, the 10p tax rate debacle, fuel prices continuing to rise (something easily remedied by reducing the 65% tax creamed off by the govt without actually losing revenue) Tony Blair knew exactly what he was doing when he stood down, letting Gordon Brown take all the flak, and of course not forgetting the credit crunch, the likelihood of higher interest rates, falling house prices, negative equity, and then there is the higher population, house building falling behind the govt projections, the list is seemingly endless.

I have, until recently, always voted labour, but in all honesty i could never bring myself to vote for them again.

This thread's not about that though. It's about a measurement of the forum's performance and increases in visitor and posting numbers.

If you want to talk about crime figures wouldn't it be more sensible to start a thread on the topic?

I was simply responding to a post on this thread mentioning amongst other things the crime rate.

It was and is my contention that the threads are still there, they just get stifled now because one half of the political spectrum refuse to discuss any issues that their particular political preference are weak on.

Look, it is really straight forward. If you join in a thread and post words that other people don't agree with you can expect them to not agree with you.

If you want to discuss something else that is more to your liking then kick of a new thread called something like Why I think that Gordon Brown Is Fabulous.

Then we can all discuss your opinion. But otherwise, don't blame other people because it isn't going your way... you sound like the PM.

Look, it is really straight forward. If you join in a thread and post words that other people don't agree with you can expect them to not agree with you.

If you want to discuss something else that is more to your liking then kick of a new thread called something like Why I think that Gordon Brown Is Fabulous.

Then we can all discuss your opinion. But otherwise, don't blame other people because it isn't going your way... you sound like the PM.But I thought that was the point of SF.

People post pro-left wing, pro-immigration, pro-homosexuality views, and anybody who disagrees gets banned. Not for saying anything offensive, not for making personal attacks, but for saying you think something is morally wrong. The lefties can call right-of-centre types every evil under the sun, even just for having views no stronger than a tabloid columnist, but heaven forbid anybody has a go at a lefty or a homosexual apologist - out come the banning sticks.

Well, that'll be me excommunicated I expect.

Dashpot how dare you even suggest that things aren't dealt with fairly on this board..

HAHAHAHA i love the left wing conspiracies on here

how come then SOME rightwingers havent been banned, and how come some left wingers HAVE??

REMINDER:The thread title is 'What has happened to the forum?' , not 'which political stance do you take and how do you justify it?'
Stay on topic please.

Now see what you've all done! You've strayed off the path of righteousness,AGAIN!. We'll all be smote now ... or is it smited?

Anyway I'm off to the pub now, have fun! x

This is certainly better, a bit of banter, disagreements between posters, biased govt figures.

I'm glad you feel that way OP, you see, there is hope yet.

REMINDER:The thread title is 'What has happened to the forum?' , not 'which political stance do you take and how do you justify it?'
Stay on topic please.

You see here's what I'm trying to illustrate, here comes a mod with a warning, yet the posts are still there, they weren't offensive so they should be left.

Its not so long ago that the thread would have disappeared along with a number of posters in a massive over the top reaction, that only succeeds in hacking people off and making the site look bland uninteresting and boring.

There are others who would still want to get out the bleach though, take my thread, it disappeared, Geoff brought it back, then it got locked almost immediately, and then it got reinstated again.

There are those here not playing the game fairly, but what you did quite frankly I find very encouraging and is a perfect illustration of a fresh approach to running a site with intelligent unbiased regulation.

Arnt the 'good' and 'interesting' threads like a good conversation .... or debate, and wouldnt any lively conversation or debate evolve into other subject areas of discussion that is loosly related to the initial conversation/debate?

But I thought that was the point of SF.

People post pro-left wing, pro-immigration, pro-homosexuality views, and anybody who disagrees gets banned. Not for saying anything offensive, not for making personal attacks, but for saying you think something is morally wrong. The lefties can call right-of-centre types every evil under the sun, even just for having views no stronger than a tabloid columnist, but heaven forbid anybody has a go at a lefty or a homosexual apologist - out come the banning sticks.

Well, that'll be me excommunicated I expect.

I think your spot on there :help:

Now see what you've all done! You've strayed off the path of righteousness,AGAIN!. We'll all be smote now ... or is it smited?

Anyway I'm off to the pub now, have fun! x

Your barred :hihi:

I don't think the wolfman is actually ranting? He doesn't tend to specialise in page long posts like Titanic99 and he doesn't post stuff merely to wind people up as we were reliably informed that Titanic does. He just makes his points and moves on. IMO. :)

In response to the orginal point, there's still plenty of cut and thrust going on, it's just in a slightly more muted form. Many people have been cowed by past events and tend to let things lie these days.

Slightly more muted form. ! I think youve said it there !:rolleyes:

I agree that there are not that many interesting debates though.A lot of light hearted banter which a lot of people want, but I am not good at that as I dont get the innuendos:huh:

See, we're all still here even after straying way OT, and no blood on the carpet.

QED I believe.

But I thought that was the point of SF.

People post pro-left wing, pro-immigration, pro-homosexuality views, and anybody who disagrees gets banned. Not for saying anything offensive, not for making personal attacks, but for saying you think something is morally wrong. The lefties can call right-of-centre types every evil under the sun, even just for having views no stronger than a tabloid columnist, but heaven forbid anybody has a go at a lefty or a homosexual apologist - out come the banning sticks.

Well, that'll be me excommunicated I expect.

Well put Dashpot. My sentiments exactly.

People post pro-left wing, pro-immigration, pro-homosexuality views, and anybody who disagrees gets banned. Not for saying anything offensive, not for making personal attacks, but for saying you think something is morally wrong. The lefties can call right-of-centre types every evil under the sun, even just for having views no stronger than a tabloid columnist, but heaven forbid anybody has a go at a lefty or a homosexual apologist - out come the banning sticks.
Well, that'll be me excommunicated I expect.

The problem is Dashpot, is that some people seem unable to either debate these issues properly, justify their statements or just revert to personal insult.

There seems to be more people who fall into the "Daily Mail" view of life who post like this - but that is to be expected I suppose. :|

There seems to be more people who fall into the "Daily Mail" view of life who post like this - but that is to be expected I suppose. :|

Not another Rich. :rolleyes::rolleyes:

It always astonishes me that people always moan about the forum yet saty. I mean, the simple solution to something you dislike is simply to stop using it and walk away. It isnt rocket science so if you really dislike this place then go and stop whinging about it. No one is forcing you to stay and there are many more forums out there that might be better suited to your ideals etc.

AO :)

It always astonishes me that people always moan about the forum yet saty. I mean, the simple solution to something you dislike is simply to stop using it and walk away. It isnt rocket science so if you really dislike this place then go and stop whinging about it. No one is forcing you to stay and there are many more forums out there that might be better suited to your ideals etc.

AO :)

If people felt that strong about it they would leave but surely they are allowed to pass comment or voice an opinion without being told to leave or the help desk is that way.

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If people felt that strong about it they would leave but surely they are allowed to pass comment or voice an opinion without being told to leave or the help desk is that way.

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Maybe Geoff should do an annual forum survey which asks the users how we feel and how we think the forum can be improved for the better. I am all for voicing opinions etc but I am also a firm believer in being proactive with it. Maybe through this medium we can actually voice our opinions and do something positive to change the forum for the better.

The problem with users posting positive and negative feedback all over the place is that we don't read all the posts and therefore lots gets missed. The forum suggestions area is one way of keeping it all together and of course the Contact Us page.

The reality is that thousands of users are active and online every day and it's generally the same small circle of people who start the "the forum has gone to pot" threads over and over - making it hard to know how representative they are of the general forum population. The idea of a user survey to get a true picture is certainly something I've considered and now might be a good time to have another look at it.

One final thing to mention is that all communities, from online forums to village committees, always have people who disagree or think they could do things better - it's just a fact of life. That's not to say you should ignore them, just accept that you're not going to please all of the people all of the time.

it's just a fact of life. That's not to say you should ignore them, just accept that you're not going to please all of the people all of the time.



Well said. :thumbsup:

The response to this thread Man kicks down wall and loses a foot (http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=365029) epitomises, to me, what has happened to the forum recently. Once, there would have been a more balanced response with maybe only 50% saying he deserved it. Now, it seems the hang 'em and flog 'em brigade are in the ascendency.

The irony being that many of the posters on that thread will have been the same ones decrying the break down of society on other threads. To my mind, the absence of compassion is more worthy of concern than this perception that society is in decline.

The response to this thread Man kicks down wall and loses a foot (http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=365029) epitomises, to me, what has happened to the forum recently. Once, there would have been a more balanced response with maybe only 50% saying he deserved it. Now, it seems the hang 'em and flog 'em brigade are in the ascendency.

The irony being that many of the posters on that thread will have been the same ones decrying the break down of society on other threads. To my mind, the absence of compassion is more worthy of concern than this perception that society is in decline.

I just have to make a quick post here to agree completely with Max.

The absence of compassion in society today horrifies me, and really makes me fear for the future. Thatcher clearly did her evil work well in managing to destroy society.

No-one seems to feel the pain of their fellow human beings any more.

No-one cares about the pain and damage they inflict.

To me, to have compassion is the greatest quality a person can have - but so few seem to show it nowadays. :(

What has happened to the Forum - and what has happened to the World?

StarSparkle

1-to-1 chatter posts removed. Remember that two wrongs don't make a right, so if someone is baiting you just report it rather than reply. Closing.