Afraid to post?

[Regit]

I've been looking back at some of the posts from '03. I thought maybe I'd find where all the discontent comes from. It didn't take long.

Unfortunately, it goes back to politics. The oldest posts are from the time of the buildup to the Iraq War. Anyone who disagreed with the staff (except Stephanie) were called evil, traitors, bad Americans, and were invited to leave the country. I have to give kudos to Stephanie for making it through all that without calling a few people a few choice words.

The attitude of the staff could have only led to two outcomes. Either S2K would become a fringe political board, or the outsiders would begin to go batty and tell people off. Obviously, the second happened and it made for even more discontent.

This might not go over well, but you can't call people (or allow people to be called) such names without creating a huge number of enemies who end up going other places and turning other people against S2K. There was NO respect on this board back then, and it's going to take time to heal the wounds.

Now, S2K is HUGELY improved since then. On a national scale, cooler heads have prevailed since 2003. Some might attribute the improvement here to the no politics rule. However, as I said in earlier posts, politics is still prevalent on the board. Most members, most of the time, are good at sticking to facts and steering clear of name calling.

There is still a way to go though. Despite what some staff members have said on this thread, there have been cases of staff saying things and getting away with it when a regular member would not have. Some things have been downright vicious. I won't name examples on the open board.

I don't think there are too many rules at the present time. The problem is selective enforcement. Now, anyone is welcome to say that this never happens. I'd be happy to discuss it via PM.

My previous suggestions for ways to improvement still stand. However, I will give kudos here to the staff for this thread. It's a step in the right direction and gives hope to members like me. I'm just hoping some of what is being said here is followed through.

[budrizr]

People are shocked that this thread is even here, and that says something.

We were shocked when someone first said he was afraid to post -- http://www.storm2k.org/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=93747

I doubt that much of the weather board community would be shocked at that comment. It's the perception that's out there.

[kevin]

Yes I do remember being called in so many words a traitor and/or a fool. For doubting WMD claims. For doubting Al Qae'ada connections. For criticizing the prosecution of the war.

And I have been for military adventures before. I have called for military intervention before when others were unwilling.

Whether politics is germane to a weather forum or not is inconsequential. When it was here, there was a ruling cliche and I was on the wrong side. It left a bitter taste in my mouth which I still have to push aside in the present conversations. The only thing which has kept me around was the sure knowledge that I was advocating the right policies. Knowing that diversity of opinion is necessary for the maintenance of any community.

This is a soul searching thread I think.

[kmanWX]

People are shocked that this thread is even here, and that says something.

We were shocked when someone first said he was afraid to post -- http://www.storm2k.org/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=93747

You guys were?

I'm shocked you guys haven't deleted this thread yet!!

The conception going around the weather community is this... These types of threads on this board will not remain open to posting for a long period of time!!

[Dustin]

lol that's funny....

[Lindaloo]

People are shocked that this thread is even here, and that says something.

We were shocked when someone first said he was afraid to post -- http://www.storm2k.org/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=93747

You guys were?

Yeah because it was the snowman. Big bad snowman.

[Janie2006]

I thought the Snowman was joking?

OTOH, there's a lot of history I'm not aware of.

[Lindaloo]

I thought the Snowman was joking?

OTOH, there's a lot of history I'm not aware of.

He was. lol. He was a moderator here.

[Miss Mary]

It has come to our attention that some people are afraid to post. There is no reason for anyone to be afraid to post here. People have different opinions about alot of things, topics can and will go a different way. But, there should be no reason that anyone should be afraid.

Anyway, we would like some input on this matter since it was said that SOME people do not post for this reason. We always welcome ways to improve things for everyone. If you only tell one person this then the problems will not be solved. We here work as a team and are willing to listen to your thoughts (no matter what).

I felt it necessary to quote what this topic requests of us. Again. No one should be walking on eggshells here. At no other time have I felt 100% so comfortable in being so honest here. Maybe it's because I'm fixing to burn that bridge or heck blow it up, who knows, but the time has come for many of us to voice our opinions on this topic. This should, in theory, be a safe place to be flat out honest and we should all take no flack for doing so.

I wish I had time to sift thru the many replies here because it seems as if there's a divide growing here now - Admin/Mod vs members. Some members don't want to be brutally honest. I say screw that!

Finally, I loved Jen's suggestion for one rule - the golden rule. AMEN! Oops, that's of religious nature......BRAVO! It's really simple, do unto others.....and all that. It's easy when you apply that rule in your own personal behavior.

I'm done, for now. Next.....

Mary

[LSU2001]

First and foremost I would like to say that of all the boards I frequent this is the most respectful, helpful, encouraging, and all around nice board I have experienced. Since discovering this site in the run up to Hurricane Ivan, I have been an avid reader if not poster on this board. Every year since then I have made a financial contribution (small though it is) to the oweners of this board simply because I value the community, the information, and the caring attitude of the majority of the regular posters here.

Maybe I have a naive opinon but I have posted things on this board that went against the prevalent attitude and was never denigrated or belittled. I came to this board thinking that since I was raised up on the Mississippi Gulf Coast after Surviving Hurricane Camile I knew about tropical weather. What I found was that my knowledge was a barely functional misunderstanding of the most powerful and deadly weather phenomena on the planet. I have since read, learned, questioned and yes debated many topics both about weather and non-weather related topics. I would venture to assume that my experience is very similar to many on this board.

I can vividly remember getting into some political debates in the old sub forum that were rather heated and were probably not necessary now that I look back on them. I distinctly remember that the bad feelings that surrounded the political discussions were distinctly uncomfortable and my biggest fear at the time was that politics were going to destroy the fabric of this wonderful community. When Chad and Marshall decided to ban political topics and comments I for one was glad, even though I have to grit my teeth and not say things I really would like to say in certain areas but I digress. My main purpose for frequenting this board is for Tropical Weather. I have no problem with the idea that the OWNERS have the right to make rules as they see fit and I have the CHOICE to either come to this board or not. What is the problem with this concept. Personally, if I go to a board that makes me uncomfortable I choose to not frequent that board. Simple as that!!

I also remember that in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita there was an outpouring of concern for our members (including myself) on the gulf coast. The truly wonderful information, concern, caring, and giving attitudes of the people of this community was amazing to me and was greatly appreciated. Living through the stress of the aftermath (even though I was only mildly affected) was made much easier because of the people on this board and their attitudes.

I have not posted much since the summer of 2005 mainly because of my work and family obligations in addition to changing jobs not once but twice and relocating within the state in the past year. I will shut up now since I am rambling but please, please remember why this board is here and our role as members. We are here primarily to support each other and to share our interest in tropical weather. Any other discussions etc should be secondary to helping each other understand, appreciate, and respect the destructive potential of Weather.

Rant over,
TIm

[southerngale]

I haven't replied in this thread yet, but I have been following the posts the past few days as I have been able to get on here and thinking about what's been said a lot. I have been paying attention to all the opinions expressed in this thread and appreciate everyone's honesty. I understand what a lot of you are saying, and while I don't have time to respond to individual posts throughout the thread, I do want to say a few things.

I will state my opinion on things and how I wholeheartedly disagree with someone, but even as mods, we're entitled to our opinions, and we're free to post them. If we use our mod power to ban, suspend, or warn a member simply for having a different point of view is where the problem comes in. We all know better than to do that, so if you think that may be happening, please PM another mod or an admin. I try very hard to remain unbiased while "moderating" although I will state my opinions, so if you think I'm being unfair at any time, please let me (and/or another staff member) know.
I am saddened to think that we could be losing good members due to the way things are going here. Although we'll never please everyone and we certainly don't want to keep trolls and obvious troublemakers around, we also don't want to alienate our members. It is all of you who've made this board a success and we want you to stick around here, and make Storm2k even better. I love Storm2k. It's been my weather home for several years and I've made good friends here and enjoyed the camaraderie. I hope it's ok to say that it hasn't felt quite as "homey" lately to me and I want to do whatever it takes to get back to where we were.

[JenBayles]

I wish I had time to sift thru the many replies here because it seems as if there's a divide growing here now - Admin/Mod vs members. Some members don't want to be brutally honest. I say screw that!

Finally, I loved Jen's suggestion for one rule - the golden rule. AMEN! Oops, that's of religious nature......BRAVO! It's really simple, do unto others.....and all that. It's easy when you apply that rule in your own personal behavior.
Mary

OMG! Mary! [whispers] You said, "scr*w!"

Thanks for the backup too.

[angelwing]

I know that if I was brutally honest I would be banned and I do not want to jeopardize that, I like coming here so I just keep my mouth shut, it's better that way

[budrizr]

I know that if I was brutally honest I would be banned and I do not want to jeopardize that, I like coming here so I just keep my mouth shut, it's better that way

This is an example of what I was talking about. I hope the staff listens and learns from their members.

[Miss Mary]

I know that if I was brutally honest I would be banned and I do not want to jeopardize that, I like coming here so I just keep my mouth shut, it's better that way

Sorry but I have to disagree. Never has there been a better opportune time to speak your mind, as now, with this topic. Sorry yet again if I keep bringing it back to its premise - the Admin/Mods are asking for our input. It is as simple as that. You can speak your mind, with respect to all. I know my language in my last post is unlike me, but I personally feel the Admin isn't getting it! We want the atmosphere here to be better too, as Kelly pointed out. That comaraderie feel, what I like to call - all for one, one for all, attitude. But with respect to opposing viewpoints (even Political, I say bring it on!).

Guess I wasn't done before...but I am for now. LOL

Mary

[Lindaloo]

I know that if I was brutally honest I would be banned and I do not want to jeopardize that, I like coming here so I just keep my mouth shut, it's better that way

You are just fine angelwing.

[Janie2006]

Regit:

Now, S2K is HUGELY improved since then. On a national scale, cooler heads have prevailed since 2003. Some might attribute the improvement here to the no politics rule. However, as I said in earlier posts, politics is still prevalent on the board. Most members, most of the time, are good at sticking to facts and steering clear of name calling.

I don't think you can completely eliminate politics under any circumstances, given that so much of our lives is informed by political persuasions of one form or another. So, I agree with you.

However, the nagging question at the back of mind is: Would we have the same situation erupt if the "No Politics" rule were rescinded? Would it be possible for the board to exist even in its present form? I have to say that I just don't think its possible at this point in time. Maybe passions are running too high. Maybe the perceived split in the board is a micro-reflection of the split in the country as a whole. I don't know. I know I don't want the board to rip itself apart and that is exactly what I fear happening. I'm trying to work my way through these matters.

I suppose this isn't really a response to you per se, Regit, maybe I'm just rambling on and thinking aloud.

[Janie2006]

Okies, still thinking aloud here. I'm in agreement with many of the other posters on this thread. I think the key word is respect. Can we respect each other and work (and post!) together despite and across our differences? I don't know, and this is why I'm apprehensive about the situation.

[senorpepr]

I know that if I was brutally honest I would be banned and I do not want to jeopardize that, I like coming here so I just keep my mouth shut, it's better that way

I know I haven't said anything yet in this thread, but let me take a moment here. Angelwing, please take this opportunity to be brutally honest. The only way we, as a collective team, can learn is by honesty. This thread is giving the admin/moderation team some very helpful insight to getting Storm2k on the path to better serve the community as a whole. I know that I, along with the rest of the moderators, have been reading these posts very seriously. Please... help us (the staff) help us (the whole forum).

If you still think your comments on the open board are not appropriate, PM me or another moderator. I give you my word that I will take your PM seriously and will share it with the rest of the team (even in an anonymous fashion if need be) and take any necessary action.

Thanks!

[GalvestonDuck]

Ditto what Linda and Senor said -- there's no rule against honesty here.