Something that has been bothering me

[lbaker]

If I remember correctly, while in Germany there was also comment about Sara (The E's Sec'y) rolling around in saurkraut but that might of been said in some tawdry sarcastic comment. A weak attempt of humor no doubt.

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Originally posted by momoffuzzyfaces
EVERYTHING in the world will offend SOMEONE, SOME TIME, SOME WHERE! We could all sit in the corner and never move and SOMEONE SOME WHERE would be offened by that.

Agreed 100% MOFF.

Anyone ever hear of the saying "Live and let live?" Seems appropriate here.

I have no idea how all this started since I mostly avoid the doghouse topics. Not because I would be offended, but because I have enough controversy in my life without adding more. And actually, I try and keep controversy to a minimum in my life because it's just not worth the aggravation.

Well, I'm off to the Thursday thread and some nice relaxing, fun banter and oops - heaven forbid - possibly a cyber drink or two!

[Randi]

Originally posted by lbaker
Edwina's Sec'y, her hubby and several other Euro PetTalker's all met in GERMANY, during OCTOBERFEST and took pictures and talked and laughed and told happy stories about their wonderful fun meeting. They happened to mention beer that they drank while eating and visiting a beer garden. Some people found it - I believe the word was - GROSS. You can't please everybody all the time.............

Uhhh, I even think wine was mentioned in one post.

No, seriously, I can understand perfectly well that some people hate alcohol. Dealing with alcoholics is NO fun!! I've known a few.
BUT, the thursday thread is pretty harmless in my opinion. AND most of the members must know by now what it's about (virtual drinks, fun and joking), so why not stay away from that forum if you dislike it so!

Some people seem to go out of their way to look for something offensive they can complain about!

Loosen up and join the fun!

Just my 2 Kr. (danish)

[gini]

Originally posted by lbaker
Edwina's Sec'y, her hubby and several other Euro PetTalker's all met in GERMANY, during OCTOBERFEST and took pictures and talked and laughed and told happy stories about their wonderful fun meeting. They happened to mention beer that they drank while eating and visiting a beer garden. Some people found it - I believe the word was - GROSS. You can't please everybody all the time.............

Yes, Laurie, you are absolutely correct. That Sara - wouldn't you know! And Barbara and Randi.......what is the world coming to.

Let's pull that post back up and go rant and rave. As I recall, there were EVEN PICTURES!!

I sit corrected

[Soledad]

I saw it was all the Europeans' faults. They're so permissive!! The second our pure Sara leaves our shores she falls into their spell.

[micki76]

Well. Not surprisingly so, you’ve all taken Aly’s post an turned it to a completely different topic. I think the original point (let me speak for you here friend ) had nothing to do with alcohol (of which I personally freely partake ), but more of the language that’s appropriate for a family oriented site. I personally am not asking you all to close Thursdays, or stop having heated debates, or lively discussions. I usually like to participate in those too. But I think we need to curb a bit of the innuendo, to use a word that was used earlier. Think about the things you would say out loud if young people were sitting in the same room with you. Think about the other people that are cyberly sitting in the room while you’re “talking”.

I don’t think vulgarity requires swear words or talking about explicit acts, Soledad. It can be as little as an insinuation.

Johanna, use me and abuse me! Actually, me niece isn’t exposed to any of those things. Her mother does her job as a parent and I try to be a good aunt as well. I know she shouldn’t be reading the doghouse and she doesn’t, but without that supervision she probably would. All I’m saying is that to a lesser parent, Pet Talk is deemed a “family friendly” site, much along the lines of Nick and Disney. Some parents don’t have the time, or won’t make the time to sit next to their kids while they surf, but I too wish they did.

I know it’s no one’s job to parent the kids but the parent, but as a family (and that’s what we are, aren’t we?) shouldn’t we care enough about our young people to restrain ourselves a bit. Just as you would (hopefully) do in front of young family members or a friends children?

Oh and BTW – believe me Aly’s truly not a prude and I’m far from it, so don’t think we’re offended by anything said here, we’re just thinking of the kiddos!

[Pam]

Once again Logan has spoken the thoughts that have been rolling around in my mind, although much more eloquently than I could ever put down. Prime Time TV is much more bothersome to me than a thread in Pet Talk. A lot of the shows that are geared to young kids are sending messages which are much more harmful in my opinion. TV is hardly worth turning on any more. I would hope that parents are paying attention to what their kids are reading/looking at on the computer as well as watching on TV. They have the ultimate responsibility.

The thing that irks me these days about Pet Talk is the "argumentative few" who seem to want to fight and be as mean and nasty as they can whenever they can. This type of hostility has driven away many members and that saddens me. After being at work all day, people would like to come home and read something fun (yes even the Thursday threads!) but they often have to sift through endless arguments that should be handled by PM. OK, I'm off the soapbox too.

[Barbara]

Originally posted by Soledad
I saw it was all the Europeans' faults. They're so permissive!! The second our pure Sara leaves our shores she falls into their spell.

LOL! Beware of Europeans!

Cataholic, Soledad, Gini......
you're very welcome

[catland]

Originally posted by Pam
The thing that irks me these days about Pet Talk is the "argumentative few" who seem to want to fight and be as mean and nasty as they can whenever they can. This type of hostility has driven away many members and that saddens me.

You are quite eloquent Pam. Well said.

So the question remains, what do we do about this? How can we come together to police this site and make it once again the jewel of the internet?

I know that one solution is to PM people that you think may have crossed the line.

You can also PM Karen when you believe that a person or thread is out of control.

What solutions do others have?

Here's just one idea - How about if each of us promises ourselves that for every reply we make in the Dog House, we'll go and read a pet-related thread in the Dog/Cat/Pet forums or go look at a Dog/Cat/Pet of the Day?

[Soledad]

Ya know, I really don't want to be receiving PMs because someone's offended by a mention of alcohol or because of a heated political discussion. I've had the unfortunate experience of getting some rather rude PMs as is. I'd like to not continue the experience.

[clara4457]

Originally posted by micki76
Well. Not surprisingly so, you’ve all taken Aly’s post an turned it to a completely different topic. I think the original point (let me speak for you here friend ) had nothing to do with alcohol (of which I personally freely partake ), but more of the language that’s appropriate for a family oriented site. I personally am not asking you all to close Thursdays, or stop having heated debates, or lively discussions. I usually like to participate in those too. But I think we need to curb a bit of the innuendo, to use a word that was used earlier. Think about the things you would say out loud if young people were sitting in the same room with you. Think about the other people that are cyberly sitting in the room while you’re “talking”.

Ummm... was wondering when this thread would get back on track. Have to agree with Aly and micki76 on this one. I don't think it is the joking, humor, cyberbar or political debates that she was referring to. Rather the sexual innuendos that give you a visual image of what you would watch on HBO after 10pm. So although I personally do not find it objectionable, I would never discuss it in a room of 10 year olds.

I do not think that you can stop the topics that are unobjectionable (is that a word - the grammer police may get me) to all people. Religion, politics, abortion, dating, medical decisions, etc. have all been discussed here and many times they are interesting lively debates that are very interesting and informative. I for one would miss hearing different opinions about different topics.

[zippy-kat]

Originally posted by micki76
It can be as little as an insinuation.

Johanna, use me and abuse me!

I'm calling you on this one, Micki. You know I think of you as a great friend but 'practice what you preach' comes to mind.


Kayann, I think it's ironic for one who listens to music with many vulgarities -including lyrics from your fav. artist- to rant how much alcohol/drugs/sex/etc. offends you (granted, you said the latter two "sometimes" offends you while the first ALWAYS offends you). I also looked back to your first post in which you simply stated your opinion; you did not out-and-out seek controversy thus, I hope you don't feel as though I am picking on you. I know you have had not-so-good situations with alcohol as a facilitator however, it is as someone said: what offends you may not offend others. What if I said pictures of Simba offend me? (They don't, just using an example.) Would you cease to post those pictures or would you continue to post so that the mass of pet talk -members or not- can enjoy them? I could be wrong but I think you'd continue to post them, with the attitude of "If you don't like it, don't look."

That attitude is what is being conveyed here. If you don't like it, don't look. I can see where the sexual references were deemed inappropriate. In the same stride, they are/were toned down and innocent compared to COMMERCIALS that appear during kids' television programming. (herbal essence, anyone?)

I do like wolfsoul's idea of only being able to view doghouse as a member. But even that would not resolve all problems.

I do agree "the" teenage site is yucky-gross but understand (or as *I* understand) Karen does NOT own that board. This one is owned and therefore things CAN BE done. I don't always agree with her moderating policies but hey, it's another matter of "you say tomatoe, I say..."

This is of particular interest to me, as in class we are discussing ethics of the internet. Should you assume that, by logging on, you will be subjected to distasteful scenarios? Is it a matter of 'becareful what you click?' What rights do users have? What guidelines are established and who establishes them? While this is fascinating--and timely-- it is also disheartening. I've spent the last couple of weeks on pet talk 'vacation' due to strife both on and off the board. I began browsing the forum two days ago only to find it was SSDD. (If you don't know what that means, don't ask as it might offend you.)



Sorry to intrude, I'll return to my self-imposed term-paper exile now.

[2kitties]

Originally posted by Soledad
Ya know, I really don't want to be receiving PMs because someone's offended by a mention of alcohol or because of a heated political discussion.

Me either. If I call someone an ugly name or say something in reference to something illegal- feel free to flog me.
I'm am sorry but I am simply not interested in being policed- I do not feel I've ever said anything that would warrant that. Any controversial remarks I make are restricted to the Dog House, where I feel they are appropriate. While I pledge not to be explicit or out of hand, I do not feel it necessary to censor myself to children in this forum. If that becomes the case, I will respectfully leave when asked, because that isn't why I come here in the first place. The appeal would be gone.

[Kfamr]

Originally posted by zippy-kat


Kayann, I think it's ironic for one who listens to music with many vulgarities -including lyrics from your fav. artist- to rant how much alcohol/drugs/sex/etc. offends you (granted, you said the latter two "sometimes" offends you while the first ALWAYS offends you). I also looked back to your first post in which you simply stated your opinion; you did not out-and-out seek controversy thus, I hope you don't feel as though I am picking on you. I know you have had not-so-good situations with alcohol as a facilitator however, it is as someone said: what offends you may not offend others. What if I said pictures of Simba offend me? (They don't, just using an example.) Would you cease to post those pictures or would you continue to post so that the mass of pet talk -members or not- can enjoy them? I could be wrong but I think you'd continue to post them, with the attitude of "If you don't like it, don't look."

Tonya you have NO idea on how much I DON'T listen to that sort of music anymore. A year or so ago, I would have LOVED to go to the rap concert I went to a few weeks ago. I didn't want to go. I didn't one bit actually. My sister wanted me to go, my sister wanted to bring me to my first concert. I'm not even into that sort of music which talks about sex, drugs, alcohol and so on. Yes, some of Nelly's songs may have it in there, but, again I rarely listen to songs like that.

If pictures of Simba offended you, I ALWAYS state in my subject like that there are going to be pictures, thus, you have the choice of not going in or going in. I don't see any thread stating"Adult Content" -- Which there should be, I think -- But it's sad PET Talk has to have such things, as they shouldnt be here in the first place.

[zippy-kat]

Originally posted by Kfamr
If pictures of Simba offended you.....

Originally posted by zippy-kat
What if I said pictures of Simba offend me?
(They don't, just using an example.)

Somehow I have a hard time picturing you listening to country or worse...B-r-i-t-t-a-n-y!

Ok, back to the term papers I go...