Politics on the Forum - A New Policy

[Dave Homewood]

Hi everyone,

Most regular users of the forum will know that we occasionally delve into political debates which can have rather strong or even heated views, etc. I for one am guilty of this myself, and have often been the instigator of such topics.

I have never had a problem with people expressing their views on any matters before (within reason) and I think many people have enjoyed reading and joining in on the banter.

However, this week it has come to my attention that a valued member of the forum who used to post here and share his vast knowledge of NZ aviation matters has apparently decided to no longer participate due to the fact that the off-topic political content was beginning to out-weigh the value of the forum.

This is a sad loss to the forum, and it has forced me to have a long hard think about the situation. It strikes me that if this is the case with one of our valued members of this little aviation-minded community, it may well be the case with many others who have come and gone too. Perhaps others still wait in the wings and have lots to offer the forum but do not share the general anti-Labour views of the discussions.

So I have decided that perhaps it's good idea to try and knock the political discussions on the head.

I am more than happy if the political discussion is related specifically to New Zealand aviation or Defence, etc, ie on-topic matters. But that's about as far as I will go now.

I do not want to be seen to be curbing free speech and silencing views, just that sometimes it may be holding back the forum's progress in actual aviation matters if it means we're losing good members due to it. If anyone disagrees with this new view, please contact me. If you think this is a sensible and welcome move, please share your support for it here. Thanks.

And I hope that this might bring back some of our members who may have drifted away due to the off-topic politics.

[Kereru]

Sounds like a good idea to me Dave. You have my support.

Some of the politicians will breathe a big sigh of relief?

Colin

[Dave Homewood]

Thanks Colin.

[flyjoe180]

Have to agree with the sentiments of your reviewed policy, Dave. I too have been 'guilty' of following on political discussions that have detracted from the aviation flavour of the forum. It is an aviation forum, and I agree that political subjects affecting aviation or defence should be permitted. Other forums have no end of trouble with posts that are either non-aviation related or are of an offensive nature (what is deemed offensive to one may be not necessarily be deemed offensive to the poster or replier, so if there is any doubt the post or reply should not be made) and also with posts that become heated due to egos/strong views. It's one of the reasons I came to this forum from others in the first place. I think we have a good balance here, there is a wealth of knowledge to share and everyone gets on ok. I for one enjoy the forum, and I know if I have a question there will be an informed or practical response and not a 'flaming'.

A suggestion: That you change the label that says "You can discuss anything" under the General tab to "anything not necessarily of an aviation or defence nature but will be of interest to the readers of the forum in general", and maybe some clear guidelines for newbies which will also serve as a reminder to established posters (a sticky at the top as you did with this thread?).


Cheers! Keep up the good work,

Joe

[Dave Homewood]

Thanks Joe, I appreciate your remarks.

That's a good point regarding the General Board description. I will have a think about an amendment for it.

If nothing else, this new policy might stop Craig from his incessant posting of the PM's photo! ;-)

[flyjoe180]

There's a plus to everything!

[Peter Lewis]

I largely agree, Dave, as many other internet discussion groups have been ruined by one-eyed political rants and flame wars. There are other places to go for anyone who wants to participate in that sort of activity.

However, there is a valid political dimension to many of the discussions here. The current debate on the ownership of Auckland International Airport is an example. The pros and cons of that argument do have an unavoidable political dimension, and there may be members here who are well placed to contribute to the discussion on that basis.
As a further example, my own view is that, given the current geopolitical situation and the relative scarcity of the resources at New Zealand's disposal, the disbanding of the Air Force strike wing was the correct decision. I am aware that many people here oppose that decision, and they are perfectly entitled to hold that opinion. Who knows? - someone who is able to produce a cogent, reasoned and factually argument in favour of reintroducing this capability may well change my view. I feel that such a discussion, unrelated to the political personalties involved, is within the scope of this forum.

The timing of this move is probably auspicious, as with the national elections on the horizon some of the hot-heads may be tempted to rant.

[Dave Homewood]

Peter, any politically-orientated discussion that relates specifically to aviation matters, like the airport situation and the Strike Wing, etc as you mention, is absolutely fine by me. It's just the non-aviation stuff was becoming more frequent and has apparently been putting some people off.

Even when we have had discussions of a political nature there has never been any flamings and falling outs as far as I can remember so I have not had an issue in the past with it. But on hearing that such discussions may have forced some good members to be put off then I just feel we need to curb it so we don't lose any others.

Maybe come th election time if people really want to discuss the issues I will create a seperate "sin bin" board to discuss politics. For the time being we'll see how we go like this.

[agalbraith]

Great idea Dave

I have to admit to getting quite a chuckle out the comments from time to time, but we dont want to risk people being put off by it and loosing their valuable imput.

Good idea you have, and well done for bringing it to all our attentions. I think this is a great place to discuss things on. Other sites often end up in bitter political disputes that have nothing to do with aviation. This is an awesome forum and a great mix of guys, thats why I enjoy it here so much...................long may it last!

I dont see anything wrong with political chat if it relates to aviation either. It can be healthy if kept on track.

Cheers

Anthony

[kiwichappers]

Political dialogue on Kiwi aviation matters should continue. General political sniping and non aviation local television comments whilst producing the odd laugh for the most obvious quips generally leaves me as a very interested expat pretty cold. I can understand why there have been defections as a consequence.

The greatest attraction of this site for me is the vast fund of historical and modelling knowledge which is so readily shared and I would not be interested in maintaining my involvement if this were compromised,

[corsair67]

Yes, I have crossed the boundaries on several occasions, but I never intentionally meant to cause any offence with my political posts.

And as to my avatars: they were meant to keep evil spirits away from the site! ;D

I'll crawl back in my box now, and step quietly away from the keyboard whenever a politician has riled me up again. ;D

[Dave Homewood]

Posts on things like non-aviation related local TV is fine by me so long as it is in the General Discussion board area. That's what the General Discussion Board is for - non-aviation related interests. The rest of the forum is for aviation only.

[fletcherfu24]

I'm voting for Dave......is that too political?.

[Dave Homewood]

;D

[alanw]

Being a relative newbie (is that a word??) I have to agree with the sentiments expressed thus far. One of the reasons I joined this forum is the manner in which the members come across, gentlemanly and eager to acknowledge the positive aspects of another members comments/models etc.

I know people are only human and each of us has personal points
of views on one thing or another and while vigorous dialog
can be a good thing it only takes a comment taken out of context to start the sabres rattling and amidst the verbal clashing some one gets hurt/disaffects

Keep up the good work Dave this is a realy nice forum to hang out in ;D

Alan

[Dave Homewood]

Cheers Alan

[planeimages]

Concur. Politics and religion should be kept out of public forums such as this one. Besides which, politics is a banned subject for the next three years in Oz now. PF.