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Post by Thinking on May 22, 2009 10:28:44 GMT -5
OK - in the Stark County News, they ask about this forum and the abuses. They question on keeping it up or not. Here are some of my thoughts - let's see if they make the cut.
While I agree that there are some people that abuse this opportunity, it is a forum to express opinions.
I believe that the rule of not slandering people by name is reasonable. I do believe that there is a different threshold to be used for elected officials and the general population. I agree that using initials instead of a name is inappropriate. I do not agree that using vague references (such as "a certain lady") constitutes a breach of the rules.
I also believe that the rules are correct in saying that You must not employ any language that could be construed as being racist, homophobic, or hateful towards anyone or any group of people. Includes using peoples and groups names in a nonconstructive manner. But then I can't figure out what happens to some comments that to me anyway are actually constructive. For instance, maybe I dreamed this, but in the thread about after prom I swore there were positive references to the fact that a gay couple attended and there were some responses in the positive to this. Now I don't see those even though the rest of the comment is there. Am I missing something? The comments were on topic and just included a reference (in a positive way) to the statement that a gay couple attended. I don't understand why such references would be removed from within the comments. Again, maybe I'm looking at something wrong.
There are other instances of such things that have been deleted. There are instances of absolute vulgarness that do get deleted rightfully so - what I don't get are references that do not name people, are factual or even if they are an opinion, they do not violate any rules - written or common sense. So again, I just don't get how it is decided when censorship is used.
So in response to the newspaper article, I do think this is a valuable service. I do think that sometimes people cross the line and their posts need deleted, I also think that the editors need to be more open as to what crosses the line. Expressions of opinions are great even if they are very weird sometimes. Slander is not good. I also think that the responses that come to the paper will mostly be from people that do not use this board.
Personally if you choose to shut it down, it may not be a bad thing the way things are currently run. The editors/moderators go too far some times. If the paper feels that it is in their best interest to shut it down, so be it, that is their right. But, even though I disagree with a number of posts, I do like the idea of a place to express opinions and have discussions from different points of view.
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Post by Thinking Also on May 22, 2009 11:36:20 GMT -5
My two cents is that it is a great forum and kudos for the Stark County News to have a blog forum.
I think that if anyone who wanted to blog was REQUIRED to register first, that it would cut down on a LOT of the name calling, etc. If these people are aware that the editor knows who they are, they are not going to get out of hand. No "guests".
I agree that people in elected position should be able to be referenced to by name. Part of being in a position like that is people are going to agree and disagree with you and bloggers should be able to mention names and discuss their opinions on decisions made by public officials.
Concern consistently fights with people on here. If he had to register and have his/her identity known, would he still act like that? I wouldn't think so.
Keep the blogs, just make sure the editing of it is consistent. Sometimes it appears biased towards deleting blogs referencing certain people or hints of people. Historically newspapers report all sides of the issues--whether they agree with them or not.
Freedom of the Press.
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mcg
Citizen
Posts: 28
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Post by mcg on May 22, 2009 16:57:40 GMT -5
I think people should have to register so that editors would know who the people are that are being nasty!! I also think it should be ok for names or at least initials of elected officials can be used. There should be no name calling andd just be nice and if you can't stick to the rules, then be deleted from the member list and not be allowed to post.
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Post by mbkelly on May 23, 2009 8:19:16 GMT -5
I think everyon who posts should have to be registered in order to do so. Posters could still have a user name, but the paper would know who was doing the posting. The Peoria Journal Star operates a forum under these rules and has much success.
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Post by my roots are here on May 23, 2009 15:41:48 GMT -5
I personally would hate to see this discontinued. Granted, I was a target in a previous post, and the things that were said were horrific. Were the things that were said true? Unfortunately, yes. But those were things about my personal life as a child that I had no control over, and were no ones business, not to mention was way off the topic. Does that matter when it comes to freedom of speech? I think it should. It was quite a shock to read what was said...more like mortifying!!
I grew up in Toulon. Toulon is home to me. Though I do not live there now, I do plan to move back "home" after my children are all grown. My work brings me to the area a couple times a month and I love that. My "home is important enough to me that I will be returning to Toulon to marry my best friend next month. I keep up with whats going on by this website and these blogs. I get to read what goes on behind the scenes via this blog.
I think making everyone register to post is an excellent idea. Atleast they will know who is saying what.
Thanks to everyone who maintains a cool head and sticks to the facts. And also to those who post things about whats going on in the community. It keeps me connected when I cant be connected any other way.
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Post by kb1fua on May 24, 2009 15:37:38 GMT -5
I would like to see the board stay. It is very informative, and much needed. I too, would like to see all posters registered. Then the moderators/editors will know real names, and e-mails, and can delete posts, and people as same. I think that it is a shame that no one can post, or reply with out "concern" turning into a personal vendetta because he thinks his belief is the only one that is right! Half the time, what he says is total lies, and fabricated stories. He gaines nothing in these forums, with the exception of being known as a fool, and liar. I think the loss of this forum would be sad-but, if this has to be, it has to be. It is a shame, that we have gone so far to take for granted what we have here. I am just as bad, and will try to refrain from such.
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Post by stark cty mom on May 24, 2009 20:09:27 GMT -5
It's sad that there are always those who ruin it for others. These boards are great for sounding off, not acting up or acting like fools. Freedom of Speech is something that was fought for and earned for us a long time ago. It is , in a sense, a legacy from our fore fathers. It should not be taken from us nor should it be abused by those that govern us or by our fellow citizens!
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Post by Wondering Why on May 25, 2009 9:27:55 GMT -5
Back on the "TOPIC"...I thank-you "Thinking" for posting this thread after the article in this weeks paper. I agree with you on almost everything you stated, except not when it comes to only being registered to use this board, so the Editor will know who the person is using it and can delete anything he deems necessary. If, one lived in LA or New York, the blog would stay on like "Twitter" but, here in Stark County when everyone knows everyone and everyones business from many generations back, it wouldn't be a good thing to have residents know or even the Editor know who is posting what. This board has brought many good positive ideas and information daily to all of us with a computer, and we all should be very glad we have it....I for one am and will be very disappointed if, it's shut down. HELP.....I downloaded Jason's video with our Rebel Football Players at state onto my wallpaper, so I could always replay it, to remember the great memories we all had...question: will it get deleted if, you shut down the Stark County News Blog? ? Thank-you Stark County News for bringing me many hours of enjoyment with your blog.
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Post by Wyoming Guest on May 25, 2009 20:15:30 GMT -5
This forum is an ideal outlet for anybody and everyone to present their ideas, concerns, solutions, suggestions, etc.. to a host of important topics. It has been a valuable medium for the general population to discuss and debate various issues. Unfortunately, it has been corrupted and de-valued because of a lack of moderation. Certain individuals have continuously been allowed to spew their venomous words or have been allowed to stray from the original topic of discusson. What this forum needs are several Moderators who are responsible for policing the contents of the posts. If someone gets out of line .... delete the post. If the same person repeatedly violates the code of conduct ... suspend them from further interaction. This may necessitate the need that all posters be registered; so be it.
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Post by Thinking on May 26, 2009 10:57:32 GMT -5
well for some reason a couple of my posts are gone, I'll assume it was a glitch in the system because I can think of no reason they would have been deleted. The post I put on here was:
Just a note - I don't think that I was the one that brought up required registration in my original post.
But anyway, if this stays on here, thanks Wondering Why for agreeing for the need for the topic.
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Post by Wondering Why on May 26, 2009 11:23:52 GMT -5
Thought I better get my Thank-you out quickly to "Thinking" before it gets deleted...I have no clue what they want us to post on here.
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Post by just a thought on May 26, 2009 12:14:04 GMT -5
They only want you to post how well the socialist gub-mint functions and how the taxpayers are not paying enough. They also do not want anyone to know that there are felons in the area. no, they dont want you to talk about people and run them in the ground on topics not related to it. you do it all the time concern. you are the one that has ruined thisforum! you have no humanity in you what so ever! you have picked on so many people on this board, making accusations, stretching the truths, name calling, anti government talk, and down right rude comments about people on here you may or maynot know. not everyone is the same way you are-and i for one am glad i am not, and my family and friends! i will miss this forum, and the many different boards used here, all because of YOU concern!
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Post by Jason Musselman on May 26, 2009 21:54:35 GMT -5
Thank you everyone for your ideas and opinions. You can rest assure that you will always have a place to express your thoughts here at countyenews.com; however, the manner in which this is done might change. We will take into account your opinions when we make this decision.
To Wondering Why - The football video is forever available at youtube.com. Just search for Stark County Rebels football, or contact me at jason@countyenews.com for a free DVD copy.
Jason Musselman Chief Operating Officer/Webmaster Stark County Communications
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Post by Jason Musselman on May 26, 2009 23:56:12 GMT -5
Please keep posts on topic.
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Post by Editor on May 27, 2009 15:46:57 GMT -5
This forum has been abused. It will change. This forum is not for personal agendas, personal political agendas, name calling or off topic conversations. It was started years ago as a means to get additional information to the public. A few posters have made it a gossip column which was never the intent.
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