[Irish]

Originally Posted by Hi_Ho_Sliver

Bad title, has nothing to do with "Rights" It is a list of don'ts! We had this discussion once before about attempting to control people..this business about all posts are to pertain to woodcarving are about as off base as you can get....read the posts! There is more personal contact, jokes, humor, prayer, personal contact than any of the woodcarving posts! To continue the helpfulness of this site, this must not change...otherwise everyone will be "off topic"!

The purpose of this forum/message board is to be a safe, comfortable, friendly place to share our experiences and learning about our craft, wood carving. It is not nor have I ever seen that this forum as noted as a place to insight riots over politics, race, or religion. It's not meant as a personnal soap box for anyone's personnal agenda.

On this forum I have been flamed three times ... the first because I am not a conventional, conservative of a particular religious group - the second because I am a radical woman's rights proponent and the third time because I don't use a carving glove!

Only one of those flames was appropriate to the topic of this message board ... the one about the glove.

When I was asked to become a moderator for this message board I accepted the responsiblity of protecting this board, promoting this board and supporting this board. To that end there are times that I have and do set aside my own personnal agenda making the board first, not me ....

It is one thing to joke about our wives and husbands, odd daily occurances and funny experiences ... they don't start riots. Politics and religion do. If anyone has a great burning desire to discuss these topics there are message boards and forum specifically for those topics, please use them.

My Opinion!

Susan Irish

(OK, Bob, I have made my opinions know in public, on the board, instead of through the PMs ... Please ban me for my first offense!)

[Ashbys]

Bob D ,

I have no issues with the guidelines. I personally have few issues with anything I have seen posted. I try to respect other opinions, I might not agree with them, but I accept the fact they have them, and respect them for those opinions.

But there are usally three things you can not talk about without causing problems with others, politics, theology, and the use of a stop cut.

I understand stong feelings exist about all three, two have no rationallity they jump beyond friendly conversations to the influence of feelings. If they did not there would be no wars in the history of man.

I will abide by the rules and if I do step over the line ... delete me

Garry

[Ron Davidson]

I have no problem with what you have written Bob. We on this board tend to stray to different topics at times and I think it is as you stated that we are a very close knit community that we care for each others feelings and thoughts but there are certain things that will start bad feelings and arguments and that is politics. So I agree with your removal of such topics. Thanks for your hard work Bob.
Ron

[wood-whittler]

i am good with it also glad it has been done.

bart

[Paul_Guraedy]

This is a board of passionate woodcarvers. Many members of this forum are recognized as artists, most of the others fit into this category.

We love our craft. Along with improving our creativity, we want to assist others with their efforts. This can lead us into areas of stongly held beliefs that work for us and, we believe, will work for others.

Discussions of these strong beliefs, directly related to woodcarving, may strain the bonds of our friendship; but in the end, we are able to agree to disagree and remain an extremely amicable community.

Several of my local friends and I have had to reach an agreement Basically, it is that we will not discuss certain subjects. Each of us have unbending beliefs in these particular areas. Discussion would, as it has in other cases, lead to the end of friendship.

This is a unique group of friends, gathered from many walks of life, coming from different cultures, with one common glue...woodcarving.

I think BobD's posting of the boundaries for our forum is sufficiently generous and will keep us out of the areas which might tear us apart. I agree with Garry and Susan, when I drift outside of these guidelines.....I ask any moderator to delete me, and I assure you there will be no rancor on my part.

[squbrigg]

Thank you Bob for the Bill of Rights as recognized for this site. I agree with the intent and the execution. I could see the direction some of the discussions were taking and stayed clear. It is too easy to escillate into a fight, and I'm here to enjoy craving and carvers, not discuss sex, politics or religion!

Thank you for protecting our haven!

Bob

[Just Carving]

Topics related to woodcarving, toolmaking, painting, pyrography, etc. are what belong here. An occasional joke, anecdote, things that happen to us in our everyday lives, etc. belong in Off topics. But religion, politics, personal opinions that could flare up into major problems don't belong here.

Somewhat along similar lines, sometimes, I might post something that seems funny to me, or I might come across as being an obnoxious jerk. In that course, I might offend someone. If I have done that, I sincerely apologize. My humor does have its "pithy" spots. If someone sees me do something stupid, send a quick PM to me to let me know about it, and I'll make sure it doesn't happen again.

[cerndog]

This is slightly off topic, but since you are talking about community, I just want to commend you folks on a fine one. As a bit of an outsider, (someone who doesn't post much but always gets excellent response and help) I noticed how you folks are like "family" and "community." You know each other personally and when a post drifts off like a real conversation, this really shows. I think that's a good thing as long as no one gets hurt or offended. It makes this a spontaneous place and keeps it interesting.
But most of all, it is a very informative, entertaining and welcoming place to visit. There is some outstanding talent on this forum and it always seems to be shared quite readily. You all are an ispiration to us newbies who love to visit, but don't always speak up. There are probably a lot of us out there, and you all keep us coming back.

Mike Cerney

[Thor]

Thanks Bob. I appreciate the work you and the moderators do to keep this board a friendly place.
I value this message board for the shared information as well as the community feeling between everyone from beginners to the amazing talents present. You are doing a great job. It makes a perfect compliment to the magazine.
Thor

[Kenny_S]

Well now, liberal or conservitive, no religion or all religion, It boils down to who has the biggest hammer, BOBD.
I have never cramed my love of GOD and being a conservitive Christian down anyone's throad on this board but sure see the anti Conservitive and non Christian post here and that is find with most of you. So be it.
Never complain to Bobd or any of his staff, but apparently some have, So be it.
You can denie me access or my ability to post about GOD, which I haven't, but you sure can't denie my GOD given Rights to Freedom of speach. That to is in the Constitution.

Now BobD, not a slide towards you nor anyone else here.
It just appears some post are premitted but if you don't like it, deletion. Been there!
Ok, just my opinion and to me, the only one that counts.
Nah, ya havn't stepped on my toes folks, Just hilarious watching a once great board, go down hill.
I am done!