Debate Threads: A new label

BobD · #1 10-29-2007, 10:00 AM

Hey everyone,
In the past couple months, there have been some pretty serious debates on the forum. Technically, they relate to carving...and technically, there is a lot of good information in them.

BUT...

There are also some strong emotions, opinions, and statements in them that could easily sprial out of control.

AND...

They can be really intimidating to a new member. So...here's the solution I've decided to use.

When topics like this come up in the middle of another thread, I'm going to strip them out and put them in a thread of their own (case in point, the Picture Frame thread and the Acorn WIP thread).

I really want the original thread to be there as a resource because there is a lot of good technical information in there...But I don't want a beginner to get intimidated by the debate (which is distantly related to the thread). And when there is a strong debate going on...while I will make sure the Bill of Rights is followed (ie...you have a right to a forum free of personal attacks) I'll leave the facts up, but label it a DEBATE THREAD. Be warned, though, that there are some pretty stong arguments going on in the thread...so it's not for the faint at heart! There is good information (which is why I keep it) but also strong emotions.

Let me know if you have any questions!

Bob Duncan
Technical Editor

Just Carving · #2 10-29-2007, 10:23 AM

So, like, if I say you shouldn't break out the "debate" part from a thread, and you, like, say it should, then you'd have make a "Debate Thread" on the "Debate Thread"? COOOL!!!

Seriously, thank you. It can be intimidating, distracting, and down right annoying when a debate ensues and you're trying to follow a thread for the knowledge value--almost to the point of my becoming discouraged, and I've been coming here for a few years. I can only imagine what it would be like for a newcomer.

I guess that means I'll stay a little bit longer!!

Hi_Ho_Sliver · #3 10-29-2007, 11:03 AM

good idea Bob! It is sometimes better to talk out a disagreement than to walk away with hard feelings.....and when you get down to it, the majority here are friends and can handle a good healthy disagreement.....very good solution..you get an extra attaboy.....which is only good for 1/10 of an "aw sh--" LOL

AlArchie · #4 10-29-2007, 11:06 AM

Not a bad idea, Bob. However, I still don't see why we should get too involved in making points over who has the best burners, knives, wood suppliers or techniques.

I, for one, would like to hear of different preferences in all of these areas and am more than willing to answer questions on supplies or techniques of any kind, but will ALWAYS, at least from now on, let those asking know, that these are only my opinions, and there will obviously be other opinions that are just as valid.

And as responders, I'd like to suggest that there are numerous levels of skill and experience expressed by those asking for advice. Some, just beginners asking about specific tools to get started with for specific goals in mind, and some more experienced asking for input on how to expand their carving and burning experiences.

For instance if a newcomer is asking for input on a good knife to start out with, I think it appropriate to ask what type of carving they are interested in doing, then suggesting knives that will suit that purpose. Same with the size of tools......if someone is asking about a specific set of tools, answer that particular querry. Further comment, such as "You may find, after carving with (x,y,or z) for a while, that you may want to expand your repetoir by trying (a,b, or c) which you might find more useful in some cases."

Some carvers are quite content to stay within their choice of genres and there are others who will always strive for new horizons. Neither of these groups is inherently wrong or necessarily right....it's simply a matter of personal choice. Artistic ability is something that can be developed and improved, but not everyone has the inherent ability to do truly artistic work. Let's encourage all to reach their own particular pinnacle, but let's not deride anyone for not being able to achieve a particular level.

Same thing goes for burners......there are a myriad of suppliers out there with different models for different purposes and economic choices. Most of these are excellent tools, and there may be strong personal preferences. I built my own and was quite pleased with the reults, but kept frying the transformer. I have since secured a commercial model and it works every bit as good as my home brew one did.......no better, no worse, except for the transformer part. And that was my own fault for not figuring out the amperage draw from the pens. I have found a suitable transformer, and as soon as Allied Electronics (that's not a plug, it's just the only place I could find the right power supply) gets that particular one back in stock, I will order it and put it to use right alongside the commercial model!

Sometimes, it's best to take a step back, look at a response with a bit more of a "loose" eye, and find that maybe that wasn't meant as personal as we took it originally.

Al

BobD · #5 10-29-2007, 02:25 PM

Feel free to start a WIP testing your new Razortip, Pippin!

Bob

BobD · #6 10-29-2007, 02:41 PM

No...he or she will have to re-subscribe

Mitchell · #7 10-29-2007, 02:46 PM

Good idea Bob.

Ashbys · #8 10-29-2007, 06:32 PM

Pippin ,

I can help here, Susan's thread about the Colwood burner was started as an professional test opinion. The entire thread is devoted to that end. One professional , one opinion , one burner sent to the professional to be tested by that person. We were lucky enough to see the process, and the opinion of the professional. Thanks Susan.

The other thread, was not about the rasertip as a test. It was a request for opinions of personal choice. Because it was about personal opinion, and as such it was controversial .

I would love to see the same type of thread done with a razor to see the differences between the two , or any real system or tool.

Eddy Smiles · #9 10-29-2007, 09:21 PM

Bravo Bob... While technically educational I see it as counter-productive to debate as hotly as some of the threads have been. If I was a newbie to the forum I would view them as a turn-off and a poor example of what WCI has to offer. Labeling them as a debate can't but help improve first opinions!

brian bailey · #10 10-29-2007, 11:26 PM

I have a suggestion, if and when a debate thread is started, it would be nice if you would link it to the original thread that the post(s) where stripped from.

That way someone reading the debate thread can read what actually started the debate.

In the debate thread that I'm credited for, most people (especially after some time has past) won't have a clue to what post # 31 or any of the other post numbers that I referred to, to keep the verbiage down.

This is just my opinion, this policy will pretty much put a damper to a free flowing exchange of ideas. I know I'll be hestitant to ask or question something from now on.