I believe the existance of mods on the site is needed. The guidelines are there, we all know them and for the most part they are just common sense. Mods are there to sometimes remind us that the guidelines are there.
I've only been here for a couple of years, but I've found that 99.99999% of the members here are decent, respectful and mindful people. On the "hobby" forums, the threads contain great exchanges regarding the many aspects of our hobby... save one... the 3D sculpting forum had some instances of heated mudslinging but simply by removing one shitdisturber (who turned every thread into an unpleasant conflict) the 3D forum has become a spot where the exchange of ideas on this new tech can be done in relative peace. The same shitdisturber was known to raise a fuss in the other forums as well.
The "Lounge" is a different story altogether. Put 5 or 10 guys together in a cafe, pub or bar and allow free reign on the subject matter and eventually, someone will disagree with someone else... human nature. Opinions are like arseholes... everyone has one, each one is a little different and nobody really wants to hear from another one's. We are allowed to disagree. With respectful exchange, even if one's opinion can't be changed, a better understanding of of someone else's might be gained. Subjects like politics, religion and sports can stir emotions almost every time. As adults, most here have been adults for a long time, we expect people to respect our opinions... sometimes what is forgotten is the need to respect other people's as well.
If a topic is presented that one finds they can't participate in without getting too twisted up or offended... don't read it, don't join in, don't start a fire... just ignore it and read another thread. Just because you disagree with an opinion or find something offensive, is it really fair to say "I don't like what's being discussed here so no one should be allowed to discuss it"? Just because you don't like a show on TV, doesn't give you the right to take it away from everyone else who might enjoy it.
To bring this rant back on topic.... I don't blame the mods, they are reacting, in most instances, to members complaints. My comment is directed at those that force the mods to take these actions. If you don't like the show that's on, change the channel... don't complain to the network until they take the show off the air and take it away from others. As well, don't dive in on a discussion in such a way that it goes from a discussion to a fight, thereby, forcing the mods to step in when the arguement gets out of hand.
There are alot of people here from around the world and if you take a second, you might get a new perspective from someone. If you'd rather not do that, don't hold the rest of the membership hostage to your ideals. Stick to the hobby specific threads.
Finally, I don't envy the Mods... you guys spend your time and energy doing a thankless job (ask any referee from any sport).
Thanks
Colin (the non-Mod)
