Should we allow some political discussions on the forum?

Post by **Scott - A2A** »

I have been admittedly on the fence on this one only because, personally I enjoy talking some politics with friends and family, or complete strangers for that matter. The key is it has to be respectful and on the issues.

Here is a good example:
I believe the X law should be passed because it will be good for A, B, and C, and this is why.

Bad example:
X is an idiot

I am truly on the fence on this one. I am leaning towards having no political discussions because of the slippery slope, but otoh, I do believe political discussion is healthy and necessary in any society. The question is can and should we be able to have it here?

Scott.

maddz · Post by **maddz** »

Hmmm it could get ugly when two people have very different views and can't agree to disagree. Having said that this a more mature forum than many out there so it's hard to say, don't see many problem users here tho, which I like

....on the other hand if you, Scott, are here talking about politics, it's less time on getting the conny out the door....

BrettT · Post by **BrettT** »

As fascinating as political discussion can be, they can also be filled with some extremely strong opinions that can tend to be quite divisive and stubborn. Presently, you have a forum that puts these divisive personalities to the side to talk about a common interest/love - flying. Personally, I wouldn't mess with it

Tomas Linnet · Post by **Tomas Linnet** »

I voted "No".

Reason. This forum is for FSX/FSX SE / P3D. If I want to enter a political discussion, I'll find a forum for that purpose. Meaybe even a forum where a comment like: " I'd Like an Accu-Simmed Lanc" would get me banned.

That said this is a very mature forum. normally there is a lot of respect between members here, so should you choose to allow political discussions, I will of course stay. I'm free to, not read these discussions.

thanks for asking!

CodyValkyrie · Post by **CodyValkyrie** »

Personally I feel that some discussions should only take place among like minded people. Politics and religion are not subjects I enjoy discussing in mixed company, and both usually lead to hurt feelings and angry rants. I already have reached the point where I'm not enjoying Facebook, and I'd prefer if this bastion of flight simulation didn't lend itself to these discussions.

Post by **Nick - A2A** »

I vote "yes" mainly because from what I can see the current policy of not banning stuff works very well here.

Discussion of politics is rare on the A2A forums anyway, but when the odd politically orientated topic does crop up, it always seems to be respectful and measured.

Having said that, I can understand that forum members living in the US in particular may be sick to the back teeth of politics at this precise moment in time: it seems there's a swing to the "no" anyway! However, it seems a pity to ban all political discussions on the back of this, particularly as it would take some other potentially interesting subject matter off the table. (Climate science, to cite one recent example from the other thread.)

I guess nobody's forced to read or to post in the topics, except perhaps the forum mods now-and-again, just to check we aren't hurling abuse at each other!

I say ban it only if we start talking about politics more than aviation!

Nick

bullfox · Post by **bullfox** »

One of my other hobbies is politics. I am a flaming liberal, but my oldest friend is an arch conservative. We endlessly discuss politics via email. We both think especially now one of the most patriotic things we can do is continue our discussion.

I am very pleasantly surprised with the intelligence of the political discussion and the lack of vitrol on the A2A forum. The discussion so far has been way above the level of other political forums I visit. Bringing in comments from all over the world is especially valuable. I commend Scott for allowing the discussion.

There may be times when discussion of major world events, such as our recent election, adds to the value of the forum. However, the forum should be mainly about flying and flight simming.

So my answer to the question is that occasionally discussing other subjects and other hobbies makes spending time on the forum pages much more worthwhile and enjoyable. Plus, it probably adds to forum traffic and the customer base and customer loyality.

Having said all of the above, when it comes to politics, at some point forum moderators will have to close the potentially endless discussion with "Thanks guys, time to move on."

Caldemeyn · Post by **Caldemeyn** »

Both ways are a bit too extreme, all or nothing, people here are a creme of the crop and able to have intelligent discussions. Such topics shouldn't be a taboo, people grow by exchanging ideas, especially divisive ones. They are not children, which would warrant banning things for their own good. These are adults, if they won't be able to speak in a civil manner, then who will ?

However we are still human and everyone has only a fragment of the picture

i believe that a mod will always be around to save the situation that is close to total derailment.

MarcE · Post by **MarcE** »

IF, then please open a new topic far far down, at "other" or something... please not in the lounge...

Sure, the Trump thing is polarising, but this is an aviation and support forum. And as long it's not about the Air Force One or his 757, it has nothing to do with the topic..

Greets
Marc

Redglyph · Post by **Redglyph** »

Voted no, for several reasons.

Firstly, some subjects like religion or politics tend to become heated very quickly, I'm not sure it's the desired ambiance in non-related forums.

Then I have absolutely no idea how competent people here are in politics, but I can't be far by assuming it's varied. I see no point in discussions by people from multiple countries having different level of knowledge, but whose main interest is probably not politics.

bobsk8 · Post by **bobsk8** »

Over the years, I find Politics and religion good topics to stay away from .

AKar · Post by **AKar** »

I am in the "no" camp typically, but this time I exceptionally will vote "yes". This is conditional on assumptions of discussions remaining polite, even if heated, and allowed to be locked with no hard feelings should the subject become too difficult. Sometimes even heated discussions are ok, and while in general I'd wish political or religious views to be avoided in forums not primarily for them, and especially in threads where they are out of place, every now and then I feel a political event or such may touch many enough, be interesting enough, and be important enough to allow some discussion. And sometimes this stands for important historical reasons, which can be relevant for a discussion considering aviation too.

On that ground, I vote yes - some political discussions should be allowed. In places where they do not belong, such as threads concerning purely aviation for instance, they should be left out. Of course, this is much to the respect of the forum and the community here. In most places, it would be an unconditional no.

-Esa

MarcE · Post by **MarcE** »

remember, Scott, this is an international forum, your customers come from all over the world.. do you want to discuss about the problems of the EU? Shall the Europeans discuss about US (Or american at all) politics without living and feeling there? In Germany for example we have nothing but anti-Ttrump-propaganda in the medias but NO real information at all..

In my opinion it does not make sense.

The Chinese? The Japanese? Thai? South Americans?

Greets again ^^

Marc

Alfredson007 · Post by **Alfredson007** »

Nick M wrote:I vote "yes" mainly because from what I can see the current policy of not banning stuff works very well here. Discussion of politics is rare on the A2A forums anyway, but when the odd politically orientated topic does crop up, it always seems to be respectful and measured.

I agree and also voted YES also because i do not want to see too much "do not do that" signs here, why? because we can behave pretty well without them!

taildraggin68 · Post by **taildraggin68** »

While I do appreciate a stimulating conversation on politics, I don't think this forum is a place for it. This forum is above par with it's membership in levels of maturity, but these conversations can and do become out of control quickly. While I do keep myself informed on the political scene here in the U.S. and try to keep up with friends across the pond, it is easy to get "lost" with the amount of misinformation presented by various state media outlets. I, personally, have found it easier to get information by communicating directly with members here via PM when I have a question on politics abroad or confirming 3rd party information sources or events.

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