Controversial Threads

[Forces of Steel]

Suppose there's a thread or two about controversial subjects -- would you tolerate them?

Threads about politics, race, gender, sexuality, religion, and so on are what I'm talking about. Where do you draw the line with intervening?

Should these debates be encouraged on forums? Why or why not?

 

[R44]

I encourage debate. Some healthy debate is good but when it's just attacking another viewpoint then things get removed

 

[Joshua Farrell]

The threads themselves would probably get my attention, but if most of the users participating in the thread was decent enough not to personally attack anyone, or whatever it is about, then I usually let it run it's cycle.

 

[Lord Saru]

I think controversial threads are a 'GO'! Because, controlling them is basically what my job is and I love using the mod CP too much :lol:

 

[VirusZero]

I don't mind having topics on controversial subjects at all. (If anything I've probably started a few of these topics myself...)

I think having a debate can be good because there are times having someone else's point of view can cause us to reconsider things. Like we hadn't thought of something in a certain way before.

However, I do draw the line at when it goes from debate (attacking the ideas/issues) to ad hominem (attacking the person). Like if someone is talking about why the Android (or apple) OS is better and then the other just drops in with "you're dumb" then that's where I'd be likely to intervene. Essentially, keep things about the idea and not each other... and if you can't do that? Get out of the debate.

 

[Atrox]

Much like many of the others, I don't mind debates and sharing of views, but when it switches from a debate/viewpoints to personal/group attacks that's where it crosses the line.

 

[Geoffrey]

I'd watch them more closely than other threads, but I wouldn't immediately get rid of the topic. And even if a problem arose, I'd warn those members involved and clean up the thread, but still leave it open. I'd likely only remove/close the entire thread if it continued to cause problems.

I've never had much of a problem with topics getting out of hand though in all my years of running forums. Only a couple instances stand out where I or my staff had to intervene.

 

[Cosmic]

Depends on how controversial.

My policy on threads that blow up is this: if someone derails the thread, it's not the thread's fault, so penalize the user, not the thread. However, when the topic is the kind of topic which is just asking to be derailed, such as something that's a religious or political attack, I definitely close it. I've definitely given topics leeway before, as I think that generally users are the problem, not topics.

 

[Chris K]

Depends on how controversial.

My policy on threads that blow up is this: if someone derails the thread, it's not the thread's fault, so penalize the user, not the thread. However, when the topic is the kind of topic which is just asking to be derailed, such as something that's a religious or political attack, I definitely close it. I've definitely given topics leeway before, as I think that generally users are the problem, not topics.

I agree with Cosmic. I've ran some big forum based websites long ago and at times I would have some interesting threads take off and had to be stopped. I would typically remind everyone of the rules and let the mods do their job and if it continued to get any worse then close and hidden it goes. It's a shame not EVERYONE can be an adult about certain subjects.

 

[CyberFreak]

I feel that these sort of threads should be encouraged if you have a community that can handle controversial discussions and debates. If you have a forum aimed at younger people then I would try and discourage these type of discussions as they are more likely going to explode into a massive problem and a heap of trouble to deal with.

 

[mtntopfreebies]

I encourage debates, I have a subforum set up for it specifically. However, I still remind everyone using that subforum that everyone is entitled to their own opinion even if it differs from your own. Debate it, yeah go for it...But remember whether you think it right or wrong it is opinion and should be respected even if you don't agree with it. You wouldn't want someone tearing into you for your opinion...
Let it run, if it gets out of hand close it or clean it up...your choice.

 

[JLogan]

As long as the discussions that are going on are legal, then I see no reason to disallow them. Some discussions surrounding controversial topics should be moderated to make sure that everyone isn't insulting each others moms. But, yeah. Controversial topics should definitely be tolerated.

 

[Cierra]

I allow them, but watch them to see if they get too out of hand-i.e racism, insults, etc-if so, instead of ending the discussion I'll split off the offending posts and leave the thread up. If there's a good discussion/dialogue going on why end it I say.

 

[Thomasss]

You mean the threads that increase my popcorn intake? I allow them; a healthy debate is entertaining and is shown to be pretty healthy for you, and the community.

Now if it starts getting into all the highschool drama of name calling and insults, then I delete those posts and tell the users not to post it in anymore; but I don't stop the debate. I am a firm believer in restricting the person who caused it rather than restricting the entire community due to one's actions. If many people are taking in on the threats and what not, then I just close it and tell them to make a new one when they can be more civil. As long as it stays civil, I'm fine.

 

[LadyAnna]

Nothing wrong with a good healthy debate, as long as things are kept civil, and on topic, I'll allow them.

For natural reasons these type of threads could use a bit more overseeing though, don't want them to go out of hand where people just bash each others.

 

[Sharon]

I love occasionally participating in controversial topics. It's just unfortunate when the other poster suddenly backs off and lose interest in fighting for their opinion. Particularly, after spending about an hour gathering information and their sources to back up my point only to find the other person has no interest in doing the same. 🙂

 

[Teapot]

I encourage the discussions on these controversial topics all the time. I think it's great to read what other members have to say about a touchy subject. Things usually don't get too out of hand, but I usually have them heavily moderated. Just to make sure no one is being bashed for their opinions and such.