I've only been a regular FTE user for 3-4 months, so maybe I have no business commenting on this. However, I also think there is another side to it, which is, that I can offer an objective opinion from a relative newbie.

I came to FTE looking for some help with my Ranger. Not only did I get the information I needed, but I also got a lot of laughs and some very interesting viewpoints from a wonderful variety of people across North America and indeed the world. What also kept me coming back, in many respects, was the civil nature of the discourse b/t the people who contribute. And I read quite a few posts before I started joining in.

I have noticed a bit more acrimony in some of the GC threads lately which I attribute to the state of world affairs. There are many people who are locked and loaded in terms of their political beliefs, whether they be liberal, conservative or otherwise. When they see something posted contrary to what they believe, they react as if it was a personal attack. And when their opinion is challenged rather than accepted, the digression begins. It's not that the people are bad, they are simply in no mood to be challenged. Their defenses are up. When a country goes to war, I think that is one of the consequences which is felt at home.

I am a staunch supporter of one person's right to express their opinion on what another person has posted for all the world to see. But that's where the opinion should be pointed - at the subject matter of the post. Not at the person who posted it. Sometimes it takes a darn good effort to discredit someone's position without embarassing or insulting them personally. That effort has to be made, though, each and every time. And even then, sometimes you may slip up and offend someone. It happens. But you have to make the effort.

That being said, I do not see the webmaster or the moderators as being heavy-handed with regard to maintaining basic standards on this site.

Just my .02

 

I’m only going to post one time about this incident, and I think this is the perfect thread.

I want to go on record as supporting Ken and the moderators, they keep this site the excellent forum for discussion that it is. I have been to other sites that don’t have FTE’s level of moderation and they inevitably turn into places where no meaningful debate can take place.

Ken and I have worked it out, and this is in no way intended to stir up controversy or create any more work for Ken than he already has to deal with. I feel however, that while Ken has had ample opportunity to present his story, I haven’t been given the opportunity to present mine. So I’m going to do it only once, and as briefly as I can.

I’m going to start by admitting that I let my emotions at the time overcome my judgement, and I overreacted to the situation.

This is the PM I received from Ken, I believe he has posted it elsewhere.

The PM said nothing about posting to FTE guidelines of content, it in effect said, stop posting controversial opinions. Unfortunately, my opinions are not always those of the majority, and are controversial.

I tried not to be personal or confrontational in my posts, but as Rockledge pointed out, this can be very difficult, especially when there are a very limited number of individuals involved in the debate. If I offended anyone, for that I apologize. It was never my intent.

I felt I was being singled out, which I found out later I was not. Yes, I was the focal point, but it’s hard not to be when you’re opinion is that of the minority.

I viewed the PM as in effect being a gag order. While it was not an outright ban on my ability to post, if I’m not able to post my opinion, then in effect, I’m not able to post. That is what I based my post on being banned from the General Forum on. I read between the lines when perhaps that was not the intention of the PM.

I’d like to point out that I have only on one occasion had a post edited for content or a personal attack, by Greywolf, in which I had gone back and edited my own post prior to even being contacted about it.

Also, Ken did in fact send me a PM urging me to explain my reasoning behind the "banned" post before I was suspended. Unfortunately, I was unable to access a computer, and didn't get the PM until it was too late. Had I got it in time, I would have replied with a post very similar to this one, and I think that the entire situation would have been avoided.

My posting rights have been re-instated, Ken and I have worked it out, and as far as I’m concerned, the incident is water under the bridge.

Waxy

 

My feeling ..is...and always has been that the very essence of a discussion , debate is that you actively Solicit Everybody's opinion's ....not JUST those that Agree with you. The responses made by the "in-house regulars" too the Contrarians is either an affirmation of the acceptance of ALL opinion's are Welcome or a confirmation that "we really don't want to Hear what you have to say". I always try to Keep two basic axiom's in mind...(1) We all stand on the Shoulders of those who came before us....and(2) Our Arms are TOO short to Box with God. to wit...(1) everything we have and enjoy today Has already consumed the Blood , Sweat , and Tears of those that are waiting for us in a Better and greater kingdom , and (2)Figureout who the real enemy IS before you choose sides..........fd

 

I too am new to FTE but I must say the manner in which it is moderated is second to none. I feel the your demand for integrity is what allows for the quality of debates I have witnessed on your site. Keep it up.

As for Waxy, he may be alittle " rough around the edges," but that is what I like about him. He tells you what he thinks, without all the sugar coating. I may disagree with most of his opinions but I have alot of respect for him. Peace to all.

 

group hug time..... er uh never mind

 

This is a great site and has a lot of great users. I think it is well moderated and Ken should be commended on providing such a great site and for the service it provides to Ford Truck Enthusiasts. I do think that some of the threads did get carried away with name calling instead of meaningful debate, and I was discouraged from reading them because of that. I have learned a lot (or at least remembered some things) from these threads of debate of political issues. It has helped me to remember and stop a look at both sides and be more open minded. I do consider myself conservative, but I try to listen to the other side so it helps me to understand their logic and how better to debate them. I have my beliefs and opinions and am proud of them, but I try not to force them onto anybody. It's just like the elected officials of our country. They don't all agree on the issues, but a lot of them are friends dispite their political beliefs. That is what makes our country work.

 

Thumbs up to Ken for the great job with FTE and for maintaining standards of decency.

 

I'll join in to an say "Thanks Ken".

I think for the most part, people are happy with the way you run the site. Keep up the good work.

 

I am with the majority two thumbs up for Ken. Great site. I ride a Yamaha Banshee. the only forums on the net for them are vulger usless web sites that I cant stand. I appreciate the structure here.

 

I have not been on this forum for very long, and I will be the first to admit that I have made a few controversal posts....I would like to apologize to everyone..and to thank Ken for the outstanding job he has done here.

 

I belong to a lot of similar forums (and I own one of them), and I think Ken has done a great job over the years. I don't post here much, but I have been a member for a long time.

Trust me... Moderating is a much bigger pain in the butt than being moderated is.