The Controversial Topics forum - Keep forum or New posts to peoples blogs

I have been watching the Controversial Topics forum and the threads in it.

I have decided to allow Controversial Topics, but now I'm wanting feedback on whether to keep it as an open forum, or whether I should close the forum to new threads vs. directing people to post Controversial Topics they wish to discuss in their personal blog here.

Your thoughts and comments are appreciated.

NOTE: If we confine Controversial Topics to personal blogs here, new posts and new blog entries will not appear in the Latest Posts or 'Since last Visit' lists. To watch for new blog entries, people will have to go to the Personal Blogs (http://elsmar.com/Forums/blog.php) page. Personally I do not consider that as problematic.

Marc,

Please keep the controversial topics forum open. I personally do not like the personal "blog" idea. I like the open, frank exchange of ideas, and I can deal with (some) of the off-the-wall responses...;)

Stijloor.

I like the open, frank exchange of ideas, and I can deal with (some) of the off-the-wall responses...;) That wouldn't change. The content and posting 'rules' would stay the same. The only 'inconvenience' I can see is that people will have to check the 'Blogs' page to track what's new in blogs. Most of the 'regular' features of threads are available in blogs (such as notifications of new posts to a blog entry).

Marc,

Please keep the controversial topics forum open. I personally do not like the personal "blog" idea. I like the open, frank exchange of ideas, and I can deal with (some) of the off-the-wall responses...;)

Stijloor.

:lol:And in the spirit of true debate...:lol:

I like the idea of the blogs... it allows one to carry on more of a frank discussion and allows for more interesting discussion. With blogs, one can develop their own "camp", and people can go there for "protection" or to "attack"!:D

I think it is much better to keep it open. If it is only on the creator's blog then it could seem in some way more personal and therefore attract a higher risk of any dispute brimming over into the personal area.

I like the fact it is out there. If anyone is going to complain about it they should take heed of the warning. Hopefully if an alligator hisses at these people, or a rattlesnake rattles, they leave it alone. The red worded warning at the top of the page easily gets the message across.

With blogs, one can develop their own "camp", and people can go there for "protection" or to "attack"!:D This is sorta what I have been thinking. I also have a concern with keeping the main forum focus, especially as seen by visitors, on what I always call the 'business' threads and forums. But, I guess the same could be said of the 'Coffee Break' or 'Humour and Jokes' forums being distractions.

I prefer the blogs - I visit this site because it is the best "Quality" gathering place -

I am a user of the "Since Last Visit" search function. And as of late, there are more "Controversial Topics" that have been updated than core threads.

I am really impressed by the current civility in some of these threads - but I didn't come here to discuss climate change or presidential the presidential election. That belongs elsewhere.

As alwys - just my :2cents: worth!

I actually like being able to see which controversial threads have had new responses since my last visit. It helps me stay current on, well, current topics outside the quality realm. I find myself insulated from the real world when I immerse myself only in quality matters. In other words, Marc, whatever you do will be ok, we will learn to adjust:)

I prefer the blogs - I visit this site because it is the best "Quality" gathering place -

I am a user of the "Since Last Visit" search function. And as of late, there are more "Controversial Topics" that have been updated than core threads.

Yes, I've really noticed that too - the controversial ones now seem to dominate, & have pushed just about everything else off the radar. Which I think may have a snowball effect - the more views & responses there are, the more there are, etc. It makes it harder to keep up with what's going on in the main quality forums, which I think a pity.

Though I did go look at the TechGuy forum, & understood a bit better what Marc is talking about.