Cheezo01,

Political discussions here and throughout the web attract people who like to argue and bully. Such threads feed feelings of revenge and schadenfreude, and are often inhabited by those afflicted with problems like, for example, borderline personality disorder. These discussions often descend into personal attacts and boorish behavior. They can lure the most genial of folk into anger and escalation.

But this is not limited to discussion about politics. Simple opinion attracts like conduct. Some folks are quite adept at such things and can take over the tone of an entire forum. I'm sorry that our heated discussions have led you to taking a less active role here at JPF, but I understand it, they have done the same for me.

I must confess that for a long time I enjoyed debating politics and opinion here on the board, but have come to realize that in the virtual world of the web, such debate never has resolution and simply goes on in an unending cacaphony that spirals into meanness and aggression. Quite simply, the meannest folk take over. I've lately entered such discussions in a limited manner, trying to present my position and allowing myself only a few exchanges.

I see value in the art community to be able to share their differing opinions, but I don't see how it is possible to carry on such discussions without each thread having clear rules to which posters agree and a dedicated moderator who can be present nearly continuously. It's simply not possible, so my vote would be "no politics." Expressing opinion about music is difficult enough.

You've got to know your limitations. I don't know what your limitations are. I found out what mine were when I was twelve. I found out that there weren't too many limitations, if I did it my way. -Johnny Cash

It's only music.
-niteshift

Mike Dunbar Music