CCC -

>>I have been in a silent protest of our forum being used by some here as a personal soap box to spout off about this that or another! It got to turning my stomache, and I mean this literally. I was finding it unenjoyable Kevin. My idea of a "foodie forum" is to talk all things food and have FUN! The daily grind of my work life, and sometimes life in general are darned hard to take. I come here to our wonderful forum to escape that garbage and find inspiration, and . . . .
>>

nothing wrong with that sentiment. been there, done that. abandoned some places and never gone back.

Some places "ban" specific topics like politics, religion, sex, etc.
such topics are banned even in a "chat" section. not a bad approach, imho.
the Forum focus - 'Chat' or not - is "Cooking" - not, for example "Current Political Trends" - or whatever . . .

some opinions on some topics just start wars - that's a historically accurate situation.
some opinions on some topics just don't "sit" well with 100% of the population.
has something to do with "mankind" as I dimly interpret.

could be a non-mainstream opinion objected by a mainstreamer, or a mainstream opinion objected to by a non-mainstreamer. there's no accounting for taste or opinion.

there is no method to "control" opinions, so discussions on specific topics are simply dis-allowed.
the "allow anything in Chat" is a neat theory, but puts a huge burden on the "Moderators."
it's rather unrealistic to expect Moderators to be available with a finger on the Delete button 60x60x24x7 - so when something contentious is posted, it very likely will be seen by "some number" of members - and of course one needs a universal definition of "contentious"

when the thread gets openly and obviously out of hand, . . . .
well, it's then too late to avoid offending "someone"

so, one has to develop the ability to ignore and let it go by without pushing up one's blood pressure. your reaction of "taking a break" is a very good approach in my experience.

when I find a specific place just keeps my blood pressure at a boil, that's the point it's time to make a decision about whether or not it's "my kind of place"

I for one have always appreciated the "chatter" topic-option here because I often have things I wish to share, vent about, or banter back & forth on that aren't always food related, like holiday shopping, presents, art, making a snowman, my Mom's maladies, difficulties I might be having at work, etc... any number of topics that don't logically fall into the "pie" or "barbecues" range. I'm also gay and that's come up countless times in my natural line of conversation on all topics from family-feeds, to ice-cream cones! But my own personal rule is to try to not speak on, or at least try and remain nuetral on two things: politics & religion. I am VERY opnionated on these- as all folks tend to be. And many times even good folks disagree, and even amongst the finest, most caring and empatheitc people ever, disagreements on these matters can hurt- or alienate. Anyway... I like the idea of not being censored- of retaining the freedom of choice, to speak on anything I choose. But I do feel a duty to remain polite and proper when discussing them. I'm a family-man here... a total team-player. I'll go along with whatever we're told to do- or whatever the whole family decides. Or however it's handled. I'm like Cathy and Nan... if something happens that I'm uncomfortable with, I'll just address it directly and speak my mind- OR, I'll take the other approach and drop-out for a bit to cool-down.

Thanks Mama.

You're welcomed Janie - we have the freedom of speech - many countries don't - and opinions don't hurt - as long as there is no flaming against a family member here - I don't see a problem.

It's not always easy to be a moderator - and this site is very much like a family - remember - I put you guys back in the playpen - so play nice - I don't like it when one of you get your feathers ruffled over something. I am a peaceful person - and I want peace here as well.

Do I show favoritism? No - I am an equal mama-lovers-her-family mama - even when the going gets tuff!

>>I for one have always appreciated the "chatter" topic-option here because I often have things I wish to share, vent about, or banter back & forth on that aren't always food related,

griz -

I shore don't gottum any problem with that outlook. a chat section can encompass a whole lotta schufft - but best under-done in terms of "outrageous personal opionions"

there are regrettably some topics that inherently have "hot buttons"
"hot buttons" create conflict / flames / un-niceties.

politics, religion, sex, FBI, IRS, President-du jour - obvious examples.

but "pure cooking" is not exempt: to wit -
how much does a cup of flour weigh?
how sharp is sharp enough for a kitchen knife?
what's the "best" [fill in the blank] ?
the 'only authentic' recipe / version for [fill in the blank] is . . .
and my personal fav . . .
cornbread does / does not contain sugar. one lump or two?

I've seen situation where perfectly amiable Forum members are 'discussing' "something" and a newbie wanders in and totally flames / toasts / broils _everybody_ out of the water. "people" react - and things likely go not-so-well from there . . .

heh, it happens [sigh]