I agree with this as well, however its not quite that simple.
In an ideal world members would post that theyre discussing something, that they know its illegal but only in the UK etc etc That would set up the thread so that it goes in the right direction, then everyone that answers in that thread would contribute to the subject with their thoughts etc and it would be a great thread. It would point out the places that the activity in question is legal or illegal, it would have good ideas in it, discuss the political and environmental ramifications without making sweeping slanderous statements and best of all everyone would enjoy it without an ire and get a great deal from it.
Also, the people that decide which sites go into which categories when compiling the lists of sites that are blocked by educational establishments, businesses etc would have a look and classify us on the context of our content, not on the actual face value of the content.
However, this just doesnt happen. The key to why is in your first line
closed after some members start hyperventilating when they find out that others have different views.
Generally threads stay open when people are just discussing things and getting along, they tend to get closed when people start throwing Mud and getting uptight and having a go at each other. I welcome discussion on here as long as its conducted within the rules.
I agree that theres a place for discussing things that might be illegal in the UK, although they still need to be relevant to the outdoors, bushcraft and survival etc (I dont think that headhunting would come under that
) This is an international site that accommodates people from all over the world, its not confined to the UK. If someone talks about hunting monkeys then its obviously not in the UK so theres little issue with something like that. Its the subjects like fishing that get people on opposing sides.
Youre right, I dont want to be seen condoning illegal fishing or any other illegal activity and to a point youre right when you say that people will see it in the correct context, but I have to say that this isnt always the case, Ive got plenty or emails and letters from members of the public and official organisations that have in some cases threatened me (I own the site) legally for content on here, just because its on here, they dont care about the context of it, they just care that its been talked about. This does leave me in a difficult position sometimes and it creates the situation of a fine balance when allowing some threads to continue. What usually sways it is the way that the people posting in the thread conduct themselves, its a lot easier to argue the context of a thread if the people are obviously responsible, reasonable and level headed.
Just stating that what people write is down to them and I except no responsibility doesnt really work, its my site and Im the one that has to answer for the content and that always has to be a consideration, for me anyway. People posting comments such as
This is another example of censorship, somebody always knows whats good for
are all very well but it takes us into the subject of whos site this is and why the rules are in place, Im not even going to go there.
Ive been very conscious that its unfair for people all round the world to come on here and have to conform to UK law in everything they write, although saying that we do let a fair bit run, if its going smoothly. The difficulty is that everyone has a different idea of what smoothly is, as well as what being rude, political, slanderous and the like is. I create the measuring stick and thats just how it is. I listen to people when they have an opinion, as Im doing in this case and I have to make a judgment call on what to do. It all has a knock on effect. Theres always going to be upset people when something happens that they dont like, theres often legal ramifications, access ramifications for people (going back to the filter software) time considerations and maybe the extra moding thats needed from people that give up their time as it is. Theres lots of considerations from my end, its never just a simple, yeah, thats a good idea.
Ok, that gives you a bit of info on where Im coming from and why things arent always straight forward, I hope Ive explained things ok, Im late for a meeting and Im rushing this a bit.
Theres rules laid out, they need to be followed, Ive just noticed that Ahjno has listed some of them (many thanks mate
)
Bam, I agree. Things arent poles apart, often the people are though. They get upset and then it goes down hill. Theres very little that gets closed because of the subject.
To be honest I dont think that theres a lot to change. Im happy to let threads flow as long as theyre keeping to the rules, we have lots of threads that stand because its pointed out that something is illegal and shouldnt be done in this country, the threads go on as the statement is made and people understand the position. This can continue. However, when people start getting uptight and throwing their toys out the pram its time to cool the thread down, same for issues on politics etc that always come in when someone wants to slate the laws of the land. In these instances its just going to happen, but it could have been avoided, a bit of prudent thought before clicking the submit button.
bambodoggy said:
Why can't we talk about some of these methods in detail for our overseas members to try and us to become educated about and at the same time all accept and acknowledge that we are not allowed to use them in the UK. It'snot rocket science is it?
How's about we keep on chatting and discussing what we have been (putting up warning notices if we wish too) and Bogflogger and others of the same opinion (because I'm sure he's not the only one) keep reminding us (and newbies who may not know) about the legalities. Neither party needs to upset the other or even comment on the other's post........simple
Agreed, just keep things appropriate (no need to go into hotwiring a car just in case) and everyone be nice to each other, dont shout, dont rave and all will be well.