kiev4a
Well-known
During the past few months several members have checked out of the forum for what would have to be catagorized as "political" reasons. The latest to vanish was Bill, today, because someone apparently told him he was out of line in his favorable comments concerning guns and the American military. He took it personal (anyone who knows a Marine shouldn't be surprised).
But the people bailing haven't all been of the same political belief -- they were from both ends of the spectrum.
The sad thing is that none of the discussions should have caused anyone to leave because the remarks should never have been made. This is a forum to discuss photography, specifically rangefinder photography. That's why I became a member. I want to talk about cameras, not anyone's feelings about a specific country or leader or war or peace.
Some will say some politics is bound to slip in from time to time. That's not true. During three years as a member of the Beststuff Russian Camera forum, I only remember one member who tried to tie comments or photos into political statements and he didn't last long.
There are too many folks on here that have to throw in their little shots now and then -- like the recent comment that only liberals have brains.
Maybe Bill was inappropriate in his comments (although I only thought he was saying he was proud to have been a Marine -- and virtually all Marines feel that way). But the reaction to his comments by some folks (the ones who always seem to be around such situations) and his reaction to those comments are emblematic of a continuing problem.
I want to talk cameras but I'm the type of person who has to defend my beliefs when challenged. So, the best way to not get into that situation is to not play anymore.
If someone can up with a photographic only rule that can be enforced, let me know. Until then I'll do my chatting elswhere.
-30-
But the people bailing haven't all been of the same political belief -- they were from both ends of the spectrum.
The sad thing is that none of the discussions should have caused anyone to leave because the remarks should never have been made. This is a forum to discuss photography, specifically rangefinder photography. That's why I became a member. I want to talk about cameras, not anyone's feelings about a specific country or leader or war or peace.
Some will say some politics is bound to slip in from time to time. That's not true. During three years as a member of the Beststuff Russian Camera forum, I only remember one member who tried to tie comments or photos into political statements and he didn't last long.
There are too many folks on here that have to throw in their little shots now and then -- like the recent comment that only liberals have brains.
Maybe Bill was inappropriate in his comments (although I only thought he was saying he was proud to have been a Marine -- and virtually all Marines feel that way). But the reaction to his comments by some folks (the ones who always seem to be around such situations) and his reaction to those comments are emblematic of a continuing problem.
I want to talk cameras but I'm the type of person who has to defend my beliefs when challenged. So, the best way to not get into that situation is to not play anymore.
If someone can up with a photographic only rule that can be enforced, let me know. Until then I'll do my chatting elswhere.
-30-
