Why was P&R Forum shut down?

[Luvnit2]

I have no idea why moderators chose to shut down the P&R forum for 1 week without an explanation. I try to respect those in charge. However, it is hard to respect those making decisions and keeping us in the dark.

What is up with the P&R forum? Why did Holic say shut down for 1 week and now close to 2 weeks? I have had others reach out and ask why.

Can we get an explanation please?

[StoneTheCrow]

2 weeks to slow the spread of overheated political rhetoric.

[Luvnit2]

(09-27-2024, 04:43 PM)StoneTheCrow Wrote: 2 weeks to slow the spread of overheated political rhetoric.

We were told 1 week, but never why it was shut down.

To me, it is a very lame excuse. We are adults and there is a COC firmly in place.

I see as much or more negative rhetoric in game day threads to shut them down, but they are not shut down. 

Anyway, TY for the update. 

A lot has happened in 2 weeks including a ton of things in Israel and Lebanon.

[StoneTheCrow]

(09-27-2024, 05:39 PM)Luvnit2 Wrote: We were told 1 week, but never why it was shut down.

To me, it is a very lame excuse. We are adults and there is a COC firmly in place.

I see as much or more negative rhetoric in game day threads to shut them down, but they are not shut down. 

Anyway, TY for the update. 

A lot has happened in 2 weeks including a ton of things in Israel and Lebanon.

It’s just a guess out of me, I don’t actually know. This came about right around when someone tried to kill Trump again, so I just assumed.

[Sociopathicsteelerfan]

The only logical reason is that Holic received complaints about it and thus shut it down to address them. I get it, this is a football board, PnR, while possibly the second most popular sub forum after the main one, is probably a pain in his ass. I'd put a disclaimer on PnR that you participate as an adult knowing that people can, and will get heated, and beyond overt personal attacks/threats you're going to have to strap on you big boy pants if you want to post there. But, again, I can see how it's easier for Holic to just let it die on the vine.

[*Synric*]

(09-28-2024, 11:30 AM)Sociopathicsteelerfan Wrote: The only logical reason is that Holic received complaints about it and thus shut it down to address them.  I get it, this is a football board, PnR, while possibly the second most popular sub forum after the main one, is probably a pain in his ass.  I'd put a disclaimer on PnR that you participate as an adult knowing that people can, and will get heated, and beyond overt personal attacks/threats you're going to have to strap on you big boy pants if you want to post there.  But, again, I can see how it's easier for Holic to just let it die on the vine.

My guess it has something to do with 'Holic adding the new "Responsive" theme mobile feature. Which he got online yesterday I think and PNR is closed for the weekends right?

[Sociopathicsteelerfan]

(09-28-2024, 11:37 AM)Synric Wrote: My guess it has something to do with 'Holic adding the new "Responsive" theme mobile feature. Which he got online yesterday I think and PNR is closed for the weekends right?

I'm not aware of the former, so I cannot address that.  As for the latter, unless I am mistaken PnR hasn't been closed on weekends for some time.

[*bfine32*]

[Dill]

I, for one, do hope the PnR re-opens soon.

In a democracy, political discussion and debate are important--central to maintaining democracy--and so I always
saw the PnR forum as serving a valuable service in that respect, even if this is primarily a sports site. That service
is even more important now that standards of public discourse seem to be lowering and disappearing, and there
is very little dialogue between different sides.

The forum has been a very good source of current information about what voters are thinking and why, and the kinds
of sources they select and credit. Can't get that just from polls or even an in-depth Atlantic article.

I'm hoping that lively discussion/debate was not shut down because of a few hot heads, or more likely because of
complaints by people who don't like their views cross examined.

I'll especially miss it during tonight's debate.

[jmccracky]

(10-01-2024, 05:32 PM)Dill Wrote:
I, for one, do hope the PnR re-opens soon.

In a democracy, political discussion and debate are important--central to maintaining democracy--and so I always
saw the PnR forum as serving a valuable service in that respect, even if this is primarily a sports site. That service
is even more important now that standards of public discourse seem to be lowering and disappearing, and there
is very little dialogue between different sides.

The forum has been a very good source of current information about what voters are thinking and why, and the kinds
of sources they select and credit. Can't get that just from polls or even an in-depth Atlantic article.

I'm hoping that lively discussion/debate was not shut down because of a few hot heads, or more likely because of
complaints by people who don't like their views cross examined.

I'll especially miss it during tonight's debate.

When this board first started (2005) it was a free for all, but it was awesome. However.....after a while, I felt we needed a P and R forum, to clean up the main board (jungle noise) and its worked. I'd like to see it continue because of that reason. People can't help themselves. Lol

[Bengalholic]

(09-27-2024, 12:02 PM)Luvnit2 Wrote: I have no idea why moderators chose to shut down the P&R forum for 1 week without an explanation. I try to respect those in charge. However, it is hard to respect those making decisions and keeping us in the dark.

What is up with the P&R forum? Why did Holic say shut down for 1 week and now close to 2 weeks? I have had others reach out and ask why.

Can we get an explanation please?

(09-28-2024, 11:30 AM)Sociopathicsteelerfan Wrote: The only logical reason is that Holic received complaints about it and thus shut it down to address them.  I get it, this is a football board, PnR, while possibly the second most popular sub forum after the main one, is probably a pain in his ass.  I'd put a disclaimer on PnR that you participate as an adult knowing that people can, and will get heated, and beyond overt personal attacks/threats you're going to have to strap on you big boy pants if you want to post there.  But, again, I can see how it's easier for Holic to just let it die on the vine.

(10-01-2024, 05:32 PM)Dill Wrote:
I, for one, do hope the PnR re-opens soon.

In a democracy, political discussion and debate are important--central to maintaining democracy--and so I always
saw the PnR forum as serving a valuable service in that respect, even if this is primarily a sports site. That service
is even more important now that standards of public discourse seem to be lowering and disappearing, and there
is very little dialogue between different sides.

The forum has been a very good source of current information about what voters are thinking and why, and the kinds
of sources they select and credit. Can't get that just from polls or even an in-depth Atlantic article.

I'm hoping that lively discussion/debate was not shut down because of a few hot heads, or more likely because of
complaints by people who don't like their views cross examined.

I'll especially miss it during tonight's debate.

P&R was placed on break because just about every single thread was quickly devolving into juvenile pissing contests between members...something that I warned about previously, and that apparently went totally ignored. 

Giving members a place to have these discussions ends up being a useless effort if all they do is make the subforum a collection of insults, name calling, personal attacks and questioning the intelligence or character of others.

When it comes to the fate of P&R...I have no idea right now. What I do know is that P&R regulars had the choice between trying to make it a more civil place, or continuing to let it go the toxic route. Even after the reboot, it seems most preferred the latter...which is disappointing. 

As for the fate of P&R, I don't know right now...because it's basically turned into X. 

[Sociopathicsteelerfan]

(10-01-2024, 06:21 PM)Bengalholic Wrote: P&R was placed on break because just about every single thread was quickly devolving into juvenile pissing contests between members...something that I warned about previously, and that apparently went totally ignored. 

Giving members a place to have these discussions ends up being a useless effort if all they do is make the subforum a collection of insults, name calling, personal attacks and questioning the intelligence or character of others.

When it comes to the fate of P&R...I have no idea right now. What I do know is that P&R regulars had the choice between trying to make it a more civil place, or continuing to let it go the toxic route. Even after the reboot, it seems most preferred the latter...which is disappointing. 

As for the fate of P&R, I don't know right now...because it's basically turned into X. 

'Holic, I've said it many times but I will reiterate. This is your show to run however you like.  The topics discussed in that sub-forum are inevitably going to bring out these types of responses.  I don't care how civil your initial intentions are, there are always going to be topics or responses that push your buttons and bring out a charged reaction.  That said, with exceedingly rare exceptions, largely confined to those who no longer post here at all, the personal attacks were never close to what one can see on X.  As stated above, it used to be far worse on the old board and that was run by the Bengals organization.

I can totally understand why keeping it shut down is a pain in your neck you no longer have to deal with.  If I may suggest a less nuclear option, make it clear that participation in that sub-forum carries the risk of getting offended or feeling attacked.  Outside of direct threats or verbal attacks, e.g. calling someone a useless mother$#%@er, , which I have not seen in years, you should be expected to be an adult and deal with it or choose not to.  But, again, I can see how option A is much easier for you.  Thanks for having it there all these years though, regardless of what decision you come to.

[Bengalholic]

I think that if P&R continues, it won't be here on the main board...at least not for the rest of the year. Instead, it will be on the board's Discord server. 

If those wanting P&R to continue are interested in this option, then let me know in this thread. If enough are interested, we'll give it a try. 

If not, then I'll just wait and revisit the issue after the season ends.

[KillerGoose]

(10-01-2024, 07:35 PM)Bengalholic Wrote: I think that if P&R continues, it won't be here on the main board...at least not for the rest of the year. Instead, it will be on the board's Discord server. 

If those wanting P&R to continue are interested in this option, then let me know in this thread. If enough are interested, we'll give it a try. 

If not, then I'll just wait and revisit the issue after the season ends.

I think the forum is a better platform for long form political/religious discussion than Discord. It allows more time and thought to be put into responses whereas Discord is more similar to instant messaging. If P&R is removed from the main board, I would vote to end it within this community altogether. 

[*bfine32*]

I get it, but I'd also like a place to "discuss" politics and religion. I've suggested ib the past there should be 2 PnR forums. One for folks who want to discuss politics and one for those who just wanna fight/insult/derail.

But whatever is decided will bfine. Hell I was banned for 4 years and made do.

When we 1st opened PnR we had a dedicated PnR Mod. That worked well until Matt realized he "didn't have the time" which was probably best; as like every human he allowed bias to play a role.

I'd recommend you select 2 folks (one left leaning/ one right leaning) who often post in PnR and make them co-Mods.

[Bengalholic]

(10-01-2024, 09:30 PM)KillerGoose Wrote: I think the forum is a better platform for long form political/religious discussion than Discord. It allows more time and thought to be put into responses whereas Discord is more similar to instant messaging. If P&R is removed from the main board, I would vote to end it within this community altogether. 

Discord also has a forum option...which is how P&R would be set up there.

[CarolinaBengalFanGuy]

What are Dill, George Carlin profile pic guy, Sociopathicsteelersfan, and Luvnit going to do now?

I also miss the PNR forum. It's just reflective of real life politics and general thinking which is just a whole lot of screw you for having a differing opinion from me.

[StoneTheCrow]

But I tell you this man, I tell you this. I don’t know what’s gonna happen man, but I’m glad I had my kicks before the whole shithouse went up in flames.

[masonbengals fan]

I'm fully aware that it's most likely a BIG pain in Bengalholic's ass but still disappointing that a month before a presidential election & the world obviously in disarray, political debate has to be censored due to childish behavior. I thought the moderators have done a good job. Either way I'll still be here rooting on our Bengals.

Appreciate this website & our Bengals community regardless.

[Arturo Bandini]

Well, if it's that important maybe join the Discord as Holic talked about.

His place, his rules.