Sign In

### Topic

#### "Hot Button Issue" Forum

This is just an observation and I am by no means trying to criticize or incense any individuals...
Yes, we have the "off topic" forum, but I think there are certain issues that are beyond "off topic" and are actually what many consider to be "hot button issues." Topics such as racism, religion, politics, sexual assault, philosophical debates, etc. do not belong alongside topics such as family pets, cooking, and vacation planning.
I've noticed, to some consternation, that anyone who voices an unpopular opinion is usually ganged up on, reprimanded by staff members, or even banned. There is a difference between trolling and attempting to instigate a discussion about uncomfortable issues. The original definition of "trolling" referred to fishing (a method of fishing where one or more fishing lines, baited with lures or bait fish, are drawn through the water). A "troll" is someone who comes along and posts something deliberately inflammatory with the hopes of getting someone to bite the hook. For more information on how to avoid being sucked into a troll-instigated argument, refer to: http://www.amazon.com/Dont-Bite-Hook-Resentment-Destructive/dp/1590304349
Getting to the point... Some players want nothing to do with these "hot button issues." They make many people uncomfortable, lead to arguments, and often result in a downward spiral. But many others feel that these are important issues that warrant discussion, even if the discussion gets a bit heated and a few people get upset when others do not agree with their standpoint. So I have a suggestion...
We need a separate forum for these topics. Players viewing this forum would initially read and agree to a disclaimer stating that disagreeing with an opinion does not constitute an insult and expressing an unpopular opinion does not constitute trolling. Obviously name-calling and profanity would still be prohibited, but this would give players who enjoy this type of debate a safer place to voice opinions and engage in loftier discussions.
Alternatively, all "hot button issues" could just be banned from the forums entirely and anyone wishing to rant and rave about such things could be referred to 4chan. :/

Posted 11 months ago by Little Violet | Permalink

### Replies

- I think a separate slot for those topics is a good idea... I dunno that everybody's interested, and having way to avoid it could help the more opinionated among us (myself included) avoid getting dragged down into lose-lose conversations.
  Posted 11 months ago by Djabriil | Permalink