I really enjoy a good debate, especially where various views can be brought under the light of scrutiny for all to see and evaluated by each for their merit. The livelier the better. I found an interesting topic in "New Posts" where all new posts appear. It lead to a new page in the Women's Forum (admittedly, I didn't catch that) where a poll was being taken regarding female-only trips. Above the poll question is a clear statement that "this is a public poll". After posting my response, some folks appeared to be overly challenged by it and basically said to get the hell out - this is for women only. By the way, I'm certain my statement was in full compliance with any code of conduct or standard of behavior this board requires. Someone also made a reference to a "Sticky" which explained the forum's rules. This Sticky with the rules wasn't and still isn't apparent on the page I was led to. After the less than warm reception I certainly don't want to continue with posting in this thread even though the premise of the thread, I felt, was pretty silly and narrow-minded.
The issue I'm asking the moderators to decide on is should there be exclusivity in any of these forums? Should only select people be allowed to post in certain forums? Are some areas the exclusive domain of one interest group, in this case, of one gender. Or, should all forums be allowed free speech as long as it's within reason and while remaining within the forum's topic. If you decide there is no reason for outsiders to post in certain forums then I would suggest that you restrict even the very access and viewing of these exclusive posts to forum members only. It's far too easy for outside people to join in, people who, in every other area of this board, are used to thinking that they're free to join in on any and all manner of conversation without censure. Don't even allow the viewing of this select group's mutterings. And don't allow the casual viewer, especially a new guy like me, to get so easily sucked into such a "restricted area" as I was.
I don't think that this kind of exclusivity would be consistent with the intent or spirit of this group's charter. If they even really exist, I would recommend that you remove these restrictions and let people enjoy the benefit of all points of view and all levels of experience.
Your call, moderators, and I'll play by the rules.
The issue I'm asking the moderators to decide on is should there be exclusivity in any of these forums? Should only select people be allowed to post in certain forums? Are some areas the exclusive domain of one interest group, in this case, of one gender. Or, should all forums be allowed free speech as long as it's within reason and while remaining within the forum's topic. If you decide there is no reason for outsiders to post in certain forums then I would suggest that you restrict even the very access and viewing of these exclusive posts to forum members only. It's far too easy for outside people to join in, people who, in every other area of this board, are used to thinking that they're free to join in on any and all manner of conversation without censure. Don't even allow the viewing of this select group's mutterings. And don't allow the casual viewer, especially a new guy like me, to get so easily sucked into such a "restricted area" as I was.
I don't think that this kind of exclusivity would be consistent with the intent or spirit of this group's charter. If they even really exist, I would recommend that you remove these restrictions and let people enjoy the benefit of all points of view and all levels of experience.
Your call, moderators, and I'll play by the rules.