TAY Atmosphere

I agree with most of what you say, especially where "random tracks" is the place for light debate and not the trip reports.

I also believe part of the negative vibe showing up here on TAY (as one example) is brought on by allowing folks such as "WMC" to post anonymous political content which only ignites the combative flame.  People, if they are going to be starting hot topics should be accountable and by allowing anonymous posters such as this provokes negative message postings without accountability.  When people post as themselves they are less likely to start trouble IMO.   Allowing member names that supposedly represent a group IMO is a bad idea.  Everyone should be held accountable for themselves and not be allowed to hide behind a group name.   

Don't forget that the WMC thread started life as a "sticky"( ensuring it was tagged and remained at the top of the menu) by Marcus. An example of the Owner imposing his view based upon his view (presumably and Marcus correct me if I'm wrong)on the merits of the subject ( which... I know.... he can do... it's not in the bye laws etc...). In fairness, after complaints, he did remove the sticky.

Why the reluctance to change it from a Fiefdom to a commune?

Is there a TAY aristocracy or something . Looking more and more like a monarchy to me where the title is passed from one member of the aristocracy to another while the serfs applaud the new King and vie for places ( and the influence )at court based upon their toadying to the King.

It's telling (and a good choice) that Mark does not want to respond to questions framed in this way.  It's because questions posed as analogies to political situations (serfs, North Korea, whatever) are inherently divisive and unconstructive.

So I looked back at some collection of your (Scotsman) posts, and I see funny mix.  A majority are about skiing, and they’re great.  Thoughtful, energetic, they convey the reason we all go outside and then read or post about it on TAY.  Then there’s the stuff, a minority but plenty enough to annoy just about everyone else, where you go into some aspect of political analogies or social statements.  These are total dreck.  

It’s not about whether people agree with your political or social views or not.  It’s about the fact that this just has no place whatsoever on a skiing board.  Choose your political board, from RedState to dKos, and please post that stuff there.  Lots of people to dive into the discourse.  Lots of great arguments to get into.

Skiing!  Boarding!  Snow!  Powder!  Secret Stash!  Great Conditions!  Who’s free on Saturday?  Let’s go!

I agree with Armar regarding using your real names.
Additionally , I think you should have to post your personal e-mail address in your profile like I have always done. That way, you can send people e-mails telling them what you really think without getting into trouble by using the TAY pm system, which as many know, if abused ( threats etc) can be reason for banning.

I am not following Trumpetsailor's example.... I mean Charles's because like Bono, Madonna, Sting, Cher, Oprah etc I have a achieved one name status through the incredible hard work I have done on this site.
thank you
Scotsman
chrisw@pacificpile.com

As many have stated: thanks to Charles, Marus, Ron etal for providing TAY as vehicle for all comers to explore, expound on and perhaps embrace. I recall some old adage about opinions and armpits, every one having at least two of the three. That said I would offer an arm pit opinion based on Ben Franklin: Moderation in all things, including moderation. I would hope our moderators would save us from male enhancement spam, get rich waxing skis franchises and the like. i would also hope that beyond those types of posts anarchy would reign supreme. Banishment, censorship, and do I daresay editorial license are to be feared as the plague, especially when one purports to have the best interests of the masses at heart. What is my succor may indeed be your poison and quite easily vice the verse. If there be acrimony amongst us, so be it. Words may be wielded with the wit of The Barb or the clumsiness of a mad bomber, time will properly value each.

 It’s about the fact that this just has no place whatsoever on a skiing board.

Sorry Travetine but I disagree. As the population increases and the government remains unwilling to adopt my mandatory, universal, worldwide euthanasia at 75 to decrease the population and save the planet, the topic of skiing  and access and conservation and park expansion and wilderness and corrupt Park Superintendents who sell land to guiding companies and non motorized access and legislative efforts to fine skiers and deny access and lift skiing expansion become entwined politically and socially with the world of skiing and riding. That I choose to use analogies like North Korea rather than CAR like Fibro or Termites like Lowell is my choice. Random Tracks is the discussion part of TAY. As other have said, you don't like it don't read it. What you are proposing is censorship at it's worst and I after reading your posts I would have expected nothing but that from you as you are evidently very far left and I've always found both the extreme left wing AND the extreme right wing like to try and censor others with different views.

Additionally, much of skiing literature and what is written even on this board is linked to religion and the spirituality of the mountains. Thats why I dislike John Muir so much because he was not just a proponent of conservation( not inherently wrong but becomes so when at the expense of humans) but linked his views completely and certainly as he got older used them as an evangelical call for Christianity which I and many atheists like me abhor and feel that many if not all of the world's woes are a result in a belief in God or a supreme being. Just as the God believers post their views on the spiritual revelations they get in the mountains, we disbelievers should be allowed to post our disagreement with that belief which we feel erroneous and an impediment to the advance of humankind.

Thank you.

Scotsman.

Classic...