DWT

I'd like to suggest sumthin that'll probly be met wit some opposition, but I read sumthin on FHL this mornin that disturbed me... for the second time in a week I have seen a new member join an jump immediatly into so theological/homiogical/umpuloilgical/riological discussion. I'd like to see a minium post count er sumthin be obtained before users were allowed to post in that particular forum. It is not the intentions of FHL to brin divison to the body of Christ, an while I enjoy the theological fourm as a way to understand the meat an taters of other faiths etc, its not why FHL was started. I don't think there's anythin wrong wit the theo fourm er anythin, but I for one do not wanna see a bunch of folks joinin that no body knows from Adam jes to jump in there an start a fuss over sumthin that takes away from the fellowship we enjoy on FHL. There's plenty of other fourms to git into a pissin contest over trivial matters.

Good point to ponder.

Perhaps they will stay where the debate is welcome and encouraged, and abide with the rules. If not, we will be forced to take action.

Pondering...

A2J - Really good idea! I thinkI've figured out a way to make it work - at least in my head. i will do some testing tonight to see if I can actually make it work in reality.

thanks Bro!

So what you are saying it that you'd prefer new users to talk about more superficial stupid stuff, like hairy butts and computer problems, for a minimum of so many posts before they are allowed to delve into more important and meaningful conversation? That just doesn't seem right to me.

But do what you feel you must...

My opinion is that in limiting the accessible areas of new members, it will give everyone a chance to get to know them before diving into a heated debate about theological (or any other) topics....

But you see in that particular discussion--the heated parts weren't coming from the newbie--The emotion and outrage was coming from "senior" FHL members...Newbie was quite calm. The second newbie has only made one post so far. I think I have seen his name somewhere before. He seems a bit more "in your face" with his presentation...The problem I see with limiting posts to however many minimum, is what if the newbie doesn't really care to talk about sex or computers or children? Would this not get into limiting the forum only to people who share the same ideas, opinions, and desire to discuss the same thing you do? How would they get enough posts to be granted "admittance" if they don't want to talk about the things that are presented here, or don't feel that the things presented in some areas of the board are worth discussing? Perhaps they might see all the nonsense we go on about here as "idle chatter" and would much rather have some serious issues to talk about. What, then, can we learn if we limit forum posting in the theology area to people who are just like ourselves?

That's a good point String.

It's a double-edged sword. On the one hand, we want complete freedom. On the other hand, anarchy begets impropriety. The question we've been pondering since starting FHL is where do we draw the line?

Our goal with the debate forum is to allow spirited debate without becoming a free-for-all. These are emotional issues. As we saw occurring, people can get a little hot under the collar. How do we prevent people from coming in and trolling is what we are hearing from a lot of people.

I agree that it should be open. I also agree that we need to have a way to prevent improper posts. We are working on that, and hopefully will come up with an amicable solution. Ideas along this line are very welcome.
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'Sides, what's wrong with debating a hairy butt or that time of month? J/K!!!

DWT

Well there's more unity in hairy asses then there is theological discussions. There's tons of fourms here people can talk bout thins, you cain't seriously expect me to believe that the newbies have joined only for the purpose of discussin theology..... because then that would essentially be trollin in my book. Not to mention both newbies have ONLY posted in the theo fourm, no where else... seems kinda odd to me.

At least wit bum fluff we've got more in common then not, we've all got one. I don't care if folks don't wanna talk bout it er whatever, but unless we as FHLers knew the person as a group the first thin that would happen is they'd piss folks off simply cause they spouted sumthin off that so an so didn't agree wit an wit a hot button like theology, it'd serve to cause separation an not unity. Is that what you want?

This is why I listed in my OP that it might be to opposition, cause I knew you'd be the first person to run in here an cry fowl. I don't blame you for goin an gittin some 'back up', I'd have probly done the same thin if'n I was faced down like you were, but does that mean we should go enlist the help of strangers? Most, if not all of us come from the same board, FHL was set up more like a hang out er hide away type thin, away from leagleistic veiws, er at leaset thats my interpetation of it. If you, for example want that, there's plenty of em out there to mess wit. I for one would like to know a person before I got a bad taste in my mouth because of thier biews on theological matters. Ever hear of first impressions? I wouldn't want to meet someone an the first thin they've got to give is a lecture on how wrong my belief system is. I'd rather git to know em personnaly before that were to happen so at the very least I could fall back on,"we don't agree but thier an alright person anyways". That's the view I have of you actually, you've been pushin my buttons for a while now, but I fall back on, out side of theology your an alright person. Someone like Basil.... I cain't give that same consideration cause he's been on the attack since he got here. Jes my opinion mind you.

A2J....you took the words right outta my mouth (I can't believe I said that! :rollseyes: ).....seriously, that's kind of my thinking, I'd like to get to know a person before getting into a heated debate with them on topics that we might not exactly see eye to eye on....

"First impressions" and all that....

But like Clay said, the mods are discussing this topic & are trying to come up with something that'll work for everyone, so be patient & any suggestions are welcome!