as some of you know, we have a forum given over to issues that are non-triathlon-specific. it’s the “Lavender Room” and it’s a pretty busy place. but as you also know, it’s generally pretty busy with red meat political topics, and i’m trying to find out whether that draws you to that forum, or keeps you from it, or you don’t care at all one way or the other.
there is a sticky thread in that forum, where i seek your advice. if you have an opinion, and some advice for me, i’d like for you to post it there in that thread.
What I have found odd over the years is that there are not a great number of folk that cross-over to the Lavender Room from the “main forum”. Agreed that the political debate over there can get nasty, but for the most part many regulars over there have a high degree of respect for their counter-parts on the other side of an issue.
I am drawn to the Lavender Room because, shocker, the world does not revolve around triathlon and there is a lot going on in our respective worlds and good discussion and debate is at the very roots of our democratic process.
I found some subjects interesting, but after commenting and reading, the “Fox news is the Gospel and Obama is root of all evil and I’ve never been outside of my state and I now were Japan is, it’s part of Europeland” crowd did it for me…
Aren’t triathletes supposed to be open minded people that travel the world in physical and spiritual endeavours?
Yes, the world doesn’t revolve around triathlon, which is why many probably go other places on the internet or the real world to satiate their need for political dialogue. Triathletes aren’t really the most diverse group in the world so I haven’t found the Lavender Room the right place for me.
thanks for all the responses over there. they were very helpful in allowing me to know what it is you all wanted out of that forum. i’m going to leave the lavender room as it is. that’s the clear sentiment that most of you have, based on your responses to that thread.
I do not participate in that forum. The divisive political tone is part of it. I am, however, glad it is there. It keeps that stuff out of the other forums and that is important. Every forum about any topic benefits from having a place for such conversation as it keeps the rest of the place from spiraling out of control.
I do not participate in that forum. The divisive political tone is part of it. I am, however, glad it is there. It keeps that stuff out of the other forums and that is important. Every forum about any topic benefits from having a place for such conversation as it keeps the rest of the place from spiraling out of control.
I’ll poke in there from time to time and participate but mostly this^
Don’t care about the LR. I know this will sound crazy, but what brings me to this site is triathlon.
x2. I discuss the other LR stuff with people in my immediate circle of colleagues, friends and family. However, it is probably good to have it so that the main forum can stay largely tri focused.
I found some subjects interesting, but after commenting and reading, the “Fox news is the Gospel and Obama is root of all evil and I’ve never been outside of my state and I now were Japan is, it’s part of Europeland” crowd did it for me…
Aren’t triathletes supposed to be open minded people that travel the world in physical and spiritual endeavours?
As a regular LR contributor, I feel compelled to arise to the defense of that forum. Just because we’re not wealthy enough to travel to tris in other parts of the world doesn’t mean that we’re a bunch of yokels who don’t know where Japan is, or any other African country for that matter.
I frequently read and randomly contribute in LR. I think it plays an important part on the website. We need a place to discuss non-tri related topics.
However, it is the incessant political trolling (only 4-5 people) that makes it a major turnoff. IMO, these people aren’t interested in contributing to a worthwhile discussion. They are only interested in winning arguments and for the most part belittling others. This adds nothing to the site. I feel like it actually detracts.
The lavender room is like having a bar at the gym. Sure I drink once I get home, but its not why i go to the gym. If you make ad money off that traffic then great, if not, i see no benefit.
I frequently read and randomly contribute in LR. I think it plays an important part on the website. We need a place to discuss non-tri related topics.
However, it is the incessant political trolling (only 4-5 people) that makes it a major turn-off. IMO, these people aren’t interested in contributing to a worthwhile discussion. They are only interested in winning arguments and for the most part belittling others. This adds nothing to the site. I feel like it actually detracts.
You said better than I could, it’s the drone of those elements that drowns out the rest… And makes it boring - the moderators should ban more people who are there only to advance an ideology/political ideas as a product (or at least pay ST for that right).
I like having amusing conversations about the geographical position of Japan with yokels… They poke fun at my frenchness, I poke fun back, it’s all fun and games and I learn stuff… Untill “THEY” come along…