June Commentary Discussion

David Cole · Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2007 6:26 am Post subject: June Commentary Discussion

Hello EKN viewers,

A new EKN Commentary from David Cole looks at forums and the negative style of posting.

To view the article, click http://www.ekartingnews.com/news_info.php?n=8094

To discuss the issue, please post below and remember to follow the EKN Forum guidelines.
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Randy Lyon · Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2007 11:06 am Post subject:

Basically you're just saying to think before you post.

Sounds good on the surface, but wouldn't that turn "The Lounge" into a ghost town? Laughing

David Cole · Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2007 11:33 am Post subject:

Randy,

The Lounge is its own beast. My main concerns are in General Discussion and the other sections of the forum.
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Chuck McCue · Joined: 17 Jul 2001 Posts: 2945

David,
I have been posting to EKN from day one even before HCI took over, actually before day one since I found the "red box" back door before the site was launched. Anyway I think it is great for all in the sport to have a central location to voice opinions, help newbies with probs, and discuss rules, etc.
Allowing all to say what is on their mind is a great way to get issues out in the open. You guys should welcome all posts that come from real persons, the post made by spineless wimps using alias's should not be allowed, IMO. Keep in mind the persons taking the time to post to EKN provide the all important "click throughs" that pay the bills.
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David Cole · Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2007 12:34 pm Post subject:

Same here Chuck, I was a small part of the Mueller Mailing List and the Kartshop.com board before joining EKN forums the day it opened. I think opinions are the blood of the forum and I wish more and more people would express theirs on the forum. My problem is some people just do not explain their reasoning so its clear and understanable. Yes, alias posting is a problem and I feel our volunteer moderator stuff does an excellent job keeping everyone in line.
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Oscar Aguilera · Joined: 18 Jul 2001 Posts: 1614

I really find good entertainment here. and in the begining i was looking for a job on the net and found this forum.
I tried to be helpful and give the best advice to my knowledge to help a new guy out, but there are too many negative things on this forum IMO.

I personally dont think there should be a forum where your post is displayed for all to see. IMO only the moderator should post and or a few other person's to answer questions, like a select panel. so to have different views but not every tom dick and harry posting, including me Laughing

of course i think this forum has helped more than hurt, but it takes alot more effort to overcome the hurt.

I own a business and in this day and age the internet is where people look for you. but there are sites that list all kinds of info and all it takes is one disgrunteled customer to express their views (no matter how wrong or right they are) for all the potential customers to form an opinion of that (my ) business beforing even thinging that the customer may be wrong.(they are not always right)

bottom line is most people AREN'T FAIR they are judgemental and quick to judge without giving anything a chance. it is as if the posts are gods rule.

The problem with a panel would be one that is FAIR without catering to any one business or series or sanctiong body.

a spirited debate is great. and we have had our fair share. posting the weekend's results is awesome for those of us that could not be there.

i think this should be the place for news, advice, and knowledge for the new guy.

IMO no posting. the negative weighs far more than people think. put a forum up for your job or business and think how one negative post could affect your livelihood wether if was a FAIR comment or not.

my relationship to karting is to be as much of an ambassodor as possible. so when something negative comes out on here, i take it personal to the sport i love so much.

just my opinion.
ps I wasn't thinking clearly when i posted this so please dont flame me Laughing

but if you agree i was serious Cool

seriously submiting..............now!

Larry Dobbs · Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2007 8:04 pm Post subject: who posts, and why do they

Everyone needs to realize that what they post becomes public record, which can and will be associated with them for the rest of their days. Shouldn't this be enough of a deterent? Don't believe every thing that's posted, and verify everything you read.

Mark Watkins · Joined: 18 Jul 2001 Posts: 545

If an idea cannot stand the scrutiny of this forum, then it deserves to die before it does harm to the sport.

Remember, screw down the forum too tight and us old cranks will go away and stop "clicking" and using your advertisers.

Mark Watkins
www.madscientist1.com

charles hunter · Posted: Tue Jun 05, 2007 1:07 am Post subject:

God bless freedom of speach, like it or not. Twisted Evil

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wess garcia · Joined: 03 Nov 2006 Posts: 82

I retired from this sport approx. 4 years ago, but my love for it didn´t retire. I personally try to attend as many races as I possibly can (as a spectator), and this forum has provided me with with an instant connection to everything that´s going on.

I DO NOT AGREE TO CENSORSHIP!!
!!! Only when it comes to disrespectful postings, using foul language, I agree.

You cannot expect that everybody is on the same wavelength with you and agrees blindly with what EKN proposes or has to say.
You should be grateful that people have individual points of view, which makes any post lively and attracts more interest. Should there be any concern regarding the integrity of teams/series etc., this is the only place where the concern can be voiced, I am talking about concerns, not accusations! If there is any place to help drivers/teams re. technical issues etc. or build up their confidence, this is the place to be!

Hey, this is just me....

God bless America and freedom of speech!!!

Gary Osterholt · Site Admin Joined: 18 Jul 2001 Posts: 2769

Wess,

The way in which I read David Cole's commentary had nothing to do with censorship in my opinion. But more of a statement that at times many threads turn into this is better than that. The best example is when someone asks which chassis is better. After being a member of the forum since the beginning that type of thread are ones I don't even read.

The last one I did read was a good one, at least from an entertainment point of view. http://www.ekartingnews.com/viewtopic.php?t=57903&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

David,

Great commentary and I completely agree with you. And I know at least a few times I've been at fault with being negative. And your commentary has made me think again and will focus on being positive in all my online communication.

Gary
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Roger Ruthhart · Joined: 24 Jul 2001 Posts: 1298

David,

I think the occasional warning is well warranted. Do I think it will help? No.

The fact is that by now we all pretty much know who the people are who post without thinking first. My biggest gripe -- and I've challenged these strings on numerous occasions -- are those who take some twisted rumor as fact and, without researching the true information themselves, pass it along or offer opinions on it -- often improperly tarnishing someone's reputation along the way.

The real tragedy -- and I think what you are getting at -- is this. I'm in a unique position where I talk fairly regularly with many of the leaders of the sport ... just because they are friends, our event works with them, or just to bounce things off of each other. All tell me that they read here, but don't post because when they do, they just get attacked. And the sad truth is that they are absolutely right. Often my advice to them has been "don't post and it will go away." If they feel the need to set the record straight, my advice then is to get in and get out. Don't read the followup posts; don't get involved in the discussion, because once again, you can't win.

And personally, I avoid weighing in on some discussions because I'm afraid I can't just speak as "myself" and not as the head of the Rock Island Grand Prix. So some of my points might cause others who disagree to then think negatively of my event. I'm sure there are others like myself who through long-term involvement in the sport (14+ years in my case) have learned a lot, or know important background information, but hesitate to share it because they will be told they are wrong by someone who's been in the sport a year and already knows it all.

Since my "real" job is that of a newspaper editor, be sure that I support freedom of speech and the open flow of information on the forum. I just wish those who use it would think more before they react.

Bottom line, it's a shame that the "attack posters" have driven the leaders of the industry away from arguably one of its most valuable instant communication tools we have. These forums would be SO MUCH MORE USEFUL if these people were also engaged in the discussion.

Thom Andresen · Posted: Tue Jun 05, 2007 7:54 am Post subject:

It is unfortunate but true that the more experienced and professional you are, the more you get attacked by the riff-raff. Sometimes I think its just because they crave the attention.....
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Oscar Aguilera · Joined: 18 Jul 2001 Posts: 1614

I figured most would disagree with me.

and i am only allowed to post my response because of this forum.

I am very thankful for it and I do like it.

I don't know what it costs to run this site and I don't know how much they make if any money at all. I really don't care and I hope they are making money. but it is a business last I checked.

but just as any redblooded american, i am unjust too. when it comes to my cause--- i am selfcentered and want my point/ opinion to be "right" (adored by all) that is the reallity of most people's thoughts.

if you have any thing to do with dealing with people--- we all discriminate and show favoritism.

your work place or business is at a certain price point, in a certain geographic location, and has a certain market share based on how well you do with your service, and quality.

you price certain people out, but not on purpose, you cater to one area of town, but because you are convenient. you decide where and what to have as a service based on what you thought would make good income for you.

In order to grow your business and offer the best quality and service you censor the happenings in your establishment.

I am not talking about censorship for various topics related to our freedoms. I am only talking good business.

maybe the reminder to think before you post is enough, and I hope it is and David's point is well taken and long overdue.

but with karting having the performance and technology that it does, it is pretty advanced compared to most other autosports. it seems to me that the service and support is way behind.

this site should be the pinnacle of service and support for all to see. it is also like the athelete that has become the role model. it has a responsibility. I think the moderators do a good job, but I have an "all or nothing" attitude when it comes to public speaking or posting. I am a 'tell it like it is' kind of guy and I do offend sometimes. I have to censor myself.

so david's point is to censor your self, i understand. I just think some higher athourity (the owner of this business) ---not big brother! needs to watch his business and IMO scale the forums down.

it is one thing for the editor or columnist to have an opinion at a magazine or newspaper, it is a completely different thing when anyone with a computer and an ISP can get on here.

"if they want cake, let them eat cake!"

oscar- been posting on here way to darn long

Tom Stephens · Posted: Tue Jun 05, 2007 8:36 am Post subject: