Jumped the Shark

Re:Jumped the Shark (Foodbme)

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 01:24:52 GMT

The Travelin Man

Here ya go, Foodbme. The thread is posted as a "sticky" at the top of the Roadfood News Forum. I am not sure that is the best place for it, per se, but I cannot really think of a better place, either.

While only tangentially relevant, I am also firmly in the corner of those who believe that there is one rogue moderator who allows such discussions that are in violation of these rules, and it should be stopped.

THANX Travelin Man,
Even with your help I had trouble finding them! They need to be a distinct and separate item on the tool bar, or prominently displayed in a conspicuous place. For the rest of us who have been on here for years and never knew they existed,
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Re:Jumped the Shark (The Travelin Man)

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 02:55:42 GMT

Here ya go, Foodbme. The thread is posted as a "sticky" at the top of the Roadfood News Forum. I am not sure that is the best place for it, per se, but I cannot really think of a better place, either.

While only tangentially relevant, I am also firmly in the corner of those who believe that there is one rogue moderator who allows such discussions that are in violation of these rules, and it should be stopped.

Re:Jumped the Shark (Foodbme)

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 02:39:35 GMT

I've never been able to find any written statements on here regarding the Rules, Mission Statements, Do's & Dont's, Should's and Shouldnt's, etc. If they exist, they should be prominantly positioned on the home page so everyone knows what the "House Rules" are. I've made some political-type statements not knowing they weren't permitted until one of the Moderators brought it to my attention. The name of the site is Roadfood, not Roadpolitics or Roadreligion!

Re:Jumped the Shark (ces1948)

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:49:53 GMT

Doesn't seem like there is as much participation in this particular forum. I drift in and out of being a part of the action but it seems new topics can die pretty quickly.

Re:Jumped the Shark (mbrookes)

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:22:55 GMT

Fieldthistle, I too, miss the more freewheeling days of yore. And I miss your comments. I didn't always agree with you, but you made me think. It only hurts a little!

As is so often the case (keep the whole class in at recess because a few misbehave) a few undisciplined people ruined it for the rest.

Re:Jumped the Shark (Fieldthistle)

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 04:05:08 GMT

Hello All,
I'm still here, speaking when I have something to say.
I love food, religion, and politics and a thousand other
flavours of life.
I come to the table to add. I wish this site was more
open, but it is what it is. I accept it, even though many of my
comments have been deleted. I still love it. But am more silent.
It's a food forum that offers more, and I am grateful for it. But I
miss the days when the Miscellaneous Off Topics & Lighter Fare was
a bit more open. But then, a lot of people decided to ignore
and dislike me when it was. Which...shut me up.
Which made many happy.
Take Care,
Fieldthistle

Re:Jumped the Shark (CCJPO)

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 02:40:42 GMT

OK,

Ellen is back, apparently the shark isn't there. Great report. We don't get very good pastrami here in God's Country, but we do get sunshine 250 plus days per year.

Sometimes I think I would rather have good pastrami, and.or corn beef for that matter.

Re:Jumped the Shark (CCinNJ)

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 11:40:23 GMT

Have to figure if everyone did not pack up the kolaches and knishes when the ratings system did not prove to be Jaws 1 2 or 3...no need to get the leather jackets.

Re:Jumped the Shark (porkbeaks)

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 10:01:36 GMT

CCJPO

Hi everybody,
Jeez,

I didn't mean to stir up all the fuss...............

However, I have been reading what appear to be many "quasi-complaints", for want of a better description as to the number of posts directed to the professional and hotdog vendor questions.

And that was the basis for my query.............................

Sorry if I irratated anyone, I just had a question is all.

I couldn't find a tapdancer gif. pb

Re:Jumped the Shark (Mosca)

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 09:06:39 GMT

CCJPO,

A must read for anyone interested in the social ramifications of impersonal wbsites is Clay Shirky's A Group Is Its Own Worst Enemy; fascinating stuff. Online relationships behave exactly the same as those in which people break bread.

Re:Jumped the Shark (CCJPO)

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 01:07:19 GMT

Hi everybody,
Jeez,

I didn't mean to stir up all the fuss.

Mr Chips got the closest to an answer that made sense. The ebb and flow of the site seems to be a living thing, although I still don't get the "social ramifications" of an impersonal website as a conduit for meaningful social interaction, except for those people who have actually broken bread with people they have met through their involvment w/ Roadfood.com.

I always thought that was what friends were/are for.

However, I have been reading what appear to be many "quasi-complaints", for want of a better description as to the number of posts directed to the professional and hotdog vendor questions.

And that was the basis for my query.

The ebb and flow concept is something which I can wrap my brain around as it make sense, in an impersonal sort of way.

P.S. I really like the thanksgiving green bean casserole, I have been eating for north of 50 years, make it every year, as do my kids and grandkids. It was something my grandmothers and my aunts made, and has been a family tradition. To eaach his own.

Sorry if I irratated anyone, I just had a question is all.

Re:Jumped the Shark (Tony Bad)

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 19:47:57 GMT

CCinNJ

There are some topics that are prohibited from the Thanksgiving table in some familes...because even though you love and respect every single person at the table...some feelings and outlooks that are not shared by all can get heated and there goes the purpose of the meal.

Roadfood has a mission statement and it is about Roadfood. I believe the topics of restriction have nothing to do with censorship but are simply to keep the Roadfood topics alive and well so the primary foucs is Roadfood.

I may just have to copy this and paste it when ever this all too common topic arises.

Well Stated!!

Re:Jumped the Shark (Michael Hoffman)

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 19:16:04 GMT

I'm new here, and all I can say is, huh?

By the way, I've never heard of a family where all the people who show up for Thanksgiving dinner are loved and respected. Now, I can believe that there might be a few families where all are loved. But I cannot believe that all are respected. That such a thing is absolutely impossible is something for which to be very, very thankful.

Uncle Sid, put your damned pants back on and get out from under he table.

Re:Jumped the Shark (chewingthefat)

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 17:39:09 GMT

mar52

My answer to your loaded question: No.

People come and people go and chatboards which this is change along with the characters.

Roadfood.com means more to me than when I first started posting because I've made several friends here.

Then there's the food!

Great answer Mar, yours too Mike!

Re:Jumped the Shark (CCinNJ)

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 15:15:35 GMT

Davydd

CCinNJ

There are some topics that are prohibited from the Thanksgiving table in some familes...because even though you love and respect every single person at the table...some feelings and outlooks that are not shared by all can get heated and there goes the purpose of the meal.

Roadfood has a mission statement and it is about Roadfood. I believe the topics of restriction have nothing to do with censorship but are simply to keep the Roadfood topics alive and well so the primary foucs is Roadfood.

I like that Thanksgiving table analogy. If we want to debate we can always invoke the what is roadfood? thread once in a while.

Time to give thanks Roadfooders. I say a very Roadfood Thanksgiving does not include green bean casserole. That would be the first thing I would throw at my brother...if he started with me...of course.

Re:Jumped the Shark (CCinNJ)

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 15:01:17 GMT

Sadly some of the most hateful resentful vicious feelings about and towards others who are simply living a life as themselves are hidden within the most "popular" political cultural religious and "moral" debates.

Sometimes the best way to 'share" with others is to keep certain things to oneself.

Re:Jumped the Shark (Davydd)

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 14:52:41 GMT

CCinNJ

There are some topics that are prohibited from the Thanksgiving table in some familes...because even though you love and respect every single person at the table...some feelings and outlooks that are not shared by all can get heated and there goes the purpose of the meal.

Roadfood has a mission statement and it is about Roadfood. I believe the topics of restriction have nothing to do with censorship but are simply to keep the Roadfood topics alive and well so the primary foucs is Roadfood.

I like that Thanksgiving table analogy. If we want to debate we can always invoke the what is roadfood? thread once in a while.

Re:Jumped the Shark (mar52)

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 14:51:19 GMT

Very simply stated by Stephen Rushmore in the Rules of Conduct;

Due to the high probability of discussions involving political or social issues degrading into exchanges that will violate the first two rules of this forum, such discussions are forbidden. Posts in violation will be deleted. Continued violation of this guideline can lead to loss of posting privileges.

This is the policy of this board so don't be surprised if your political threads get deleted.

Want to play in my house? No problem if you just play by my rules.

I also do not like political discussions. Sometimes it changes the way I look at a person and I don't want that to happen.

I'm here for food, friends and fun.

Re:Jumped the Shark (Nancypalooza)

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 14:32:05 GMT

Mosca--I agree with your two points 100 percent. I think most of what a person believes politically is personality-driven, so as long as you have people of a variety of personalities, you're going to have the head-banging you talk about, just over different issues. I just think the popularization of TV and radio has changed the game a little bit.

Re:Jumped the Shark (Tedbear)

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 13:03:25 GMT

tfrielin

I'd say given the fact that not one, but two threads were censored here in the past couple of days, yes something's gone wrong here.

The two censored threads were discussions of President Obama's surprise Nobel Peace Prize. And the posts were civil, if mocking of him and the award.

But apparently, it's politically incorrect to criticize or mock this President here.

Heck, mocking the President is a time-honored American tradition---what would SNL do for material if they couldn't mock the President--any President?

So, yeah, this action makes me vote for this forum as a shark-jumper.

Free speech on the Internet, just not on this site.

Tom Frieling, Athens, GA

P.S. I wonder how long this post will stand before its removed??

Tom

For most of us who have been on this site for a number of years, we can remember when the "Off Topic & Lighter Fare" section did indeed have political discussions/rants. The decision to eliminate that type of post came about...probably about 3 or 4 years ago...when the back-and-forth sniping between those of the left wing and those of the right wing became particularly bitter.

For better or for worse, what you are seeking was banned from this site some time ago. If that is what you are looking for, this has not been the place for that type of discourse for quite some time. Since you have been on this site for almost as long as I have, I am surprised that you do not recall the change that took place in this part of the site.

Ted

Re:Jumped the Shark (CCinNJ)

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 12:05:47 GMT

There are some topics that are prohibited from the Thanksgiving table in some familes...because even though you love and respect every single person at the table...some feelings and outlooks that are not shared by all can get heated and there goes the purpose of the meal.

Roadfood has a mission statement and it is about Roadfood. I believe the topics of restriction have nothing to do with censorship but are simply to keep the Roadfood topics alive and well so the primary foucs is Roadfood.

Re:Jumped the Shark (Mosca)

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 11:48:38 GMT

mr chips

I've been actively posting for 5 years. People have come and gone and the tone is different than when I started, most notably about political issues. I tend to think of this as a decision to spare us arguments that are not very compelling and I don't mind too much. There are many opportunities to discuss political issues on the internet and a food site is probably not the best place for these discussions.
I have made friends both in person and on-line and this site continues to facilitate that.Some people whose posts I've enjoyed don't post any more and that makes me sad but new folks come on all the time which makes the site interesting.

I am certain that my political views are 180* opposite of probably half the folks on Roadfood. But I would never want that to get in the way of the important things that we discuss here, the important things that make us all citizens of the world, things like good food and good drink and family and friends.

Over the past 15 years or so (going back into the Clinton years) I've remarked to a number of people about how I believed that the political divisions in the US have never been as fractious as they are now. But recently I started reading Daniel Walker Howe's What Hath God Wrought: The Transformation of America, 1815-1848, and early on, it is obvious that 1) this is nothing compared to the bitter division then over Manifest Destiny, slavery, the forcible displacement of the eastern Indian tribes and the war with Mexico, and 2) it has always been thus, and always will be. Any periods of cooperation between the parties, those are the aberrations. Media as organs of parties and ideologies has always been the norm; if anything, it was even more blatant in the past. And the influence has been "mass" for most of our history; the first commercial use of telegraph was reporting the results of the Democratic national convention in 1848. Just as Roadfood.com is static, so as a nation is our fractious nature. It was always thus. Only the players change, and only the players perceive it as a process, because they are limited by their perspective.

I'm all for using these forums to celebrate our similarities. After all, there are more than enough opportunities to celebrate our differences. Even when we argue chili with or without beans, or steamed vs grilled cheeseburgers, we are celebrating.

Re:Jumped the Shark (tommyeats)

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 11:43:27 GMT

it's a bit silly to think that freedom of speech applies to privately owned internet forums.

Re:Jumped the Shark (ken8038)

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 11:41:10 GMT

<<People have come and gone and the tone is different than when I started, most notably about political issues.>>

I don't see why on earth I would go to a food website to post my own or read about anyone else's political beliefs. I just ignore those threads.

Whether or not those posts should be taken down is up to the administrators, either way is fine with me since I don't read them anyway.

Re:Jumped the Shark (Bruce Bilmes and Susan Boyle)

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 11:12:15 GMT

tfrielin

But apparently, it's politically incorrect to criticize or mock this President here.

Just as criticizing or mocking the previous president was banned on this site. As are all political discussions. Go someplace else to talk about those topics.

Re:Jumped the Shark (mr chips)

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 11:00:09 GMT

I've been actively posting for 5 years. People have come and gone and the tone is different than when I started, most notably about political issues. I tend to think of this as a decision to spare us arguments that are not very compelling and I don't mind too much. There are many opportunities to discuss political issues on the internet and a food site is probably not the best place for these discussions.
I have made friends both in person and on-line and this site continues to facilitate that.Some people whose posts I've enjoyed don't post any more and that makes me sad but new folks come on all the time which makes the site interesting.

Re:Jumped the Shark (Mosca)

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 10:39:31 GMT

tfrielin

Free speech on the Internet, just not on this site.

Free speech on the internet; that is called, "Twitter".

Re:Jumped the Shark (Mosca)

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 10:38:14 GMT

No, but maybe some folks' experience with Roadfood.com has jumped the shark. An individual user will see peaks and valleys based on perspective, but Roadfood.com itself is organic and shifts as its membership shifts; it is without lull and without crescendo.

Re:Jumped the Shark (tfrielin)

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 10:20:22 GMT

I'd say given the fact that not one, but two threads were censored here in the past couple of days, yes something's gone wrong here.

The two censored threads were discussions of President Obama's surprise Nobel Peace Prize. And the posts were civil, if mocking of him and the award.

But apparently, it's politically incorrect to criticize or mock this President here.

Heck, mocking the President is a time-honored American tradition---what would SNL do for material if they couldn't mock the President--any President?

So, yeah, this action makes me vote for this forum as a shark-jumper.

Free speech on the Internet, just not on this site.

Tom Frieling, Athens, GA

P.S. I wonder how long this post will stand before its removed??

Re:Jumped the Shark (Tony Bad)

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 10:01:15 GMT

Interestingly, the web site jumpedtheshark actually "jumped the shark"...they sold out to TV guide.