Suggestion: Paid Private Forums

[iamwhatiseem]

The problem we had at the other forum was impossible to have predicted.
Numerous issues.
(And don't think people here aren't this petty and immature... because they are)
#1 - Groups sent in spies to join and spy on other forums and started telling others what was being said
#2 - Moderators became impossibly biased towards the groups they belonged to
#3 - Software glitch allowed Private forum owners to see the backboards (moderator forum that only mods can see)
#4 - And most of all... the private forums took over the forum as a whole, in other words people stopped posting in the public forums in favor of posting in the private groups.
As Admins, Pete and I basically lost control of the forums.
Very sad. Cause let me tell you, in it's prime... no political site was better than USPoliticsOnline (USPO) if I do say so myself.
The whole forum became a Private forum after Pete and I left, and eventually died some years ago
Like here... it had 1000's of active members

 

[Jim H - VA USA]

The problem we had at the other forum was impossible to have predicted.
Numerous issues.
(And don't think people here aren't this petty and immature... because they are)
#1 - Groups sent in spies to join and spy on other forums and started telling others what was being said
#2 - Moderators became impossibly biased towards the groups they belonged to
#3 - Software glitch allowed Private forum owners to see the backboards (moderator forum that only mods can see)
#4 - And most of all... the private forums took over the forum as a whole, in other words people stopped posting in the public forums in favor of posting in the private groups.
As Admins, Pete and I basically lost control of the forums.
Very sad. Cause let me tell you, in it's prime... no political site was better than USPoliticsOnline (USPO) if I do say so myself.
The whole forum became a Private forum after Pete and I left, and eventually died some years ago
Like here... it had 1000's of active members

I think I could have predicted all of those issues. Paid membership, with invite only from the forum owner would prevent #1 and #4, I think.

For item #2, that may or may not be a problem. The forum owner would be a moderator. I suppose USMB staff would need to police the forums to ensure no illegal/banned content was being posted, or perhaps software does that already, I have no idea. Since the forum would be paid for by the forum owner, they would be supreme ruler, being able to delete posts or the whole forum if they wanted to.

There are additional problems too, of course. Illegal content, and stuff USMB might not like, such as a forum started to "storm the Capitol on January 6th," or "Shut down highway 101 for BLM on Monday."

Facebook has private groups. The level of privacy can be modified. "Secret" groups are not able to be seen by anyone who is not a member. So does MeWe and Gab. They operate pretty much like I said. My information is dated though, as I quit FB years ago.

But you are correct that pettiness and immaturity seems to be ubiquitous these days.

I think by making it a paid feature, the problems are reduced substantially, as well as the risk that the public forums would disappear. Personally, I prefer the public forums for discussing politics, and I even post under my real name and location. I really like the diversity of viewpoints and even criticism of my own ideas.

My personal matters about dealing with my employer's medical mandates are a completely different story, however, I only wish to discuss those in detail with others in a similar situation whom I know well. A private forum would be a great way to do that.

Thanks and best regards,
Jim

 

[Dont Taz Me Bro]

I think I could have predicted all of those issues. Paid membership, with invite only from the forum owner would prevent #1 and #4, I think.

For item #2, that may or may not be a problem. The forum owner would be a moderator. I suppose USMB staff would need to police the forums to ensure no illegal/banned content was being posted, or perhaps software does that already, I have no idea. Since the forum would be paid for by the forum owner, they would be supreme ruler, being able to delete posts or the whole forum if they wanted to.

There are additional problems too, of course. Illegal content, and stuff USMB might not like, such as a forum started to "storm the Capitol on January 6th," or "Shut down highway 101 for BLM on Monday."

Facebook has private groups. The level of privacy can be modified. "Secret" groups are not able to be seen by anyone who is not a member. So does MeWe and Gab. They operate pretty much like I said. My information is dated though, as I quit FB years ago.

But you are correct that pettiness and immaturity seems to be ubiquitous these days.

I think by making it a paid feature, the problems are reduced substantially, as well as the risk that the public forums would disappear. Personally, I prefer the public forums for discussing politics, and I even post under my real name and location. I really like the diversity of viewpoints and even criticism of my own ideas.

My personal matters about dealing with my employer's medical mandates are a completely different story, however, I only wish to discuss those in detail with others in a similar situation whom I know well. A private forum would be a great way to do that.

Thanks and best regards,
Jim

As someone suggested earlier, we have the debate now forum which functions similar to what you’re looking for. You can create a new thread and according to the rules, only those you invite to the thread are permitted to post in it

 

[SweetSue92]

This is Zone 1. There is no insulting permitted here. Furthermore, the discussion is not about Nazis or ANTIFA or scumbags or extremists.

This made me laugh and I want to put it to song for some reason. hahahah

 

[Jim H - VA USA]

As someone suggested earlier, we have the debate now forum which functions similar to what you’re looking for. You can create a new thread and according to the rules, only those you invite to the thread are permitted to post in it

Thanks but that is not even close.

We have countless threads. One thread like that is no better than the personal email we are currently using.

I would want threads under one closed forum where no non-members can even see the title of the threads or know the forum exists. E.g. a private forum. Forum members would be able to create new threads and view all threads without hassle.

Filling the debate forum with our threads, and having to invite the participants to each one is not practical nor anywhere close to a solution. It's also limited to 12 people which is nowhere near enough.

I think the best idea so far is set up my own Godaddy=hosted discussion board like Uncensored2008 suggested. There are lots of packages available.

Thanks,
Jim

cc: Bleipriester

 

[CarlinAnnArbor]

I think I could have predicted all of those issues. Paid membership, with invite only from the forum owner would prevent #1 and #4, I think

You keep returning to the only possible answer. Start your own. If there is interest, people will come

 

[Jim H - VA USA]

You keep returning to the only possible answer. Start your own. If there is interest, people will come

LOL, I don't want more people to come. Well, other than the people at my work who have not joined us already. It would be invite only. I am certain 100% of the people in my group would join when invited.

Yeah, starting my own website is the best solution and cheap.

My suggestion was mainly to help USMB with fundraising, as my group is well-established and now used to the messy personal email system we are currently using. By the time such a feature would be implemented, my team may be dissolved.

Had the option been available at USMB, I probably would have jumped right on it. I would be glad to pay for USMB's functionality.

If I had a dire need, I would have gone to Gab or MeWe.

Starting my own board sounds like fun though, and who knows, I might have a future need for one. I may start my own board if our group continues for while, or maybe just for kicks. I will want to research the various options before deciding upon a software package. Recommendations appreciated. I would really want USMB -type functionality where links and pictures can be shared. Attachments too would be great, as we share a lot of peer-reviewed journal articles.

Thanks,
Jim

 

[iamwhatiseem]

I get it, and I don't mean to take a dump on your idea.
Just know, it isn't a new idea. People talk about wanting private groups on all kinds of forums.
There is a reason most of them avoid doing so.
I learned the hard way.

 

[Dekster]

If you wish to to discuss the complexities of mandatory vaccinations, which you overly simplify, including the legal/medical/science/liberty/exemptions/accommodations/options/etc. please go here:

Poll: Will you comply with vaccine mandates required of you by politicians to keep your job?

Poll: Will you comply with vaccine mandates required of you by politicians to keep your job? Please do not answer if you will not be forced to comply by your employer as a result of a politician making a mandate like Biden did today. I am not looking for hypotheticals. I want answers from...

www.usmessageboard.com

You are severely under-informed. Everyone has options.

As for your on-topic comment, for which you for some reason desired to bring up your porn addiction, if the board is already profitable, and the infrastructure is largely in place, bringing in more revenue naturally results in more profits.

Again, I think you have not fully thought about things before posting your simplified thoughts. Other platforms provide this service for free.

There is no mandatory vaccine requirement. The OSHA rule will be mandatory testing of those not vaccinated.

 

[Jim H - VA USA]

I get it, and I don't mean to take a dump on your idea.
Just know, it isn't a new idea. People talk about wanting private groups on all kinds of forums.
There is a reason most of them avoid doing so.
I learned the hard way.

It's all good. Feedback appreciated, and my idea is not very novel.

Really was more of a suggestion to help USMB raise funds than it was to address a personal need, but I see a potential win-win opportunity which may or may not be easy to implement and mange if done carefully.

I ran a discussion board for over a decade long ago. Even though it was open to all, it was fairly easy to manage because of the subject matter. My current team is a bunch of very smart Virginian engineers making six figures. We don't even cuss and are all Conservatives. Really not a problem group to say the least. Interestingly, a significant portion of us are fully vaccinated, but we are all opposed to vaccine mandates. So, sharing this common background and goal, much like a group which wants to organize a wedding or something, makes it really simple to manage.

It's all about sharing information and insights and such. After thousands of emails, we haven't even had a debate yet.

 

[Jim H - VA USA]

There is no mandatory vaccine requirement. The OSHA rule will be mandatory testing of those not vaccinated.

Go away with your off-topic and uninformed posts. Go to the thread I suggested and I will fill you in after you read Executive Order 14042. Bye!

 

[Dekster]

Go away with your off-topic and uninformed posts. Go to the thread I suggested and I will fill you in after you read Executive Order 14042. Bye!

Your OP says "complexities of employer-mandated COVID testing" LOL.

 

[Natural Citizen]

I've been just casually browsing around for a different forum to pop off on. I need a change of scenery. Something a little deeper and moderated a little tougher to keep the riff-raff and Romper Room nonsense from dominating. Problem is that so many mainstream political forums are kind of the same. It's like High School, almost every one I look at. The rules themselves basically encourage dumb sht. And in most cases, moderation is just as juvenile and incompetent as the riff-raff.

Might just go back to writing freelance op-eds . I dunno. Not really involved in any political action at the moment. Definitely need a change of scenery, though.

 

[Dont Taz Me Bro]

Thanks but that is not even close.

We have countless threads. One thread like that is no better than the personal email we are currently using.

I would want threads under one closed forum where no non-members can even see the title of the threads or know the forum exists. E.g. a private forum. Forum members would be able to create new threads and view all threads without hassle.

Filling the debate forum with our threads, and having to invite the participants to each one is not practical nor anywhere close to a solution. It's also limited to 12 people which is nowhere near enough.

I think the best idea so far is set up my own Godaddy=hosted discussion board like Uncensored2008 suggested. There are lots of packages available.

Thanks,
Jim

cc: Bleipriester

Unfortunately, that's as good as you'll get here. What you suggest has been brought up before and it was widely frowned upon by both the membership and the mod staff.

 

[Dont Taz Me Bro]

I've been just casually browsing around for a different forum to pop off on. I need a change of scenery. Something a little deeper and moderated a little tougher to keep the riff-raff and Romper Room nonsense from dominating. Problem is that so many political forums are kind of the same. It's like High School almost every one I look at. The rules themselves basically encourage dumb sht. And in most cases, moderation is just as juvenile and incompetent as the riff-raff.

Might just go back to writing freelance op-eds . I dunno. Not really involved in any political action at the moment. Definitely need a change of scenery, though.

Yep and you'll find this forum is far more lenient rule wise which is why I've stayed here so long. People at this forum couldn't get away with half of what they say or do at most others.

 

[Jim H - VA USA]

Your OP says "complexities of employer-mandated COVID testing" LOL.

The purpose of this thread, as should be obvious, is to discuss the suggestion or paid private forums, not to debate the specific subject matter of any such topic which would be discussed.

My example was specific only to clarify the need that I had, to provide clarity as to functionality of such a private forum and the need I would want it to meet.

If you are actually interested in discussing that subject, I am happy to discuss with you the complexities of the various testing and vaccine mandates in an appropriate thread, and I will do so sincerely and respectfully, and probably even give you a thumbs up for every intelligent post you make, even if I disagree with your assertions. Make a post over there and tag me and we can chat.

A different and hypothetical example I gave would be organizing an event. Private forums on FB are frequently used for this purpose. There are countless other examples. I haven't done those things, so I would not be the best to suggest how they should work. Gift registry and all that, LOL.

I really appreciate the suggestions from others that I have received. People trying to help others. It's so nice to see these days. That's a lot of what my other group is about.

 

[Dekster]

I've been just casually browsing around for a different forum to pop off on. I need a change of scenery. Something a little deeper and moderated a little tougher to keep the riff-raff and Romper Room nonsense from dominating. Problem is that so many mainstream political forums are kind of the same. It's like High School, almost every one I look at. The rules themselves basically encourage dumb sht. And in most cases, moderation is just as juvenile and incompetent as the riff-raff.

Might just go back to writing freelance op-eds . I dunno. Not really involved in any political action at the moment. Definitely need a change of scenery, though.

There just aren't as many as there used to be, at least ones that are not heavily titled toward one party or the other and moderated accordingly.

 

[Jim H - VA USA]

Yep and you'll find this forum is far more lenient rule wise which is why I've stayed here so long. People at this forum couldn't get away with half of what they say or do at most others.

Please keep it that way. I think this board is exceptional.

Unfortunately (more like fortunately), with free speech comes a wide variety of viewpoints and intellectual levels.

The censorship at other boards it too much for me to tolerate, even though I don't personally get moderated as I disn't post things which were close to infringing upon rules. Here, the biggest problem is threads getting moved which were fully compliant where they started. Not really a huge deal.

Nowadays, many platforms censor or "fact check" posts which link to scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals. It's astonishing.

 

[Natural Citizen]

Yep and you'll find this forum is far more lenient rule wise which is why I've stayed here so long. People at this forum couldn't get away with half of what they say or do at most others.

I don't see such a high level of leniency as a positive, personally. It makes fruitful discussion almost impossible. Over-leniency just encourages the low-value posters who function primarily as wrecking balls to set up camp and disrupt any semblance of intelligent dialogue before it can even evolve. It's almost like a game to some folks to see how many threads they can wreck and get shoved in the basement if it's something they don't agree with.

Anyway. I don't like echo chambers either. I enjoy discussing the issues with all walks of life. I prefer it actually. But it really is almost impossible to maintain an environment where that can thrive when the wrecking balls get comfortable doing what they do and have no fear of consequence.

I'll say this and I'll shut up about it. This place needs a good house cleaning. It's wise to do that sort of thing once in a while to send a message that you're not going to let the trash sit around and stink the place up.

I don't care about people's views, so long as they are capable of expressing them like adults. We don't have to agree on everything. But when it's abundantly clear that you have cells that function for no other reason than to interject in the process of having fruitful discussion itself, that's a problem that should be resolved. As I said, if it doesn't get resolved, they get comfortable. And then eventually they get free run of the board and basically take it over. And then the board becomes a reflection of them. Pure dysfunction.

Theres really only a few of those types on here, to be honest. Unfortunately, they are among the most active. But enough to send a message none the less.

 

[DudleySmith]

There are two or three forums here that are highly moderated, and guess what, those who complain about the lack of 'highbrow' discussion are never seen anywhere close to them, which is a great clue that nobody really wants those kinds of discussions; most people who are into that go to various blogs these days, and avoid the spam from foreign and domestic troll farms and ideologues that target these old message boards with their inane rubbish. You got everything you need here, you just don't really want to use it as much as all the sniveling here indicates, is all.