Removing the HCT.

[MXGratefulDiver]

It really is not a sandbox. It is more like a sports stadium. Without participants and an audience, it is just a lot of grass to cut.

This is a really good analogy ... particularly as regards the NFL stadiums these days. Loud and raucous behavior has historically been tolerated as "part of the experience". And like anything else that involves a gathering of human beings, there will always be those who just have to see how far they can push the envelope. And so the "standards" get pushed farther and farther until they reach a point where a large enough percentage of participants decide it's not tolerable ... and they either start to protest or they leave. Then the "authorities" decide to crack down.

Maybe if people just exercised a tiny bit of self-restraint, it wouldn't become necessary. We all live in a society ... where for practical reasons, getting along sometimes supersedes our "right" to do what we want. Most folks learn this at an early age ... some, unfortunately, never do ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[redacted]

This is a really good analogy ... particularly as regards the NFL stadiums these days. Loud and raucous behavior has historically been tolerated as "part of the experience". And like anything else that involves a gathering of human beings, there will always be those who just have to see how far they can push the envelope. And so the "standards" get pushed farther and farther until they reach a point where a large enough percentage of participants decide it's not tolerable ... and they either start to protest or they leave. Then the "authorities" decide to crack down.

Maybe if people just exercised a tiny bit of self-restraint, it wouldn't become necessary. We all live in a society ... where for practical reasons, getting along sometimes supersedes our "right" to do what we want. Most folks learn this at an early age ... some, unfortunately, never do ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

Yes. But when people do push it too far, they don't close the stadium, cancel the game, or even empty a section of the stands They deal with the specific violators and the problem with as little effect on others as possible. Frankly, I was never sure how the HCT ever got started and I don't believe I ever participated after a couple early-on peeks. But shutting it down and removing it after years running just does not seem like the best answer. If what we are really seeing is a change of policy (TOS) on the part of the owner then fine. I'd be fine with getting rid of all the crap that is not scuba related. But I think such things should be done in a planned, orderly, and consistent manner.

 

[DandyDon]

Yes. But when people do push it too far, they don't close the stadium, cancel the game, or even empty a section of the stands They deal with the specific violators and the problem with as little effect on others as possible.

By people who are paid to take actions, plus the offenders are easier to control knowing that they paid a lot of money to be there. This place is free, controlled by unpaid Mods - and evicted offenders can sneak back in with a different IP & username.

Frankly, I was never sure how the HCT ever got started and I don't believe I ever participated after a couple early-on peeks. But shutting it down and removing it after years running just does not seem like the best answer. If what we are really seeing is a change of policy (TOS) on the part of the owner then fine. I'd be fine with getting rid of all the crap that is not scuba related. But I think such things should be done in a planned, orderly, and consistent manner.

I was surprised that it was allowed.

 

[redacted]

By people who are paid to take actions, plus the offenders are easier to control knowing that they paid a lot of money to be there. This place is free, controlled by unpaid Mods - and evicted offenders can sneak back in with a different IP & username.

I don't think it is a matter of $$ as much as standards and efficient use of resources. I have seen what I believe was quite a bit of effort going in to breaking a thread into two or more separate threads because it went off on a bit of a tangent. Totally unnecessary labor that more often than not contributes to the killing of both the original and split-off thread. Tangents happen and they usually loose context when they are split. It is unnecessary. As long as the logical progression is retained let it go on to related subjects.

I sort of think this recent upheaval was because a few folks got their britches in a wad (with reason) and then the reaction was not well planned and executed.

 

[mike_s]

I'd be fine with getting rid of all the crap that is not scuba related.

If you did that.... this board would fold up like a Taco Shell....

 

[chrpai]

If you did that.... this board would fold up like a Taco Shell....

Kind of like the dive industry in general. You'd think people would learn that the rules are changing.

 

[mike_s]

Kind of like the dive industry in general. You'd think people would learn that the rules are changing.

There's a good reason that something like 5-6 other Scuba forums have popped up in recent years.....

..... most by past SB members.... and now full of past SB members....


I'd post the Popcorn smiley, but fun with it has been banned also.

 

[DandyDon]

By people who are paid to take actions, plus the offenders are easier to control knowing that they paid a lot of money to be there. This place is free, controlled by unpaid Mods - and evicted offenders can sneak back in with a different IP & username.

I don't think it is a matter of $$ as much as standards and efficient use of resources.

You had suggested a more personal & direct control of the individuals like guards at a stadium, but that would require more, paid, professional handling - financed by all who paid to be there, and were fearful of losing their admissions paid. I tried to explain that SB doesn't charge and doesn't have the budget for that kind of police force, therefore changing the environment is the only way with current resources.

And while I was not a witness to the problems, I suspect those who created the problem were of the attitude that they'd just sneak back in under another name if kicked out. So let them have their soft-porn on other boards and whine about this one. I could suggest one I use to hang out on for the toons & vids, but it also had great nudes - some personally contributed with proof required.

 

[chillyinCanada]

You personally contributed great nudes?

 

[DandyDon]

You personally contributed great nudes?

No, Nope