dscross said:
Lil devils x said:
We actually had a good number of long discussions going on European politics and Venezuela before R&P shut down though I think atm most are just cringing and bracing to see what happens with the Brexit. I am sure once things move one way or the other more will be discussed. Currently most of the discussion is on the US since there seems to be a lot going on right now, but that isn't stopping anyone from making a topic they are interested in discussing on issues other forum members are facing in their own nations. We all have things affecting our lives and things we are concerned about so it isn't limited to any one place or topic.. And no, you do not have to have "authority" to discuss what is happening in another nation, it isn't like we have authority to do so in our own nations either. Many of those posting about US politics are not even from the US and I don't see that stopping them. People should be able to talk about what they like, as long as it adheres to the forum rules to not insult anyone and treat people how you want to be treated for the most part.
I'm probably not going to post in any politics threads anyway while it's in off topic. I'm against very heavy topics being on the main escapist forums (gaming and off-topic) and not in its own section. It's not really escapism if it's very clearly real-world depressing events. It's not that I'm not interested but it shouldn't be the focus of this forum.
From what they said though they needed to do this to move us to the new forums. I am guessing they are using an existing format that other gaming sites use already that has these combined so it is likely going to be here to stay. There are other gaming sites that have always had Off Topic and R&P combined, so we have been luckier than most, but they are not going to keep these forums or it's format and are in the process of moving us. Since it appears it is here to stay, I pretty much feel we should make the most of it and hope it doesn't discourage participation in discussing whatever you feel like talking about.
Though tbh I have seen far more messier topics than R&P in Off Topic as even Anime tends to get heated. For many though, escapism is also being able to talk about these things without worrying about it impacting how their neighbors, friends or coworkers interact with them on a daily basis.. not unlike be burying my "Star Trek collection" under sweaters when I had my squad over for a sleepover because of how it has been viewed. Sure, there may be topics you are not interested in discussing, but that should not mean that those who are interested in discussing should have that taken away from them for others to be able to enjoy the forums as well.
It often feels like some are trying to punish people for simply discussing current events, or tell them they are not welcome to do so and that doesn't feel like escapism either. That seems far more unwelcoming than people just engaging in what they want to discuss and not engaging in what they don't rather than say "You guys can only talk about what I want to talk about and all you people who don't want to talk about that GTFO." Now I am in no way saying that is what you are saying here, hell I remember you used to post in R&P from time to time as well, but some others here have been pretty much telling people exactly that while claiming allowing current event discussion is unwelcoming at the same time. If anything, I see that as an attempt to alienate members of the community more than just allowing people to talk about these things openly. I am hoping though if we are all going to have to share this bathtub together long term we can manage to share the shampoo instead of hide it away so other's cant use it.
