[Bob Kuczewski]

Scott has suggested a Hang Gliding Politics subforum, and I think that's a fine idea. There may be many differing views on policies surrounding such a forum (ranging from voluntary to draconian), but we don't have to address those policies to simply create a "Hang Gliding Politics" subforum.

So with those thoughts in mind ...

  I move that we create a subforum of the main "U.S. Hawks Hang Gliding Association" forum titled "Hang Gliding Politics". Posting to that forum shall be voluntary as with all other general purpose forums. The Board may pass additional policies at any time in the future.  

As moderator, I've created a prototype forum titled "Hang Gliding Politics" for the Board's review and approval.

[Bill Cummings]

I’m trying to remember where else on the Hawks I’ve read discussions
about this topic. Right now I’m drawing a blank as
to the pro and con of the utility of this motion.
Could someone include some links to refresh my memory?

[JoeF]

The word "politics" in forum, general link HERE

  Vote YES on motion for subforum "Hang Gliding Politics".  

[wingspan33]

I've talked with Bob and think that, at this time, a voluntary "Hang Gliding Politics" (sub?) forum would be a good place to start. My idea has nothing to do with shutting people up about HG politics. Rather, the idea centers around new people showing up and wondering -

"Why all this stuff that doesn't talk about flying or how I may learn how to fly? I don't need to visit here again!"

Hang gliding politics are VERY important! Really and truly. But besides new people, there are sooooo many HG pilots who want to escape every kind of politics and just enjoy half a dozen posts about flights people have had, or, well, like Bill and the RGSA and Sam's posts related to the SW Texas Hang Gliding forum. Let's not forget the Friends Of Dockweiler posts by Joe and Bob and others.

There's nothing wrong (and everything right?) with sitting down after a day's flying and talking about your own flight with your buddies. And if someone comes to this site and enjoys the digital version of the same thing they might just stick around and post their own positive and (yes) FUN hang gliding stories or even lessons that they've learned. If they want to visit the HG Politics forum then they can go right ahead.

At this point I'll stop typing and   SECOND   Bob's motion to create "Hang Gliding Politics" forum.

[JoeF]

Will a most recent post in the politics forum show at the top of the HOT list?

[SamKellner]

I vote   YES   on the political forum

[Bill Cummings]

I vote   YES   on the political forum

I vote   YES   on having a political forum.

[wingspan33]

Will a most recent post in the politics forum show at the top of the HOT list?

At this point I think it will. However, I would like posts in that forum to be "isolated" from the "active topics" page. I don't think that Bob favors that idea, but we as a multi-member board could decide otherwise - or not. As I see it, if the HG political subjects show up on the "active topics" page (or what I like to call the Front Page) then there's no real difference between that and not having an HG Politics forum at all. I don't think it would be that hard to make the Politics forum like the Free Speech Zone forum. Those topics don't show up on the "active topics" page. Hey, walk into the club if you want to discuss hang gliding politics, is my point of view.

[Bill Cummings]

Would it be desirable to place it in the FREE SPEECH ZONE?

[JoeF]

Though I asked the question if "HOT" will show the posts, I hold that
I think it important that such posts show naturally in the "HOT" list.
Rationale: Such gives all notice of the special space.
If such did not show in "HOT" then political messages would flow into all other spaces anyway.
A visitor will ever have a choice what he or she reads; and will see that the special spaces are choices of focus.