I have started a new Forum, where all subjects can be discussed. I did it for all of us who just want to be able to express ourselves freely.

http://hv.greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a.tcl?topic=ACountryPlace

Little Bit farm

-- Little bit farm (littleBit@compworldnet.com), September 12, 2001

Answers

Response to New forum

Where is this new forum.don

-- Don Schwartz (donschwartz2002@yahoo.com), September 12, 2001.

Response to New forum

And how is this new forum different from Freedom! Self-Reliance?

-- zip (zippedeedoodah@hotmail.com), September 12, 2001.

Response to New forum

To get to it, at the top of the Countryside Forum page click on Lucinet. It will give you a list of the various forums. From there, go to this one. You can also use this procedure to go to A Village Commons, Freedom/Self-reliance and Beyond the Sidewalks (this one is password controlled.) All four are off-shoots of this forum.

-- Ken S. in WC TN (scharabo@aol.com), September 12, 2001.

Response to New forum

Little Bit:

Out of curiosity I went to your new forum. In the above you indicated anything would be discussed, yet one of your first threads was for ground rules for your forum. That doesn't seem any different than what Countryside does.

-- Ken S. in WC TN (scharabo@aol.com), September 12, 2001.

Response to New forum

My problem with Countryside has been it's tendency for the rules to evolve, and the way they were evolving. I understand your need for everything to be all peace and happiness, but What attracted me and many others to this forum was that there was an openess here that was unique. Here we could discuss all the aspects of homesteading. Every homesteader carries their personal belief system into their lifestyle. To squelch that is to squelch why they became a homesteader to begin with. What Countrysides new policy has said is that we all have to leave our beliefs at the door. It says you can tell me what you do, but don't tell me why you do it. This is counter not only to my personality, it is also counter to the very basis of homesteading philosophy. As a homesteader I am seeking freedom and self sufficiency. As a person I am seeking the same. I laid down basic guidelines on my forum, but those are it. They won't change. I won't one day decide that politics won't fit anymore, or anything else. I believe in free speech. I also believe in the rights of others not to be cyber assaulted by porn, and name calling. That is why I laid down simple permanent guidelines. They will not evolve. As for the difference between my forum and the Freedom Forum, I am also on that forum. The only difference is that this forum is mine. I would like to see wide diversity of opinion there, rather than just christians or just conservatives, or just anyone.

Little Bit Farm

-- Little bit farm (littleBit@compworldnet.com), September 12, 2001.

Ken,

It appears to me the answer to your question requires understanding spoiled children and the games they play. As "play by my rules or I will take MY ball (thoughts) and go home."

-- Joe (CactusJoe001@AOL.com), September 12, 2001.

Joe:

Since its inception on 6/11/99 this forum has had 100,921 posts against it. If you want to write draft guidelines which will cover every possible situation for a continuously changing participation, to both be equally fair and accommodating to everyone, I, for one, would like to see them.

Basically, put up or shut up!

Ken Scharabok

-- Ken S. in WC TN (scharabo@aol.com), September 12, 2001.

Ken,

My response was TO you, not ABOUT you. Unless, of course, you are picking up the ball and leaving like Little Bit did.

-- Joe (CactusJoe001@AOL.com), September 12, 2001.

Hey, Joe, I think Ken just read it wrong. I understood you as saying that some folks would rather "pick up their marbles and play somewhere else" (or start another forum). I think Ken has taken a lot of negative comments lately and may have missed the point that you agree with him!

Communication with so many people in one place does lead to an evolution of rules as the population and culture shifts. I find that helpful and necessary so that we can continue to communicate with each other in a civilized manner.

-- Anne (HealthyTouch101@wildmail.com), September 12, 2001.

I understand the need for some guidelines, especially about religion, a thread can contain references to a religious belief and why they feel this way, but the thread should not be just about a religious statement, without a context around it pertaining to the needs of a homesteader, that is what CS is all about.

You can discuss religion as it pertains to homesteading, but not just religious things per se.

And why is this distasteful to some? There are plenty of singularly religious forums out there to satisfy everyone.

There are enough different sandboxes for everyone to play in already, why do we need even more?

I think you are doing a fine job, Ken!!!

-- Annie Miller in SE OH (annie@1st.net), September 13, 2001.

I VERY seldom go to other forums, either homesteading themed or otherwise. Who the heck has the time to run all over the place? I don't always agree with statements or policies, but, for God sake, this isn't plasma, folks! There are more important issues facing us, both on a personal level and nationally. God bless America.

-- Ardie from WI (ardie54965@hotmail.com), September 13, 2001.

Joe:

I apologize. I apparently did misread your posting. I thought you were referring to the hurrang which occurred after Hoot's post was deleted. At that time both Dave and I were so pissed we both seriously questioned the value of continuing this forum.

The analogy I used at the time was this playground is provided at no cost by Countryside. Rules were set on its usage to try to accommodate as many as possible. Individuals would be addressed one- on-one so to speak. However, when there is widespread disfunction, they one has to question to value/hassle of keeping it available.

-- Ken S. in WC TN (scharabo@aol.com), September 13, 2001.

As far as forums go, they also have some good ones over at Backwoodshome (http://www.backwoodshome.com) where I learned about this one at. I think all you guys already knew about it though.

Whats the Freedom forum, or whatever?

-- Uriah (Uriahdeath2@netscape.net), September 13, 2001.

Okay, this is a very good forum. I stopped coming here when it got very very religious. I have great respect for all religions. I just think that this forum is to help each other with homesteading questions of all kinds. I think there are other forums for spiritual and moral dilemas. Dealing with the loss of a loved one, be it human or animal should not be a religious issue. It is more like seeking help from old friends to get through a very painful and life altering situation. Homesteaders are just naturally independent thinkers from all walks of life. We need to respect that and not try to push our personal beliefs onto others. I really think that is what Ken is trying to say here. If I am wrong, I apologize to Ken and to all.

-- karen in Kanas (kansasgoats@iwon.com), September 13, 2001.

Ken,

Accepted with no hard feelings.

Joe

-- Joe (CactusJoe001@AOL.com), September 13, 2001.

Hi,,what you decide to do is of course your right,,freedom of choice,,,but personally I love the "Countryside Forum" and see no problem with it. We are all just human and to be human is to err...we all have our faults and misunderstandings,,,but we have something of great value in common,,love of diversity in the way we live and the satisfaction it brings us..great country folks to discuss things with, a place to find answers to everday problems and activities that pertain to us and a sharing of wonderful ideas. That alone brings a degree of happiness in my life.*** Wish you the best with your new venture,,

-- Patsy, MT (cozyhollow-gal@care2.com), September 13, 2001.