OK, I'm cleaning up my act starting right now. No more partisan comments, belittling either the party or the individual.

I will examine all political stories in a non-judgmental fashion, before carefully crafting a non-partisan comment.

That's my pledge. Hold me to it.

Thank you Ben! That is great for political discussions but...I have been thinking of not coming back to Opinion250 in recent weeks due to insults on a continuous basis by the same group. You can not have an opinion here without someone bashing you. Maybe some kind of reminder of respect is needed. There have been a lot of good people who refuse to come here any longer and voice good opinions because of this very reason. We used to have great discussions here. Almost everyone respected another’s views. Now even you get bashed, like in the pothole post. It is so sad to say the least.

Sure, let's all just agree all the time. Very exciting. It's the insistent whining about the same topics (potholes, gangs, tazers etc.) that killed my interest in the site.

There was a good article on Wired this morning about dealing with comment trolls:
http://www.wired.com/techbiz/people/magazine/17-04/st_thompson

One of the basic rules of this site is that there be no bullying of other posters.
We will be enforcing this basic rule with a new vigour.

While we may not all have the same opinion, expressing that difference of opinion need not include name calling or belittling of others.

I also remind everyone to watch their language, lets show a little class and respect for each other.

Elaine Macdonald
Publisher

I notice this was posted after 12 noon so it is not an April Fools joke. I guess this means if we wish to slag the BC Liberals we have to back it up with facts. Well that shouldn't be too hard with forestry shutdowns and trial at the BC Supreme Court as a couple of examples.

Funny how you crack down now and delete left-wing attacks on the Liberals and/or their supporters...but you leave an entire thread up of hateful off-topic garbage about the NDP and its candidates on the story about the campaign office opening.

I guess "free" speech for the left wing will only be allowed if/when they take out a paid ad on this site?

"It's the insistent whining about the same topics (potholes, gangs, tazers etc.) ..."

Well, the editor chooses the headlines and the stories...(potholes, gangs, tazers etc.)...so what do you want people to do when they comment on a topic?

Let me guess:

O.K. - I love potholes - the more the merrier, I have nothing against gangs - we need even more, I think tazers are the greatest - they don't kill, they are wonderful.

Cheers!

Thoughtful, reasonable, lucid and pleasant request from Ye Ed - can this be the curmudgeon, or is someone ghost-writing for Ben? Hmmm

lol goolie....

Dip,
Yes, the editor chooses the stories. That's the point. It's a continuous rehash of the same tired issues & it gets boring as hell.
And btw, I was being sarcastic about everyone agreeing.

You people want to know something, I'm glad I can anonymously post my opinion here. It's easier for me to do that, and not worry about what someone else is thinking, or what sort of response I'm going to get to what I print here. And I'm don't find that I'm at all offended by what others say about what I post.

I don't feel there's anything personal about what is written here, that's the whole beautiful point behind an anonymous forum like this. If some people are hurt or offended by what I've said or what others have opined, then that is their problem.

In a social situation, where human interaction is required, you wouldn't find me being too talkative, that's not the sort of person I am. I am grateful that opinion250.com exists, because it offers me a wonderful option to get my 2 cents in, when I may not be able to due to my shy nature, where there was a discussion at some "people" function.

So a big thanks to the folks who run this wonderful site. Even though I don't agree with your opinions from time to time, my utmost respect to the fine job you're doing presenting this opportunity to myself and others, to "voice our opinion".

Getting back on topic...
Please clafify:
Does this qualify as a "partisan comment"?

Posted by: tombstone81 on April 1 2009 2:15 PM
Funny how you crack down now and delete left-wing attacks on the Liberals and/or their supporters...but you leave an entire thread up of hateful off-topic garbage about the NDP and its candidates on the story about the campaign office opening.

I guess "free" speech for the left wing will only be allowed if/when they take out a paid ad on this site?

Fine, its only for six weeks.

"And btw, I was being sarcastic about everyone agreeing."

Nothing wrong with repectful sarcasm - it's like the mustard on the hot dog!

------------------
The left wing gets equal free speech attention here on this site - what exactly are you hinting at, tombstone81?

Bees, I understand what you are saying but the truth for me is that "I have been hurt" by some of the insults directed towards me on this forum. I am very shy like you and enjoy opinion 250 for exactly the same reasons. Some people on here and I am not saying you make a point at insulting and it really needs to stop. I do not mind friendly banter but to insult me for my beliefs is wrong. For instance I was refered to as a neonatzi last week just because I believe in green. I had a problem with our government selling off more land for oil and gas when I thought British Columbia was going to lead the way in a cleaner and greener. That is just not right. I was being attacked by two or three different people, it was rediculous.

A fair request from the operator of this site.
In fact I think this is how it always should be.
We all have our opinions, the key in expressing those opinions is not to direct it at any one in particular, but towards an issue and preferably with a suggested solution.
That is the only way to effect change with the least strife.

Commenting on this site is not a God given right as some would like us to think, it is a privilege, use it accordingly.

We have tried our best to allow all comments under the idea of freedom of speech, we don’t want to pick and choose what comment goes, police yourselves and that will never be necessary.

If you don’t like these guidelines, may we wish you the best in establishing your own site, because we would prefer that you don’t use 250.

Ben Meisner

I tried, to make a comment........... But I just can't do it without breaking the new rules.

Wow! I wish I was on top of the ones that got deleted might have been real interesting.

Rats! now what do we do for fun...being polite and nice..... are we sure about this?

and nothing political...hmmm ..I hope that goes for the P G citizen`s Right Side Up column by Bruce Strachann...what a pleasant break this could be

I am sure there is a lot of preasure form te government...afterall how can they win if people are complaining out loud.
So, to be sure the bat and ball isn't picked up and taken home I guess we play by the owners rules.

Of course reporting party matters would be in order. Today, the NDP's pro-cop triumvirate - Carol James (married to cop), Mike Farnsworth (elected with cop help), and Jenny Kwan (criminologist, former employee of a police service) - held a news conference to announce that we need more cops. In other words: both the NDP and the Libs are OWNED by the cop lobby.

Increasingly, we are being led into a one-party system. Members of all parties need to question elitist sentiment within their party.

Here's a political question which can be answered with a gentle word or two.

After reading yesterday's reports from BC Supreme Court on the BC Rail Case, I see it's beginning to look as if the still-secret agreement will be declared null and void.

Then I asked myself: If it becomes possible for British Columbians to take back ownership of BC Rail, which premier could be trusted to safeguard it as a publicly-owned railway in the future?

Just two words. Or even one word. OK?

Shhhhhhhh, not suppose to talk politics, or anything which may be derogatory. Shhh.

Big Brother is watching.

Nobody.

Guess what guys - there is an alternative this election that could make things interesting and split the vote. Apparently the BC Conservative Party plans to field 30 candidates or so.... could make all the difference! and it could hold the other guys' feet to the fire a little bit.

I'll be off line next week for the next month'ish while I move, so I guess it won't bother me much anyways. I can see how its a tough call for an open forum... I even abuse it myself sometimes unintentionally because I can't take things back and I post to quick often.

I would hope if comments are limited on the 'political' related threads, then in turn editorial space is given to the candidates themselves to express their candidate positions as it relates to the election issues. In fact I would go even further in suggesting that it might be good to have links to the candidates web sites for those researching their vote?

If any of the parties running don't like what I have to say about them , I would be more than glad to get face to face with them and tell them the same words in person, maybe even stronger words.

there never was a ban on political comments. Just partisan and derogatory comments.
You can all still revel in bitching and belly aching.
If you have an "issue" with a candidate or a party, then express it, and try to have some facts.
Otherwise, it is good debate decorum to state that what you are saying is an opinion so as not to confuse facts with opinion.

If agenda material is not permitted, then the Green Party will be marginalized. I am neither a member of supporter but they deserve a voice. Also, protest voters who feel there isn't a clear choice, should be heard. Frankly, I am not enthusiastic about any party.

If the Greens merged with the Marijuana Party (or is it marihuana ?) does that mean we will all end up growing dope on city boulevards because it's good for the environment ?

Just curious.

Where are the Rhinos on this ?

One simple question. Does Jay Hill pay for his political ads? (report from the hill) This would qualify as pushing one political party and under 250's gag rules should be cut.

Simple answer. No. He is the sitting MP, and we want to know what he is doing, when an election is called he is not the sitting member and he must fall under the same rules as any other candidate, that includes his column.

Hey. Answers please!

Here's the question again:

If BC got ownership of BC Rail again, which government would you trust to look after it now?

.