Can we please have the religious posts in a separate forum???

[Julco1]

Moderators:

Can we please have the religious posts in a separate forum? I go to church every week and am very involved in my church, but am getting alittle sick of those posters who wear their religion like a badge of honor and put post after post just regarding religious freebies? I heard someplace that those that are the most faithful do not have to announce it to others. Alot of those posts are from religious affiliations who want to try and "convert" you. I know, I have applied to several and have been bombarded with emails as such. I do not want to be converted, I am quite happy with my church, and do know feel that they should be in the same category as the business freebies. Another similar board has setup a separate forum. Any thoughts on this?

[mayor]

Regarding relgious freebies, I see no reason to have a separate board for them. If you don't want to take advantage of them, don't. I see no reason to create a whole other forum for that purpose. It would just serve to clutter the site.

Mayor

[Julco1]

It was just a suggestion, and I felt that this board has changed and that one cannot even have a conversation in General chat without someone adding their religious beliefs to the conversation. I did not realize this was a religious site. Sorry!

[LocaChica]

Originally posted by Julco1


It was just a suggestion, and I felt that this board has changed and that one cannot even have a conversation in General chat without someone adding their religious beliefs to the conversation. I did not realize this was a religious site. Sorry!

I thought your main concern was that there be a separate forum for FREEBIES. I must have misunderstood the first time. I agree with you about people adding their religious beliefs in posts that have nothing to do with religion. I don't like it, either. I have kept away from many boards in the past because of that.

[Julco1]

Yes I was referring to the freebies, but I guess I feel that the only reason that they are there (by one or two particular people who are also the ones in general chat) is try to convert or change others. Like I said, it was just a suggestion-just like havig a separate forum for baby freebies or business freebies would be a good idea in my book and I do not think would "clutter" up the site, but make it look more organized.

On another note, Loca, I loved your DOD butt comment. I try HARD to have a real life and NOT live here. It is hard though because for the most part everyone has been really nice here. I do think the posts have changed alot and miss all of Mouse and Tigger Ladies posts like they used to have in Gneral chat. I thought this particular forum was going to be setup to take suggestions and comments. Guess not...

[mayor]

Originally posted by Julco1
It was just a suggestion, and I felt that this board has changed and that one cannot even have a conversation in General chat without someone adding their religious beliefs to the conversation. I did not realize this was a religious site. Sorry!

Religious site? No, we aren't. However, I definitely see people of many faiths that post here. Some are more outspoken than others. However, it must always be done in a respectful manner. That is, we don't allow people to slam others beliefs, or to get into arguments about religion.

As long as it is kept civil, everyone should be happy to let others post as they wish.

Mayor

[sweetcindy]

Would like to comment on this...

For me, everything does equate with my beliefs...it is a daily walk for me...and life here or otherwise is accountable to God. I can't seperate God from any part of my life simply because He gave me this life.
I hope my posts never offended you or anyone...I just feel very strongly that God is in every detail of my life. I also believe He truly is the answer to any of life's problems or struggles.
Bottom line, I would rather praise God even if I ran the risk of offending someone. You never know who may be reading these posts and maybe it is something God wants them to hear...and if that is the case...I certainly won't flinch.

Cindy

[jsalba]

Very well spoken, Cindy.

Although I am not a very religious person, I don't mind the posts in the forums. To be honest, I rarely go in and read the religious posts or freebies as they just aren't what I'm looking for... so I just pass on them.

As for having a seperate forum.. it wouldn't be a bad idea like the OP suggested (thanks)... the only draw back I see is that if we have a seperate forum for that, then one for baby stuff, one for business freebies then wouldn't it only be right to have one for samples, one for t-shirts, one for bath & body products and so-on?

I guess my point is that there has to be a limit to the number of forums or the bulletin board page will be a mile long and people will have to go in and out of dozens of forums. Make sense?

So.. your idea is not a bad one.. and some of the suggestions have been considered.. but Mayor and the other Mods have discussed it (as we do many suggestions) and pretty much what I just tried to explain is what the consensus came down to.

Keep your suggestions coming though.. Julco1 and LocaChica.. as we are very receptive to suggestions.. honestly we are. Thanks you two.

[andee1]

Im sorry but I have to respond to this. It is getting to the point where if someone mentions "God" in a post people get offended. The purpose of "General Chit Chat" is just that. People should be allowed to comment on what they believe or think of that TOPIC. If it comes around to being a religious view, then tell them of what you believe, if its not the same. We are all here to learn from others. Or at least that is why I like to read the posts. (I dont think I have ever read any posts of anyone trying to convert someone). If it offends you or is too controversial, then dont respond, avoid threads that you dont like. There are some people that post, that I know from previous threads, I dont agree with and I avoid reading them. I make that choice. I dont think I have the right to tell someone to quit posting on something just because I disagree. As to getting bombarded with emails, when you sign up for a "freebie" more than likely you are also signing up for their site or newsletters. That goes for all kinds of freebies not just religious ones. All you have to do is unsubscribe. Im not trying to push my views on you or anyone else, but Im proud of what I believe in and I respect anyone elses view on things even if I dont agree with it. And the comment on "adding their religious beliefs in posts that have nothing to do with religion"
maybe you are reading those comments in their signature line (?) God is everywhere, and if a post is about a moral issue than you can be sure someone is going to post a religious comment. We all have the same right to post our comments (of course not hurtfull or hateful) and we can choose to learn from one another or not. As with anything, it is our choice.

Just a thought...maybe in the subject line of the posts, we could be more descriptive...like Religious- pamphlet, or Baby products-lotion, something like that.

[Edited by andee1 on 03-28-2001 at 10:19 AM]

[jenknee]

Which will more then likely be deleted even though I do believe we are entitled to our own opinions.This board is among the most attacking and unfriendly freebie boards.Everyone here is always jumping on everyone for every post everyone makes.I think this board needs a lot of religious posts..I for one will start praying for the love of this horrible place.God bless.

[Julco1]

Moderators--this is what I am talking about!!

Oh pleeeezzzeeee! Praying for the love of this horrible place????? Then why are you here?

I beg to differ. I think for the most part everyone here is VERY friendly. If having a different opinion or suggestion is being unfriendly in your book, then perhaps we are. If one is trying to substitute a forum board for real life interaction and friendship with people, that is kind of sad. I have always liked to hear the different opinions here. Some people like to "liven" up the discussions with their point of view, of which they are entitled.

But, ONCE AGAIN, my point has been missed. I AM a good christian and faithfully attend my church every week. I have my own group of moms who participate in spiritual discussions. I want to come to a freebie/deal board to get some good ideas and deals, not be "recruited" into someone elses religion or be criticized for my "lack of god". The site is DEAL OF DAY, not RELIGION OF DAY. And lately that seems to be what is happening. This is not a religious board according to Mayor, so why does it feel like it is? ALL I suggested is to have the religious freebies in a separate post, so as not to offend ANYONE who is here. I certainly would not want a non-Christian DOD'r to feel that they are being "shut out" by all of the religious posts(which are 99.9% Christian based). Religious posts are not the same thing as free t-shirts. They deal with the fundamental core of many peoples lifestyles. It was meant as a business suggestion, not a personal vendetta against Christians! And I, unlike some others here, do not feel my religion is better than someone elses, it is just right for me. God makes that ultimate decision, not us. I certainly do not have the right to judge anyone here-I am not God. Noone else should either...

Thank you JSalba for your comments. It was just a business suggestion, and you have taken it for that and responded in a professional, responsible manner. I am not offended that my suggestion will not be put into place and I certainly did not expect the bible-beaters to turn it into a religious crusade!! I will ignore all further religious posts(which is alittle difficult, considering usually 1/2 of the posts on a page are religious). I will associate with those that I consider are good people-Mouse, Tiggers Lady, JSalba, and many others in that they are kind to others, do not belittle others, and do not judge. Even if they may not be Christian!!

[mayor]

Originally posted by jenknee
Which will more then likely be deleted even though I do believe we are entitled to our own opinions.This board is among the most attacking and unfriendly freebie boards.Everyone here is always jumping on everyone for every post everyone makes.I think this board needs a lot of religious posts..I for one will start praying for the love of this horrible place.God bless.

Horrible place? Sniff.. my feelings are hurt. This is a GREAT place, with GREAT people, not to mention the GREAT deals. The fact that we even ALLOW religious discussion makes us even greater. We don't seek to be "politically correct" and stifle people in their faith.

Horrible? I can't imagine where you would do better!

Happy shopping,

Mayor

[kat]

Julco1 - I also understand how you feel and I have mentioned in the moderators forum that others have also emailed asking that the religious freebies & topics be banned (also, it wasn't just the Christian freebies either that people asked to be banned - even though they appear to be 99.9% of the religious posts to me too!) However, as Jeff posted, it wouldn't work to have a separate forum just for the religious freebies & deals - especially since we're trying to keep the main board as uncluttered as possible.

BUT, we have always asked that everyone post the URL and deal in their topics for both the Freebies & Deal forums (like Free Bible at whereever . com) so you'd know what you were getting & from where. If we can all remember to do this, it should help to cut down on duplicate posts & also help those of us who want to jump over those deals that we don't want. I also tend to bypass comments by a few that I know will always raise my blood pressure - I'll read the comments after to make sure there are no battles brewing or dead deals to close, but otherwise I just skip ahead.

I know it's not a perfect solution, but it's the fairest we can offer without having a separate board for each person.


Also Jenknee - I'm sorry that you find us to be so unfriendly. I've been online for years & have been to many other freebie boards & newsgroups and this has to be one of the friendliest places around!

[sweetcindy]

Oh, this makes me not want to post any more Christian freebies or anything like that...I do state in the subject line what it is...I just figured everyone that didn't want the deal just didn't click on it.
I get a lot of emails thanking me for posting these things...and have been asked to send the Christian freebies to a certain site when I find them...I consider it a good thing I am doing...I don't understand how this is bad?
I do agree I have been less than diplomatic in some of my comments and for that I am truly sorry. But that is my fault and it should be held against me, not Christianity.
I really hope you understand where I am coming from...
As Christians we are to explain the reason for the hope within us. You can't help but want everyone to have the peace and joy that is given by God. It is not some twenty dollar church word to say we have to witness, it is the absolute truth and the least we could do for God.
In the final analysis, it will be just God and I. I must do His will and not my own or any other person's in this world.
I am truly grateful DOD allows these posts for those who do appreciate them...more thankful than I can say.
Please do not take them personal...it is really between God and I...we are to be a light...I am just trying to shine for His glory.

[bradedit]

The religous posts do not bother me in the least, the only thing that I do wonder about is the what ifs. What if a posts start coming in that are not politically correct, as in cults, will they also be given freedom to express their beliefs in their signature line or will they be stifled. If you allow one, then you have the problem of being fair to all and allowing them the freedom to express themselves without condemnation from others.

Its a very fine line to walk. I don't know if a site with Devil worshipping freebies would be accepted at all but it may be that person's belief and what could you do. It certainly is not "politically correct" but its out there and unless its specified that only certain beliefs are allowed to be posted, you've opened up a big ol can of worms.

I hope that I am making sense.