Is this a Mormon board anymore?

[Bobbieaware]

3 hours ago, juliann said:

Is anyone else as tired of the relentless negativity as I am?  We are obviously losing our Mormon posters and I can only surmise it has stopped being fun after the tenth "look what the awful Church did!" thread a day. I appreciate the more neutral tone as the church is slowly dragged down, and even the perspectives. But when it is to the point we have excited threads about what hasn't even happened yet, it is overwhelming the Board, in my opinion, and quickly turning it into Mormon Discussions-lite. 

 

This is why I've suggested the board administrators should add a separate forum reserved for faithful, believing members who would like to discuss Mormonism with other believers without being goaded into engaging with trolls whose primary motivation is a desire to tear the Church down. The way things are now arranged it's too easy for anti-Mormons and bitter, naysaying internal critics to hijack threads and turn the discussions into morasses of negativity. Meanwhile, the other forums would remain just as they are now for those who are satisfied with the status quo.

Another possible way to improve the situation would be for faithful members to start more doctrinally-oriented threads devoted to topics like, "A deeper investigation into why the Book of Mormon authors proclaim the Father, Son and Holy Ghost to be one God," or "Toward a more comprehensive understanding of why there must be opposition in all things." It seems likely the critics would be less inclined to chime in on "dull" doctrinal subjects that provide less opportunity to slam the contemporary LDS Church.

Edited March 23, 2017 by Bobbieaware

[juliann]

1 minute ago, Bobbieaware said:

This is why I've suggested the board administrators should add a separate forum reserved for faithful, believing members who would like to discuss Mormonism with other believers without being goaded into engaging with trolls whose primary motivation is a desire to tear the Church down. The way things are now arranged it's too easy for anti-Mormons and bitter, naysaying internal critics to hijack threads and turn the discussions into morasses of negativity. Meanwhile, the other forums would remain just as they are now for those who are satisfied with the status quo.

 

I do think we have reasonable and courteous critics, Nemesis has done an excellent job of removing the mockers and trolls. It is a balance problem. But that is an interesting suggestion, does Social Hall provide that? 

 

[Garden Girl]

bobbie... Sort of like the "Social" Forum, but for doctrinal discussion... without actual debate.

GG

[Storm Rider]

When the twisted only see themselves as enlightened genius they produce outlandish articles that are often nothing more than "I have the best opinion and you must listen to me stupid ones".  Then there are the offensive kind like surely there is not anyone that still believes the Book of Mormon is true or historical.  These are the kind of accusations or statements that make me think of "Does your mother know you abuse your children?"  What does one say to such things?

I have cut back drastically on my participation becuase it the site has become the bastion of the anti-Mormons - not critics, a critic uses their intelligence and seeks for truth.  It is easy to understand why many faithful, open-minded LDS have cut back on their participation.  

I will wait until such time as viable exchanges can exist between critics - it does not exist at present and does not appear to be returning anytime soon.

[Ahab]

6 minutes ago, juliann said:

I do think we have reasonable and courteous critics...

Yes, but they are still complainers.

...not that there is necessarily anything wrong with that...

[Meadowchik]

To be fair, it seems that the majority of existing critics here were TBMs at some point. 

But I would venture to posit that our best allies here, no matter who we are, are charitable, genuine, truth-seeking posters. And a sense of humour gets extra credit.

[Ahab]

8 minutes ago, Garden Girl said:

bobbie... Sort of like the "Social" Forum, but for doctrinal discussion... without actual debate.

GG

Debate is fine. Complaining is what I hate.

We could call it the Thumper room.

(from Bambi)

...if you can't say sumfin nice then don't say nothin' at all...

[Bobbieaware]

17 minutes ago, juliann said:

I do think we have reasonable and courteous critics, Nemesis has done an excellent job of removing the mockers and trolls. It is a balance problem. But that is an interesting suggestion, does Social Hall provide that? 

 

No doctrinal discussions allowed in the Social Hall. 

So I take it you have no problem with the "reasonable and courteous" critics who remain, even though they're the ones primarily responsible for turning this board into something that you no longer think is an authentic Mormon discussion group?

Edited March 23, 2017 by Bobbieaware

[juliann]

5 minutes ago, Bobbieaware said:

No doctrinal discussions allowed in the Social Hall. 

So I take it you have no problem with the "reasonable and courteous" critics who remain, even though they're the ones primarily responsible for turning this board into something that you no longer think is an authentic Mormon discussion group?

I think I've said it twice now, it is about the balance of negative to positive, whether posters or posts.

[Ahab]

7 minutes ago, juliann said:

I think I've said it twice now, it is about the balance of negative to positive, whether posters or posts.

Hmm. Okay, how about requiring the people who post negative comments to agree to not posting any negative comments until the people who make positive comments catch up.  And requirin the people who can make positive comments to do so more often.

It may still not be 50/50 but it may result in a better balance.

[HappyJackWagon]

I'm finding this thread to be a touch too negative  

[Ahab]

1 minute ago, HappyJackWagon said:

I'm finding this thread to be a touch too negative  

Please balance that with a positive comment now.

[CA Steve]

There already is a place where every faithful members can go and find interesting sheltered discussions about Mormons. It's called church.

 

I suspect a forum that tried to enforce a more protected environment than what is already offered here would have very little activity.

Edited March 23, 2017 by CA Steve

[Jeanne]

40 minutes ago, Storm Rider said:

When the twisted only see themselves as enlightened genius they produce outlandish articles that are often nothing more than "I have the best opinion and you must listen to me stupid ones".  Then there are the offensive kind like surely there is not anyone that still believes the Book of Mormon is true or historical.  These are the kind of accusations or statements that make me think of "Does your mother know you abuse your children?"  What does one say to such things?

I have cut back drastically on my participation becuase it the site has become the bastion of the anti-Mormons - not critics, a critic uses their intelligence and seeks for truth.  It is easy to understand why many faithful, open-minded LDS have cut back on their participation.  

I will wait until such time as viable exchanges can exist between critics - it does not exist at present and does not appear to be returning anytime soon.

No worries...I am not offended.

Notice the balance of my emojis.

Edited March 23, 2017 by Jeanne

[Ahab]

4 minutes ago, CA Steve said:

There already is a place where every faithful members can go and find interesting sheltered discussions about Mormons. It's called church.

 

I suspect a forum that tried to enforce a more protected environment than what is already offered here would have very little activity.

I'm going to consider that as a positive comment, even though it may be considered borderline.

P.s. Mormons try to make lemonade from lemons 

Edited March 23, 2017 by Ahab

[Bobbieaware]

6 minutes ago, juliann said:

I think I've said it twice now, it is about the balance of negative to positive, whether posters or posts.

I'm wondering what balance has to do with whether or not this is still an authentic Mormon discussion board? Perhaps you meant to say is this the kind of Mormon discussion group where a Latter-day Saint can come to be spiritually strengthened and edified? After all, who can deny it's at least a Mormon discussion board of sorts, just one that's encumbered with more than it's fair share of that kind of negativity that's calculated to derail and diminish the Church as now being led by the current leadership. 

[Johnnie Cake]

4 hours ago, juliann said:

Is anyone else as tired of the relentless negativity as I am?  We are obviously losing our Mormon posters and I can only surmise it has stopped being fun after the tenth "look what the awful Church did!" thread a day. I appreciate the more neutral tone as the church is slowly dragged down, and even the perspectives. But when it is to the point we have excited threads about what hasn't even happened yet, it is overwhelming the Board, in my opinion, and quickly turning it into Mormon Discussions-lite. 

 

Give it a few days (if this post is directed my way) and I'll be gone...I'm already planning a break from MD&D

[Ahab]

8 minutes ago, Bobbieaware said:

After all, who can deny it's at least a Mormon discussion board of sorts... 

Positive comment noted.

[Ahab]

7 minutes ago, Johnnie Cake said:

Give it a few days (if this post is directed my way) and I'll be gone...I'm already planning a break from MD&D

Uh oh. I hope we're not going to start running short of negative comments now.

Positive comment: We need a certain amount of negative comments to balance against the positive comments. 

[Johnnie Cake]

For what is worth...I can honestly say that this board has had a positive influence on me.  While I remain a non-believer in Mormonism...the board as currently constituted has motivated me to be more civil and has helped soften some of my rhetoric (evidentially that hasn't been your experience of my posts) 

I'm very grateful for this board and its current make up...I enjoy the banter and even the occasional jousts that take place.  I enjoy being challenged and the fact what I post is not just taken at face value...and if you've ever read my posts you can see I'm not even afraid to admit when I'm wrong...anyway I just wanted you to know that the board seem just about perfect to me...and its not because my views are accepted...but that they're challenged and tested

[Ahab]

2 minutes ago, Johnnie Cake said:

For what is worth...I can honestly say that this board has had a positive influence on me.  While I remain a non-believer in Mormonism...the board as currently constituted has motivated me to be more civil and has helped soften some of my rhetoric (evidentially that hasn't been your experience of my posts) 

I'm very grateful for this board and its current make up...I enjoy the banter and even the occasional jousts that take place.  I enjoy being challenged and the fact what I post is not just taken at face value...and if you've ever read my posts you can see I'm not even afraid to admit when I'm wrong...anyway I just wanted you to know that the board seem just about perfect to me...and its not because my views are accepted...but that they're challenged and tested

That was a very nice and positive comment, Johnnie.  I have enjoyed knowing you, as well, even though we for the most part did not and still do not agree with each other. I hope you will have a good future and I will miss you, kinda sorta, when you are gone.

[Johnnie Cake]

1 hour ago, Bobbieaware said:

This is why I've suggested the board administrators should add a separate forum reserved for faithful, believing members who would like to discuss Mormonism with other believers without being goaded into engaging with trolls whose primary motivation is a desire to tear the Church down. The way things are now arranged it's too easy for anti-Mormons and bitter, naysaying internal critics to hijack threads and turn the discussions into morasses of negativity.

There is so much about this post that is just wrong and in bad faith.  Imagine what would happen were I to make a post about believers using such negative offensive language...honestly this kind of negativity is what offends me

[Johnnie Cake]

1 minute ago, Ahab said:

That was a very nice and positive comment, Johnnie.  I have enjoyed knowing you, as well, even though we for the most part did not and still do not agree with each other. I hope you will have a good future and I will miss you, kinda sorta, when you are gone.

Not gone just taking a break

[Ahab]

Just now, Johnnie Cake said:

Not gone just taking a break

Yeah I know but I will still miss you, kinda sorta, when you are gone.

[Gray]

1 hour ago, Bobbieaware said:

This is why I've suggested the board administrators should add a separate forum reserved for faithful, believing members who would like to discuss Mormonism with other believers without being goaded into engaging with trolls whose primary motivation is a desire to tear the Church down. The way things are now arranged it's too easy for anti-Mormons and bitter, naysaying internal critics to hijack threads and turn the discussions into morasses of negativity. Meanwhile, the other forums would remain just as they are now for those who are satisfied with the status quo.

 

Here you go. It's kind of a ghost town, though:

https://www.reddit.com/r/lds/