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Board topics - OutsiderFan - 10-20-2023
We are on the precipice of some very bad things happening in our world that frankly make Stanford sports less important. I understand that they and sports in general are suppose to be an “escape” and talking about them is the Cardboard’s mission. But like it or not, this is also a community of people who come here for intelligent discourse and idea sharing.
It used to be that you could say “there are other places to discuss” whatever the non-sports topic might be that is provoking interest here. But with the scourge social media has become, where are those places? This board’s admin has even requested not to post from Twitter because it is such a firehouse of disinformation.
Like it or not, people come here because they trust the community to provide credible information and to hear different perspectives they might not get anywhere else, that don’t come with arguing and name calling.
The Israel thread is unsavory, but it has honestly kept me sane reading so many perspectives and helped me work through how I feel about it. I could exclusively read news stories, but feel much better having it delivered by people I have respect for on this board adding their commentary, in part because so many news outlets have their own agendas or don’t present pertinent contexts.
Iran is attacking U.S. bases. Turkey is aligning with Hamas and Israel has recalled its diplomats from Turkey. We’ve never seen such instability in our lifetimes and it is possible the safe zone this board is for so many will become even more valuable for the mental health of its members. It’s like when there is a disaster in your neighborhood and you find yourself talking to people around you who you’ve never talked with before.
I believe the Israel thread and ones like it add more value to the board than any downside. And as always, if people don’t like its contents, they don’t have to read it.
Just my $.02 that probably isn’t worth that.
RE: Board topics - TrumpCard - 10-20-2023
I agree 100%
RE: Board topics - GK3 - 10-20-2023
(10-20-2023, 07:54 AM)TrumpCard Wrote: I agree 100%
+1 Ditto, thanks OF for bringing this up.
(10-20-2023, 07:54 AM)TrumpCard Wrote: I agree 100%
Agree also
RE: Board topics - Mick - 10-20-2023
+1. I appreciate meaningful discourse.
RE: Board topics - Giants - 10-20-2023
OutsiderFan dateline='[url=tel:1697806839' Wrote: 1697806839[/url]']
We are on the precipice of some very bad things happening in our world that frankly make Stanford sports less important. I understand that they and sports in general are suppose to be an “escape” and talking about them is the Cardboard’s mission. But like it or not, this is also a community of people who come here for intelligent discourse and idea sharing.
It used to be that you could say “there are other places to discuss” whatever the non-sports topic might be that is provoking interest here. But with the scourge social media has become, where are those places? This board’s admin has even requested not to post from Twitter because it is such a firehouse of disinformation.
Like it or not, people come here because they trust the community to provide credible information and to hear different perspectives they might not get anywhere else, that don’t come with arguing and name calling.
The Israel thread is unsavory, but it has honestly kept me sane reading so many perspectives and helped me work through how I feel about it. I could exclusively read news stories, but feel much better having it delivered by people I have respect for on this board adding their commentary, in part because so many news outlets have their own agendas or don’t present pertinent contexts.
Iran is attacking U.S. bases. Turkey is aligning with Hamas and Israel has recalled its diplomats from Turkey. We’ve never seen such instability in our lifetimes and it is possible the safe zone this board is for so many will become even more valuable for the mental health of its members. It’s like when there is a disaster in your neighborhood and you find yourself talking to people around you who you’ve never talked with before.
I believe the Israel thread and ones like it add more value to the board than any downside. And as always, if people don’t like its contents, they don’t have to read it.
Just my $.02 that probably isn’t worth that.
Not sure how old you are but I have experienced greater world instability in my lifetime….
Personally, I avoid all political conversation on websites. One of the many things about this site that appeals to me is the “boxing up” of non-Stanford conversation into OT threads. That gives the visitor an option whether or not they wish to participate.
RE: Board topics - SkiBum80 - 10-20-2023
(10-20-2023, 10:12 AM)Giants Wrote:OutsiderFan dateline='[url=tel:1697806839' Wrote: 1697806839[/url]']
We are on the precipice of some very bad things happening in our world that frankly make Stanford sports less important. I understand that they and sports in general are suppose to be an “escape” and talking about them is the Cardboard’s mission. But like it or not, this is also a community of people who come here for intelligent discourse and idea sharing.
It used to be that you could say “there are other places to discuss” whatever the non-sports topic might be that is provoking interest here. But with the scourge social media has become, where are those places? This board’s admin has even requested not to post from Twitter because it is such a firehouse of disinformation.
Like it or not, people come here because they trust the community to provide credible information and to hear different perspectives they might not get anywhere else, that don’t come with arguing and name calling.
The Israel thread is unsavory, but it has honestly kept me sane reading so many perspectives and helped me work through how I feel about it. I could exclusively read news stories, but feel much better having it delivered by people I have respect for on this board adding their commentary, in part because so many news outlets have their own agendas or don’t present pertinent contexts.
Iran is attacking U.S. bases. Turkey is aligning with Hamas and Israel has recalled its diplomats from Turkey. We’ve never seen such instability in our lifetimes and it is possible the safe zone this board is for so many will become even more valuable for the mental health of its members. It’s like when there is a disaster in your neighborhood and you find yourself talking to people around you who you’ve never talked with before.
I believe the Israel thread and ones like it add more value to the board than any downside. And as always, if people don’t like its contents, they don’t have to read it.
Just my $.02 that probably isn’t worth that.
Not sure how old you are but I have experienced greater world instability in my lifetime….
Personally, I avoid all political conversation on websites. One of the many things about this site that appeals to me is the “boxing up” of non-Stanford conversation into OT threads. That gives the visitor an option whether or not they wish to participate.
Agree. I've no problem with discussions here that are political and world affairs in nature. However, I think it only fair to expect they come with an OT disclaimer. I think it is disingenuous and sneaky to hijack a specific discussion thread of Stanford athletics to try and veer it off into one's preferred take on current world events no matter how important they are, which granted they are.
RE: Board topics - Softball Fan - 10-20-2023
I see it differently. This is a sports message board. There are plenty of moderated websites for political discussion. I have Jewish in-laws with relatives impacted by recent events in Israel. I find some of the comments on the Israel thread to be offensive and containing inaccuracies. I thought one of the rules of this board is no politics yet the moderators allow a thread filled with politics.
RE: Board topics - Bampa - 10-20-2023
(10-20-2023, 03:08 PM)paloalto Wrote: I see it differently. This is a sports message board. There are plenty of moderated websites for political discussion. I have Jewish in-laws with relatives impacted by recent events in Israel. I find some of the comments on the Israel thread to be offensive and containing inaccuracies. I thought one of the rules of this board is no politics yet the moderators allow a thread filled with politics.
+1
This is either a straight sports board or it isn't.
What's next? Abortion?
RE: Board topics - TrumpCard - 10-20-2023
(10-20-2023, 03:08 PM)paloalto Wrote: I see it differently. This is a sports message board. There are plenty of moderated websites for political discussion. I have Jewish in-laws with relatives impacted by recent events in Israel. I find some of the comments on the Israel thread to be offensive and containing inaccuracies. I thought one of the rules of this board is no politics yet the moderators allow a thread filled with politics.
I'm your ally. You are entitled to your feelings. They are legitimate. Nevertheless, I see this thread in a different light. I have family who lives in the shomron and who serves in the IDF. My kids are in Jewish parochial school, my wife works in Jewish education, and the temple community is a big part of my social life. I can only have so many conversations with people who essentially share my perspective. Plus, people cry if I bring up the subject of the war. I get all sorts of emails from temple, school, etc., telling me to take extra precautions for my family's personal safety and to make sure my kids aren't exposed to traumatizing content on the internet. This is a safe place to talk with people I respect even though they don't all share my opinion. It's very healthy for me to have this outlet, and I hope that I continue have the option to come here for this conversation.
RE: Board topics - 81alum - 10-20-2023
I have mixed opinions. Some time ago when we went to the "no politics" rule I supported it. As a political scientist you might think that strange. But I have many opportunities to pursue my profession and I would hardly come to an anonymous sports board to do so.
However, the Ukraine thread has given me some pause. I sense that there are some true experts on this board that I probably would not come into contact with in my professional life. And I have enjoyed following that thread.
Furthermore, most run-of-the-mill politics sites are uncontested. By that I mean they are run by or dominated by one particular ideological perspective. The vast majority of what you will find on them is--truly--distorted propaganda. Finding a site where serious people contest ideas is rare. I've seen some serious discussion here.
So I have mellowed out on my "no politics" rule. But there is something that bothers me. If we are going to shoot the BS about sports, then I think the anonymous handles of this kind of website are just fine. But if we are going to debate serious issues, then the qualifications of the people speaking begins to matter. I'm not sure the Cardboard should expand to becoming something about politics, war, race, prejudice, religion, etc. unless we really know who is speaking--where they come from--what shaped their perspectives. If Condi Rice is posting here, I'm going to interpret that a little differently than if I'm reading a post by a smart retired engineer who never worked in foreign policy, but has provocative ideas. I won't dismiss the latter, but politics is too important to decontextualize.
So I guess I remain a skeptic, but one who would like to see a couple of limited threads on politics continue, carefully monitored.
RE: Board topics - cardcrimson - 10-20-2023
(10-20-2023, 03:28 PM)TrumpCard Wrote:(10-20-2023, 03:08 PM)paloalto Wrote: I see it differently. This is a sports message board. There are plenty of moderated websites for political discussion. I have Jewish in-laws with relatives impacted by recent events in Israel. I find some of the comments on the Israel thread to be offensive and containing inaccuracies. I thought one of the rules of this board is no politics yet the moderators allow a thread filled with politics.
I'm your ally. You are entitled to your feelings. They are legitimate. Nevertheless, I see this thread in a different light. I have family who lives in the shomron and who serves in the IDF. My kids are in Jewish parochial school, my wife works in Jewish education, and the temple community is a big part of my social life. I can only have so many conversations with people who essentially share my perspective. Plus, people cry if I bring up the subject of the war. I get all sorts of emails from temple, school, etc., telling me to take extra precautions for my family's personal safety and to make sure my kids aren't exposed to traumatizing content on the internet. This is a safe place to talk with people I respect even though they don't all share my opinion. It's very healthy for me to have this outlet, and I hope that I continue have the option to come here for this conversation.
Wow. Thanks so much for sharing. Prayers for you and yours.
RE: Board topics - dabigv13 - 10-20-2023
I think as long as all "politics" (and I think the mods do a good job of keeping strictly US partisan political stuff out of here)/ non-Stanford sports topics stay safely in the OT threads, there shouldn't be much of a problem. If you don't want to see those topics discussed, just don't click the link.
Especially when our football team is bad, which has been a while now, most of the threads I read on here are the OT stuff. I've never been more well informed on California's reservoir status and water system than now.
And to 81alum's point on anonymity, to use your example of Condi Rice. If she were a poster here, don't you think she'd stop posting if real names were required?
RE: Board topics - cardcrimson - 10-20-2023
(10-20-2023, 03:53 PM)81alum Wrote: I have mixed opinions. Some time ago when we went to the "no politics" rule I supported it. As a political scientist you might think that strange. But I have many opportunities to pursue my profession and I would hardly come to an anonymous sports board to do so.
However, the Ukraine thread has given me some pause. I sense that there are some true experts on this board that I probably would not come into contact with in my professional life. And I have enjoyed following that thread.
Furthermore, most run-of-the-mill politics sites are uncontested. By that I mean they are run by or dominated by one particular ideological perspective. The vast majority of what you will find on them is--truly--distorted propaganda. Finding a site where serious people contest ideas is rare. I've seen some serious discussion here.
So I have mellowed out on my "no politics" rule. But there is something that bothers me. If we are going to shoot the BS about sports, then I think the anonymous handles of this kind of website are just fine. But if we are going to debate serious issues, then the qualifications of the people speaking begins to matter. I'm not sure the Cardboard should expand to becoming something about politics, war, race, prejudice, religion, etc. unless we really know who is speaking--where they come from--what shaped their perspectives. If Condi Rice is posting here, I'm going to interpret that a little differently than if I'm reading a post by a smart retired engineer who never worked in foreign policy, but has provocative ideas. I won't dismiss the latter, but politics is too important to decontextualize.
So I guess I remain a skeptic, but one who would like to see a couple of limited threads on politics continue, carefully monitored.
Another great post.
leftcoast - Leftcoast - 10-20-2023
I have strong but mixed feelings on this. The Covid board and Ukraine thread were invaluable in helping many of us digest and mentally process difficult subjects that most media discussed at a shallow level.
When they veer too deeply into the rancid world partisan stereotyping and name calling we need to shut them down. I still regret the threads that sent long term board favorites and one founders on their way.
So, in the mod(s) I trust. This tightrope isn’t easy to walk.
RE: leftcoast - cardcrimson - 10-20-2023
(10-20-2023, 04:52 PM)Leftcoast Wrote: I have strong but mixed feelings on this. The Covid board and Ukraine thread were invaluable in helping many of us digest and mentally process difficult subjects that most media discussed at a shallow level.
When they veer too deeply into the rancid world partisan stereotyping and name calling we need to shut them down. I still regret the threads that sent long term board favorites and one founders on their way.
So, in the mod(s) I trust. This tightrope isn’t easy to walk.
I think the Ukraine board has been great, and apolitical. The covid board started that way, but veered heavily into the political arena, where one set of views were tolerated and another, not so much. That said, for the most part, the Ukraine and Israel threads have been managed well and the denizens have behaved and the expertise invaluable. With more turmoil ahead, I hope they can continue.
RE: Board topics - GK3 - 10-20-2023
(10-20-2023, 07:14 PM)branner Wrote: I never saw the COVID stuff and don't recall looking at the Ukraine discussion. But I have appreciated the discussion on Israel/Hamas. One can easily tell whether a thread is political in nature. The world needs more conversation and less violence. Not my board, but if this can be a place for occasional discussions of big events among Stanford alums and interested parties, where one can easily skip over threads not of interest, that strikes me as beneficial.
The test for me is this: are the participants in a discussion seeking truth, or else what is the right thing to do given the truth? If so, the discussion is useful. If the discussion is about anything else, I don't have time for it.
No matter who you are, the current situation is such that very few, if any of us are truly current as to the realities of the situation. That doesn't mean we don't have thoughts to add and provoke more thoughts. Anytime you think you know all the answers is the time you should realize you probably don't know any of them.
Many of us have life experiences involving the Military, Government Service, Intelligence, Political Science or just plain stuff learned through living.
As long as the exchange of ideas is civilized I think we all gain from being able to read other people thoughts. None of us have all the answers.
RE: Board topics - Mick - 10-21-2023
I'm not an alum, but I've been a fan of Stanford sports and the broader Stanford community for half a century. As much as I value and appreciate the sports discussions on this board, I very much appreciate the comparatively few OT discussions. You're right...political discussions can be found anywhere on the internet. They're typically run and populated by polemicists, and different opinions aren't really welcome. The intellectual capacity of the participants on those political boards wouldn't power a light bulb, generally speaking, or they're drowned out by the bots and bad actors.
I like to read the various opinions of the uniformly intelligent and many brilliant people on this board, whether it's for COVID or Ukraine or Israel/Hamas or any other topic. I always learn something and the discourse is almost exclusively cordial and respectful. I'd like it to stay that way.
RE: Board topics - GK3 - 10-21-2023
(10-21-2023, 08:09 AM)Mick Wrote: I'm not an alum, but I've been a fan of Stanford sports and the broader Stanford community for half a century. As much as I value and appreciate the sports discussions on this board, I very much appreciate the comparatively few OT discussions. You're right...political discussions can be found anywhere on the internet. They're typically run and populated by polemicists, and different opinions aren't really welcome. The intellectual capacity of the participants on those political boards wouldn't power a light bulb, generally speaking, or they're drowned out by the bots and bad actors.+1 Amen
I like to read the various opinions of the uniformly intelligent and many brilliant people on this board, whether it's for COVID or Ukraine or Israel/Hamas or any other topic. I always learn something and the discourse is almost exclusively cordial and respectful. I'd like it to stay that way.