forum rules on OP's (moderators?)

[lieexposer]

I've noticed that many threads are started with a long cut and paste of an entire article and then aren't followed by the poster's own comments. First of all it is probably illegal to do that in some cases and secondly, it gives those who want to follow the thread no idea of the opinion of the OP opinion. Most forums ask that an opinion is stated and I think it would help a lot if this forum chose to do the same.

[Deadshot]

I think the Mod's are simply doing this for topic starters. As far as the illegality of it, well I don't think it's really a problem, most of the posts are sourced anyway.

I do think you make a good point that there should be a "take" by the original poster.

[PatrickHenry]

Agreed. I often ask the OP poster what they think of the topic they opened up.

Might be good to put a rule in the collection to have some sort of minimum comment with the news story...

[lieexposer]

Mostly to state an opinoin but also it may be preferable to liimit the size of the cut and paste. Patrick knows very well that this is the rule on most forums. I think it's hurting this forum the way it is.

[Alonzo]

I think the Mod's are simply doing this for topic starters.

True. Sometimes I post threads that I think are interesting but I don't really have much opinion on. I simply think they could add to debate.

If I had to comment on every thread I made there are many I wouldn't post, and I would be less likely to post articles with a conservative view, which I do sometimes.

I just randomly went through the 100 threads that have been active in the past 24 hours and virtually every one of them that did not contain a comment from the OP were posted by myself, some of which I posted solely for debate and not necessarily because I had a personal reaction to.

For example, this thread: Photo of Unborn Baby’s Hand Continues to Change Hearts and Lives (http://www.democracyforums.com/showthread.php?t=12781)

I have no real opinion on the photo. The only comment I can really make is "I thought this was interesting".

I don't see how this is harming debate here. Especially since I'll often go on websites and just start grabbing interesting news articles from them, articles that, many times, wouldn't even have been open to discussion had I not done so.

[cronic]

I agree.. which is why I always post my thoughts regardless of how mi-nute they may be

Deadshot is probably right about the mods just trying to start topics going..I've seen this alot with most of the mods here. I many times ask myself tho.. why do they post topics and not comment on them? A few other reg members do this also -

I'd love to see it become a rule!

[PatrickHenry]

Alonzo, why not just comment that you found this interesting and wonder how the DF community views it?

[Alonzo]

If you guys want that I could do so.

[Pookie]

I usually do if I post a new thread, but I think that's a good point. I'm not much of a thread starter, which reminds me I need to work on that, too.
In a way, maybe the OP's opinion might spark a debate a little faster than simply posting an article, because as sure as hell someone in here is going to disagree with the OP's opinion and there we go!
Purrs,
Pookie

[Mia]

I've noticed that many threads are started with a long cut and paste of an entire article and then aren't followed by the poster's own comments. First of all it is probably illegal to do that in some cases and secondly, it gives those who want to follow the thread no idea of the opinion of the OP opinion. Most forums ask that an opinion is stated and I think it would help a lot if this forum chose to do the same.

Copyright laws do prohibit the republication of an entire article, this is the only site I visit that permits it.

Elsewhere one is restricted to a portion of the article only, and a link to the rest.

I agree with you it's a non-starter if the OP does not make some type of point of discussion/debate.

[Mia]

I don't see how this is harming debate here. Especially since I'll often go on websites and just start grabbing interesting news articles from them, articles that, many times, wouldn't even have been open to discussion had I not done so.

I agree with that. You post a lot of articles I wouldn't have seen otherwise.

I think most of us know if you're the thread-starter of one of these the 'I found this interesting, and thought you might too' is a given.

But for clarity and setting a good example, PH's idea is a good one.

However, I think if the OP has a point to make with their article, they should state it.

[lily]

I'd love to see it become a rule!

Oh please, no more rules! I don't want to have to give warning points, move or lock a thread just because the OP didn't leave an opinion when statring it.

I agree it's preferable, but I also admit to sometimes just posting a thread with no opinion, just to see what people will say.

[Cobra]

You gona be warning me a lot cuz I ain't gona post a comment with an article cuz some stupid rule and picky people.

[cronic]

Oh please, no more rules! I don't want to have to give warning points, move or lock a thread just because the OP didn't leave an opinion when statring it.

I agree it's preferable, but I also admit to sometimes just posting a thread with no opinion, just to see what people will say.

smilez.. ya.. cool.. im down either way I guess...:peace:

[PatrickHenry]

You gona be warning me a lot cuz I ain't gona post a comment with an article cuz some stupid rule and picky people.
Ad hominem deleted ...rebel.