Voting Thread Closed

[Marty]

I haven't had much time to read the 'who you're voting for' thread until today. I was surprised that in less than 24 hrs it already had 14 pages of heated posts.

I thought this would create a bit of a debate, but instead my idea has backfired a bit. I didn't realize that it would start to polarize members and possibly create animosity toward one another based on political views. That's something that we don't promote here on OB. I have since removed the thread.

I may create a poll to see if we can predict the outcome of the November election, but I think it's best to keep heated political discussions out of Orchid Board.

I've also received several PMs from concerned members that this sort of discussion is unhealthy here at OB as it has nothing to do with orchids and doesn't contribute to keeping this place free of conflict nor does it enrich our content. Thanks for wanting to keep the balance here and thanks for keeping me in check

The common thing that unites this place is Orchids and I think it's best if we keep it that way.

[camille1585]

Marty, I thought that thread was a good idea when I first saw it. But you couldn't predict how it would turn out. I enjoyed the first few pages of posts, but then I felt that it was starting to get out of hand, so I stopping reading it. Politics is always a delicate subject, so now we know to avoid such threads on
OB!

[Chubidubi]

I haven't even seen that thread. I agree with you Marty orchids are way better

[Royal]

Polarized, maybe a little. Animosity, never! (at least not here in my end)

I love it here Marty, and I was worried about rubbing a few people the wrong way (as I was obviously in the minority). But then I just would think of the high quality and intelligence of our members and remembered that we're a family here. Although we can't agree on everything, opinions were respected (for the most part) and in the end - we're still family.

For a while there I was looking for a smiley icon burning a bridge or with a big foot in its mouth!

[Marty]

I thought it was better to cut the discussion short before it blew up, as the potential to escalate and get out of control was definitely there.

[JackiBlu]

It was a fun, a little different and an unexpected thread to see here. I enjoyed it.


I don't think I did, but I hope I didn't offend anyone. If I did, please accept my apologies, it was in no way intentional.

[Royal]

Right back at you, Jackie.

[Sandy4453]

Marty, I really appreciate the way in which you've explained your reasons for this decision and the regard you've shown here. Thank You. I'm quite impressed that you gave this an opportunity to see where it would go and the judgement you exercised to pull back on it. Very democratic of you!!

I for one, found the thread a great diversion and thought it was kept quite respectful but you're the captain of this ship and maintaining a cohesive environment while on the subject of politics is pretty much a tightrope walk; it's not like agreeing to add 1/2 tsp. more of fertilizer to keep it all balanced!

I'm voting for you!

[Swamper]

I just want to thank those who voted for me, and my vice president while I went fishing Im sure you did an admirable job.
Seriously though I think I did hurt some feelings out there or possibly offended some and just want to say...I have nothing but love for all you guys out there.

[dgenovese1]

Marty.