Sad

2000swift · #1 07-27-2009, 04:32 PM

When I first found this site I immediately got excited and started using the techniques found here. I also started telling everyone that I know to look at the site to help them better their mpg. Recently I have noticed that the site has become more political in the articles used on the home page and some members take any opportunity to slam Sarah Palin. I happen to like her and it has become nearly impossible for me to watch the news stations on TV due to the constant bashing of Mrs. Palin. I know I am different than most of the members here in that my motivation to hypermile is to save my family money, not an environmental reason, but this has been my favorite website (I check it daily, several times a day). I am deeply saddened that sometimes I have to leave my favorite site because some people can not pass an opportunity to bash political enemies. Of course I can not say much because I have been so angry I tried to respond on a couple of occasions in like manner. I hope in the future I can remain as a member of this, my favorite, website.

Thanks,
Bart

JusBringIt · #2 07-27-2009, 05:11 PM

Hello Bart,

Articles posted in our News section are limited to content relating to environmental and fuel economy issues. There are times when political figures are involved due to direct statements and recently stated positions based on what these figures support.

Some News articles may get a bit political at times when a member states their displeasure of the particular political figure's (whether it be President Barack Obama, Former Gov. Sarah Palin, John McCain or former President George W. Bush.) position, but we try to limit direct attacks as much as possible.

Our moderating staff has a well diversified view of politics, but we don't let that intervene with our main goal of informing our members and others about the benefits of hypermiling including financial and environmental and reduced energy dependence. This is a great site in promoting this information and if you find offense to any of the articles, you can always send a message to any one of our moderating staff members and we'll address the issue.

We don't want anyone to feel alienated for any reason as anyone can learn to hypermile and earn benefits.

msirach · #3 07-27-2009, 05:34 PM

Bart:
I detest the politically slanted articles that appear as well. If I see a political figure, South Park, Black and White parody of whatever on the home page, I quickly click "New Posts" or "Todays Posts" and move on. Credible websites promote free speech and everyone is not interested in all of the topics. You have to weigh the value of what you receive and hang around if you feel led.

From what you have said, you have found value in the information here. So hang around, read and contribute, or click through.

jimepting · #4 07-27-2009, 06:55 PM

I think msirach and JusBringIt have it right. Don't let the occasional political barb detract you from a site whose content is 90 % stuff you like. You would just be cheating yourself. I too personally am a bit more right than several here, but they put up with me and I put up with them - after all, that is the American way. I love the content of the site, and I'd never leave over politics. Just click past the stuff which gets you angry. Stay with us!

Kacey Green · #5 07-27-2009, 07:05 PM

I too am not a fan of the politics, as a mod I scroll through and see that the conversation is civil, as soon as I see another mod is on the case I'm out.

Though after the events this winter I still check and see if they need assistance keeping things on topic.

Die2self · #6 07-27-2009, 09:53 PM

I just keep up with the things that interest me and follow threads from people I like to hear their points of views from. I think that there was a poll not to long ago on the forums here and it seemed that most of the people that replied to the poll were leaning to the right, because they too wanted to get better fuel economy and safe money and fuel for other things.

Every site will have both sides and I think that is fine, because then there enough information for anyone no matter why they come to this site.

viva better FE

Chuck · #7 07-27-2009, 10:47 PM

Please stick around 2000swift.

I've tried to keep partisan politics and religion from going too far because a few will always heat it up until it resembles The Jerry Springer Show. I've seen this get out of hand elsewhere and don't want it to come here.

Sarah Palin has said no on occasion to the oil companies in Alaska, so she's not Dick Chaney - not Al Gore.

I'll admit to doing an article on her and posting Tina Fey's picture, but then people that know me back in the 80's immediately knew who I was doing when I shook me head and whispered: "Well..."....then I voted for him.

I try to limit my banter to energy/environmental issues, and encourage others to do likewise.

As a moderator, I get all kinds of opinions on News Articles and polls....the only way to not offend would be for me to do nothing.

If you like most of what we do, it's probably the best realistically we can do.

nervousmini · #8 07-28-2009, 06:50 AM

Hang in there 2000 swift.

I too really dislike the political stiff, but I accept that it is a significant part of some of the issues in play here.

I choose to respect the freedom of those that wish to discuss it, and exercise my freedom to not participate and click past the items I don't care for.

Don't give up on the forum, it's a remarkable resource and I wouldn't be hitting the mileage I have without these great and knowledgable people here.

2000swift · #9 07-28-2009, 07:21 AM

Thanks for the encouragement everyone! I do love the information on this site and I love having the resources readily available to improve my mpg. I believe the overall maintenance of my vehicle has benefited from the info on this site as well. Looking back I think I was just having a bad media day and needed to express my feelings, I know this resource is too valuable for me to let one thing mess it up. Sorry for sounding so negative yesterday, keep up the good work of finding ways to help any car improve its fuel efficiency.

Bart

Kacey Green · #10 07-28-2009, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Delta Flyer

Please stick around 2000swift.

I've tried to keep partisan politics and religion from going too far because a few will always heat it up until it resembles The Jerry Springer Show. I've seen this get out of hand elsewhere and don't want it to come here.

Sarah Palin has said no on occasion to the oil companies in Alaska, so she's not Dick Chaney - not Al Gore.

I'll admit to doing an article on her and posting Tina Fey's picture, but then people that know me back in the 80's immediately knew who I was doing when I shook me head and whispered: "Well..."....then I voted for him.

I try to limit my banter to energy/environmental issues, and encourage others to do likewise.

As a moderator, I get all kinds of opinions on News Articles and polls....the only way to not offend would be for me to do nothing.

If you like most of what we do, it's probably the best realistically we can do.

You'd get complaints about posting nothing too, we can't win that battle