Political Advertising...

[WhichDawg]

I have started seeing Political pictures as avatars and wondered why?
are these people so desperate they need to do this everywhere they can/go?

I respect people's rights and views and can get into a mature discussion on any topic
and for the most part we have good people here who are funny and intelligent conversationalist,

but I never did like it jammed down my throat or see graffiti everywhere I look
like some dumb/fake picture of somebody trying to be somebody

rant over...

[665ae]

First off, let me say that this is something that has been brought to the attention of the moderators of this forum.

One of the things that makes this forum great is the fact that each person can express themselves, their thoughts, and their beliefs with little fear of being reprimanded or banned (like some other forums.)  As long as the discussions are kept civil, and people treat each other with respect, most topics will be allowed.   If something is blatantly offensive, or violates any of the rules of this forum, one of the moderators will take action.  This applies to all pictures, discussions, avatars, signatures, etc.

[jzmtl]

Every forum I go, the first thing I do is to turn off sig and avatar so I don't have to deal with stuff like this. 

[WhichDawg]

lol now if we were at a soccer game, that would be different!~ 

[Spoonrobot]

Eh, it's an election year. Not much one can do about it. I just try to think happy thoughts. 

[bobofish]

For what it's worth, I feel the same way about religious avatars, religious signatures, etc.

If you wouldn't like me shoving the opposite down your throat, or would be offended if I advertised it, you should keep it to yourself. Enjoy, prosper, live in peace, but keep it to yourself.

At the same time though, I can understand that people think it identifies or represents them; afterall, plenty of people on this forum advertise SOG's, SAK's, or LM's in their avatars and sigs. They feel their brand loyalty defines them somehow. Frankly I think that's more than a little shallow, but that's the way of the world. Myself, I won't advertise for anybody unless they pay me what I consider a reasonable amount. I don't wear clothes with logos on them, and I do my best to cover up logos or remove them whenever possible. If I paid for something, I do not automatically become a brand representative.

But again; in a very real sense, if you don't have a problem with brand advertising, you shouldn't have a problem with political or religious advertising. If you want to keep that advertising relative to the discussion and subject at hand, then you can draw a finer line of keeping unrelated things out, which is very reasonable.

[Grant Lamontagne]

While I personally don't care for or about most political matters, I do feel that a forum is about personal expression.  I don't care for political or religious signatures, avatars etc, but it's your profile, not mine, and therefore your choice, provided it's not something offensive.

This would be a pretty boring place if we all agreed on everything and folks weren't allowed to let their thoughts and opinions flow.  Rather than be too heavy handed and define what can and cannot be said here (first amendment doesn't apply to internet forums owned by foreigners!) I try to allow folks to say whatever they like.  I hope that everyone here can appreciate that, even when they see something they aren't thrilled with.

Def

[ducktapehero]

Having a religious or political avatar or signature is not "shoving it down your throat". Please. 

[AJ]

So who you going to vote for? 

[WhichDawg]

it is too!  I'm from chicago and around this time ads and signs and you name it, everywhere!
and you are a "Yank!" by losing the civil war, the south lost all rights to claim other! deal with it already! 

but I respect what Def said, this forum is great place because of the way he does things,
but I'm still gonna make fun of the wieners! (and the losers)

[ducktapehero]

and you are a "Yank!" by losing the civil war, the south lost all rights to claim other! deal with it already!

NO!!!!! Never!!!!! 

Actually, we couldn't beat you militarily so we are beating you financially, with Wal-Mart, Coca-Cola and NASCAR. 

[ducktapehero]

Actually I heard an interesting thing about "Yanks and Rebels" In the South people deny being Rebels and people from the North are Yankees, the rest of the world considers us ALL Yankees, except for the British who still consider us ALL rebels. So it's all a matter of perspective.

So see, I have deep thoughts occasionally. But I try not to very often, if I go TOO deep I may drown.

[WhichDawg]

LOL! how's the healing going DTH? feeling better?

[ducktapehero]

Yea, I'd doing good. I've been hurting a bit more the last couple of days because I'm cutting back on my pain meds. Sure they help with the pain but the side effects are killing me.