GC
why not just call it the Fringe,
Lunatic Fringe already sounds negative vs the Fringe which is associated with alternate thoughts.

WildE,

I like your idea. The Fringe, I like the sound of that. 😎

Mountainman.

Hey all, I as well dont mind outlandish stories or theories, i as well liked that you could share with each other different theories and opinions.
I as well have the same question : What constitutes a conspiracy theory or Doomsday scenerio that shouldnt be posted?

I fully get and appreciate what you do Denob and i know it wasnt just that isolated thread that got you to this point, you have a very hard job that doesnt pay, and hearing complaints all the time would be tiring, but for that sake of information that may be detrimental to someone else id ask that this be thought about as well.

Complainers, and im not trying to troll or anything but i will say this, you can skip through threads you dont like heck you can even ignore a member on the site completely why bother Denob with petty things! Hes got enough on his plate!

Sometimes things happen that cant be proved or even seem possible to the human mind but guess what they happen anyways!

Im broke ATM so i cant spare the pennies 😀

Members come here to learn about prepping techniques and many have requested that their accounts be deleted due to these types of posts.
Please keep discussions related to prepping and if you feel that this forum does not cater to your beliefs, please find another forum.

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/forum?s=t

It seems that some people have stomped their feet and demanded that censorship be instituted in order that this forum be shaped into something that more closely fits their belief system. Denob, I would suggest that those whose belief system causes them discomfort whilst discussing a certain prophecy, theory or other impending event that someone else feels important enough to prepare for, should just pass the topic by and not involve themselves with it. Nobody is forcing them to be part of every discussion. Why should the majority of us be censored and forced to conform to the comfort zone limitations of a select few?

Denob, I don't question that you can set the rules. Of course you can. It is your house. I simply question whether it is at all necessary to institute a new rule that starts us on the slippery slope of censorship - the thin edge of the wedge that chips away at free speech, open discussion and rational thought. I suggest it is very shortsighted and unnecessary to create a new rule that is likely to frustrate many in favour of satisfying a select few.

For many people, this is the only place they can go that gives them a way to hear other points of view on certain topics. It gives them some way to remain in touch with reality instead of being left with their own thoughts and fervent imaginations. God only knows that this forum for open discussion may be the only thing that keeps some people from losing their grip completely. Why can't this forum continue to be all of those things that it has been for so long? Why is it so necessary to change now? Oh, I should take the opportunity to ask the morally correct few if it was permitted to mention the word 'God'? I know that the word 'God' doesn't fit in with everyone's belief system. I didn't overstep the bounds by using that word, did I?

You say that those of us that are not happy with the decision to censor discussion can leave and find a new forum. Why not turn that around and tell those that demand censorship that they are free to go elsewhere and find a forum that meets their needs more closely if our topics disturb them? Why should the rest of us be required to conform to a minority? Consider that the reasons for prepping are every bit as important as the actual prepping itself.

Think about it. Suppose I were to open a topic about what equipment would be needed to survive an EMP burst. Would I need to worry that someone will vociferously complain that I am now discussing a conspiracy theory, an end-of-world scenario or a government plot to control/exterminate the masses? Should I consider the need to censor myself to avoid expulsion from the forum? Should I simply choose to implement some discretion and not post anything at all? Or, should I take a chance and make the post in the faint hope that common sense will prevail and temper someone's decision to expel me?

You know, society has a small number of people that are chronically offended for one reason or another. This minority constantly demands that the majority conform and censor themselves to avoid being politically incorrect. It seems it is a minority in each case that determines what is allowed and what is not only because the majority are afraid to speak up and demand that they be accounted for also. Almost everyone I speak with is frustrated by censorship and political correctness. Almost everyone seems sick to death of it yet few will speak out about it. Well, I, for one, am tired of being told what to say and what topics I am allowed to discuss, where I can go, how I must behave and being otherwise dictated to at every turn. I am considering leaving this forum now and I wonder how many more would make the same decision. All because of the unnecessary implementation of censorship. It might help to look at it another way. How many people would choose to leave here because of a lack of censorship?

You are right, it is not a democracy here but what would be the harm in holding up a yardstick to measure the wishes of those who are active here? Why not poll the masses to determine their response to the new culture of forum censorship?

I would suggest the question: "Do you feel that this forum should continue to allow free and open discussion of any scenario, prophecy, theory or situation that may give rise to the need for survival preparations?" The answer would be a simple "Yes" or "No". Of course, you are never bound to the results of a poll but to ignore the feelings of the majority might be considered somewhat imprudent.

Im more upset that everyone seems to be posting in this thread, instead of other threads I used to read constantley. stop griping and start posting people. Get all the info out on the net before the Lizard Kings of the Free Masons take over the world and eat all of us.

Greetings All

I have been monitoring this site for some time without commenting. I agree that censorship is not a good thing. However, to be honest I have lost a lot of sleep over conspiracy theories that relate to earthquakes as I am ChCh based. Potential and legitimate threats to our way of life as we know it are not all conspiracy theories, hopefully the site moderator will apply common sense and allow discussion of valid science based threats, e.g. honey bees, solar flares, etc. Religion and politics is only an individuals perception anyway - so have no problem with censorship of these topics.

OK...so you all want to know what kind of pure garbage has been getting on this site lately?
Here is a perfect example of what I am eliminating...
Here is a post from the Austrailian network by FNQ'er-1
First, read the post and take special note of words like "verified" and phrases like "already in production"
Now go click on the link and read...I MEAN READ EVERY WORD of the article.
Notice things like "CGI mock-up" or "model" or "speculation".
In fact the article points out that these are NOT in production.
This is either just pure deception on the part of the poster, or ignorance from not having read the article that was used to "prove" their case.

Seeing as this covers the Re: "Why would the gov bother tracking us"? Thought this might be the area to post this article I came across yesterday - also verified it on 'Snopes' link is provided. So Enjoy - maybe your not as alone as you thought you were!! LOL.

And vrified on 'SNOPES' with this article headliner; snopes.com: Insect Spy Drone
link; http://www.snopes.com/photos/technology/insectdrone.asp

I often get accused of trying to please everyone. This comes from my deeply held belief that there is a solution to EVERY issue. Appeasement should not be confused with problem solving. IPN is by far the most excellent prepper forum outside of the US. It has active knowledgeable members that are willing to share their expertise and experiences with other preppers both new and old. For me the greatest assets of IPN is its openness, tolerance and acceptance of all regardless of race, creed, colour, religion or other beliefs. All that we ask is that you treat other members with respect.

An Australian member has been mentioned in regard to a particular post. The nature of post in itself was not offensive. In fact the issue addressed was published in many major newspapers around the world including the Daily Mail in the UK. The articles are factual. It was the wording of the members article that was in question. That member was a major contributor to this board and one of a couple of major contributors to the Australian forum. The Australian forum was becoming a very active and lively. After incident the member rarely posts. Other in the forum stop posting too and the forum has pretty much died with now only the occasional post. I WOULD HATE TO SEE THAT HAPPEN TO THE IPN!
We have 2150 members listed. However we only have 91 members that have contributed over 50 posts. We only have 45 members that have contributed more than 100 posts (our Australian friend included). The fact is we have a VERY small core of contributors that the other members that do post depend upon. These are our seasoned preppers willing to share their expertise and experiences and we must do all in our power to keep them.

Over the last year IPN has grown. Measured not only in the numbers of registered members for that can be misleading but measured by the number of posts that have exploded over the last 12 months. In other words what we have been doing IS working. there is a lot to be said by the motto "if it aint broke don't fix it".

I have been following this thread and I suggest that everyone go back and read each post. Out of almost 40 posts most of them fall on one side or other of the issue. Two posts stand out One by Gc_mountainman and the other by Wildernessreturn (both members major contributors to the forum). These posts stood out suggested a solution a way to move forward. So let's.
Denob has held IPN together from the beginning and it is his ultimately his decision that determines the direction of the forum so let's support him. After much consideration I feel that a fringe forum would be an excellent solution to accommodate to all membership and allow IPN to grow while remaining the most open tolerant prepper forum on the net.

Bravo Dendrite!!!

No to censorship.

And a "fringe" thread? = perfect.

Moderating a forum is a bit like herding bees some days - and be assured you don't know 3/4 of what happens behind the scenes! Any decision is a difficult one because there will always be someone unhappy with it.

I consider myself a serious prepper - others may disagree. I am not looking for MORE reasons to prep because I am already convinced that prepping is a wise and prudent thing to do. I am still interested in what people think and believe but I am a pragmatic person: give me the facts, don't run me in circles with supposition and if you don't have experience in the area then please at least do your research BEFORE you spout off about things that may or may not be true. Questions are always welcome - pretending you're an expert and leading people astray is not.

I have had moments when I was so saddened by the lack of respect shown to others on these boards. Name calling and just plain rude behaviour are not things I expect from fellow preppers - because I too want to believe that everyone here is on the same side and that there is a solution to every problem that does NOT include degrading someone else's comments.

I am more than happy to share as much as I can to help others meet their goals and to learn FROM others. I know that many of you are too. That's what makes IPN so amazing. I think a Fringe forum is a great idea...and to whomever is chosen as the moderator - good luck with staying out of trouble - it's much more difficult than you can imagine.

OOPS! I somehow thought this post was Locked....so I started my own post giving my opinion on the subject, on the NS page. My bad. Its probably redundant now.
Short form; I support Denob on this . Im here because IPN is different. Stick with Real, Nuts and Bolts, PREPPING. If you want to obsess about new modern versions of UFO coverups repackaged and the Iluminati on steroids...letts stop calling that prepping. If you want to beat up girly men or plan on shooting people on welfare and are looking for suport...the Aryan Nations is waiting for you with open arms and have plenty of sites for you to join. Go be a dick somewhere else

Not so fast on locking this thread down !

We need to pay homage to Anita, this line is just too sweet to miss out one

"Moderating a forum is a bit like herding bees some days "

now I am a very visual person, so I envision Anita in a field of flowers with a net, running after a herd of bees .... come on little ipners.. aww just to cute not to share 😀

Wow, a few days away and I miss all the fun...

As the only avowed Pinko-Commie Prepper on these forums; there have been numerous times that I have been offended by all the right-wing, obama-bashing, UN-fearing, Mayan-loving comments but as many have already pointed out; I either put up counter arguments or I ignore that particular thread. I've never ignored a contributor because some of that stuff makes for great sci-fi reading and I love sci-fi.

The issue seems to be that someone has posted something misleading upon which they did not research or consciously tried to mislead. I would suggest that correcting those articles is a job for all of us, not just the moderator. The last thing we want is a newbie losing sleep over cia mosquitoes when there is no evidence such a device is yet possible. Denob cannot be expected to read every thread and correct these people when they post incorrect information either consciously or accidentally. It is the duty for everyone.

If we can create a Fringe Forum, that seems a good solution; I however, would not want to herd those cats! My vote goes to Traveller; his diplomacy and tenderness of fools is known far and wide 😆

If censorship is the only way; then we need some rules because there is a wide margin of beliefs out there...

Almost anything could be Fringe based on your belief systems;
If it mentions FOX news I know that I would be screaming "Fringe" and don't get me started on anything that is released by the Tea Party.
Others would say the same thing about a dude named Jesus, or the evangelical belief in Tribulation(come to think of it; I already insulted Tribulation on a different thread), so I'm probably already on a short-list somewhere.

So, if you must censor, then you must also provide a list of what is Fringe because I don't know anymore. Your example is not about Fringe, it's about someone providing the readers with false or misleading information.

If this turns out to be my last Post; So long and thanks for the fish .

p.s.
I miss CryBaby's obnoxious, demeaning, insulting, highly entertaining and informative posts.

I'm feeling a middle path on this issue. As someone who has not yet been very active on this forum other than in brief windows, while being more active on other forums, I must say: I do appreciate how IPN does seem to be more focused on actual prepping and less focused on politics and conspiracy theories. That being said... it can of course prove useful to preppers to have discussions on possible shtf/teotwawki scenarios. To limit discussions on, for example, "doomsday prophecies" seems silly. Even if someone doesn't believe in the likelihood of this or that prophecy or scenario, they can still partake in "how could someone survive it" -type discussions and end up engaging in serious knowledge-sharing. Similarily, let's say someone started a serious non-conspiracy based discussion on "possible economic collapse scenarios," a la "how could you all imagine this or that situation unfolding, and how could one best prepare for it." Would it be out line for someone to make a comment suggesting "the next great depression won't be an accident it will be planned" to the point their comment should be deleted? What if their post also included some practical points, like "because it will be planned this or that way, and for other good reasons, don't go into debt," or "regardless or whether it pans out the way I think it will, it would still be smart to invest in ____." Would you delete a whole post because of one consipiracy-theory remark?
And, would it be considered anti-government to say something like "they don't care about us"? Where do you draw the line?

I miss CryBaby's obnoxious, demeaning, insulting, highly entertaining and informative posts.

ill 2nd that