Politics Forum is now closed

[Darrin Bell]

I'm shutting down the politics forum for three reasons: to see if comics-related discussions pick up, to see if it results in a better experience for everyone, and because I feel the politics forum has become a feedback loop. The same cast of characters argue the same points and counterpoints endlessly, not really listening to one another so much as trying to cast one another in the worst possible light. After going through that and being complicit in that for eight years, I don't see any point in going through it for another eight.

So I'm closing the politics forum. I weighed the feedback members posted and sent me privately, but I've been leaning toward this decision for a while, now, ever since I created the new Ning community. I'll leave it up so anyone can copy any of the threads they want to keep, but you can't post any new comments.

Please try to keep politics out of future threads in General Discussion. I know from being part of the Wisenheimer for years, that's not always possible. Sometimes when we talk about trends and issues affecting cartooning, politics is unavoidable. When that happens, please try not to make any of it personal and please try to keep it related to cartooning.

After all, that's what we really come here for, isn't it?

[Lee Nordling]

I forgot to add one thought: I felt that the other forum may have impacted the collegial nature of this one.

Before Toontalk's reinvention, it was a much more active place, at least it felt like more people were here.

Maybe they're still here and lurking, or maybe they left and will come back.

Either way, I'll continue to prompt with new ideas for discussion.

Bold move, Darrin; I'm with you.

--Lee

[Leann Webb]

I had been looking for a group dedicated to cartoonists and cartooning when I found this one. I belong to several artist groups but they are about art in general with painters, sculptors, graphite, charcoal, pastel artists, etc. While I am still active in those groups it's hard to get constructive criticism from a sculptor about your cartoon other than "I like Snevel. He makes me giggle" (Yeah that's an ego boost but it doesn't tell me where I need to improve)

While I agree that politics is part of life and will often enter into general discussions I had wandered off due to the high political content here recently. Fact is, opinions are like noses...everyone has one and they all smell.

When I received the email about the political forum closing down I came back to peek in and I see several informative topics posted that I'll be reading and hopefully be learning from.

I just ask y'all excuse my ignorance as I may ask some rather silly questions about the nuts and bolts of cartooning as I'm only an amateur. :-)

[Darrin Bell]

Are you kidding me, that's exactly what this forum's for, so no excusing's necessary! I hope you'll feel free to start your own threads if you're looking for advice about cartooning. There are plenty of pros and amateurs who'd be happy to give you their perspectives.

[Leann Webb]

Thank you! I'm eager to benefit from the wisdom of those here who do for a living what I have only dreamed of all these years...even if I still end up being door greeter at Wal-Mart when I'm old. (personal fear)

And I also thank you for providing a place for cartoonists to come together and talk about the art of cartooning. There aren't many places where that happens. (that I have found anyway)

[Brian Fies]

But . . . but . . . the door greeters at Wal-Mart always look so happy!

[Leann Webb]

I picture myself... a surly old woman... "HEY YOU! Yeah you with the five scramin' young-uns...Give the kids some candy and GET OUT!"

Off to the unemployment office again....**sigh**

[guy]

I'm with Lee in that I hope this allows the forum to get back to the way it used to be. The politics here just went in a never-ending loop.
Guy~

[Wiley Miller]

I agree with the decision, Darrin. While it can be argued that, as adults, we can choose to engage or disengage from a political forum, the reality is, it only serves to be divisive and just wastes a lot time and energy.

I removed myself from any more political forays over the past couple of months, but when I see posts, or even just the topic of a political thread, it just makes it that much more difficult to stay out of it. I think keeping it purely as a cartoon related board makes it better for everyone.

[Jesse Cline]

saw this in my inbox this morning, I really like this idea. this is a good little community but the political arguments drove me away.