Official Luthiers Forum!

http://thinkprogress.org/2006/12/13/mccain-war-on-blogs

Your thoughts on McCain's legislation to keep tabs on blogs? Politics
need not be included, just a discussion on the law.

Jim...with all due respect, I believe it would be impossible to discuss this without including politics.

IMO...There are other sites far more suited for a lively discussion on this issue.

_________________
JJ
Napa, CA
http://www.DonohueGuitars.com

That's something I can appreciate. I know a few of us have blogs (some
for their guitars), so I believe there's some relevance. If nothing else,
some might find the linked article interesting.

James, here's my opinion on this, i think that those in power are threatened by the truth that Bloggers write and by the strength they have to influence the political landscape, if they do what they say, i feel like it's because they want to achieve a revenge of some sort.

And i would seriously fight this with my local politician!

Not to be argumentative - BUT -IMHO - the reverse is just as true. As a blogger - you can say ANYTHING you like, and claim that it is truth. It's called propoganda, and the lies can easily ruin a life. The damage is usually bad enough that even after the truth is discovered - some folks will still hang on to the lie, as if it is truth, and repeat it again - so it has to be rebutted over and over , continually, again and again. It doesn't end...

The older I get, the I better understand the reasons why Ponitas Pilate asked the rhetorical question - "Truth. What is truth?" I really don't have much trust for anything anyone has to say in politics - or the media, including the bloggers. Its seems that everyone has an agenda - that's the truth.tony39066.4744444444

Very good point Tony, nonetheless, freedom of expression is at risk and we all know how fragile this concept is nowadays.

[QUOTE=tony] ... As a blogger - you can say ANYTHING you like, and claim
that it is truth. ...[/QUOTE]

True. But, there are laws that protect folks from false allegations.
Defamatory conduct can cost you everything you own.

It's pretty hard to make a convincing case that the free flow of information is
a bad thing.

...need to clarify. I'm not advocating censorship, and my comments were not really in support of this effort to monitor blogs. Merely wanted to expose blogs for what they really are. Same old CRAP in a new wrapper. Difference is that today - it has "press" so everyone is paying attention. I just wanted to get the another thought out there to be considered so we aren't re-enforcing the notion that "blogs" are now the pure beakon of truth because the little guy has been given a loud voice. It's just a new forum to argue.

And how many slander/defamation of character lawsuits ended up costing someone "everything"? I acknowledge that the potential is there, but really how many cases are actually won? ...and at what cost? They very seldom ever in up in court, much less win in court.

I don't want to stop the free flow of information - but could we agree that the free flow of information might need to be monitored sometimes, under certain circumstances? I think so. Question is ...under what circumstances? ...by who?

So, I will say that McCains intent to advocate protection of our children is noble - and as such we should not be so quick to dismiss what he says without hearing - objectively - what it is that he wants to do.

The whole idea that Republicans are intent on empowering government to control our lives and the Democrats aren't is nothing but silly hogwash. They both will do that very thing - given the chance.

...and as a follow up.

I know this forum is being graciously offered to us with a certain focus in mind. I don't feel comfortable pursuing this topic any further on our forum - I don't feel that it is productive. I sense that it has the potential for causing division and perhaps hard feelings. We are developing friendships - and I don't want to muck that up. There is little doubt that we would eventually find ourselves differing on issues that might prevent us from openly sharing our love and passion for guitars and building them. And that's what brought us together. JJ is right - I will go there and do that - and not do it here.

I'm sorry if anything I have said to this point has stirred emotions and fed a desire to continue in debate. I didn't mean to do that and then bail on you , but... please understand, I don't intend to entertain this topic beyond this last word:

Luthiers of the world - UNITE!!!

Thanks for bearing with me.

I wouldn't feel comfortable pursuing it in the direction it seems to have
gone either. Thank you for understanding that before I mentioned it. I
just read through for the first time today.

My interest isn't much about political speculation. It's more about the
role this article says blogs have in our society, now as a recognized form
of media.   

I've had a blog since 2002, btw. At it's high point, 1000 unique visits a
day. I don't check anymore or use it in the same way, but I suspect about
30/day based on commenting. Now my blog is primarily a sketchbook of
mine for design, ideas, and writing. A tool to help me process.

I think this subject is very very interesting, and I too have opinions (strong ones) on the subject, and I am quite distressed by things I see in the media and within the government...

However..... I too agree we should not discuss these things within the context of this forum. None of us are going to solve the world's problems by debating them here and it will only lead to bruised feelings and divisions in our community.

Let's just drop it.

But thanks for posting the link. I hadn't seen this.

_________________
Brock Poling
Columbus, Ohio
http://www.polingguitars.com

Ridicule. Oubliez-le.James Orr39067.6265277778

Sorry... I don't follow...

splain, please?

_________________
Brock Poling
Columbus, Ohio
http://www.polingguitars.com

"Ridicule Oubliez-le" literally translates from french to english as "Ridiculous Forget it". To a french speaking person it has a different connotation which I will refrain from explaining.

James, I increasingly find myself biting my tongue with your posts on this forum. This will be the first and last time I make my views openly known with respect to an individual on this forum. Please stop, learn some respect and play nice!

Having said that -- I look forward to seeing examples of your work -- you build with a great passion -- keep channeling that passion into your work and constructive questions. That way we will all benefit from your participation.

If you are considering defending yourself or swinging back -- please send me your address so that I can mail you a roll of quarters so that you can call someone who gives a s&*t.Anthony Z39068.4736921296

Edit.

1. As a non-french speaker, it's safe to say I'm unaware of any extra
connotation.

2. I guess you're not my fan.

3. Enjoy your forum.

3809a E. alamos
Fresno, CA 93726James Orr39068.8468055556

AlA Peebels39070.4052893519

James,

I skimmed through the act and I didn't see anything that appeared to be
applicable to a blog. What did I miss? The act seems to be aimed at child
pornography and imposes reporting requirements on internet providers who
may receive an upload of kiddie porn. I don't see that happening to
someone's blog...

There are a whole lot of people in this world with opinions of everything. Only the people who listen are affected. If your life is so boring that you check out blogs and chat rooms, I think you would be more productive in your workshop helping to create music. Opinions expressed in music are much more powerful.

Im going to lay this post to rest.
I can be viewed in the archives but no further responses will be made.

_________________
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