Topic ID 359
The Discover Hertford Online Forum is provided as a means for local residents to discuss locals issues and events. Whilst a certain amount of digression will be allowed, any thread that becomes dominated by discussion of non-related subjects or personalities will be locked.
Reply ID 2609
Sorry Mr Admin, consider myself told off[:(] Is it possible to have an off-topic forum for general chit chat??
Reply ID 2610
quote:I'll second that - it's only the off-topic postings that keep some of the threads worth reading.
Originally posted by GillP
Sorry Mr Admin, consider myself told off[:(] Is it possible to have an off-topic forum for general chit chat??
Reply ID 2611
Have you guys considered MSN instant messenger for your general chit-chat? Tedious gloating about premiership football games, comments like,'Oooh, you're up late' and other bits of light-hearted banter that are of the moment and don't really make very interesting reading afterwards are far better kept off these forums. That's why it would be nice if Admin would allow forum members to email each other, subject to appropriate consent, then anyone who wanted to, could get on MSN (ask your kids/nephews/nieces/neighbours' kids if you don't know how to use it) and chat away about overpaid French footballers to their hearts' content.
Reply ID 2696
to be fair, not everyone can access MSN Messenger whereas more people can log onto the Web. An off-topic area would be a good idea and would also provide Admin with an even better reason to tell people off who post these in the wrong places ;-)
Reply ID 2697
I agree with smileyoriley here, it would be good to have an off topic area.
Reply ID 2698
Agreed..not all use windows
Reply ID 2720
Admin..........are you in 'Deep Thought' mode on this one?
Reply ID 2793
quote:I think he/she is
Originally posted by Ewoowar
Admin..........are you in 'Deep Thought' mode on this one?
Reply ID 2796
On other Forums you post an OT off thread post
Reply ID 2803
Admin..........time passes...........tell you what, I'll buy you a pint to help you think about it.
Reply ID 2808
I've given alot of thought to this but I'm afraid it doesn't fit in with the purpose of the site. It's hard enough as it is trying to moderate, especially with some members "pushing at the bounderies". I try to be very hands-off in terms of intervention but there are times when it is necessary to "provide guidance" about what is acceptable and what isn't. Providing a free-for-all area would make those judgement calls harder. I hope that everyone respects that when I do intervene, it's because I believe I have good reason.
Reply ID 2809
Fair enough. I'll still buy you a pint. See you in the Old Cross some time.
Reply ID 3543
Hello Admin, I notice you quickly wiped off a load of stupid off-topic postings that some daft teenagers made earlier today. Fair enough, it’s your website but if you are going to come down like a ton of bricks on some ignorant children then perhaps you could also clear up the racially derogatory use of ‘chinky’ on a thread about Chinese Takeaways? The Oxford English dictionary says this word, when used to describe Chinese people or Chinese food is ‘slang, offensive’ and if you put it into Google you will find several sites agreeing that it is an offensive term. (Word of advice – if anyone wants to try this with a search engine, don’t do it at work as there are many porn sites that like to use this word! [:I]) I’m all for free speech but when I see Admin rigorously removing postings in the way that you have today while leaving alone a posting that contains a word that many people apparently find racially denigrating, I have to wonder at your double standards.
Reply ID 3544
I think this is probably a similar issue to one involving a non-PC name used on a bench in Ware that was reported in The Mercury last week. This is something of a grey area I think, and in support of that I would refer you to http://www.phrases.org.uk/bulletin_board/38/messages/1234.html. A reference is made here to similar use of the word "queer", which some might regard as derogatory whilst others not. You will also find plenty of sites that refer to the definition of Chinky without making any reference to it being derogatory. Whether a term is offensive or not can sometimes be a subjective issue and is often depedant on the context in which it is used. Whilst some words or phrases are commonly held to be offensive, others could be the subject of debate. In this case, Admin has judged that "chinky" has not been used in a derogatory way.
Reply ID 3546
What report in the Mercury? I don't understand.
Reply ID 3549
Isn't the word "Chinky" a shortened form of CHINese taKeawaY?
Reply ID 3551
My mistake - must have been an item in the Hertford Times. Anyway, it came out of a discussion on Ware Online regarding a plaque on a bench that featured a nickname that is considered by some to be a racist term. http://www.wareonline.co.uk/haveyoursay/topic.php?id=857
Reply ID 3552
Admin.............are you anything to do with Ware Online?
Reply ID 3554
In our copy of "The Magic Wishing Chair" the Elf/Pixie type thing is called Chinky. Does that make Enid Blyton a racist? Not being a WUM, just think PC goes way too far sometimes.
Reply ID 3558
I agree, as has been stated in a previous post, some people call themselves 'Niggas'....is enough to drive you barmy! [:)] I'm sure the majority of us I kind & decent enough to be able to use words like golliwog & gay in the correct context, and yes Admin I think you have pulled a good un on this one. [;)]
Reply ID 3563
Cant beleive there has even been a discussion about the word 'Chinky'I used!! Thanx Admin for noting this was a harmless term for Chinese Takeaway (thanks Jezp for back the back up)! Jeees, some people should really get out more! [:p]
Reply ID 3564
HEAR HEAR
Reply ID 4261
I think you are doing a very good job. Many communities have nothing like this. And as someone who has only been in Hertford for 6 months I find it very useful to dip into.
Reply ID 5099
Hi, i have no idea where to put this so il try here, i am visting Hertford this weekend, and am staying on Folly island, but im a tad bit confused, the pics and the desription of the website say i am staying 10 yrds from the old barge pub, the postcode i was given is ther other side of hertfrod east train station and the coopers court on the streetmap says its next to Fore road/st not sure which, can someone pls clarify where coopers court in reference to the waitrose, is it on the riverside, as it was advertised or will i have a surpise when i get there
Reply ID 5105
Coopers Court is indeed just a few yards from The Barge. The Streetmap site is simply wrong!
Reply ID 5106
That'll be where Coopers Coachworks used to be then!
Reply ID 5108
jeez I remember that place!!! there was about 10 businesses all in such a tiny space on a corner!!