Based on my study of the Phoenix code, MySQL, Apache and PHP, adding a politics thread will not significantly increase server load, nor will it make it any harder to return to a shared hosting environment in the future.

I think the best way to contain the problems of talking politics is not to encourage it.

Who wants to talk politics in a dedicated thread? Is this just a NIMBY thing?

The only people I can remember wanting to post in this thread last time we talked was Gar and Jen K.

Who wants to talk politics in a dedicated thread? Is this just a NIMBY thing?

I'll play Hellboy's advocate: There's always a lot of it around, and it might be nice to keep it all in one place so it's avoidable, and so the discussers can not feel like they're annoying the nonpolitical.

There's always a lot of it around, and it might be nice to keep it all in one place so it's avoidable, and so the discussers can not feel like they're annoying the nonpolitical.

This is Shawn's point though. It's not about a thread that people want because they're very interested in talking politics. It seems to be a thread people want to keep Politics from polluting the other threads.

Alla you kids get offa my lawn.

It's not about a thread that people want because they're very interested in talking politics. It seems to be a thread people want to keep Politics from polluting the other threads.

I think it's both, defintely more of the latter.

I see it as a sort of spoiler thread. Some people are spoiler whores, some people don't even watch the "Next week on....". It's a matter of personal choice. I see this thread as that. Some people want to debate and discuss, some don't care.

I do remember from the TT that politics was the most flame-baity acrimonious, troll-filled section of the board.

I don't know that we would automatically replicate that here. Whatever complaints people may have Buffistaville.

I don't have an opinion on whether to have a new thread or not, and will probably end up voting "present" or whatever we call it to help make up the quorum, but not affect the outcome.

Iif there is a politics thread, I think the culture would quickly evolve. I'm pretty sure anyone posted anything other than a real quick passing comment on politics someone would tell them to take it to the politics thread. Maybe an exception would be made if really related directly to the thread topic (such as Tim making Moon is a Harsh Mistress). Maybe it woulldn't.

That in fact is a good question; clearly Iraq War discussions would be moved to politics. What about discussions about libertarinism and Ayne Rand in Minearverse since Tim is making MIAHM? Would those wanting the politics thread want that moved to politics as well? I'm not asking what would be required. I'm asking what would be the hoped for result?

If there was a politics thread I would post there. Am I the only one?

I might, depending.

But for me, that goes for any and all threads. If the mood strikes, I go. If not, I don't.

Susan would. If she has time, that is.