Whatever happened to Freedom of Speech??

I feel the same way you feel but it isn't like that here. Most people tend to agree with the majority of people here because they don't want to be black listed. Sounds pretty stupid but it is true. So while all this is going on nothing on here never really get discussed. The same people post everyday the same reviews from the same girls. It does become boring. I personally love to here different things and points of views of others outside the main stream. It doesn't make them wrong, just different. I have been on other websites that make this one look like a kiddie site. One website that I started to visit is no holds barred!! But stay here long enough, you will hear the same thing on here from the same people all telling you the same story.

I'm just shocked at the amount of hobbyists who don't voice their opinions because they are afraid to what other hobbyists or providers will think and vice versa!

I say ... WHO CARES?!! As long as you stay true to how you feel and what you believe!

I can only speak for myself, I know I speak truth and it comes from the heart. I do not hold back, I give my honest opinion when I post. I also enjoy hearing the same from everyone else.

I really enjoy the flirting and innuendos when they occur, but does not seem to happen as often as I would like. I also like reading the info in the reviews, sometimes it gives me ideas.

I have heard but only through hearsay that some members are concerned about what others think of them on these type of boards and thus they embellish or refrain from giving an honest opinion. I disagree with this type of attitude and I remember that this is merely a website and most of you I have never met and lots I never will. I do not care what you think of me, my dog still loves me and my ATF will still see me so all is good in my world.

Eden I like your straightforwardness!!!

I can only speak for myself, I know I speak truth and it comes from the heart. I do not hold back, I give my honest opinion when I post. I also enjoy hearing the same from everyone else.

I really enjoy the flirting and innuendos when they occur, but does not seem to happen as often as I would like. I also like reading the info in the reviews, sometimes it gives me ideas.

I have heard but only through hearsay that some members are concerned about what others think of them on these type of boards and thus they embellish or refrain from giving an honest opinion. I disagree with this type of attitude and I remember that this is merely a website and most of you I have never met and lots I never will. I do not care what you think of me, my dog still loves me and my ATF will still see me so all is good in my world.

Eden I like your straightforwardness!!! Originally Posted by Outdoorsman

My sentiments exactly! You made a point that I completely agree with...

"I remember that this is merely a website and most of you I have never met and lots I never will. I do not care what you think of me, my dog still loves me and my ATF will still see me so all is good in my world."

... I appreciate your point of view because our opinions on this particular situation are the same. I would also love to hear what someone has to say that has an opposing opinion.

Me personally, I believe hiding ones true feelings doesn't accomplish anything and I ALWAYS appreciate straightforwardness, even if I don't agree. It just gives me a good reason to rebutt :-)

In all honesty, what other people think of me is none of my business. It took me a long time to wrap my brain around that concept, but once I did it was look out world. I make every effort to be respectful but have no problems calling bullshit when necessary. I don't engage in a lot of the conversations here because I'm still kinda new, but mostly because I haven't seen anything that really stimulates me intellectually. It's a great place for research and whatnot, but I don't think I'll be making lifelong friends here.

I have been a member of ECCIE for a month now and have had conversations with many providers and hobbyists alike. Several, have complained that they are afraid to voice their opinions on the board, for fear of the consequences that will follow.

I think ECCIE is a place that providers and hobbyists should be able to speak their minds, as long as it is done in a respectful manner. Everyone won't have the same opinion about everything, but that's not a good reason to refrain from posting your position on a certain topic or (in some cases) provider.

My question is, what would be a viable reason to keep quiet on a situation, opinion, or provider? And what person in their right mind would make someone pay for stating their own opinion?

It seems ridiculous to me, being as I speak my mind on everything. What do you think?

Originally Posted by Eden_Monet

Freedom of speech is alive and well but the caveat is that freedom from consequences rarely exists. I wholeheartedly agree with you, as I myself rarely held my tongue when I was your age. I'm not ready for the nursing home by any means but I have learned over the years to choose my battles wisely. "And what person in their right mind would make someone pay for stating their own opinion? "
There are some, who are a few sandwiches shy of a picnic, that would think nothing of exposing or seeking retribution on a hobbyist or provider who spoke their mind. I'm not saying that we have such in our midst but it would be naive to think it wasn't feasible. For a hobbyist the exposure could mean a loss of income, censure in their profession, not to mention an angry spouse with a good divorce lawyer. There are also providers who work day jobs, go to school, or are raising children on a single income. As I stated previously , I agree with you 100% on speaking your mind. The problem is when your actions or commentary takes income away from another, it tends to bring out the worst in people.

I know I say what I mean and mean what I say. Bottom line - especially on this board - if they dont like it Fuk em - just as long as you do it in a respectful way...lol.
LFG

I have had a few occasions where I really wanted to cut loose on comments made, but thought the better of it. You are right Wiley, I agree with everything you said. It took me many years to learn which battles to fight and which to just leave alone. Freedom of speech has a very high cost. I was watching 'The People VS Larry Flynt', he paid a very high price for his freedom of speech.

there are some who prefer not to stir the puddin' as it were or rock tho boat with controversial opinions.

good post//good answers!!

I love the Nola board...less drama than the Texas boards{lol}

I know that,being a sassy redneck girl from Texas,I have to be very aware of what I post....I have learned to "speak my mind" in less blunt ways....I have learned not to post out of anger or vengfulness........I do post ALOT....but when I do, I try to be helpful,humorous, & informative in my postings.

I consider yall my "family & friends"..........I just want everyone to get along & have fun doing what we are supposed to be on this board doing{which for me is to build a good reputation,make money to live a nice life,and of course have FUN}!!

My favorite motto is "Make love,not war"!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I love the NOLA board the best of all I have been on. To me actually you folks are some fun loving people. A lot less drama and I sign in here and always leave with a good laugh, ideas, and helpful advice. Thanks for making things FUN !

I love the NOLA board the best of all I have been on. To me actually you folks are some fun loving people. A lot less drama and I sign in here and always leave with a good laugh, ideas, and helpful advice. Thanks for making things FUN ! Originally Posted by naughtynatale

Ditto from the other one from St. Louis!!

yall are full of shit,lol. anyone states an opinion or fact for that matter around here and it does not fit in with the general consensus of the collective board mongers they get chastized and tagged a troll for life. It is funny to see those very attackers in here posting, lmao, what a crock of shit. I guess the perp does revisit the crime scene huh?

I find it humorous how for years these same folks have been spouting "info" that has been shown to be so wrong it is funny and yet here they are, still giving advice. Who would take advice from a provider who has all day to sit in a forum and chat? The advice thats worth something would be from the provider who is too damn busy providing. ditto for the hobbyist. I had a well known provider here contact me and talk shit on a bunch of the other well knowns here.. then same very day acting buddy buddy and offering to do doubles with them,lmao. This is one big ass back stabbing arena.

This thread is starting to have a bad odor and i can see it only getting worse. shut it down or leave it for a laugh, but if you are a newbie... DONT LISTEN TO A DAMN THING YOU HEAR IN THIS THREAD, AND WEAR BOOTS CUZ ITS GONNA GET DEEP,lol.

You are right I am a newbie here zen. LOL But believe me we have those types on a board here. All they do is take some gossip from one site and spread it to others without doing any research whatsoever. Guess they are every where. Maybe it is because I don't personally know people here but I still like them.

(learned that last part from another board Don't get so involved in their personal lives LOL)

All I know is here I don't have to be careful of what or how I say something. Well not yet anyhow