By Chuck Woodbury
EDITOR
What if you threw a party? Maybe it was a surprise birthday party. Maybe it was a July 4th party that you organized at your RV park. What if 100 people showed up? What if 97 of those were wonderful people — interesting, smart, respectful?
But what if 3 of them were rude, offensive, annoying creeps? All they would do is walk around, eavesdrop on conversations, and then rudely butt in, telling everybody how wrong they were about what they were discussing and how they were right.
I know what I’d do: I’d kick them out.
The freedom to disagree with others is one of the great freedoms of our society. It’s called freedom of speech. It’s why we have two major political parties. But somewhere in there is the idea that it should be done with respect, not anger or hate.
I had to close comments on Andy Zipser’s article last week about his concerns about opening his Virginia RV park, now that the government had relaxed restrictions. The know-it-alls pounced with one rude, often offensive comment after another, often to people who had commented intelligently and respectfully. One called another “a moron.” There is no room for that no matter how much you disagree with someone.
We removed all 78 comments, the good along with the ugly. It was a shame because the article was hugely popular (more than 119,000 views so far) and lent itself to discussion. I banned some of the rudest commenters from ever posting again.
I SERVED ON A JURY about a year ago. Witnesses were called and they answered questions from the lawyers. If a witness made an accusation without evidence to back it up then my fellow jurors and I considered the testimony worthless. Here, in this newsletter, angry readers can make such unfounded statements without any evidence other than what they saw on Facebook, Twitter or cable TV. Bunk!
The most obnoxious are not experts, usually far from it. And when I respond to their comments, asking them to explain the source of their information, they never answer. They’re like the Wizard of Oz, hiding cowardly behind a curtain that’s called the Internet.
A MAN IN MY RV PARK has an offensive bumper sticker on this car. I have passed the car perhaps 20 times, wondering what kind of person would display such an angry, rude message.
And then one day, he was relaxing on a lawn chair outside his RV. I greeted him and he waved, smiling. I said something like “Nice day, isn’t it?” And he responded in a friendly, polite way that you’d expect from a fellow RVer. How could he and the person who displayed the bumper sticker be the same?
Here’s my theory: When some people get online, in the privacy of their homes or RVs, they change. The dark side of them rears its ugly head. We all, I believe, have a dark side, but most of us recognize it, and it remains hidden. If we were raised by our parents to respect others, then that dark side, big or small, is buried deep inside us.
I hope the angry, rude, disrespectful people in our audience go away. They have no place here among tens of thousands of kind, intelligent and respectful persons, many of whom have, through the years, become my friends.
Nice editorial Chuck. I often see comments online, and bumper stickers and hats in RV parks that turn my stomach but I find it less exhausting to let people have their opinions than try to convert them with mine. Every once in awhile I allow myself to get upset or speak out, which usually leaves all parties unhappy. I don’t want to be unhappy!
Re Tony Sauer’s “don’t want to be unhappy “.
Your position is Exactly where I am!!
Old adage something like “be and let be”.
Let’s focus on the good around us.
Re politics: your not going to change my mind and I’m not going to change yours so let’s move on to the glass of wine, enjoying our pets, stars , etc,etc- Be Happy!!!!!
I had an old friend that used a saying. “I have no problem letting you think you are right, as long as I know I am right”
A wise man once told me..”Never wrestle with a pig. In the end, you just get dirty and the pig likes it.”
Nice comments Chuck. Feeling content is a GREAT feeling. Tony’s comment struck home with me, specifically the last sentence. “I don;’t want to be unhappy”. When I see the nasty hats or bumper stickers or witness the hostile attitude, I tend to feel sorry for the owners, rather than get mad. I feel sorry for them because it must be hard to go through life so angry all the time. I know when I’m mad about something, it takes a lot of energy. When I’m mad, the major impact to me is that I don’t see any of the good things going on around me, so the bad feelings seem to be compounded. Like Tony, very seldom do I confront someone about their anger…in my case, I just feel sorry for them… and that type of sadness is much easier to move on from than being mad.
I agree with Chuck and you don’t like it when people do that
Very well said
I totally agree with you. Many a time they do not even address what they disagree with.
All freedoms and liberties carry responsibilities. When I was young I was taught that it’s alright to disagree but not all right to be disagreeable. When I speak to you, I take ownership of my words. The problem today is that with the Internet and social media people have a level of anonymity and no longer have to take ownership. They can snipe from behind a mask and it’s sad. I follow my local newspaper online and find that most of the negative comments on articles come from a small group of people who “have” to comment on everything. A friend of mine calls them CAVE people. Citizens Against Virtually Everything.
Never heard that before, CAVE people. Mind if I use that? haha
Well said. Sure would be a “Wonderful World” if we could all get along with each other. So much more satisfying to greet each other with smiles instead of growls.
I remember a life of no cellphones, internet, or a 24 hour news cycle. We lived our lives in our communities and dealt with people face to face. There was a common mutual respect for others that has been lost with our dependence on the technology we have created. Our minds were not focused on events outside our daily routine. We had little input from outside sources influencing our thinking. We had a freedom of independence that slipped away in our rush to embrace a new life changing technology. We should have concerns with who owns and controls these technologies, because with that control they will control us.
And then Orson Welles came on the radio program “The Mercury Theatre on the Air” talking about Martians on Hallowe’en…
And remember when we each called each other Mr and Mrs? And we busted the kids butts when they did things wrong? There seems to be less and less respect anymore.
In these difficult times, you would think that people would be more considerate and compassionate toward others as we all try to do our best to survive. Instead, I have found that the rude, obnoxious, and self-entitled people have come out of the woodwork in droves. Why they think the rules just don’t apply to them is just beyond me. Why they believe social distancing and masks don’t apply to them. They are likely the same ones that wash their hands once a day maybe.
Perhaps they would feel more comfortable and entitled when they are breathing through a ventilator instead.
Be Safe
Sorry Michael, but I find your post inconsiderate nor compassionate, not sure where you are but where I am now and places I’ve been and go to the people that are rude, obnoxious and even self-centered have been the ones wearing the masks. I am none of those you classify as that nor do I feel as one entitled, I don’t wear a mask and I won’t ever, thats my choice, I do observe social distancing and yes I do wash my hands several times a day it has nothing to do with your rules, wearing masks was recommended but not mandatory. I’ve never hidden the fact that I won’t wear a as have thousands of others, it’s your choice to wear one, I feel comfortable not wearing one, besides if you have one on your safe. Stop lumping everyone that doesn’t agree with how you want to deal with this so called pandemic. I say so called pandemic because when was the last time we’ve seen or heard of any other illnesses or deaths for other reasons not because of the virus. Everything is lumped as covad19. As far as being on a ventilator I’m not worried I’ll be just fine. We’ll have agree to disagree on the mask and if there are places that require a mask I won’t be there.
Well said Terry
There you go Micheal, pigeon-holing certain people that don’t comply with what you think is right.
I have cooked “off smelling” meat and eaten it;
I have walked on lake ice an inch thick;
I will drink the water from a stream in the forest;
Best before dates on anything are just suggestions to me.
Do what you want, just don’t go telling me what I should or might “feel”.
Wonderfully said! I don’t know what happened to “love your neighbor” or “treat others the way you want to be treated.” While the internet has improved our lives, I feel it has done just as much to diminish them as well. Sometimes I just long for the good old days when “information” was not as readily available.
It is hard to love your neighbor when he’s carrying an assault weapon into a state capitol.
Chuck, you are correct; mutual respect and common courtesy go a long, long way. We are so fortunate as a people & respect for one another has been a long standing American tradition.
Good for you!
Well said and I totally agree!
I am sorry that some people can’t keep their rude and obnoxious comments to themselves. Life is too short! Kindness goes a long ways. Thank you for rvtravel!
Good job Chuck 👍
I have experienced a lot of rudeness and profanity on the internet. There is no accountability for behavior. You cant punch them in the nose over the web. I call them Keyboard Commandos.
Well said. Thank you
well written and said…….way too many hide behind their “screen names” and become all knowing and all powerful….untouchable they feel……and unknown….thank you for keeping this site clutter, and mainly rude and ignorant free……
Well said….
Yeah, gotta love the internet ninjas.
Thoughts from the corner of “Hither N Yon”…We live in a world full of possibilities (good and not so good)–my grandma passed at 60 around 1960–my Mother about 12 years ago, in her 70s…I think staring 78 in the face on July 3, my feeling is they would both be disconcerted by the way things are going ‘these days.’ They both believed everyone has right to their own opinion, nobody is always right or always wrong. Just don’t try to beat everyone else down with it–in their “day” you did’t talk about who you voted for (at most maybe which party)–in their day you didn’t talk freely about personal/private issues — I’ve heard their ‘day’ referred to as “gentler times.’ These days it seems “anything goes’ –you don’t leave your house unlocked, or the car keys over the sun visor or…well, you get the message, it’s not the “good old days” — but, wait, someday NOW will be someones “good old days.” That’s a scary thought – sounds like we all need to pray a lot – pull together, try to leave it better than we ‘found it’ where possible…
Well said, I see far to many comments that people would not say if they were looking into their victims eyes, Anonymity gives a strange kind of courage that I believe weak people crave, it gives them a sense of power that is lacking in their lives, they are bullies. I responded to a question on a site and spell check changed a word that didn’t fit but the meaning of the sentence remained, I received at least a dozen comments about how stupid and ignorant I am and had no right to be giving advice to andy because of the one word. My response was that the bullies have confirmed what I said about them. I’m glad you blocked some of these people, no one should be insulted and made to feel less of a person by bullies.
I used to believe that if we could sit down together with a glass of iced tea, we could talk together, and solve the worlds problems. At such an occasion, a friend raged at me, her frustration with life, with President Trump, with all her friends, with that we didn’t not have the same thoughts that she does. I admire her, I respect her, but I will avoid her and my old friend her husband, to avoid a situation like this from happening again.
Thank you Chuck. Unfortunately, there are lots of rude folks out there. I expect (hope) RVers are more gracious than society at large.
Dear Chuck, you are so right about the internet. It has allowed people to become terrorists because they can hide behind a screen. I’ll share with you what happened to us a few weeks ago. After 8 weeks locked down in our house , the kids were getting agitated . So lets take the RV out for a drive and get a change of scenery. Fuel tanks full,water in the tank,black tank empty,food in the fridge. Ok, so we don’t need to stop at any stores. Good ride. So my wife post’s it on FB. WOW. The attacks were merciless. How dare we and a slew of other very rude comments. It upset her so badly, that she removed it. What was so wrong to take a drive to change the pace. Just because it was an RV and not a car. I say how dare they. We we completely self sufficient . All I can say is WOW!!!!!!!
Thanks for your great articles, and I promise if I should ever disagree with you, I will not attack,. but simply ask you to explain. Stay safe you and Gail. Oh,and Archie too.
Steve…your wife should get off Facebook. It is a huge time waster and a place for petty minds to flourish.
Please tell your wife I hope you all enjoyed that (safe and well-planned) ride, with many more rides and “real” adventures to come. It’s amazing what a change of scenery does for the soul.
I have seen quite a few excellent messageboards go right down the tubes due to allowing offbase racist, political posts that have nothing to do with what the group was started for. A real shame. The ones that have taken to flat out ban all political posts managed to get back on track. Unfortunately that means whoever is running the site has to spend their valuable time “babysitting”.
It’s about respect and we are slowly losing it in our country and that is very sad. I don’t think social media is helpful in that regard. Nice post Chuck.
Excellent, Chuck.
Thank you for taking action to keep the vulgar and inconsiderate citizens of our community accountable for that behavior. More actions like that will be needed from all of us to turn the rising tide on citizens who have lost their ability to be a member of a civil society.
It can be such a struggle to live in happiness. However, IMHO, it gets easier as you spend more time dwelling on the positive aspects of a life over the decades. And, perhaps, you need quite a few decades of varied experiences to see this.
It’s the “long game”, born of trust that even though life has its rough patches, its beauty will again become abundant. In this way, life is cyclical. But it does take patience and determination to weather this cycle.
There is also a “short game” where patience and determination are rare commodities. Instead of waiting/working for things to get better, the path to personal survival is to engage in combat to “blow off steam” until the next positive aspect of life is (finally) realized. To me, it seems to be an attempt to immediately assuage internal negative feelings by redirecting them toward someone or something.
Thus, the short game takes less effort to play than the long game. It is easy to see that it becomes the “go-to” strategy for those who are less introspective.
It is a shame (and ironic) that those trapped in the short game may miss much of the happiness life can give. While they are consumed by combat, they are oblivious to the smile of a child or the setting of the summer sun. However, to truly play the long game, one must acknowledge the existence of these folks and then move on. Life is too short.
Beautiful , well said.
thank you.
My Mom, who is 93 and now in hospice, always taught me to be, at the very least, civil. I took that to be respectful. Along with that she said if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all. Everyone is entitled to a bad day but don’t dump it on others through “your” anger or frustration. Don’t say anything, or if you need to, take the emotion out of your statement and speak in a civil manner with facts as how you see them. Now we can respect your opinion even if we don’t agree.
Thanks Chuck for making this magazine a peaceful little nook in our lives.
Thank you! I subscribed to a different RV newsletter as well as yours. Last weeks email started with an article that in the first one or two sentences began by rudely name calling the Governor of Michigan. I first, unsubscribed, then deleted, without reading another word of the newsletter on their site. I am so tired of the hate, the outrage, all of it. Thanks for taking a public stand on hate.
Some could view a stand lie that as censorship.
Chuck, I do not agree with censorship in any form. This is your website…fact is King Chuck can censor any member’s commentary…perhaps you should stop allowing any members to
comment on any topic…that would make your job so much easier.
Huh? You don’t support censorship, but encourage censoring ALL comments? I can’t parse that…
Patrick, most people who comment are intelligent and their comments respectful. Sure, it would make our life easier not to deal with comments — it takes a whole of our time — but we believe that our readers have a lot to say that is helpful or enlightening to others.
I think Patrick was being sarcastic when he mentioned to stop allowing any comments- you are censoring to what makes you comfortable. That’s irrelevant. Your still censoring comments to your liking. We’re all adults here and can handle reading disgruntled comments. It lets us know where someone else is on an issue whether we like it or not. The internet is becoming such a one sided platform that its completely disgusting. I’ve stopped reading so many groups or “social media” platforms lately because its such a turn off to see how the moderators are censoring/removing “sides and opinions” that they deem hateful or misguided. We don’t need mommy and daddy controlling what we say or read, we can form our own opinions and either move on or respond. I choose to move on from groups that I can see by the readers “votes” that you have formed a mostly very one sided group here. I agree with Patrick, that censoring of any form is not okay.
I do hope the rude readers leave because we need all the information we can get on the road.
It was named “critics without credentials” on one site🍀💚
People like that are the reason I have “shrunk my world” since I retired. I don’t watch network news, it is negative, biased, emotional and NYC/DC centered. My world is not those things. People who are counter to my values are expendable. OTOH, friends who are friendly and positive, and who avoid discussing the big two, religion and politics, are welcome to share time with us.
Luckily we have found that most fellow boondockers are those type of people. Out in the wilds you don’t have TV, radio, or an cell signal. You have books and nature. My best boondocking buddy is a long haired, bearded leftie, but you know what? We leave our politics at home and enjoy the outdoors and each other’s company. And to be honest, I think both of us have mellowed a bit when it comes to what each of us believes. As long as people are respectful of each other, there is a lot of room to connect.
BRAVO! Rudeness, disrespect has no place in our society, however it is all around us. It appears some of our young people have been taught in the home this method of communication. A friend of mine shared this with me years ago “the fewer the facts the firmer the opinion!” NUFF SAID!
I believe all people have both a dark and light side. The one we feed becomes predominate. Some
have very strong feeling about certain issues and we have no idea where they came from, these
ideas. I am suggesting that the best way to avoid conflicts might be to stick to camping /rv travel
issues and leave outside issues alone. One such example may be politics. We all know that the whole
country is extremely divided on this issue, for example. Twelve step groups have a saying,” Take what
you like and leave the rest” it reminds me of my grandmothers saying “Let it go in one ear and out
the other. In other words ignore and consider the source. “Love one another” , I read in some book,
not Love one another if I agree with them. ha ha
God bless or not , your choice.
“leave outside issues alone….example may be politics.” RVTravel doesn’t seem to mention politics much, or at all, in my opinion, BUT some of the most innocuous articles/comments apparently are read by some to be political. I don’t get it.
Wow, did you hit that on the nose. I am truly amazed at some of the miserable people in the RV world. Bravo!!
Well said Chuck! Thank you for all you do for our community.
It’s the internet, plain and simple…A small percentage of the people on this earth would never have the guts to be as rude in person as they are on the internet…..These are the “small” people who will never amount to very much either in the flesh or on the net……Good for you Chuck for 86’ing them out……I come here for knowledge and entertainment, not contentious interaction…..
The web replaced the CB, the CB radio was the place all the Rambos hung out. They couldn’t be found unless they were stupid enough to keep talking long enough for the FCC to use triangulation technology to zero in on them which rarely happened due to the expense involved. However that doesn’t apply with the internet as each computerized device sends its signature with every message, what you send could easily be traced right back to YOU.
Thank you so much for your intelligent response to some disrespectful people. You’re right when you say one can disagree with a statement, but it can be done in a respectful way that encourages both sides to understand opposing views.
Sorry but you are becoming the problem if you let those low lives shutter you or cause you to censor all commenters. There are people who just lay in wait for an opportunity to help restrict others right to free speech, dont allow them to force you to censor anyone.
Hope you enjoy your “Safe Space” Chuck.
Chuck,
Appreciated your comments on the Joy’s of camping and your rebuttal of Internet bullies.
On Thursday, I left the intimate confines of our RV to go to the Post Office. There I witnessed one of those obnoxious bullies who had cornered an unsuspecting bystander and his tirade denounced the conspiracy that requires our wearing masks. He stated it was all a Chinese communist conspiracy. As I was leaving I had to walk between the two and I very kindly questioned, “What if your mother was infected by a non-mask wearing person?”
His face turned 3 shades of deeper red and went off on individual freedoms. So, I just kept walking to my car.
Thanks for your insightful comments. Keep up the good work.
So appreciate you addressing this issue. Over the years I just figure those are toxic people who behave like that and I choose to move on. Thank you for what you do. Camping or not Saturday mornings I so enjoy reading your newsletter.
Hear! Hear!
Censorship & a mask it is OK we must do what they say not what they do. The government sends our kids to die in wars all the time now they are so concerned.
Many of us can not differentiate between factual science and junk science. Some people see something on Facebook and assume it is established truth. These are the same people who believe Elvis Presley is still alive.
Love the ones who believe if it’s on the web it must be true.
In the last two months, I’ve learned which of my friends and acquaintances are idiots based on the crap they forward.
A recently retired respiratory therapist forward me a list of tips supposedly from John Hopkins hospital. It was poorly worded and most of it was obviously false or at best half true. How could he believe it came from a hospital and was worth passing on?
Also, all kinds of ridiculous conspiracy theories.
My mother taught us that if you can’t say anything nice don’t say anything at all! Or how about “loose lips sink ships” just saying…
Your mother and mine must’ve been cousins.
I’ll admit I’ve been WAY too busy to read whatever nastiness transpired last week, so I can’t weigh in on specifics there… Certainly “moron” type comments don’t belong here nor help convince anyone of the writer’s position.
That said, I do think society has lost all perspective on both respect and meaningful discourse. If I tell someone I disagree with them based on hard facts I can quote, I’m “offending them” with.. um… TRUTH?!? If it matters enough to me to prove them wrong, I’m a [“jerk”] for that too. If I succeed in teaching them, I’m a know-it-all instead of appreciated for giving them that effort. I’m an advanced technology engineer — to me, truth MATTERS, and sometimes there really IS only one truth/fact. I can’t stand people getting facts wrong — I’ll admit that’s my hangup. But I still don’t think I’m wrong to be right.
I’m outspoken; I’ll let people know what I think and why, and I’ll do it respectfully outside of YES, DISagreeing — to me that’s social interaction and not “arguing.” I’m not mad (angry or insane) when I do so — to me, that’s just normal “talking.” But, some people can’t stand anything that’s not an echo chamber. Tragi-comedically, I’ll get ambiguous responses like “that’s not what the experts say…” on topics where, if you research credentials, I AM one of the top experts. Oops!?!
And finally, “everyone has a bias” explains your bumper sticker conundrum. You didn’t quote or allude to what you found so rude there, but I can say of myself that people OFTEN “get me wrong” based on their own views (sometimes actual bigotry). If I don’t condemn either of the last two Presidents outright, they assume I voted for them (when I didn’t because both mostly messed things up). When people saw foster care, gun rights, pro-liberty, gay rights, environmental stewardship, etc stickers on my well-stickered former car, they thought I must have 20 people driving that car — it’s all me because the READER can’t understand a liberal firearms instructor or a straight guy supporting gays or any other ignorance of THEIRS. I don’t keep my arms inside their box. People find out what I do for a living, and then openly admit they can’t understand how I could be such a teddybear in person, as if my work isn’t still ME, and (in my opinion) totally in keeping with the same “caretaker” mindset. Maybe the guy in the lawn chair WAS a decent fellow, just posted an opinion a bit too strongly? I’m guessing, I know…
And then, if there are still “jerks” in your readership, I think of it as a self-improvement educational opportunity — we hone our own minds against the whetstone of opposition.
Well said, Wolfe. Hardly *anybody* is actually as one-sided as we now seem to require people to be.
Imo, if you can’t say something nice about someone’s comment are you not lowering yourself to the same level of what you think of that particular posting?
Disrespectable people go away!!Thank you for all your positiveness!!Be Happy!!
Like Ron White said, ” ya cant fix stupid!” Unfortunately they have always been a part of humanity since the dawn of time. And like you said it’s their right to be that way.
And I agree with you My right is, I don’t have to listen to it.
My dad told me if I don’t like what’s on TV change the channel or turn the dang thing off.!! Its all we can do when faced with rude or obnoxious folks. let them exercise their right but change the channel !!
Keyboard Kommandos….they are everwhere!
As the saying goes: “It’s hard to soar with the eagles, when you are flying with turkeys!”
All true. Well put.
It does not even have to be about Covid anymore. On a FB page someone posted a child feeding a wild deer. A few of us voiced our concerns about how deer can react and become dangerous once the food is no longer being fed and how wildlife should be wild and people need to avoid interacting with it. The hate just blew me away. How we were horrible people and haters. I think this pandemic has really changed a lot of people. We are a country even more divided by it.
Chuck you walk a tight rope with that one.
Please don’t turn into what you hate.
Someone shutting down free speech is not a good idea.
Let people be free to decide for themselves if the writer is an idiot.
We can and should always reply to the one’s rant with the correct facts to teach them the errors of their ways. Remember they are just children who think they know everything. The adults in the room need to correct them and if you gag them they will never learn.
I encourage people to hit the reply and give them a spanking if that’s what is needed.
The problem as I’ve encountered it is that those people do not learn from the facts. They don’t even want to hear them and accuse you of stealing their post, being obnoxious, or worse. I’m a “just the facts, Ma’am”, person and I can tell you they will continue to believe their opinion, no matter how ignorant of facts it is. Why? Because our culture is post-modern. Facts don’t matter. Emotions are the only things that matter and how I feel about something is the most important determiner of what I believe. I think that also accounts for why people are so angry and rude in their comments – it’s all about the emotion. People will believe a lie over truth any day if they feel like it.
This isnt about disagreement. It is about courtesy.
Steve, I don’t mind reading what I may consider stupid opinions, however, I shouldn’t have to read #$%^&, (*&%$, and *%#@^%, or even derogatory comments toward another person . So I thank Chuck for keeping that out of his publication. I cannot think of any paper publication that would print that sort of thing in the ‘letters to the editor’ or in any comment section. They may get them, but I sure have never seen them printed. Just because the RVTravel magazine is on line, doesn’t make it any different. Keel up the good work.
Comment 1: Definition of an expert. “X” is an unknown quantity and “(s)pert”is a drip under pressure.
Comment 2: What difference does someone’s comment make. Yes you can disagree, yes you can have your own opinion, yes you can voice it, but really, what difference is it going to make. You’ll never convince everyone of your position. It’s like teaching pigs to fly. You’re just wasting your time and irritating the pig. Just sit back, realize that some people have no idea what the hell they’re talking about, feel a little sad for them and move on.
Thank you well said.
You can disagree without being disagreeable. If we treated each other with respect, the world would be a better place. You are right to remove hateful and ugly comments.
Get a Life people. There is no room on this wonderful website for miserable, negative people who are filled with venom and self glory. They seek out to be spoilers of all things good. Their arrogance is disgusting. I feel sorry for them. They can not see the joy in life, the myriad of knowledge and all that they can learn from others. They bathe in their misery. Time to dry off and be someone worth knowing.
Chuck, you have inspired me each day and reading your beautiful outlook on life and the joy of the RV experience. You are way ahead of the game and so many of us love you and your beautiful wife and dog. Keep up your inspiring gift to all of us. We truly appreciate you and all the work and teaching you do.
Our family loves ya!
Katlyn, thank you so much for your kind words. We try so very hard to provide helpful advice and information, and to avoid getting into the gutter in the comments section with the know-it-alls who show no respect for the 97 percent, maybe even 99 percent of our readers who are wonderful people. Your comment made my day. Thank you. I hope we can meet one day. Now, go wash your hands.
I don’t believe in censorship nor do I believe in rude and angry comments sitting behind the safety of my computer. Many times in my working career I would type up a pointed response and then let it sit there for a while before editing and sending, I always said to myself “I got that out of my system” . Plain and simple you provide a comment section and you need to take the good with the bad. A question to ask, if the nasty and rude comments were targeted towards Camping World would you be so inclined to block them?
I appreciate your comments. However, this is a business entity, not a governmental body. When some thing threatens the viability of the business–extreme rudeness, for example–It is the proprietor’s duty to protect the business. I am fine with that. If I wasn’t, I could take my clicks elsewhere.
I did find your CW question interesting as CW criticism seems to skirt decency lines AND attract interest simultaneously.
Hi, Joe. Yes, we have blocked many rude (and worse) comments targeted towards Camping World and/or Marcus Lemonis, as a matter of fact. —Diane at RVtravel.com
You don’t believe in censorship???
Regardless if it were in person, on an email, a website, thru the cell phone or any other way, I wonder how you would react if someone comes up to you and gives you, your wife, daughter, son, mom, dad, sister, co-worker, etc. an ear full of hate, discontent, disrespect, negativity, foul language, etc? Remember….It’s my right to free speech! I have a bet you would re-think that censorship comment…
I am not RV’er yet but i love reading the newsletter every time! Thanks for everything you do!!!
Thank you, Thomas! “I am not RV’er yet” — Good luck! We hope you can start enjoying the RVing lifestyle soon. 😀 —Diane at RVtravel.com
The amount of “free speech” comments here are so tiring. Do people not understand that the First Amendment applies to freedom of speech in regards to speaking out against the governing power? That was the whole point the founding fathers wrote it. So that people could freely criticize the government without retribution. It says nothing about the owner of an establishment, or in this case a website, allowing patrons to say whatever they please without consequence. What Chuck is doing is no different than a coffee shop asking a disrespectful customer to be quiet or leave. This is HIS website and is therefore allowed to establish his rules. If you don’t like them, find another forum with likeminded individuals. And to call this a safe space like it’s an insult is so ridiculous. Yes this should absolutely be a safe place to state your opinion without being attacked. RVers are and should be inclusive. We will always have differing opinions from politics to fixing water heaters and everything in between. No reason we can’t keep it civil. Especially at a difficult time like this.
Very well stated, thanks
This is the most eloquent explanation I have read so far. Very well said. Thank you.
Thank you, Susannah. Very well said. 😀 —Diane at RVtravel.com
Thank the lawyers and courts…they created this mess with no end in site…It’s just too bad we didn’t have recording devices back when they wrote the constitution.
Grace and dignity are the best way to deal with bullies internet or otherwise. James 1:19-20 says My dear brothers and sister, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. No matter your religious beliefs this is very good advice pandemic or not.
A saying from the Vietnam era “right on, man”. thanks loved your comments
WAIT A MINUTE….did someone just suggest that Elvis is dead??!! Jeez,…what happened???
I read the RV articles because I want to learn and be entertained. My husband and I travel in an ancient leisure travel when we can, and enjoy the thought that there are other people doing the same. The way I see it is that caring for our editor and his family is part of our responsibility in our society. If he doesn’t like what he is reading and believes it would alienate his readers because of its extreme emotional content oh, I am all for supporting him.
I don’t like censorship of any kind.
I didn’t read the comments so can’t really say anything. The issue with Covid19 is there is always going to be different viewpoints. My views is that it is way overboard with the shutdowns, but I will not call any a moron if they have different views. I don’t believe us sitting at home is safe for anyone, but that is my view.
As the saying, “If I convince you and you convince me will there not still be two points of view?”
Over 100,000 people dead now from this pandemic and growing and you still say that “it is way over board with the shutdowns”…..unbelievable
Thank you Domingo for proving everyone’s point!
Thank you for taking a stand. I dislike those know-it-all types myself.
Given the general demographics of RVers, the vast majority of every one of them I ever met would surely have disagreed with me on almost anything political. The same is true of most of the people I ever hunted or fished with, or, here in eastern Montana, sat down across a restaurant from. And yet, we get along, help each other out, share tips and tricks. Because most of us were raised with enough social skills to understand that people with different opinions have *different* opinions, not wrong or “bad” ones. But as you suggest, Chuck, something about the Internet’s anonymity seems to make us (or let us) forget everything our folks ever said. It’s sad. Thanks for taking a stand.
That article that got all the comments was thoughtful and well written. But we live in a country now where a segment of the population thinks the word “freedom” is an excuse to behave like a self centered child, regardless of the consequences. “Freedom of speech” means trolling an anonymous Internet forum. “Freedom of assembly” means 2000 people at a drunken Jeep rally in the middle of a pandemic, and damn the consequences of that. “Freedom of religion” means exposing an entire congregation to a deadly virus in god’s name. Freedom of…well, I don’t know what, means I don’t gotta wear a damn mask, even if mask wearing clearly saves lives.
None of this is because of the pandemic. It was happening before. Our national leader getting away with behaving like a toddler has made everything so much worse, because his followers think they should get away with it too. The behavior during the pandemic is just same ol’, same ol’. I just wish so many people didn’t have to die because of it.
You’re now you’re the, to quote you, “a self centered child” calling names. Not saying what is happening is good, but since when do you quarantine 98% of the people instead of simply quarantining the sick and the very susceptible to it. And then on top of it making ridiculous rules because of the way you feel. And in the beginning it was a good thing to take precautions, now it is obviously just political.
You had me until the political part, then you started sounding like the people you were condemning. This isn’t a political issue, this isn’t about the President and those who share his ideology, this is about bad behavior and bad behavior has no political boundaries.
This behavior has been going on for years. Way before just this president. Stop blaming him for everything. This is not a political site. This is an RV site.
And now you are the child in the room.
I agree with everything your have just written…..unfortunately, this opinion is usually drowned out by those referenced in this resonse which makes it seem like they are in the majority…..and they are not
To Steve T and Joe R, I’ve been reading Chucks newsletters for over 10 years now, and he very, very rarely takes down the comments section like this. In fact, I may well be wrong, but I can’t remember him ever doing that before. My point is, it’s not something he did lightly. So I appreciate that he gave it much thought before doing so, but I also appreciate that Chuck DID take it down to help keep his newsletter a more friendly, family oriented place.
And Susannah, I 100% agree with you. This is Chuck’s website, and if people can’t be reasonable in their behaviour and respect other people’s viewpoints without be obnoxious, Chuck can ask people to leave his ‘establishment’ if he wants.
Chuck, thanks again for all you do for us RVers, keeping us informed, the tips, laughs, etc, and keep up the good work! Love you!
Thanks, JGinFL. I do my best to be fair. Thanks for sticking around so long with us! Much appreciated!
Censoring comments is what Communists do. “Your way or the highway.” is a liberal’s way of saying I am right and you are wrong. That being said, please cancel my subscription.
I don’t want to be a part of the bunch of lemmings that follow you off the edge of the cliff.
You have no tact, diplomacy, or ethics; and you certainly have no skill in authoring a newsletter.
Of course, this is your game and you make up the rules; most likely as you go along.
So, have fun peeping in people’s windows at night under the guise of walking your dog.
I am not sure which is worse, YOUR “I am right and everyone else is wrong attitude” or your peeping tom perversion.
Good-by and good riddance.
Glad that you are gone. This is a site with no room for hate mongering.
whoa there…. isn’t “Glad that you are gone” a little on the side of hate mongering ? hmmm
We, that like the news letter, say “Good Ridance” to people like you. What a miserable life the people around you must have. I almost feel sorry for you..
Anybody who says all X are Y is, uh, wrong. Except me, when I say that. 😀
Good-by and good riddance.
Robert you had me agreeing with you right up to the peeping tom coments. I think you lost it right there.
Walking by a place and glancing in open windows is hardly peeping.
I know it’s just to easy to blast someone in this format but one must try not to join the swamp.
This is exactly the type of behavior referenced in the original article…..someone who only thinks of themselves with no regard to the opinion of others or the health of others……no one even mentioned that anyone was wrong …..just giving their opinion
Robert, we are very happy that you are leaving our family of readers. You are exactly the type of disrespectful person I wrote about. I wish you well.
This is a Prime example of a mean spirited person who could only see the perversion of what Chuck was talking about when he noticed people living their lives. Freedom of speech does not mean hate speech.
In the language of the analog world, “Don’t let the door hit you in the a** on the way out”.
I believe your attitude is the type Chuck was referring to. There is a difference in ‘censoring’ and deleting rude, abusive and bullying comments. Are you sure you are talking about Chuck and not yourself??
Buh bye! Original post proven!!
I would propose you start your own blog so you don’t have to put up with all this censorship from rude, unintelligent, communists web site owners/patrons here. You could have all your friends join you. No one forced you to subscribe here. It’s your right to change and go elsewhere. There, you can discover tact, ethics and develop your own skills as a journalist. I’m sure there are way more interesting topics your group can discuss.
I live full time in a private park in Silver Springs, Fla. . Usually quiet around this time. Last weekend campers came for the weekend and totally ran amok. They not only stole firewood from a area used by everyone but tore apart the box it was stored in. They climbed on a tt stored on a site to attach a tarp between that trailer and their own. Don’t know if they damaged the roof. But neither do they. Being a private campground, management has to call the local law enforcement. They are reluctant to do so. This is one reason campgrounds can’t open and some won’t.
Thanks Chuck! It’s your class A, you roll the way you want, where you want and how you want. Name calling sucks, except where absolutely warranted. Just not on this website, ever. Nor on the bazillion other websites for that matter. I try my best to be in self control, even in severe confrontation.
Brought to you by a retired LE street officer.
Thank you. Free speech is one thing but being rude or hateful should never be tolerated.
Totally agree Chuck. Thank you for saying it.
Good Job Chuck. I think respect for others views and compassion for our fellow human beings has really declined these past four years. I think the blame for this is our mismanaged social media and the modeling behavior of our current leadership. Peace.
Very well said ……I have always said that example of these types of behavior come directly from the top
I’ve been around for a lot of years….This didn’t just start 4 years ago on a whim. Go back as far as you want in history. You’ll find the same behaviors. But thanks to TV, the internet, cell phones, our school systems, lack of parenting responsibility, lowering crime penalties, legalizing drugs, and embracing “tolerance”, it seems to have gotten worse.
Well said, and I totally agree. Discussion and debate are healthy, rudeness and bullying are not. Thanks for doing your best to keep us all informed and “healthy”.
I didn’t get to read the article, but I get the gist of what’s happening, it is a sad state of affairs in America today, but some of us have been around the block more than a few times, in the days of my youth these things got settled very quickly and sometimes very painfully, what I mean is if your going to run your pie hole diarrhea mouth, in the old days someone would shut it for you, and sometimes the fist that hits you in the face hurts as bad as the face that is receiving?, but socially unacceptable was a moving target, and you could become a target in an instance if your pie hole went rouge, what i mean is back when we had discipline kids learned it quick and it could come from anywhere, your aunt/uncle, neighbors, any relatives that were adults and older than you, and kids learned quick and behaved, the things you see these days are the result of no discipline and no consequences for running your mouth and the internet has made this problem a lot worse, not to mention the political atmosphere and division in the country that is prayed on all the time by the political parties, and the media, if you have a venue, it’s yours, you manage it and you have every right to do so, even if we disagree, we can still agree on many other things in common and respect each others opinion without being an asshole, as you can see I’m not a writer, but I’m also not an idiot, raised in a different time, hopefully something good will come out of this isolation, like reflection and thought and we can always keep learning how to get along, take a deep breath, think about what your going to say, and try to be a better person, some of the people I rolled in the dirt with as a kid and young adult are now some of my oldest and dearest friends and have been for over 50 years, and that I can appreciate more than anything, peace out folks, if you don’t like it, I don’t care so if you reply to insult me your wasting your time, I won’t hunt you down and kick your ass like the old days, I will just laugh at you and feel sorry for you, because your missing the most important part of your life on the planet, think about it, and have a nice day…………
Chuck,
It’s interesting that some of your regular’s haven’t commented.
Tom, for the most part, everyone has been very respectful this morning with their comments. That’s the way it should be.
Chuck has every right to control the behavior of those who comment here. It’s his site. I personally feel debate is healthy and sometimes welcome the opportunity to respond to public comments or articles. Sadly the internet and social media has allowed people to respond immediately and it often shows in their comments. It also brings out haters who just want the world to be as miserable as they must be. Seems today some people make everything about their political ideology and are unable to control their hatred for anyone who disagrees. Robert below is one example.
When I was diagnosed with cancer, it changed my life and outlook. Life is very short and I no longer have room for the childish behavior of keyboard warriors. I’m not saying my head is buried in the sand, rather that I enjoy good exchanges, absent bad behavior.
I’m totally with you Chuck and thank you for removing offensive posts. But I do have a question for you. Do you believe that “intelligence” goes along with “kindness”?
You said it best, and most importantly, kindly… I always try to phrase any of my comments/posts as if I’m speaking directly to said person, which invokes my inner filter. I can’t imagine walking up to some stranger and saying some of the things I see people leaving in the comments. If you start with name calling, it’s not going anywhere constructive.
Thank you
Dear Chuck
I agree with the message contained in “on my soapbox ”. Why is it the folks who have no skill, ability or willingness to discuss differences with civility get all the attention? Have we lost the curiosity to see a different perspective? Are we so afraid that our position is meritless that the only defense we have is to attack others character? Maybe it’s as you suggest… it is our dark side cowardly hiding behind the amenity of the internet. I wish there was a way to respond to these behaviors without giving them visibility and continue to be blessed by the responsible inter-actions of the majority.
Why can’t we all be kind to each other?
It is so simple to say Please and thank you, I’m sorry, your welcome, excuse me, let me hold the door for you or giving up your seat on a bus so some one needier than you can sit or asking a person if he /she needs help.
Simple manners and respect which were so common place in the world are slowly eroding. Compliments are almost non existent.
Compassion and caring for our fellow man is hard to find.
Words matter, hurtful words hurt more than you will ever know. We are all better than this.
Let all try to be kind.
With respect.
Coops
And what about “Thanks for pointing out my error. I did not know that” if we are shown the error of our ways. Let’s be humble when we are incorrect. We likely don’t do it on purpose. We’re all here to learn or share something good. Let’s not be spiteful or arrogant.
Immediately before reading this article from Chuck I came off of the IRV2 site where the thread I was following was about Oregon closing it’s parks and public lands due to the amount of trash and filth left behind by a few slobs. And it occurred to me that we are likely talking about the same people – or at least people with the same character types. Thoughtless people making rude and inappropriate comments on sites like this and/or deciding that it is somehow OK to leave all their trash and garbage behind in beautiful, natural places.
I guess the common denominator for both scenarios is that they know that they cannot be easily held accountable for their actions, A lot of frustration from responsible campers very upset that their access to nature has been shut down because of the actions of a few in Oregon. Same here on this site. I greatly appreciate what Chuck, and his writers, and most of his readers have to say. I may not always agree with some particular items, but I do like to read all knowledgeable views and comments because I can always learn something. So therefore most of us become very frustrated and angry that there even exist some rude, ignorant, thoughtless people who feel free to insult the writers, as well as all the readers. It ruins the experience for all of us.
The only solution I could offer for both situations is that we all have to fight back. We have to hold these people accountable for their actions. So if writing rude and inappropriate comments it is not simply enough to ban them because they will always find a way to get back in under a different name.
There are ways to actually ID some of these people who are trying to hide behind their computers. Same for the trashers in Oregon (as well as all other places across the country) – we need to try and hold those responsible for their actions. Both through direct confrontation on site, and/or through reporting to local enforcement.
I guess it is also (in part) a reflection of our news media, where I see every day how many news channels have learned how to lie and manipulate their news stories to fit their narrative – without ever having to answer for their lies or mis-statements. Many have learned that they can simply do or say whatever they want because they will not be held responsible for them. And so it goes downstream in the actions of some irresponsible people who realize that it is hard for the rest of us to hold them responsible. Because we haven’t. But we are going to have to try because it will only get worse if we do not.
The same slobs are possibly the one getting RV”ers kicked of Wal Mart and other parking lots. And do to the freedom here there is not a thing we can do about it.
When I was a Boy Scout, one of the edicts was to always leave a place cleaner than you found it. This is a great practice that can at last be some small help to the above trash situation in Oregon. I generally have two pickers in my rig, and a 5 gallon bucket. The picker saves a lot of bending over that my back does not appreciate, and is also nice to use when one would rather not touch what is being picked up. Dog stuff and cigarette butts for instance.
Makes for a bit of exercise, sets a good example and has never been criticized and often commented on with a thank you. What’s not to like???
The internet has supplied everyone with information, but it hasn’t given everyone wisdom.
Ah! You made me remember what I’ve read about the early days of the Net, the “www,” the hope that what connecting all the computers could create: more wisdom and — yes — more freedom. Freedom to learn, to connect to others far away. To share knowledge, to solve problems. Like everything in the world, the internet has become what we’ve made of it… and sadly, we haven’t made the best of this amazing invention.
I did not see the comments but can imagine them. I am a moderator on an RV related forum and we have recently experienced this same type of behavior. There are people out there who have become Internet trolls.
According to Wiki, “ In internet slang, a troll is a person who starts flame wars or upsets people on the internet by posting inflammatory and digressive, extraneous or off-topic messages in an online community (such as a newsgroup, forum, chat room or blog) with the intent of provoking readers into displaying emotional responses, and normalizing tangential discussion, either for the troll’s amusement or a specific gain.”
I suggest you put a new No Trolling policy into place on your site, giving the consequences if someone trolls the site.
I’m a somewhat regular. I totally agree with you Chuck. Nothing at all wrong with honest, thoughtful conversation.
I personally appreciate the removal of ugly comments.
Keep up the good work.
Yes, fully agree with you Chuck. We all have freedom of speech and a right to have our own opinion. We should also have the respect for one another on a conversation, especially with disagreements. The word is R E S P E C T, as the song said.
Devolving a conversation to name calling and assuming someone lacks intelligence, when you disagree with them. This level of respect, or lack there of, is rampant in the USA, and needs to stop. Otherwise we as a nation will not be able to proceed forward in a positive manner.
Hi Chuck…totally agree with you regarding people who can hide behind the internet, bumper sticker, whatever…as long as it isn’t face to face these types of folks spew all kinds of evil. I’m sorry it happened here, but it seems like in this day and age kindness and civility are no longer the norm.
Yes but sometimes it just gets frustrating when people say things like the pandemic is fake and some States are keeping restrictions on just to make Trump look bad and not get elected again.
To me, that IS moronic behavior. Just my opinion.
I agree with you JJ. Persons need to cite the source. Don’t just rant.
If you have ever read about personality traits, there are 4 basic groups of people. Depending on the source you read it from, they may also go by other various name types of names such as A, B, C, and D personality types. Regardless, they all come to the same conclusions).
Amiable – (People Pleasers)
Drivers – (Make things happen)
Analyticals – (Persons that have process based thoughts)
Expressives – (This is IMHO the group that complains about anything and everything. They just want attention at any/all costs. They have to be the center of attention. They have no/limited sense of respect for anyone but themselves. The further out of this square that they are, the more extreme.
Ask yourself “which one am I ?” and read up to learn more.
Of course, there are extremists in any group. The expressionists just seem to be the largest group of dissenters.
Well done and well said, Chuck! Have a great day!
Keyboards should come with an interlock device, like the ones that keep a car from starting if alcohol is detected on the driver’s breath.
I think this is a sign of the times. I do not in any way condone rudeness, but there are so many people who are really struggling right now. And what better way to vent then in an anonymous way on a website. You stated above how content and happy you are in your RV in an RV park. Yet there are probably a million people who are locked down right now that can’t go camping. Maybe they have lost their jobs and are going to have to sell the RV and their dreams of the RV life just to pay the bills and put food on the table. There could be some resentment of the people who are having a hard time through no fault of their own against the ones who aren’t. Again, I do not appreciate rudeness in any way, shape, or form, but I’ve seen so many loved ones of mine really struggling and I get the stress they are under. Maybe give everyone a little break in these trying times. Also, remember what Mama always said: ” If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all :-)”
I agree with you that anger and hatred have no place in a discussion.
The judging of who is an expert is a much more difficult problem.
You, Chuck, as a journalist have proclaimed yourself as an expert. You get to decide who knows about RV issues, for example. Someone comes to you and offers to write an article on and RV subject, and you decide whether the person knows what they are talking about. They may have convinced you, a non expert, that they are an expert. They get published, and many people who are not experts get fed some facts that may actually not be factual. They then pass those “facts” onto other people.
I, being a scientist, am held to a very rigorous review and analysis process when I present a fact. Even though I am an expert in my field, I cannot just make a statement of fact. My papers need to be reviewed, my research duplicated, and my facts checked.
The comments after your articles would be impossible to check for accuracy, but if someone uses anger, emotion, or states facts that have not been proven by science, the comment needs to be read and responded to.
Most of your readers are capable of filtering out the BS. Instead of banning the angry posts, write a response. Point out the non-facts.
I say let the haters rant, it is all part of the fun.
I have been very active online in the coffee industry for some 20 years now and have maintained my own coffee website as well. It is no different in that world. But in those years I have only had to deal with less than five people who I shut out of my life. A few times I have replied to their utter rudeness and threats, “Your mommy is going to be very mad when she gets home and finds out you have been using her computer.” Then into my kill filter their addy does. For one particularly threatening person I created a filter that would first reply with a message that stated, “The e-mail address you are attempting to contact no longer accepts messages from [insert e-mail service here],” and then would automatically delete the message from my server so I never had to hear from them again.
People have said to me, “This sure isn’t the world I grew up in…” etc. I ask them if they have ever read the Bible. It is full of bad people doing evil things from one end to the other, Old and New Testament. We all have our moments, it is just that some people live in a perpetual one. Life’s too short to deal with them. Say goodbye to them and move on.
Or, if you have a big, loud, menacing German Shepherd, invite them over and slip a pork chop in their back pocket when they aren’t looking… 😉
I was saddened today when I happened to see a video of people going into a store without masks and then deliberately coughing on the people who were working there. I’m sure this is not prevalent but I’m still very sad about the way this country is going.
So very true ~ I have been at times tempted to drop out of Facebook like my daughters have but I love connecting with my family & friends. I have learned to unfollow people who feel it is their duty to change MY MIND~ what ever. Politics do not belong there or conspiracy theories. It is OK to agree to disagree but do it politely. We all need to try to make this world a kinder better place.
Chuck, well said. I miss the days when civility discussion on a topic could be had without name calling and threats.
So true!
Glad that you had the courage to shut those people down, they are probably the same people who have no concern for the other campers who come out to enjoy the simple things of camping. We don’t need them on here or in the campgrounds.
Thank you for your direct, honest contribution to all us RVers. It’s nice to subscribe to a publication we can trust. I’m glad you erased the nasty comments.
Well said!
I’ve been able to cleanse my mind by discontinuing Facebook and Tweet accounts. It’s too easy for dissenters and angry Americans to hide themselves behind anonymity. I think all social media should be banned!! It’s creating a platform for ugly discourse. If you don’t like what I say, confront me face to face. Only cowards hide behind anonymity!
The same is true with discussions on opening a local, privately owned family gym in a small town. The keyboard bashing was at it’s worst. All on Facebook or Instagram. Guess what, we visited the pages or profiles of these commenters, 9/10s are gym members, not anymore. Their month to month memberships will be canceled.
I can’t believe I am doing it because I usually keep quiet, but this last week I am so tired of people who disagree with a post will turn around and call that person names, many not nice. My response now when they do it to my post is similar to this: “why do you find the need to call people names when you do not agree with them? That is really immature behavior.’ The offender never responds except some have removed their offensive post.
It is pretty simple. When a person descends into character assassination it is because they do not have a cogent position to defend. In that vacuum they resort to meaningless emotional rant. I find it important to allow this as once read – i know this person for what they are and skip their future posts.
I found this guy interesting…. 40 minutes but explained how we got so divided and politicized. It’s not about rving. Just human nature that your wonderful website bumps up against occasionally on these times.
https://www.facebook.com/ZDoggMD/videos/3289961467688995/
Chuck,
Thank you for a platform where we RV folks can share ideas and learn from one another. The Mrs. and I do enjoy your musings, and often discuss them. Unfortunately, you bring attention to an area where many folks seem to be lacking; that of a common decency and the ability to disagree with an idea or thought without criticizing a fellow human being. I enjoy a spirited contrary discussion from time to time. It usually results in a better understanding of the topic of discussion.
All that to say, Thanks for what you do!
Ted in Oklahoma
Now, more than ever, people need to be kind in word and action. Social media and politics have become just plain mean and caustic. Thank you for removing bad comments.
I had commented earlier this morning on your article and agreed with your action with the rude Trolls. Now I have come back to read up on other commenters and to be honest I’m surprised at the number. I had read Andy’s article last week and I may have even commented on it, but I had to go back and re-read it because I just didn’t remember anything that was so controversial to bring down wrath upon him. So now that I’ve re-read I still don’t see anything that should start a firestorm. I can see his concern that some campers may disagree with the distancing guidelines and not follow the rules. I my self have my opinions on that but I still respect others concerns and would not want to make them feel they are in jeopardy. I did not go back last week to read comments and I can’t imagine what was said to cause you to shut it down. I just find it sad that you had to take that action. As a journalist I would presume you maintain a high regard for freedom of speech so I’m sure it must have pained you to no end the have to shut down the comments.
Perhaps this may cause us all to think about what we are writing and saying. I will now pause for two minutes and review what I have written before submitting it.
Well said, Andy. You wrote what I was thinking.
Mr. Andy was voicing his concerns we, as camp host, have. For the most part we are in the high risk group and appreciate the guidelines.
I agree with your attitude and actions completely, Chuck. Bullying is another word that can be used in some of these situations. My sister-in-law and I would often get into discussions about one political view or another, arguing one way or another for an hour sometimes. We always remained respectful and commented about seeing things the other way. Finally one of us said something like, “That was really fun discussing both sides of x-y-z. Now let’s talk about something else. What did you see while you were on vacation?” Did we ever “resolve” anything? Nope. its like we were looking at a coin between us. One saw the “heads” and the other saw the “tails” side. Many people are still like this. Unfortunately, though, some never learned that there’s always two sides to a story. All we can do is take a deep breath, count to ten, and then move on.
Thank you. I am grateful to live here in the U.S. where you, as an owner, have the right to define what is acceptable on your site. I love to learn by hearing others views and from this education I’ve altered some of my views. When someone strays from a issue and feels the need to move to a personal attack, my respect and interest are gone. I read this site for knowledge, enjoyment and entertainment and believe that any personal attack is inappropriate for this type of site. Thank you for deleting the trolls.
Very well put. I have learned a few things along the way as well. This has been a great site.
Chuck, I have been a part of this forum for a few years now. While I am in 100% agreement that civility should be the order of the day, I am also very concerned of simple liberties, such as freedom of speech, and the right to due process also being respected. People should always have the right to disagree but it should be done in good taste.
Can we just agree or disagree without insulting the next party? We all have different life experiences and as a result, we may have different answers or comments. It doesn’t mean we are all right or wrong, just different. And if we do have a difference of opinion, can we at least back up our “opinions” with facts for an authoritative source? We might all learn something we didn’t know or thoroughly understand. I love free speech but also like the respect that should come with it.
We sure can…… It is very apparent that we all have a different perspective on various subjects. But no matter our perspective, freedom of speech is my main concern. I know that Chuck was concerned (angry) about yesterdays comments but I looked at the comments today and there is an individual that criticized another persons views as being “moronic”. So the more things change, the more they stay the same for some people. Personally, I always welcome an open discussion on various subjects. You were right, I have actually made on line friends by starting off with a difference of opinions. I have changed my opinions on some of the things I have discussed with others. Just as I have been able to change the opinions of some of the people I have had talks with as well. The one thing I find petty and antagonistic are the Plus and Minus signs at the end of comments. If you are going to allow people to disagree with others, then they should have to do it as you suggested, with actual facts, not pluses or minuses. In my book, that is a shallow way to respond to someone. Like you said, you might change their perspective with a discussion and some well placed facts. Just a thought. Have a great day and “keep Traveling”!
Having monitored the RV Travel Forum for a few years, I understand Chuck’s frustration with some of the readers who choose to comment in a destructive way and attack the writer as well as his/her opinion. Please everyone: be civil and honorable towards others whether written or oral. Isn’t this the kind of world–a kind world–we all want?
Thank you, Chuck for your calm and cool decision making. I despise trolls. They disrupt intelligent conversations, they disrupt the ability of others to exchange information, and when they go to name calling, that is the lowest of the low. Many sites do nothing and they lose many of the people who interests you serve, due to their exasperation with trolls. Thank you again…..
Well said and so glad you can take people off the comments. I enjoy your commentary very much. Being from an older generation, it really is nice to have friendly conversations with others and leave the anger and abusive language, alone. Have a pleasant day!
Chuck,
So well said. I see this daily on various sites that I follow. My gut says I should respond to those who are so rude, but I don’t, assuming that such would only provoke another wave of crass comments. Thanks for stating my thoughts more eloquently than I could have, myself.
Marc
I read Andy’s article too, but none of the comments. My comment was to book a stay with him. Maybe I’ll see him there.
Thank you Chuck! Some might feel that is censorship, IMHO I don’t believe so. They were entitled to leave comments, like you said, support your answers, which ever side you support. We are allowed to have a difference of opinion, just respect that the other guy doesn’t walk in your shoes and you don’t walk in his. Just be nice about it. because of bad behavior of a few, everyone loses.
What I think many people fail to realize is that the First Amendment right to free speech only applies to the government, not private parties. This website, Facebook, etc. are privately run and can “interfere” with your freedom to free speech any time they like. Thankfully.
Chuck,
While I am in full agreement with your position as it relates to the subject matter of an individuals right to free speech. It is rather clear to me that you, just as Mark Zuckerberg accomplished on Facebook, have committed the same cardinal sin. Blocking free speech. I debated this very point with a sibling just yesterday. She does not appreciate the use of the F word in my dialogue. By the same token, it is disturbing to me to hear someone utter the words “I’m Sorry” knowing full well they are not. So it begs the question, who are you or who is anyone in this world to decide, determine or otherwise monitor the use of the language we speak and the way in which we may choose to use it? Censorship of any kind is against our right to free speech. End of story. Block me from posting and you will have proved my point. Care to debate this, my email address is listed.
Kind Regards,
Mike Massingill
Well said Andy. Mike has the freedom to create his own website (house) and invite anyone he wants into it. He does not have the freedom to enter someone else’s website and be abusive.
Maybe think of the website as a grocery store. It is private property open to the public with all of the rights and restrictions that go with it.
So…I would guess that if all of us told you to take a flying leap, you will be offended and demand action or you would extract a defensive response? By your same analogy, we have that right to tell you off. Maybe you might should consider anger management classes…No one would want to listen to your kind of rant. Freedom of speech is a wonderful thing. But abusing others with your foul and obnoxious language (as you have admitted to) or constant negativity would not be respectful or beneficial to anyone else. And since this is a privately owned web site, Chuck has EVERY right to ban any person(s) exhibiting negative comments such as those exhibited by yourself.
Freedom of speech is guaranteed by the government. Last I checked, Chuck is not the President and RVtravel is not the federal government.
Please become familiar with the rule of law. Many people fail to realize is that the First Amendment right to free speech only applies to the government, not private parties. This website, Facebook, etc. are privately run and can “interfere” with your freedom to free speech any time they like. Thankfully.
Oscar is one of those that won’t read it because he thinks he is right and no one is going to change his mind. He probably learned that at his school. Did I get that right Oscar? I value your opinion and total right to free speech that you don’t seem to fully understand. Remember, I have a right to free speech too. It’s not a one-way street.
Mike, unlike FB, this is a closed and private forum. There are no first amendment protections in private speech. So, this forum, unlike FB in your analogy, is not obligated in any way to post your comments.
I like the F bomb too but it is prohibited here. If that disturbed you then so be it, but you would do well to better understand the law you reference.
So, it is incorrect to say that you cannot be censored here. Of course you can be censored and of course you should be censored in a private place.
It is completely “American” to censor private speech as is evidenced everyday at places of work where you could rightfully be fired for “speaking your mind” a bar where you could and should be removed for “speaking up” and a theater where you may not falsely cry wolf.
You may determine this to be hypocritical, short minded, red or blue, but those thoughts are not welcomed here and will rightfully not see light of day as is correct.
Good work Chuck.
My response is an old childhood saying. “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me”. Thanks Chuck.
Totally agree.
What a great editorial re. Rude,offensive comments:well done.
I certainly support freedom of speech. That said, this is a private forum that has some controls built into it. Every commenter has an opportunity to voice their opinion in a factual and respectful manner. Those who feel the need to oppress with their “knowledge” and go to the point of derogatory name calling overstep that freedom. This is not a public news channel or newspaper. You agreed to some simple rules when you joined. Just because you think you CAN say what you want doesn’t mean you SHOULD. I support Chuck 100%
Bravo! Very well said. I’m in complete agreement.
Oh dear. I hope I wasn’t one of the offensive ones. I can have a sharp tongue and probably employed a good deal of sarcasm replying to a comment that was based on “alternate” facts.
To keep the comments less inflammatory, I’d suggest going to a verifiable user methodology and requiring full name on comments.
I did not read the article nor did I read any of the comments, and I don’t even own an RV-but will soon God willing. IMHO I think it might have sorted itself out if left to continue. Except for editing out the full spelling of the foul language (if that is possible), maybe a full out war of words could bring out a lot of important information points. The article was so popular because it is so important. You’re going the get the full “normal curve” of opinions. Let them fly! That’s freedom of expression!
Thank you for your thoughts, Anthony. Unfortunately, I don’t think it would have “sorted itself out if left to continue.” People were becoming more and more derogatory and totally slamming others’ opinions. They were not carrying on even a semblance of an intelligent conversation. We’ll leave that type of nonsense to social media sites. We did leave the comments up for quite awhile, until too many of the commenters got out of control. And it’s a shame because yes, there were some very intelligent and constructive comments in there — until grandstanders, aka trolls, took over. 😯 —Diane at RVtravel.com
Nice commentary. I don’t understand peoples need to attack strangers on the net. You have every right to cut mean and hateful content. I have unfriended a few people on Facebook and my experience has gotten much more enjoyable.
I am disappointed that in America, land of the free – that anyone would be “removed” from a website because of their comments. If a site requires anyone who posts to provide their name – and they write an objectionable comment – they’ll soon be ostracized or otherwise skipped and forgotten.
But removing anyone?
With all due respect and knowing this is your site to do with as you please, I would strongly recommend that you not police your site to the extent that you remove anyone. Those that are rude are most easily seen for their attitude and disrespect.
Honestly – who cares. Leave their comments for all to see and further avoid.
The most important lesson i have learned from the virus I believe applies here. In that context and as I state at the outset, “removal” extreme. Rather – America is filled with mature adults fully capable of making rational and informed decisions. As i see with the virus, well intentioned government in some places has become a nanny state. America’s greatness is its ability to allow its citizens to make their own decisions and assume the risk for those decisions. And as mature adults – American’s make rational decisions.
I suggest that should be a guiding principle here. Leave the rude folks to out themselves. We are capable of discerning. It doesn’t removal.
Could not agree more with Diane at RVtravel.com reply to Anthony’s and others comments for “freedom” to write whatever they want no matter how vile and hateful. Let these characters start their own website for like-minded individuals or go to other social media oulets where speech/comments go unchecked and are offensive to the majority. There has to be a line. I just can not understand when the vast majority comprehends the need for this, and a small minority espouse “freedom” for hate mongers. I for one, look forward to a place , or website, I can go where there is no divide or major controversy.
Thank you for your support, CTK. Have a great day, and stay healthy! 😀 —Diane at RVtravel.com
There once was a time that we could disagree and not hate or be nasty to one another. Anger is the new way of thinking. If something really angers me, then I turn around and walk away. Life is too short and tempers flair up quickly in these times. People are getting killed over parking spots and road rage. I’m thinking that EVERYONE at one time or another made a mistake or said something that we shouldn’t have. We are here on this great website because we enjoy RV’ing and seeing new places and people. Let go of the anger, because tomorrow is another day…
Chuck, thank you for the article. I also wish those that are rude, inconsiderate and nasty would just go away and keep their comments to themselves. Oh well, we move on with compassion and soft spoken kind words.