TalkBaja.com » Baja Mexico Forums » General Discussion

One of our members mentioned to me that it would be nice to balance the Baja news (which is predominantly narco related) with crime news outside of Mexico. The idea is to give forum readers a balanced look at the world we live in today and how safe we really are (or not) north or south of the border.

My first reaction was to say no as the original intent was to keep things Baja related. After thinking about it for a couple of days I have started thinking it might be a very good outlet for that very discussion which happens routinely in Baja/Mexico related forums and often moderated for being "off-topic".

What do you think? Should we open up that discussion here in its own sub-forum? Obviously you could always just "skip" that sub-forum should it not be of interest to you...

There doesn't seem to be much interest in the existing crime topics. For example, Narco Drug War/Violence in Mexico generates numerous "threads" (most by "Noticias") but very low member participation, judging by number of replies. Also, IMO, there are already too many forums and subforums, making it hard to find where to post a new topic.

Is there a way to enable an "ignore thread" option?

I know we can ignore members and turn off the off-topics, but if there was a way to ignore the political thread or any other particular thread also.....


As far as posting all the political and news stuff, I personally feel that there's enough bad news in the world, I don't need to overload myself with all of it. Bad stuff happens everywhere. The first murder in 30 years happened in our area this last summer.


Our satellite receiver is "on the fritz" so we've been watching TV on the computers. The usual routine used to be-
get up
get the coffee going
turn on TV (usually the Today show)
watch the latest news on who got raped, bombed, or murdered
try to get the kid out the door in a good, happy, positive mood.

Now, our mornings are a lot calmer, we talk to the kid more, and usually get him out the door on time since he doesn't get locked on to whatever the TV is showing.

I come to the Baja forums for information and entertainment, and the occasional snark-fest. But even that is meant in good fun.

JMhumbleO

OH! and thanks to 'Gringo and the others who keep this forum up and running. It's enjoyable!

Based upon current poll results, it would appear that the tranquil climate that was created on this forum overwhelmingly feels that this crime topic need not be included on Talk Baja. That said, I was just recently thinking about the fact that outside of the nasty narco-related stuff, I haven't seen much related to crime posted on any of the Baja forums.

I put this up to see what you all feel. I'll give it a day or two before making a decision. I appreciate your input.

*** and yes, we can create a forum where you can opt out...

I'm really not interested in reading news outside Baja. I can do that on news sites. It's very rare that a non baja news article catches my attention.

I don't post here much (I think this is the first time!) but I do read the forum. I do think that the American news media does go overboard with all the negative Mexico stories and maybe having a balanced view might give us some perspective?

It is extremely difficult to keep a forum on a very narrow focus as any discussion on a particular topic is related to and inevitably leads to other discussions. US politics for example plays a big role in the life of many here who live (or plan to) in Baja. Daily news stories from Washington affect their retirement, health care, taxes, border crossing, etc.

If you want to see a larger percentage of pure Baja related stories, posts and topics it is up to you. There is no staff of writers here other than you the members. It is up to you to create and participate in this proactive community that works only if you participate.

If we cannot achieve and maintain a sufficient level of participation in the forum - narrow or broad - the forum will be of little use and to continue to invest money and time into the forum would not make much sense to me.

I will just let this go where it goes...

I am sick & tired of all the bad news & negativity!! I don't come here for that crap. Please keep this a positive, informative & helpful site!

My PC went TU....I'm at a friends....back in a week or so!

I think the site has enough news, political posts, and non-Baja lifestyle posts already.

Let's do more "Talk Baja" not less!

my 2 cents


Ken