KnowYourPro

I was just wondering if it was appropriate for us to express our political views here?

Will people get offended and not want to be part of this site?

Etc....

I would say lets keep it politics free. there are plenty of other places to get your fill and post away. This is about growing our individual business'. Lets keep it to that. I know we have some miscellaneous thread topics but sports and pets are fun. Politics tend to divide and isolate and I would think we want to be inviting to all.

I couldn't agree more. Politics lead to bashing, nasty criticism and the like. Politics is too highly "charged". In an effort to try to gain "membership", a person should not come on this site and potentially be offended...regardless of what side of the aisle that person is on. We all want this site to help grow business (as Rich stated). Politics, abortion, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation are all topics that could potentially ruin this site.

Politics can lead to higher emotions that spill out to other issues and jade our thinking of other’s opinion and intelligence. Blaming 1 party for national problems of many years of prior administrations seems to be a hot potato time-bomb. To each his own, but if we want a place with minimal controversy, the n leave it at the door. If higher page views and potential verbal shootouts are the desire, bring it on. We all listen from time to time to controversial Radio Shock Jocks. It’s about ratings. Keep rockin’.

There are only a few topics as polarizing as politics. I don't feel anything good can come from discussing them in a professional setting. Chances are you will have a different view then 50% of your clients and hard feelings can arise. There is a time and place for everything and I would steer clear on those type of discussion. I will say I would peak in and read as it can be pretty entertaining as well.

I am in agreement with the "no politics" policy. Everyone has a right to his/her view, but some can be overbearing and it could alienate people. If the idea is to grow the site, increase the traffic and share constructive information, I don't see how political banter helps any of that in any way. That is just my personal opinion, but politics just seems to be so divisive which is usually counterproductive.

While I agree with a few of the sentiments expressed, I have to be as clear as possible on this- Politics, and every other 'hot button' issue is absolutely welcome on the site, and will remain here.

No worries Jenn. Taking a stand on your convictions is American. Do not lose that regardless of sentiments felt by a reader or listener. Remain true and all is good.

Thanks Martin, it's great to see you here :)

Just wondering what is up with the time on here. Where is it 9:11 pm? Because on my watch it's like 2:30 so what is 7 hrs ahead of mtn time?

To quote my favorite Ogre, "Ogre's are like Onions, they have layers." The same is true of political parties, a persons political affiliation does not make them the party, their beliefs and opinions may help mold the parties policies and priorities but by no means does every member agree or support everything a party does. Their just one part, a layer if you will of the political party. So attacking the party amounts to name calling on a school yard, if you want to attack something attack a political view, program, or agenda. This creates a dialogue a chance to debate and come to a better understanding than originally proposed. This is how our govenment was formed, this is where true freedom comes from, the right to be heard is the ultimate freedom.

The site has everything- it's not like there is an emphasis on one thing or another.

Hi Santa- I hope you read my blog, as that is kinda what I was saying ;) I think the unfortunate truth is that some people are so angry about politics, they cannot have a discussion with losing their mind. I see it with my mom- huge talk radio fan, hence my 6000 hours of experience with it! When you see things as 'party based' or so black and white, it hurts our country by dividing us into this group or that. And again, I'm not sure how satire can be taken so seriously.

I am still wondering where it's 9:40 pm . . . . . . . .?

Jason- I have tried to fix it, and have been unable to. Perhaps it's time to call in the big boys to help.

Years ago I had the pleasure of working as a bartender. There were two things that were always better left out of the conversation when drinks were flowing: politics and religion. Alcohol just doesn't mix with certain things. You can think the world of somebody, really think that person is great...then you find out the guy's a "__________".
All of a sudden your view of this person has turned 180 degrees because you don't agree with his religion or sexual orientation or whatever. What could have been a lifelong business or personal relationship ended.

I think a lot of people are MOR...not too far right or left...not too religious but not atheists. Sometimes those people get pushed away from things that are just too hot to handle, and let's face it: There are millions of places to go on the web where you can go on about how much you love this or hate that. Nothing wrong with being passionate, but if we're looking to build the community we need to be open to the general public, and not sound devisive.

What's more important: talking about business? Looking for advice on how to get something done? who to contact for a particular service?
Or finding out if your plumber is an Athiest? After all...I'm not calling the guy because I want his views on religion. I'm calling him becasue he knows how to fix a leaky faucet. (Do you go to a Springsteen concert for his music, or his political commentary?)

I understand that KYP was built knowing more about your pro than just a name and phone number...but maybe learning more about his civic contributions, professional awards and testimonials from his previous customers would make me better informed.

Jason - the post times are now set to Eastern Standard Time.
hopfully we can implement a system soon that tells how long ago the post was instead.