8mm Forum: Who needs it?

This is topic Who needs it? in forum General Yak at 8mm Forum.

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Posted by Jeff Missinne (Member # 3373) on November 27, 2012, 09:35 AM:

Why is it some film sellers (especially online dealers) can't resist loading their websites with their political views? Some of these folks can't offer a Castle Films Woody Woodpecker for sale without injecting their unsolicited opinions. I've been trading films for over 35 years and can't ever recall asking anyone about their politics, nor for that matter, being asked about my own. And frankly, it should be no one else's dog gone business. It just doesn't seem good sales sense though to alienate maybe half the people you might otherwise be SELLING FILMS TO.

Collecting actual film is nowhere near as prominent a hobby as it was years ago (otherwise Castle and Blackhawk would still be around!) Let's keep it fun for everyone. That's what movies should be about.

Posted by Joe Taffis (Member # 4) on November 27, 2012, 09:58 AM:

Hi Jeff, that stuff isn't allowed on this forum at all (see sticky post above by the administrator Brad Miller), so why even bring it up? I don't think that any further discussion of this is necessary...just my opinion [Wink]

Posted by Steve Klare (Member # 12) on November 27, 2012, 10:09 AM:

People have the right to say what they want on their websites. The rest of us have the right to decide whether we want to visit their sites again or not.

You're right though: If I was trying to sell stuff I'd keep the politics and spiritual matters on a seperate site.

-one goal at a time.

The folks that actually want political opinion might start to wonder what all the film stuff is doing there!

Posted by Hugh Thompson Scott (Member # 2922) on November 27, 2012, 10:29 AM:

I can see the point Jeff is making, but if it's the print you're after
just "go with the flow", it's only conversation anyway.

Posted by David Ollerearnshaw (Member # 3296) on November 27, 2012, 11:50 AM:

Remember they tried to get Tom & Jerry banned in the UK, too violent! Told my 6 year old that, his words "Dad its only a cartoon and not real"

Posted by Steve Klare (Member # 12) on November 27, 2012, 12:23 PM:

There's a lot of that kind of thought, and always has been.

When I was little kid Mom wouldn't let me watch the Three Stooges because she thought the way they acted made me slap my sister.

-truth of the matter is the way my sister acted is what made my slap my sister!

(Nobody tried banning THAT!)

Posted by Hugh Thompson Scott (Member # 2922) on November 27, 2012, 12:41 PM:

Have you noticed David on UK Television there are no T & Js shown
There was a time that the BBC always had a slot for them.As my
late Father used to say "It's the best programme on television."
The same with the Warner Bros. stuff,few and far between.I
remember once when my mate and I were about to go and do
a bit of building after work, and while having a cup of tea, they
decided to show "The Cuckoo Clock", a Tex Avery classic, we
spilled more than we drank,hilarious.That's whats wrong with
the world now,not enough cartoons.

Posted by Jeff Missinne (Member # 3373) on December 02, 2012, 10:37 AM:

Thanks to all who have replied to my post; in our own ways we all agree here. This forum has done a fine job of staying "on topic" of the hobby we all enjoy; and it's equally true the web is (and should be) open to all opinions. My only issue has been with dealers who can't seem to separate their selling from their soapbox. I think that in the long run they are only hurting themselves, and maybe even putting-off newcomers who are just starting in this hobby. Collecting films is fun, showing them is even better, and that's what it should be all about. [Smile]

Posted by Bill Brandenstein (Member # 892) on December 02, 2012, 11:38 AM:

Jeff, while I'm sympathetic to your viewpoint and this discussion, I honestly don't know what you're talking about. Perhaps not best to post links here, but would you be willing to PM me an example? Just curious. Thanks!

Posted by Michael O'Regan (Member # 938) on December 02, 2012, 01:00 PM:

I'm kinda lost meself, to be honest. I've never come across any dealers websites with political views.

Posted by David M. Ballew (Member # 1818) on December 03, 2012, 03:36 AM:

I suspect I know the website under discussion.

The website I have in mind is relatively gentle in its presentation of its views, especially compared to some other film-related websites I have seen.

Many is the time I've visited a given website and been "sucker-punched" by downright strident political and social views I could never in good conscience agree with, and which were not particularly germane to the subject at hand.

So I agree in principle with what someone else said: Why alienate half (or more) of one's potential web audience or customer base by loading a film-related website with political or philosophical views that are liable to cause needless controversy? Better to let a film-related site be about film, and let politics and other hot topics thrive in their own dedicated venues.

Posted by Hugh Thompson Scott (Member # 2922) on December 03, 2012, 03:47 AM:

I am in the same boat as Micheal on this, but like I said,does it
matter,as long as you can nail the print you're after.

Posted by James N. Savage 3 (Member # 83) on December 03, 2012, 12:12 PM:

I guess it depends on the individual running the web site as well. If that person is strongly convicted enough by his beliefs, then I'm sure he/she's willing to take the chance of losing a customer or two, to voice whatever it is he/she has to say.

Then, as a customer, its up to me if I'm offended, weather or not I want the merchandise bad enough to support that particular site.

James.

Posted by Michael O'Regan (Member # 938) on December 03, 2012, 01:08 PM:

So, what's the site fellas?? Is it any big deal to post a link?

Posted by Colin Robert Hunt (Member # 433) on December 03, 2012, 03:12 PM:

This has gone on to far. I do not know of any dealer site that has these views. Let's end it by giving the site you think has these views and let's end it. It's becoming boring and non interesting/

Posted by Hugh Thompson Scott (Member # 2922) on December 03, 2012, 03:55 PM:

Colin,for shame,where's your sense of adventure,things are just
warming up, as Sherlock would say " Watson,the games afoot,
Mrs Hudson we haven't time for lunch".I'm intrigued by this site
and wish to be offended,bring it forth.

Posted by Allan Broadfield (Member # 2298) on December 03, 2012, 04:51 PM:

What are these web sites? We're reacting against what? Give us some quotes.

.

Posted by Michael O'Regan (Member # 938) on December 03, 2012, 05:06 PM:

Hah...this is the weirdest thread I've come across on this site..
[Big Grin]

Posted by Bill Brandenstein (Member # 892) on December 03, 2012, 08:29 PM:

Jeff has kindly PMed me sufficient examples and I've found the source site. His point is valid: some of the film descriptions have rather pointed jabs. Regardless of your political views, they're only stabs and won't change anyone's mind with their brilliant logic (NOT!). Out of respect for the community and its fine standards, I do NOT think the link should be posted here. Nothing weird about it - it's simply poor taste.

Who knew? I didn't.

Posted by Hugh Thompson Scott (Member # 2922) on December 04, 2012, 03:54 AM:

Neither do we Bill, or are likely to, it must be the best kept secret
on the forum.

Posted by Douglas Meltzer (Member # 28) on December 04, 2012, 06:44 AM:

Since a link would probably lead to a discussion of the site's owner's political views I think it best that one should not be posted. Now we can move on....

Doug

Posted by Jeff Missinne (Member # 3373) on December 04, 2012, 09:50 AM:

And I agree as well; let's wrap this one up. Thanks to all.

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