How About a GD: World News Forum?

[tekisui]

I think too many important stories from abroad sink like a stone when competing with the discussions in GD. A new forum could be for all of the happenings outside of the US, and US politics. The mutinies, coups, wars and disasters would have a place to be discussed without sinking off the front page so quickly. And, not make it region specific, just global/international stories of interest.

Any one else think this is a good idea?

[Sultana]

1. Agree

:)

[tekisui]

2. Thanks.

I have thought this for a while, but this morning, a post was moved to Latin America forum, hidden away, because it involve Hugo Chavez:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=5307370&mesg_id=5307370

If discussions of world events can't take place in General Discussion, I would like a forum where they can take place, not tucked out of sight.

[tekisui]

3. Why are 50 flame war threads on Krugman or Special Olympics allowed,

but one thread on the Venezuelan Army taking over the airports and seaports sequestered to an obscure forum?

[EFerrari]

17. I like the small forum because it's nice and focused but agree

that DU could benefit from the topic. We should know what's happening (at least) in the Americas.

[Mist]

4. Good idea! How many need to agree for it to happen? nt

[tekisui]

5. I have no idea how that works.

But, it's something I've been mulling over for some time.

[IDemo]

7. Here's how to propose a new forum:

1. Start one discussion thread in the forum of your choice to tell people about your idea for a DU Group.

2. In that thread, you must get responses from at least ten DU members who agree to be active participants in the suggested DU Group. All ten members to respond must have donor stars.

3. In that thread, members must agree on a proposed mission statement for the DU Group.

4. When enough members have signed on to join the group and have agreed on a proposed mission statement, one member must officially suggest the DU Group to a DU Administrator (Skinner, EarlG, or Elad), by sending an email. Please be sure to include a link to the thread where members have discussed the proposed Group.

5. The Administrators will consider the request and make a decision. The Administrators will either 1) Accept the Group as it is proposed, 2) Deny the Group outright, or 3) Ask for changes to the Group or its mission statement which would be necessary for its approval.

6. Once the suggested Group has been accepted by the Administrators, the Administrators will create a new DU Group in the "DU Groups" Category forum, and pin the mission statement of that Group to the top of that Group's forum.

If you are considering a DU Group on a controversial topic, the Administrators would appreciate if you contacted us before collecting your ten members, so we may discuss any sensitive issues. This courtesy will increase the chance that your Group is approved. Also, please be aware that proposed Groups that are redundant with existing DU Forums are unlikely to be approved.

If you have any questions, please contact a forum Administrator.

[tekisui]

9. Great! Thanks.

I guess this is the beginning of a proposal.

[tekisui]

10. We need ten members, with donor stars, to agree to participate

and support the idea, then we propose a mission statement for the group.

[originalpckelly]

6. That's a great idea!

It's valuable to discuss foreign issues, it's sort of like looking at the results of a large experiment, with people trying all forms of government, types of economies and etc.

It can be a method of divining the greater truth, rather focusing on our own experiment alone.

[tekisui]

8. That discussion goes on to a degree, but really gets buried

in the constant noise in General Discussion.

[originalpckelly]

12. Yes, I agree, it does.

There are so many things that are talked about from a US only perspective that threads just sink and die.

[IDemo]

11. Count me in

but I would suggest 'World News' rather than 'foreign'.

[tekisui]

13. That's a good idea, I wasn't sure on the name.

[tekisui]

14. Kick, we need 7 more donor star members to support the idea

for a proposal.

[RB TexLa]

15. Discussion of news about foreigners?!? Those horrible people who exist only to steal from 'Mericans

:sarcasm:

[tekisui]

16. Can I put you down as supportive of the proposal?

[RB TexLa]

37. Yes you can, I think it is badly needed.

[NightWatcher]

18. Agree. I still have my star for a little bit longer

[tekisui]

22. You have it now, it counts.

Thanks.

[leftstreet]

19. K&R

An excellent idea!

[tekisui]

20. Thanks! We need 4 or 5 more to join on,

and I will submit a formal proposal.

[EFerrari]

24. You've got seven. Better get to work!

[Uzybone]

21. K&R

Its a small world out there.

[tekisui]

23. Thanks, by my count 3 or 4 more will be enough for a proposal.

[Turbineguy]

25. Good Idea!

[WorseBeforeBetter]

26. Wholeheartedly recommend. (n/t)

[tekisui]

27. Great! One more, and I'll draft a proposal.

[DFW]

28. To those of us living or stationed overseas, it sounds especially appealing

I'm in the Rheinland of Germany, but only because it's less than 2 hours by air from here
to anywhere in my "office," i.e. Europe. This sounds like a perfect board for me to visit!

[tekisui]

29. Thanks, I now have 10, and will draft a proposal.

[LeftishBrit]

31. If you need any more, I'm on board

[LeftishBrit]

30. I think this is an excellent idea!

[gristy]

32. Sound like it could be a good idea

If it comes to pass, I hope people are sure to post each of their GDW posts in GD and GDP too! A trifecta! :P

[iamthebandfanman]

33. only if people know it exsists

and actually go to it...

alot of subforums miss out on input from people who mite not have seen it because it wasnt on a main news page...

[tekisui]

34. That is true, but I think that as it is now, too many important stories

can't be followed in the big forums.

[tekisui]

35. Thanks, everyone! I have submitted the proposal.

We'll see what the admins decide to do with the idea. :hi:

[EFerrari]

41. Thank you!

[KoKo]

36. Agree....long past time for this. K&R

[Kajsa]

38. I think it's a great idea.

:kick: and R.

[leftchick]

39. great idea and I am in

but I doubt my opinion on this will count.

[AwakeAtLast]

40. Can't believe that's not been suggested before

Great idea - K & R!

:kick:

[rvablue]

42. Kick for a huge resounding "Hell Yeah!" n/t

[Sarah Ibarruri]

43. I think it's a good idea! Let me know what happens with it. nt

[tekisui]

44. kick

[H2O Man]

45. I'd like that.

I look forward to it.