Direction of this forum

steveadmin · #1 (**permalink**) 17th December 2009, 07:24 PM

In the past two days I have received a couple of highly critical emails from a member of this forum. Rather than describe the point made, I will list some of the specific criticisms that were laid out to me:

Steve your forums ****... What's your fluffy shite all about mate? It's total ****ing boring. Massage. Not the other kind. People reply coz they think it's the hand job deep throat kind not a sore back... Im not suggesting turn it into Thailand **** forum. But the way it is its unrealistic.

It's gonna drift and so is your reign as the man... What' your deal with this are you a Vicar... Living in Thailand and going on holiday in Thailand if you do not have an al rounded fully uncencored look at it and by saying uncencored I mean being normal like the not so positive aspects and the grey areas and the the positive aspects in one.

I must admit, I was taken aback by the comments, especially as they come from someone who only joined the forum this month!

But I am sensitive to criticism and wanted to check with you all whether you agree that they had any substance.

As I understand it, this forum has never been particularly encouraging of sex tourists. The few posts I have seen tend to have very disparaging responses. Have I got that wrong? Even if I haven't, do you think the forum should change - "loosen up" in the words of the critic - and allow such discussions, puerile sexual innuendo and the like?

This is your forum, so please tell me whether you want to see such comments/threads occurring more frequently. Please take the time to post - Yes to a "loosening up" and allowing sex tourism threads or No - keep them off the forum?

I appreciate all your responses.
Reverend Steve

golf1here · #2 (**permalink**) 17th December 2009, 07:47 PM

My vote is to keep them off the forum. I'm not saying you should freak every time the subject is brought up like the other guy.However, It seems to me most folks on this forum are more interested in the travel aspect of Thailand than that. Not to mention that kind of discussion seems to invoke more hostile chatter.

shanek · #3 (**permalink**) 17th December 2009, 11:12 PM

Steve, I dont judge anyone but I think that I know who you are talking about and we are better off without him.

I dont have a problem discussing the sex industry and warning potential users of its pitfalls but the way this guy wants to chat about it is crass and degrading in my opinion. There are forums that specialise in this type of talk that guys like that will feel at home in and if he feels this forum is shite he is welcome to post on them IMHO.

whiterabbit · #4 (**permalink**) 17th December 2009, 11:19 PM

by saying uncencored I mean being normal like the not so positive aspects and the grey areas and the the positive aspects in one

Where does that say sex tourists welcome? your censoring everything like travel warnings or anything you deem negative.

I think it's a good point.

Well done for posting it on the forum.

Curt · #5 (**permalink**) 17th December 2009, 11:25 PM

I am amazed that you have tolerated this little twit this long. Hopefully, he will "drift" when he realizes his adolescent "observations" aren't appreciated, and crawl back into his little burrow. I'm sure he can find / has found plenty of forums that cater to his myopic insight into Thailand.

"The Travel Forum" seems to be doing fine. I visit many forums, and this one has plenty of traffic, compared to many I watch.

#6 (**permalink**) 18th December 2009, 01:37 AM

Ohh this forum looks like a little clique.

Uncensored but clean is best.

I like bars! Any reconmendations?

jyotirmoy · #7 (**permalink**) 18th December 2009, 03:37 AM

Hi Steve,
Ever since I have become a member I had been visiting this forum along with my wife & daughter to soak up the knowledge & info provided by experienced members. I feel so comfortable because its so clean. As shanek said there are many forums that deal with the other face of Thailand so this particular member can go there and enjoy himself. Please boot him out immediately and as I do while managing another travel forum ban the IP address as well.
Regards,
Jyotirmoy.

michelle · #8 (**permalink**) 18th December 2009, 04:16 AM

Hi Steve,

I think the forum is good as it is and caters well to travellers needing advise. I have found great information and tips on this site and people are always willing to help others to have an enjoyable trip.

I think the whinger should visit one of the many sexpat type forums instead of trying to change this forum to suit his own needs.

Keep up the great work Steve and remember, you just can't please everyone all of the time and it seems that you will please people like the whinger none of the time when they are not 100% catered for.

Cheers
Michelle

Johnny B · #9 (**permalink**) 18th December 2009, 06:06 AM

Hi Steve,I myself seemed to run into trouble when I voiced opinions about The Sex Trade in Thailand on this forum,I ended up being banned forever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.

You invited me back!My sympathies lie with the people who end up working in this industry,I was at the time told I don't know enough about Thailand and it's customs and practices to make such anti Sex trade comments.I argued and was banned.

Inspite of there being much information out there about aids and child prostitution ,some people do not want to admit that they are abusing the Thai people because of the economical situation in existance in Thailand.

I take it this poster wants to discuss The Thai sex trade,I have seen young pretty girls with old men in Thailand,I suppose like we all have.The pathetic deluded old men who have to go out and buy sex because they are inadequate frankly make me laugh.I am ashamed to be British when I see these cretins boosting their ego's by paying to take a young girl to bed.I for one would prefer not have to read about the exploits of some child abuser on a forum which is intended to be about Thailand itself.Prostitution goes on all over the world ,Thailand seems to have earned the reputation of Sex Capital,the reason is probably because Thailand has no work for it's population, and survival can often mean children are often sold into prostitution.I for one would like to see an end to the abuse which is over looked at present by the Thai authorities.So since you are asking Steve,I would prefer not to have to read about this type of thing,it's negative and masks the real Thailand in my opinion.

shanek · #10 (**permalink**) 18th December 2009, 07:03 AM

It takes a lot of guts to come on a public forum as a guest and take wild swipes at people for no apparent reason apart from letting off a bit of steam.
Why dont you join up and contribute something so you can earn the right to make comment on other peoples values and worth?

What do I have to gain by posting my photo as an avatar? What could I possibly be promoting? I dont find the need to hide in a shadow of anonymity like you do.

I have not asked for anyone to be banned nor have I caused any conflict and if you are going to make reference to me at least try and get my name right.

Sorry to see you go...we will miss you!!!!

Johnny, I agree with certain points you make but it really doesn't phase me if older men go to Thailand to make use of the sex trade, as long as minors aren't involved. Some of these guys are lonely and it is their only opportunity to be treated well and to feel a little love, regardless of how superficial it is . Sure they can buy sex at home but they cant get the complete GF experience , well not without paying alot more that the airfare is worth. The girls get something out of it, even if it is purely financial gain. I do believe that some may even enjoy the pampering they get.