One of the reason I am here (and some others) and continue to stay is to help bridge gaps between non muslims and muslims, and help with at least some understanding but at the moment, for a while now this it is not happening. Even amongst muslims themselves. The gap is getting further away. And its in such a sad state. No one � the moderators and Admin are really listening to the people, there are way too many unnecessary deletions and threads closed.

I thought the boards are for the people to come and learn about islam and muslims and for all groups of people to & to interact with other. Then you should also take note of what is happening not ignore and delete and close things down every five seconds. People are getting frustrated ever more than before, so there are more voices being let out. This should ring some alarm bells but apparently it is not. Instead people get reprimanded, how does this help?? And off course people are going to be upset and offended and mad, and of course there will be no politeness. What do you expect?

The situation with people not happy is quite alarming, and it is quite sad actually. People don�t feel they are being heard but instead seem to get reprimanded and their post deleted. One way to run people off is to keep doing what you do. It will never help in learning nor help in learning about islam and muslims, and that is sad.

There is nothing wrong with having guidelines and I am (nor others) are against them. But when they are not helping then something should be done.

If things don�t change then the boards are going to lose some respected people, it has in the past.

As megatron mentioned rings true:

I've been reading a lot of people on this forum talking about censorship.  I think we(the people that frequent this site and discuss issues and the moderators) need to have a frank discussion of what is/is not appropriate conversational pieces on this forum. Consider that many people who come to this forum who are non-Muslims do so because they want to build bridges and they want to learn about Islam.  What opinion do you think they will formulate if all their opinions are deleted and are chastized for posting them? I think we need to start a new thread where all the moderators and users discuss this issue so we can deal with it in an open way instead of secretly deleting dissenting opinions.  Otherwise this discussion forum will degenerate into a Fox News Channel like environment which panders to only one viewpoint. This is not only boring, but it benefits nobody in the search for truth and knowledge.

What is happening is not helping. Keep this up and you won�t have people thinking otherwise.

As I mentioned and it got deleted, about politeness (no guesses who did that) but it was unnecessary to delete. I�ll repeat the best I can. Amah wrote �First of all, you are not being polite.� (this was to Angela) What I mentioned is that, this is a personal view and not an objective view. You cannot expect people to be polite when making a complaint/s, this does not work in the real world. This is not what happens in business and there are customers. You cannot expect complaints to be made in politeness.

And no this does not mean to stop being polite but don�t expect it when there are complaints made!

 

People care about the boards and their views should not get shut down.

If moderators and the admin care about the people on the boards and want this to be a place of learning islam and bridging the gaps, showing people who and what muslims are, then show it, stop being so concerned about the guidelines than the people themselves. And I am not saying don't have guidelines but they are taking more precendents over the people here and what the boards are actually for, which is for the people to, and to show islam. 

-------------
~ Our feet are earthbound, but our hearts and our minds have wings ~

So tell me how can non muslims converse and discuss and LEARN varies topics on islam if they are not allowed to have a discussion?

http://www.islamicity.com/forum/forum_topics.asp?FID=7 - Discussions - Islam for non-Muslims
Non-Muslims can ask questions about Islam, but discussion can not take place here.

This place is going to go down if things don't change. It is becoming very restrictive, its all about you can't do this and that. I have extensively over the year to try and help this place but it seems all fruitless, other board members feel the same and that includes muslims to.

Honestly how can one learn either muslim or non muslim, about islam and other matters on life? Yes this board is islamic but is islam restrictive on interacting with people, learning etc ?

I have learnt much about islam by being in discussions, that has been the biggest help and now that is being taken away from non muslims and muslims also.

The guys that sit there and make up this unrealistic rules or whatever is not helping what this place is suppose to be for, it is becoming a cold place, not the place I once knew it to be.

What's been happening is certainly not helping islamcity. I have been to other muslim sites and there it felt much more welcoming and none of these restrictive stuff that has become of late. Islamcity has always had its guidelines but this this is becoming unrealistic. How are you suppose to operate and have an interactive learning place ?

Both muslims and non muslims here want to help each other, fill the gaps, interact with each other and learn but how? Tell us how to do that if we the board members, (for the boards were created for) are to be here? to learn and become tolerant of each other. HOW ???  

And also How do you expect others to see that you are tolerant people, if the boards are suppose to be islamic then that is going to reflect onto others, all these censorships, deletions, can't talk/discuss is/will be seen as that islam is intolerant, not just a few people but the religion it self, is that what you want?

There is nothing wrong with guiding people to being respectful, polite, cordial and showing them

Both muslims and non muslims are voicing their concerns about the boards to no avail. It is falling on deaf ears, we want this place to work as much as you but nothing we have mentioned doesn't seem to be valued or worthy.

I honestly don't know what the intentions of these boards are anymore, it certainly doesn't offer what it was in the begining or when I joined.

Was Prophet Muhammed anything like this? What was his example?

In my personal Angel I grow tiresome I trying to understabnd their job. Frankly any sort of moderator who does not care enough to respond here ion this section obviously either cannot mentally comprehend our views and opinion or wish not to address them...Simple...... To some of these moderators the rules may seem simple enough but it is obvious they have loop holes. In my opinion the people who frequent this site make the forums not the moderators. I agree that they themselves have biases. Look at who they choose secretively.....Obvious they wouldn't choose neither one of us who have been here for years because obviously we (or those like myself) are unorthodox. So I agree between the kinds of people they choose this is totally ridiculous

I do not know how the moderators do their job but many of my messages have been deleted.

In this sense, this is not only non-Muslims who are being censored but Muslims as well.

You can disagree with me and I am fine with that but why hide what I believe? I am not a hypocrite and I should be able to voice exactly what I think.

I agree that we are all different, Muslims and non-Muslims, and have no problem with that. The whole wrold is like this. It would be boring otherwise.

Salam

Once again, I disagree, I think this is a right.

Salam

Muslima wrote: Once again, I disagree, I think this is a right. Salam

muslima did u read the forum guidelines? this is what guideline no. 25 says -

25. Your participation in discussion forums is a privilege and not a right. "Free Speech" here means that you don't pay for speaking your mind as opposed to any other belief(s) you might have. We reserve the right to remove any comment or comments that are not in line with the above rules, without giving reasons, notifications, or explanations to anyone.

Can't we change this? I think it should be a right.

Salam

ak_m_f wrote: I think muslima and salman are same people with 2 Ids, any ideas?

I think they might be soulmates.

Brother akm, I am a woman!

Patty, I think I have already seen complaints you made about moderators and now you say they are impartial and so on.

Your opinion.

Muslima wrote: Can't we change this? I think it should be a right. Salam

I'll speak to my friend Kofi and see if we can get a UN resolution passed on this important global issue. We may need to convene an emergency meeting of the Security Council, but I think it's possible we can rectify this appaling situation.

Muslima wrote: Brother akm, I am a woman! Patty, I think I have already seen complaints you made about moderators and now you say they are impartial and so on. Your opinion.

You are absolutely correct, Muslima.  I did make complaints earlier, when I felt there was discrimination going on.  I was also "warned" by the moderators on two occasions for posting something which, through my own ignorance" I should not have posted because it was more like an insult to Islam.....I was NOT aware it was an insult at the time. 

But I have LEARNED the proper manner in which to communicate my beliefs and feelings with the HELP from the moderators.  And, my dear, that is what you too must learn. 

I have been a member here for five years, and I feel I have learned a lot about the Muslims, Islam, bigotry, equality, fairness, goodness, and mean-spiritedness.  Most importantly, I have learned VOLUMES about the human race.  I truly hope you will too.

God's Peace!

ak_m_f wrote: Colin wrote: Muslima wrote: Can't we change this? I think it should be a right. Salam I'll speak to my friend Kofi and see if we can get a UN resolution passed on this important global issue. We may need to convene an emergency meeting of the Security Council, but I think it's possible we can rectify this appaling situation. While you are at it Colin, I will pay an urgent visit to White house, maybe I can get them to ammed the constitution. How this sound to you colin? Constitution Act of June 23,2006. Article XIXV Its a right of every American citizen to have unlimited Acess to Islamic forums, reagardless of their extremist idology.    *section 2     This dosnt applies to OBL.

Colin and ak:

You two are hopeless!!!  It really is true what they say...."men are just boys grown tall"

Good idea AK, but we don't need to involve the Whitehouse in "Muslima's right to free speech on Islamicity" - Ammendment No 3234.

Myself and Kofi have passed a secret UN resolution outlawing American interference in important global matters such as this.

[QUOTE=ak_m_f]I think muslima and salman are same people with 2 Ids, any ideas?
 

I think they might be soulmates.

Colin and a_k_m_f:  I think you owe Salman (who is not here to defend himself) an apology. Salman may have ideas which differ from yours, or mine, but in my (very limited) time on this forum, I have not found that he has said anything to offend me. His ideas are orthodox, but not....well, I shall refrain, for fear of Moderators(Am growing quite fond of this purple - Thanks Angela)

What you call terrorist Colin may be heroes for many people (Muslims or not).

This is all relative.

Akm, West of Tehran? I actually would love to go to Iran. I heard some travellers go there, even women alone. I hope to do that one day inshAllah.

Do you think it is OK to pray as a Sunni in their mosques? I mean will that be a problem to them? The question is for akm.

Akm, I was just asking because I would not like to upset them. I get on well with them but I do not know if they would mind me praying in their mosque or not.

Colin, I think I am definitely on the same wavelength as Salman's. MashAllah, I love his ideas.

Salam

Muslima wrote: Colin, I think I am definitely on the same wavelength as Salman's. MashAllah, I love his ideas.

Ahhhh, that's nice.

Akm, you did not undertsand my question regarding Shias. My question was not about whether this is a sin or not. I also consider them as Muslims.

But would THEY take it as an offence is a Sunni prayed in their mosque? That was my question.

Well, you know I met a Iranian in Italy.  You will NEVER guess where! In the Vatican!!!! I thought I was the only Muslims there visiting. I had met a christian Iraqi sister there. But He was there with his wife and we spoke for a little while. I love Iranian people. They are very nice. I can only guess they would not mind if I prayed in their mosque.

I know this is not a sin, and i know they would not harm me. I was just wondering if they would mind me praying with them when I am a Sunni.

Please do not deform what I have said. I hope you are cleverer than that.

ak_m_f wrote: I think muslima and salman are same people with 2 Ids, any ideas?

the same thing should be said about ak_m_f and colin, i think it suits the best for ak_m_f and colin

i think ak_m_f and colin are same people with 2 ids, any ideas 

Colin wrote: ak_m_f wrote: I think muslima and salman are same people with 2 Ids, any ideas? I think they might be soulmates.

the same thing should be said about ak_m_f and colin, i think it suits the best for ak_m_f and colin

i think ak_m_f and colin may be soulmates

salman_s wrote: Colin wrote: ak_m_f wrote: I think muslima and salman are same people with 2 Ids, any ideas? I think they might be soulmates. the same thing should be said about ak_m_f and colin, i think it suits the best for ak_m_f and colin i think ak_m_f and colin may be soulmates

We are not exactly soulmates Sir Salman, we are much more akin to like-minded virtual online comedy terrorists. Watch out for our RPG's -Rocket Propelled Gags.

Colin wrote: salman_s wrote: Colin wrote: ak_m_f wrote: I think muslima and salman are same people with 2 Ids, any ideas? I think they might be soulmates. the same thing should be said about ak_m_f and colin, i think it suits the best for ak_m_f and colin i think ak_m_f and colin may be soulmates   We are not exactly soulmates Sir Salman, we are much more akin to like-minded virtual online comedy terrorists. Watch out for our RPG's -Rocket Propelled Gags.

don't try to run away from reality colin, i think u and ak_m_f are soulmates

salman_s wrote: Colin wrote: salman_s wrote: Colin wrote: ak_m_f wrote: I think muslima and salman are same people with 2 Ids, any ideas? I think they might be soulmates. the same thing should be said about ak_m_f and colin, i think it suits the best for ak_m_f and colin i think ak_m_f and colin may be soulmates   We are not exactly soulmates Sir Salman, we are much more akin to like-minded virtual online comedy terrorists. Watch out for our RPG's -Rocket Propelled Gags. don't try to run away from reality colin, i think u and ak_m_f are soulmates

Salman, I really think Muslima likes you a lot...AK and myself - as senior vice-presidents of Happiness Inc - have a brand new matchmaking services department. We charge very reasonable rates... if we unable to find you an ideal partner within 40 years, we offer you a full refund of your fees.

Would you like to be our first cliient?

You know something I am a little mad at you follow board members

I have been quite serious here when I posted my letters. You too have been serious in having this section of the forum open to be able to discuss issues on complaints made but I am starting to see why that this section has be made "no discussion". If you really are serious at having this complaints and comments section open to discussion and to voice your concerns on the same issue/s being made, then I think it would be wise that you don't go off track and/or becoming comedians on things that are not even about the issue!

Now I have been quite serious and those few that have come on board here in this thread on page one have been to, not to mention again that all of you have been in other threads in this section & on other matters.

Honestly!

I feel like taking page one and repost it again and have this thread deleted! 4 pages of stuff that is not even about my concerns and issuses or yours for that matter!!!!!!  

Can't believe it!  [shaking my head in disappointment]

Colin wrote: Angel you are correct, we shouldn't have derailed the thread....but when certain people - I think you know who I mean - post hysterical or downright stupid responses, the only way some of us can reply is with humour... we'd go stark raving mad if we tried to engage them in meaningful conversation.  :-----)

Confession...ok,please let we all turn back to the main issue of the thread....but any of the moderators do not respond to...we are talking on them?...

Suleyman wrote: C'mon Colin,she is right,you have joined with twin brothers and made astrayed the issue of the topic...you are guilty

Guilty as charged your honour....I'd like to plead for a light sentence because I think I'm suffering from "traumatic post stress disorder"...

I don't know, a force of habit.

To have others see and if they agree (or not) or have same concerns then they too can join in

Angel wrote: I don't know, a force of habit. To have others see and if they agree (or not) or have same concerns then they too can join in

I suspect that many here are a little afraid to question the mods in case they are thought of as troublemakers. Remember, the mods can ban someone with the click of a tiny mouse button...

Colin wrote: Angel wrote: I don't know, a force of habit. To have others see and if they agree (or not) or have same concerns then they too can join in I suspect that many here are a little afraid to question the mods in case they are thought of as troublemakers. Remember, the mods can ban someone with the click of a tiny mouse button...

ok

seriously thou, my points are not completely directed at the moderators.