Eco Business - A Separate Forum Section?

Also of the 4,589 active members on this forum only 77 have voted and 12 of these stated that they didn't care either way. The main problem with the majority of businesses is APATHY RULES and what is needed here is to bang the drum loudly and consistently right under their noses because they sure as hell won't come looking.

Agreed - At risk of starting the argument all over again I should point out that slightly less than half the 77 who have voted are positively in favor. I also note that Franchising and the recently established SEO sections are by far the least active, apart from events. It is a fact that the more you segment the site the more you risk marginalizing specific groups. This topic should not really be about ECO which is a tactical decision, but about how you actually segment a site like UKBF to get the best interaction within the best structure which is strategic and vital for its future.

Chris Kaday

No, it's actually about getting it more human, more down to earth and nothing to do with strategy planning in the slightest or any of that kind of office / boardroom speak.

The dissemination of information is the point Chris for those that want to know, and partake in such an area.

That is all.

Please stop muddying the waters.

 

[Rusty]

I think all you guys that do not want this, are just playing around with words just for the sake of it, you don't have a point at all, for you it's about some intellectual upper hand, which is why combined, you are missing the reasoning behind this completely.



Bad for the forum my ass.

I feel you are deliberately trying to ignore my argument so I will say it again as I am not playing around with words "just for the sake of it".

I believe, very strongly, that to have a seperate forum, would be detrimental to the whole Eco issue and if we marginalise it only people interested in it will be bothered.

I don't think it will be bad for the forum just bad to segregate such an important issue to somewhere only the converted will visit.

No, I don't believe I am missing the reasoning behind it, just don't agree with it that's all.

 

[Darren Falkingham]

Hi there,

One reason I think the new section is a good idea is that the General Business section is extremely busy, and it might be more user-friendly if certain topics can be segmented out.

I know we started by talking about one extra section, but other sections could be added in time, if the subject matter warrants it.

Maybe the eco/green topic can be widened to 'how businesses fit into society' - of which these issues are one part. Everything from creating economic value in your business's home town to eco-friendly actions to save world resources - it's all good stuff, and is central to good business.

Of course, I'm happy to be shouted down on this - but the General Business section is equivalent in size to the Accounts & Finance, IT & Internet, Legal and Marketing & PR sections combined.

Or maybe I've just complicated the matter unnecessarily...:redface:

 

Rusty, I took your points on board very well, but for one forum to be detrimental to the whole eco issue, I hardly think so. I really do not think we are that important. We are just one very small cog in a much bigger wheel. However, thank you for your comments.

Many thanks Darren for summing it up so well. You hit the nail on the head, looking at this objectively.

 

[multilingual]

Now, we have another negative mudslinger in the discussion, who by their own admission has no interest in the subject, yet continues to post on a subject that holds no interest for them, further, admits that s/he is playing devils advocate a little. So what is that about? Does this person too have a point or not, or are they only posting for the sake of argument?

How dare I!!!

I must apologise.

I missed the rule that stated that only those who are in favour of an eco forum are allowed to contribute to this thread.

Shame on me.

My point, which you so clearly missed, was that by opening an eco forum you only fill it with like minded people and some aspects of those discussions (which the rest of us might actually find interesting) will be lost.

Someone mentioned about 'preaching to the choir', I couldn't have put it better.

I think I will change my vote to YES. Lets get all these tree huggers into their own little box out of harms way while the rest of us get back to what this forum is supposed to be all about, ie business.

JB

 

[Rusty]

Rusty, I took your points on board very well, but for one forum to be detrimental to the whole eco issue, I hardly think so. I really do not think we are that important. We are just one very small cog in a much bigger wheel. However, thank you for your comments.

I really wish you would stop patronising me, you have clearly not seen my point of view from the outset and have deliberately misconstrued my argument.

You missed your vocation, you should have been a politician and in true dragon speak "I'm out"

 

[RayB]

The basis of mine and I believe Steve's argument is that it will actually do the Eco issue more harm than good. It has nothing to do with whether I think it will change the forum or other such nonsense.

This quote from RayB sums up exactly why I believe that a separate forum would be a bad idea:-

"Same way as I never read the franchising section as it has no interest/relevance to me"

I strongly feel that the subject will be marginalised, that peoples attitude will be that they have no interest in the subject so will not read it.

Hi Rusty,

I firmly respect you viewpoint, what you are saying is that the subject is worthy, but having a separate section for it will marginalise it.

Can I just counter that with two thoughts:

1. Things in the General Business forum get buried fast - simply becuase it is so big and busy (as Darren alluded to a few posts up), so surely it is inevitable that new sections will emerge on a variety of topics as it gets busier
2. Is not having a dedicated section more likely to stimulate new memberships, threads and debates in the first place? (SirEarl has been quick to grasp this aspect)

Also, to Multilingual, it is great to you debating for the no vote, I take what you say about "too much" in the news etc - but again, nobody would be forced to participate - but I bet many would drop by out of interest, if only a passing interest/curiosity.

I guess what I mean by that, from the "No" camp the only other objection I am seeing is "not my cup of tea guvnor" - fair enough - but grounds for aborting? I'm not sure.

Finally, I dont really get the "Treehugger Extremists" side of the argument - after all, this IS a business forum

 

[multilingual]

Finally, I dont really get the "Treehugger Extremists" side of the argument - after all, this IS a business forum

I would say that the vast majority of people will just be normal sensible people who just happen to care about our planet.

You can include me in that list

I just find that as soon as anyone tries to put up a reasoned argument to anything that is supoosed to be 'environmental' then someone will play the Green card and accuse them of not caring.

If we can keep it sensible without getting over the top on sentiment, maintain a business perspective and look at the big picture in terms of cost implications and legislation etc, then I would be in favour of an eco forum and I would probably (knowing me) join in a bit as well.

Not all enviro-friendly ideas are good, and someone has to point that out from time to time without having a tofu burger thrown at him.

JB

 

[RayB]

I would say that the vast majority of people will just be normal sensible people who just happen to care about our planet.

You can include me in that list

Totally agree

I just find that as soon as anyone tries to put up a reasoned argument to anything that is supoosed to be 'environmental' then someone will play the Green card and accuse them of not caring.

I agree there is a danger of that, but this Forum has a history of sensible (and therefore largely self moderating) members.

If we can keep it sensible without getting over the top on sentiment, maintain a business perspective and look at the big picture in terms of cost implications and legislation etc, then I would be in favour of an eco forum and I would probably (knowing me) join in a bit as well.

This is pecisely my viewpoint

Not all enviro-friendly ideas are good, and someone has to point that out from time to time without having a tofu burger thrown at him.

Agreed, an opportunity to flush out any "Greenwashers", nutters and daft/misleading ideas (tofu burgers - YUK)

 

[Chris Kaday]

No, it's actually about getting it more human, more down to earth and nothing to do with strategy planning in the slightest or any of that kind of office / boardroom speak.

Oh OK

I do hope this thread runs and runs as it is one of the most entertaining yet!

Chris Kaday

 

Well I'm absolutely delighted for you then Chris.

Seems to me your all just a bit grumpy that your naysaying didn't prove to hold as much water as you thought. Seem rather thin skinned some of you.

This thread could have been very positive from the outset except for the few whose only intention has been to come down on this issue, like a tonne of bricks, turning the discussion to mush.

Ok, you've made your combined points, you don't like the idea, of that we can be quite clear.

Now lets hopefully see the implementation and where it gets us, before this subject gets too boring for words.

 

[RayB]

This thread could have been very positive from the outset except for the few whose only intention has been to come down on this issue, like a tonne of bricks, turning the discussion to mush.

I dont see any evidence of posts coming down on the subject like a "tonne of bricks" - I only see reasoned objections, worthy of polite debate

Ok, you've made your combined points, you don't like the idea, of that we can be quite clear.

Some in favour, some against - a democratic forum in action methinks

before this subject gets too boring for words.

If it gets boring just dip out - that is the beauty of a Forum

 

Well, we can disagree on one point, but it's all good in the end.

 

Question is do we want to save the planet.

Or are we all going home to Mars

 

[RayB]

Well, we can disagree on one point, but it's all good in the end.

It's not a question of agreeing or disagreeing, it is just a simple reminder to all members that a debate (especially an online one, where body language cannot be factored in) must repect all views, and the more diverse those views, the richer the debate becomes.

Message to all: There is a fine line between sarcasm/having a light pop (which I have no problem with) and disrespect/abuse.

To be sure - This is not aimed at any member - just a polite reminder to all

Now, what were we all bickering about? - NEXT VICTIM PLEASE

 

If you think any of those comments of mine were disrespectful, you ain't seen nothing yet.

More this debate is going on with daft reminders on how one needs to conduct oneself, the more it actually puts me off supporting the whole ruddy thing.

Bloomin ridiculous.

 

[Chris Kaday]

Ok, you've made your combined points, you don't like the idea, of that we can be quite clear.

What I and I suspect others do not like is they way you criticize us rather than our arguments.

Chris Kaday

 

Strange that for I was getting exactly the same feeling from your kind self long ago.

Let's not dissect the whole thread again.

Streuth!

 

[RayB]

If you think any of those comments of mine were disrespectful, you ain't seen nothing yet.

This is the bit we do disagree on, this is a forum, not a bun fight. As Michael Winner would say:

"Calm Down Dear" - (again, not wanting to pick a fight, just a reminder to all - be nice)

 

Blimey!! Political correctness is rife, alive and kicking.

Heading back to the e-commerce section to help some guys out there, more appreciative of the effort put in.

The floor is all yours.

 

[RayB]

Blimey!! Political correctness is rife, alive and kicking.

Heading back to the e-commerce section to help some guys out there, more appreciative of the effort put in.

The floor is all yours.

Hey - nothing to do with political correctness, just a reminder that all worthwhile debates have 2 sides, and both sides needs to be respected.

 

[Darren Falkingham]

OK, 'The Green Room' is now live, as a child forum to 'General Business', with the description:

"A forum for Green business issues, eco-friendly practices and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)."

Let's see how it goes!

 

[RayB]

OK, 'The Green Room' is now live, as a child forum to 'General Business', with the description:

"A forum for Green business issues, eco-friendly practices and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)."

Let's see how it goes!

Cheers Darren and Sift

Crikey - best get over there and seed it with some threads