While threads on the topic of outsourcing production overseas are allowed, these threads must stay on the topic of the quality and attributes of the amp itself. Any introduction of politics and race are not allowed in this forum. Voicing dissatisfaction about the quality of a product, no problem. Discussing prices, profits, etc. no problem. Introducing general political / personal remarks on outsourcing, race/ethnic content, or other remarks that serve to derail these threads from discussion on the product itself, is forbidden.
For several months, we have tried to keep civil discussion threads open regarding recent choices industry players have made to move their production overseas. However, without exception, every one of these threads has resulted in a flame war, and closed down. Maintaining civil discussion on a faceless, impersonal message board is always difficult. Maintaining civil political debate (or religious discusion), is nearly impossible. That's why both topics are banned from all general public TalkBass forums (and have been for many years).
I've had requests to ban overseas production threads from Amps all together, as a result of the inevitable political flame fests that have resulted. However, the vast majority of TalkBass members contribute to these threads in a constructive manner, regardless of which side of the debate they're on. We don't want to let the behavior of a few ruin the discussion for everyone, so we will be enforcing this rule very strictly from here on out.
Therefore, any member who takes it upon him/herself to introduce political material, racist remarks, or other generic comments on the effects of outsourcing in this world today, into any Amps thread, or show disrespect towards another member, or otherwise contribute in the derailment of these threads, will be offered a heavy penalty, and may be asked to leave these forums.
