Announcement: Changes to non-cycling discussion on Bike Hub

[Matt]

Hi Hubbers,

It’s been many months since the discussion around the direction of Off Topic conversations first kicked off and we’ve had time to deeply consider the best approach.

A number of the non-cycling discussions relate to important topics. These are often complex issues which fall far outside the realm of bicycles. Quite simply, Bike Hub is not a suitable platform to be debating such issues when so many other better suited alternatives already exist on the internet. We also do not believe it is reasonable to expect moderators on Bike Hub to shepherd civil discourse around such complex and often thorny issues.

Ultimately Bike Hub is about cycling first and foremost. Any time and energy applied by our staff or volunteers must be focussed on encouraging more meaningful discussions about bicycles. 

Upcoming changes

A consolidated non-cycling discussion section will remain active, but with strict rules around the scope of discussions allowed, including:

• No politics
• No religion
• No current affairs
• And any similar themed content

Topics or posts which fall outside the scope of allowed discussions will be removed and the posters will be warned.

We know these changes are not going to please everyone, but the steps we’re taking are with the interests of the broader Bike Hub community at heart. 

Our core mission is around connecting people through a shared passion for bicycles. We assist newbies with advice on their first purchase, the seasoned rider clearing out an “N+1” bike to a willing buyer, and we connect riders who simply want to share the stoke of where their bike takes them.

As part of a renewed focus on positive connections and quality engagement this is one step towards adding further value to all cyclists.

We hope you come along for the ride.

~ the team at Bike Hub

[BaGearA]

Where does the Formula 1 thread fall in this ?

[Vetplant]

3 minutes ago, BaGearA said:

Where does the Formula 1 thread fall in this ?

Isn't it obvious..? Politics... 

[Frosty]

@Matt

Is it possible to have a lock on new topics being posted, that will require approval before it is published? This way, unnecessary threads can be stopped before it starts.

[Stretch]

1 hour ago, Matt said:

 

• No politics
• No religion
• No current affairs
• And any similar themed content

 

so basically discussions around haberdashery only

[Zebra]

No, not ONLY haberdashery - discussions regarding  different types of shade grass suitability, the art of one-handed egg cracking, and Pimples: to squeeze or not to squeeze, all these topics will be allowed, encouraged, even...

so PLENTY of off-topic material ahead...

[MORNE]

1 hour ago, Vetplant said:

Isn't it obvious..? Politics... 

religion in my case. F1 has been my Sunday ritual since 1994 haha

Edited June 8, 2021 by MORNE

[Delarey]

So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish

[Gen]

Great.. So now we can't even discuss the UCI anymore.. ????????????✌️

[Delgado]

9 minutes ago, Gen said:

Great.. So now we can't even discuss the UCI anymore.. ????????????✌️

Definitely not!! That will fall in the politics bucket..............

[Skubarra]

Meh. Can't say we didn't saw it coming though. Well maybe I'll get some work done during the day now so there is that at least ????‍♂️

[Kranswurm]

10 hours ago, Frosty said:

@Matt

Is it possible to have a lock on new topics being posted, that will require approval before it is published? This way, unnecessary threads can be stopped before it starts.

That's hard work

Why don't you volunteer as a moderator?

[SwissVan]

12 hours ago, Matt said:

Hi Hubbers,

It’s been many months since the discussion around the direction of Off Topic conversations first kicked off and we’ve had time to deeply consider the best approach.

A number of the non-cycling discussions relate to important topics. These are often complex issues which fall far outside the realm of bicycles. Quite simply, Bike Hub is not a suitable platform to be debating such issues when so many other better suited alternatives already exist on the internet. We also do not believe it is reasonable to expect moderators on Bike Hub to shepherd civil discourse around such complex and often thorny issues.

Ultimately Bike Hub is about cycling first and foremost. Any time and energy applied by our staff or volunteers must be focussed on encouraging more meaningful discussions about bicycles. 

Upcoming changes

A consolidated non-cycling discussion section will remain active, but with strict rules around the scope of discussions allowed, including:

• No politics
• No religion
• No current affairs
• And any similar themed content

Topics or posts which fall outside the scope of allowed discussions will be removed and the posters will be warned.

We know these changes are not going to please everyone, but the steps we’re taking are with the interests of the broader Bike Hub community at heart. 

Our core mission is around connecting people through a shared passion for bicycles. We assist newbies with advice on their first purchase, the seasoned rider clearing out an “N+1” bike to a willing buyer, and we connect riders who simply want to share the stoke of where their bike takes them.

As part of a renewed focus on positive connections and quality engagement this is one step towards adding further value to all cyclists.

We hope you come along for the ride.

~ the team at Bike Hub

Good to see a decision being made and movement in some kind of direction.

What will this mean for “Off Topic” threads which are not toxic and never have been, for example:

Chit chat - TV shows, Car porn, Aviation fans, I have an idea for another thread..... etc?

 

[Showtime]

36 minutes ago, SwissVan said:

Good to see a decision being made and movement in some kind of direction.

What will this mean for “Off Topic” threads which are not toxic and never have been, for example:

Chit chat - TV shows, Car porn, Aviation fans, I have an idea for another thread..... etc?

 

The answer is in the post you quoted. Those topics are fine. 

[NotSoBigBen]

I must be honest it's no secret that I am here for the cycling related topics with just a passing interest in the off topic ones, I certainly won't miss the 'doomsday prepper' type threads ????

I can understand for some they'd have no reason to be here anymore but I certainly won't miss them ????

As an aside not being able to use Tapatalk initially irritated me a bit but I've gotten used to the mobile site and happy enough with it. Uploading pictures is a damn sight better that's for sure!

[HOEKVLAG]

I enjoyed (and learned a lot from) the Corona thread with valuable (to me) contributions from some knowledgeable people, but as it falls squarely in the Current Affairs category I will miss it.

Matt, my boss would like to thank you as I will be spending a lot less time here...