“Seek first to understand, then to be understood”
1.) First, please READ THIS ENTIRELY – and the full text of any discussion you wish to participate in.
2.) PLEASE STAY ON TOPIC – do not post something unrelated to the specific matter and content of the thread subject. There is ALWAYS a daily open thread available for any subject you feel should get attention. Never place unrelated, “O/T”, or “Off Topic” comments on a thread unrelated to the topic. It is not ok to say: “sorry, O/T but”… or any iteration therein, it is quite rude.
The Treehouse operates on the ‘old school’ standards and practices of civil discourse amid the original blogging community, long before social media took over.
3.) PLEASE NARROW YOUR THOUGHTS – Quality beats quantity. Please construct your comments to target specific areas and not broad generalizations about the discussion topic at hand. If you have four or five disconnected points, break them up into individual comments; that allows people to respond to the specifics.
4.) PLEASE AVOID GENERALIZATIONS – Do NOT speak in riddles. Words like “he, she, they, it, them” should rarely be used. Spell out “who” using the name, spell out who “they” are at the beginning of every sentence in your paragraph; so that there is clarity as to who you are talking about. Please avoid using acronyms.
5.) BLOCK PARAGRAPHS – Do not post huge blocks of text. Think of the reader, and modify your presentation for understanding, not for exclaiming. Do not write to yourself, you are writing to others, so please structure your thoughts so other people can grasp and enjoy. NEVER post massive blocks of text without paragraph breaks.
Do not post huge blocks of text
6.) PARAGRAPHS – Should NEVER be longer than two or three sentences taking up three to five standard lines of text. Again, you are writing to be understood, the emphasis should be on the reader comprehending what you are sharing.
Do not post huge blocks of text
7.) SPELLING AND PUNCTUATION – This is not school, and we do not demerit for poor spelling, nor do we allow anyone to call others out for the same. However, if your construct is too poorly written the context is lost and important details can be missed. Read the comment carefully before you send it. Proofread it again. Does it make sense?
8.) TIME – Everyone ‘s time is valuable. Many of our discussion threads are 500 to 1,000+ comments long. We try to limit the comments to 500 and then post another related thread, but with some research threads it is challenging because we do not want to break a continuity.
9) CITATIONS – There’s a big difference between an opinion and an assertion of fact. Obviously, most comments are providing opinions, the discussion expands when we hear them. However, if you are making an assertion of fact, you must attach a citation for review. If you do not have a citation – don’t post; this avoids spreading rumors, gossip and unfounded claims. Also related, do not post random links without an explanation of the reason, purpose and content that is behind the link.
10.) THOUSANDS ARE WATCHING – For every person writing a comment, there are easily hundreds of thousands of reading lurkers on every discussion thread. Do not disparage our conversation with vulgarity, profanity, or any expressions of any “ism”.
In the modern era of the internet, there are many voices who try to shut down conversation and information sharing. We put a lot of effort, more than anyone could imagine, into keeping this little corner of the internet open for you to research, share and discuss some pretty important stuff. Please do not provide ammunition to those who seek information control through deplatforming.
11.) MODERATION / FILTERING THE HATE – Because of our honest approach at seeking facts and truth, and openly discussing various analytical theories along the way, we are bombarded by those with ulterior motives which include:
- Intentional efforts to distract.
- Intentional diatribes to affix labels to our objectives.
- Intentional expressions of rabid hate, vulgarity, and threats.
- Trolling and professional obfuscation.
- Concern Trolling as a tool of distraction and derailing conversation.
- Psy-ops and intentional efforts to diminish fact-finding.
We do our earnest best to stop the agenda-horde at the moderation gates, however sometimes they get through.
If you see something untoward say something. When a new comment surfaces that we view is likely presented only to argue, we watch carefully – but we also are not perfect. You can help. There is a flag feature that helps identify trouble. Also, feel free to alert us via email.
12.) MANNERS MATTER – Simple kindnesses and courtesy should always be present in tone and content. When writing, ask yourself before you hit send: does this add value?
13.) NO PERSONAL ATTACKS – Ever. The fastest way to lose commenting privileges is to ridicule, bully or personally attack another person’s opinion or comment. Unfortunately, people, often good people, let their passion interfere with good manners and personal judgement. If you cannot be polite or respectful, pause – and – do not comment.
14.) TONE and HONESTY – Often the information and research CTH provides are about challenges we face and/or events that are hidden from larger review. It can be frustrating to see the scale of corruption; however, only you control how that information is absorbed by you. The truth doesn’t care about our feelings. Try to keep an even keel and optimistic disposition.
15.) DEVICES – It is a reality that many people use their phones to browse information and/or comment. Cellular phones and iPads are okay for reading, but also present challenges in commenting. Please make every effort to avoid the run-on issue of text from these devices. Put extra spaces in your paragraphs. Also remember your service provider (ISP) may have filters to limit the websites they permit you to view. It’s not CTH, nine out of ten issues are related to your service provider.
This control issue is worse in 2024 for obvious reasons.
SUMMARY: The Tree House community has historically accomplished a lot. Through exhaustive research and analysis our accuracy and reputation for truthful fact-finding, regardless of discomfort, is well regarded. Retain that distinction of intellectual armament.
We are The Conservative Tree House, not because of any political affiliation, but rather because the word “conservative” expresses our outlook. We would rather be deep, than wide; we would rather be honest, than popular; we avoid semantics in favor of accurately presenting both intention and meaning.
We are bold in our willingness to go into conversational places where others do not, and we are brave enough to stand firm for principles which are time tested.
We would rather advertise our outlook, so the viewer can understand our perspective on a particular subject, than deceptively claim we are something else and deliver an inherently biased view. The entire spectrum of the MSM is based on the latter.
Every reader knows where we stand on almost any issue, and our opinions -while they may be unpopular- are based on solid research and analytical insight into the subject matter at hand. This is why our predictive analysis is routinely more accurate than others.
Lastly, and most importantly, this Treehouse is a conversation. A place to connect and realize you are not alone. There really are more intellectually honest, kind and pragmatic problem solvers, than people who choose to be angry and comfortable with perpetual conflict.
Hopefully, a visit to this little corner of the internet is just like sitting on a porch with friends. And because the “conversation” is the reason we are here, this means YOU are important; do not diminish yourself.
[Remember] …” However, each of us got here, it’s probably a fact that we have the turmoil of those storms in common, perhaps some unease that we could share and always, we also find fresh ground to cover from day to day.
We’re developing valuable relationships as we trust one another in our community in the woods. The chatting in the branches encourages, strengthens and equips for some serious walking.
We think the Treehouse is a good intellectual armory for those who doing long distance walking for the sake of our nation. We hope you’ll think so, too. Find yourself a good branch….or just pull up a rock to the campfire”.
Wolverines faithfully patrol the perimeter.
Humor is also a good way to avoid fear. A laugh in a foxhole is priceless.
Be kind and please be respectful… Manners really do matter… after all, this is a fellowship.
Love to all,
Love that dog! thank you for the smiles! God Bless and Keep you in these rather unusual times.
Ditto!
Love that dog!
OK…..How many people here read that sentence hearing Foghorn Leghorn’s voice?
Yes
Thanks for the refresher course.
And many more thanks to you and the rest of the team.
You make it look easy and we know it takes a lot of work.
Have a great MAGA day!
I concur, Cactus.
Sometimes many of us need a little kick in the britches to take our daily chill pill.
Yes. I am in moderation for getting carried away. I need to remember the added effort and time consumption of moderating comments. Thanks for the reminders.
I just took you off the list. 😉
Ty I will behave. Sorry about the trouble.
Good to have the reminder! Thanks!
Thank you for giving me a place to learn and vent. None us us are perfect, all sinners, but glad I found this wonderful place. We should get together for a picnic ha ha.
Joe dans bbq. 😂
Need a shot of some Intellectual Frog Legs
I go every year. We’re cousins.
Virtual one?
SD as thorough as ever. Appreciate the reminders. Love your work Brother! 🙏🏽
I love it here…
So important that last truth…
The first complete sentence we taught our now grown almost out the door grands was…
MANNERS MAKETH MAN.
In a world in which today malign forces are doing their best to destroy civilized behaviour, speech, and even civilization itself, it is essential to hold to and teach this axiom.
Heard and understood.
So well said Betsy! The destruction of civilized behavior can be seen every single day.
Another bonus, newtreeper?
In these days when the price of everything keeps going up, good manners cost absolutely nothing!
Betsy, I don’t know you, but I know I respect you because of your demeanor. You are knowledgeable, brave, kind, thoughtful, someone I would seek out as a friend given the chance. That said, I too believe in decorum, and being a similar someone my daughter, a person of great character, can be proud to present.
While not contributing to the overall conversation in this post, I felt it was a good opportunity to share this. I enjoy reading what you contribute to these conversations, and wanted to thank you.
Where do I even begin to thank you for your generous comment, Unicorn…you have taken me aback, and have given me such a gift, I can’t express to you how precious that is to me. Thank you so very much. It is clear to me where your daughter got her great character. Such a thing always starts in the home from the time when our children are little. I wish more parents were like you…lucky daughter. All blessings I pray for you both 💕
And now I am touched. Thank you Betsy. Thank you.
Came from my heart as yours to me did from yours. You are most welcome 🤗
This post today, this was a gift. No coincidences, it allowed me to make an introduction.
I look forward to many more conversations with you, Betsy. Blessings to you as well.
Oh I hope so, Unicorn.
You might as well know…I don’t believe in coincidences or serendipity. God weaves His tapestry, and there isn’t a dropped stitch in it. I know it! 😌
You are 100% correct. Betsy is a treasure. I know I am nowhere near rhe only one who seeks out her comments. So wise and articulate!
Once I saw someone giving her kind of a hard time, and she responded with grace and tact.
I want to be like Betsy when I grow up!
LOLOLOL!!!!!!!!! Bless, Patriot 😘
Amen, amen, and amen! So well said….and that exchange above from Betsy & Unicorn has me teary eyed. What a beautiful place this tree is!!!
It sure is, Cookie. Like the Everly Brothers sang “I bless the day I found……”
The Treehouse!!!
I have learned so much from Sundance and the comments from fellow Treepers. Sometimes,I wish I DIDN’T know what I have discovered, but that is fleeting. Knowledge is power. (Plus, there is power in The Blood of The Lamb!) The faith and fellowship is abundant here.
Betsy is a gift to the Treehouse: a unique combination of intelligence, common sense, humor, sensibility, compassion – and even more. She is a welcome beacon to newbies, such as myself who have come forward from the ranks of “lurker.” Bless you, Betsy Jones. ❤️
God speed SD
Thank you for these reminders of proper behavior when one is a guest on the porch.
Well stated.
How do I access the protected posts?
Hint: pluralize Wilbur Ross’s nickname, capitalizing only the first letter.
Email the Admins. Address at top of page,
I have found the advice:
“Words like “he, she, they, it, them” should rarely be used. Spell out “who” using the name, spell out who “they” are at the beginning of every sentence in your paragraph”
to be exceedingly helpful in everday conversations as well.
Using nouns lowers the amount of misunderstandings as well as questions needed in polite conversation.
The Three T rule…
Tell them what your going to tell them.
Tell them.
Tell them what you told them.
Thank them!
Reminds me of one of our greatest orators and his rules for public speaking: FDR’s “3 Be’s”: 1. Be short; 2. Be sincere; 3. Be seated.
“This control issue is worse in 2022 for obvious reasons.”
I think this should now be 2024
Anyone else immediately feel guilty when this post comes up?
Lol for me it’s catholic guilt
that works.
Guilty? No. When the post comes up I get the feeling that something big is about to happen, that there is a post coming out soon that will draw an unusually large crowd to this wonderful site, and so will bring attention to us all. Sort of like being a kid and someone really important is coming for dinner, so you get that little “be on your best behavior” nod just to be sure. In the meantime we contain our excitement and straighten our necktie.
Yes. I always feel guilty but I am going to stay. This is my feel good place. My second home.❤️
Yes.. but I’m not sure when I misbehaved ..I’m sure is did it somewhere down the line..
Ditto!
Nope. I am always concise and erudite. I despise verbal effluent from myself as much as from others.
thank you very much.
Thank you for keeping us organized and efficiently precise. That’s why I love this site! God bless all!
Let’s hear it for the moderators. You know who you are, and you know what you do. And, you do it so very well that most of the time the rest of us don’t – don’t have to.
I once briefly put a forum on my company website. I quickly ditched it for two reasons. First, I found that my paying customers weren’t really asking for it. Second, I found that I despised being: “a moderator.” But the experience did give me an appreciation for the thankless work that you do.
👋👋👋
Respect, tone, and kindness should work both ways. This didn’t have to turn out the way it did.
All good thanks for the reminder
Is there a way to see one’s own comments, to see subsequent discussion, without scrolling through hundreds of comments?
Yes, click on the gray bell to the left of the brown ‘post comment’ rectangle before you click post.
The bell will turn green and activate the notification process for that post. You’ll receive an email with a link to confirm the post, which enables you to be notified of each reply and provides direct links back to them.
…thx, wondered abt that
you’re welcome.
Does it work for you? It hasn’t worked for me for over a month…
Works great.
Bummer… still not working for me…
Thanks for the Quick reply… I was siting here refreshing the page LOL…
Test…
You do have to do it for each each post.
I no longer get email notifications…. at first they showed up several hours after I posted a comment then they just stopped… Now if I want to check I have to leave a page open to my comment and refresh…
I started a word document to record/reference my posts… so I can check back whenever.
I make the post/comment, then refresh the page before I copy the comment address by clicking the figure 8 comment link icon beside the red flag (upper right of the comment space). Then I paste the comment link address into my word document with a few words of subject reminder ; they are all kept in chronologic order there.
If I don’t refresh the page before clicking the comment link, it records the page address but not the specific comment link & I have to go fish to find my comment.
IDK if this will work for you, it’s the way I’ve found effective for checking back to find replies/ conversations/questions. I never received emails from clicking the bell, that never worked; I didn’t want extra emails, I have too many anyway.
I also sometimes capture the address of others’ comments when there’s a link to something I don’t have time to check into when I first see it – I highlight those in bold in my word document for revisiting when I have time.
I hope it’s helpful.
Thank you, Absolutely Brilliant…
DanDan, the “find in page” helps to find your name to see when someone has responded to your question or comment. Three lines at the upper right of the page.
Thank You…
You’re welcome, and Thank You.
Thank you. Your suggestion should save me hours of frustration!
You’re welcome, Jazzbogie.
“13.) NO PERSONAL ATTACKS – Ever. The fastest way to lose commenting privileges is to ridicule, bully or personally attack another person’s opinion or comment. Unfortunately, people, often good people, let their passion interfere with good manners and personal judgement. If you cannot be polite or respectful, pause – and – do not comment.”
IMHO, this is the VERY BEST of all the rules.
Although you know Joe, we do must keep reminding our “House” Reps ever posting on Fakebook how low they’ve become since they first went in office. I very much hoped some1 wud run against him in this season, but alas 🤷♀️
As a retired teacher, I remember having to stop a few times during the year to give my students a gentle reminder of our class rules and expectations. It helped my students to remember to “color between the lines” so to speak, putting everyone back in that safe place for respect and learning.
Thank you for the reminder. Have a great weekend, Sundance and fellow Treepers. ⭐️
I am guilty of engaging in knee jerk posting. Not often but I am very grateful to be shut off, when I had one word too many.
Gracias Sundance. Reminders regarding social manners are never a waste of time. This is true more and more.
Anything that is “Old School Standards” is good for me!
Make Old School Great Again !!
And old school teachers!
Sorry for the personal plug!
(Just kidding anyway!)
Good rules of the road, or journey, to live by.
That is a bon mot sir.
Me thinks that the book: “Practical English Usage” by Michael Swan would be a good start I should think…
God Bless Sundance…Reminders are always helpful for us ol’ folks!!!
I found the Treehouse way back in 2015, or, more accurately, it found me and woke me up to the travesty that turned out to be the Deep State and the Uniparty system. Ever since, I have read every Sundance post, agreeing with most but not all of them and regularly link to them to all 5 of my social media accounts. For all of the reasons listed in this post, this is the gold standard of online forums and is beyond appreciated!
truth and love live here.
NO truer words have been written…I found it sometime in same time frame…but I have always come back to this website and “compare & contrast” what others are saying…doesn’t even come close to the others!!! There are some VERY thoughtful people on here and also ones who have life experiences and that is the amalgamation of everything that we ALL bring…
Sundance, thank you SO much !
Hopefully, your wise guidelines in their entirety will truly sink in,, especially to the hearts and minds of your long time inner circle of commenters. I chose to reply here,, to EAGLEDRIVER, because I had agreed, wholeheartedly that “There are some VERY thoughtful people on here and also ones who have life experiences…”
I stumbled across The Conservative Tree House recently after much disappointment with other forums and the firing of a fantastic up and coming young Rush. I referred others. I worked on my budget to try to eke out a monthly contribution.
And I was told to leave for supporting a commenter who merely asked that these guidelines be followed, after being called bot and troll. I suspect I speak for many, like myself, who came here and found the narrow, my-way-or-the-highway view, the arrogance and name calling, and the refusal to even consider different views repulsive.
I now read Sundance’s blogs, and leave. I will never again call myself a conservative if this is what it means. I’m a Constitutionalist.
And thank you for the final straw. I am going to abandon my decades of activism and enjoy the peace and quiet of country life without voting or discussion.
I truly hope some of you take this to heart, and realize the power of your words.
Thank you for the good reminders.
However, if your construct is too poorly written the context is lost and important details can be missed. Read the comment carefully before you send it. Proofread it again. Does it make sense?
I was taught back in the age of dinosaurs whenever possible read your comment aloud.
If it sounds wrong it probably is.
Read and understand BUT I’m not making any promises if we keep seeing pictures of Sundance!!😍
God bless us all.
I would ask please don’t post a link in the blind.
Give a summary of contents unless perhaps the topic is clearly visible in the URL.
I may have missed some good info because I’m not clicking blind.
Thank you for your reminder. You truly are an anchor in the storms.
Ok
Synchronicity & congruence… I just listened to these two talks and came here to find this post on our conversation & discourse. 😀
What You DON’T Know About Words (meanings, Non-meanings, & deceptions)
1:03:04
How to Be Responsive, Not Reactive – Ep. 246
1:10:30
both on yt if you want to find them
May I ask one simple question concerning posts. Why do some have the ability to edit and others don’t? The button is there but the ability is not.
My experience – posts are time limited, either to when a response to the post is entered or an amount of time has passed. I’ve found anything past ten minutes or so is no bueno.
In my past life as a moderator, we did that to preserve discussion continuity but still allow for corrections of misspelling, grammar, tone and content once the post hit the database.
I thank you for your reply though I can’t see it that being the case with my posts. While its true, I’m often dodging around cats to post, I don’t think it takes that long when I write. My comments are usually short with what I have to say. However, I understand your point.
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To no one in particular:
From Founding Father James Duane’s notes on the first day of the First Continental Congress, September 5th, 1774:
I then moved that a Committee should be appointed to consider of Rules for the Conduct of the Congress & report them. This was opposed by Mr Rutledge the Elder who observed that doubtless the usage of the House of Commons would be adopted in our Debates & that as every Gentleman was acquainted with that usage It would be a waste of Time to appoint a Committee on this Subject. It was answered that the Assemblies on the Continent had different Usages & Rules. That it was the Practice of Parliament that no member should speak more than once on the same point which would be very inconvenient on the present Occasion.
In other words, they had guidelines. Interestingly, according to Merriam-Webster, the first known use of the word guideline was in 1785.
I suspect the Fathers were of a sturdier comportment than modern recliner-bound revolutionaries, and they clearly insisted on order. Surely a few forgotten souls sulked away from these historic gatherings, to their life-long regret.
Hope it wasn’t me… Thank You Sundance and company
Amen.
To be reminded of truth is scriptural!
“So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth that you now have. I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body.” 2 Peter 1:12-13
Thank you for the reminders!
The country is so unbelievably divided, and made so by and large by this administration. Staying focused and on track, is unfortunately often times almost a challenge.
One of my major character flaws.
I’m only polite to a point.
Then, it gets ugly.
You have limits. You have boundaries worthy of respect.
That is not a flaw. That is an admirable characteristic.
Terrific guidelines for this site. I enjoy the wide range of opinions expressed. But yes, be courteous and kind.
Thank You CTH.
Well said .. it never hurts to review the basics … BZ as we used to say in the USN (and yes, the Navy LOVES its acronymns) but this one stands for:
WELL DONE !!
Thank you for these reminders. Methinks it was sorely needed.
And to you, Sundance, and all who are behind the scenes, thank you!
This is the way…