“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,
I’ve been visiting CTH site every morning since 2010 ish. Been so long I don’t remember exactly when or even how I found it. CTH gives myself the tools needed to navigated the B.S. we have as news these days. Your research and devotion is much appreciated by so many. With everyday life we just don’t have the time or resorces to do what you do. I pass alone alot of imformation to like minded friends who are in the same boat as myself. It helps us to make good decisions and gives us the insite and facts to counter arguments with the less informed. Thanks for all you do !!!
Apologies. It was probably my fault.
Being in Australia, I’m roughly half a day behind the American news, so I’m always playing catch up.
No problem fellow treeper, from the beautiful country down under. Sometimes, playing catch up is the best way.
One interesting (to me) observation I’ve made about many of my own posts…
There are times upon reading a new thread when my thoughts are disjointed. When I have an embryo of a thought but can’t quite get a handle on it. I often find it is in the comments of others where I can see where to start.
And many times this happens when I am “playing catch up”, like you, OzObserver.
There is merit I find in being ” late to the party”…reading comments from so many of the knowledgeable, thoughtful residents in these blessed branches who are inspiration for my own.
Just an idle musing this pre coffee morning. Blessings to you.
Betsy, I also like to go back to the very start of a thread to see everything that was said on an article. Can’t always do it especially when we get one of those 15-pagers, but it’s my goal…
I like best to do it when there’s an article where I suspect I may have some useful (if only slightly) response.
True, steph. You never know where inspiration will strike. And often when you least expect it to.
I just love to be a “lurker” and see where others come from! Sometimes my “old school” thinking gets upgraded from a new thought I missed! Sundance is like my “1st shirt” back in the Vietnam era! Similar to my thinking at age 16, always thought my dad was square or out of it. Then by 22 or so, man did he get smart quick! Such is life! LOL
Haha, Pa! Reminds me of something similar…advice to a teenager…
Move out of your parents’ house while you still know everything.
But you are right about being a lurker. Sometimes that’s the best thing to be. Today is a good example for me with Sundance’s incisive and studied posts on who should be considered for roles in the new Trump administration.
I offered one name on the Emissary thread for a position, not necessarily that one. But other than that nothing I could say would add one jot to the conversation. So like you…and only for the moment…I remain a lurker. Absorbing from others.
Be well, Pa…
Agree … the amazing information, summary and analysis from Sundance … is complimented and sometimes enhanced by the the informed, insightful commenters at CTH.
Thoughtful comments of any subject matter, often leads to surprising results.
I try to follow the etiquette of this site but I speak American and at times will use similar language that President Trump uses at his rallies. I do try to bite my tongue from out of respect of those that find offense in descriptive American linguistics.
I totally relate RS 🙂
And there my fellow Treepers are the asks of us by our host, Sundance.
We’re in the last 90 days before election day. Let us all reunite around the principles above.
Please continue to assault the Throne of God with your prayers, petitions, and requests.
Great message Arminius.
Sundance gives so much and ask so little. I couldn’t agree with you more. Jesus is Lord over all. What a comforting thought!
Amen.
I agree with your comment, except for one word… Words have power, the word assault is usually used in the context of war. We are in a spiritual war, but God is not our enemy, He is our friend, our Ally. How about using the word petition? It was the first word that came to my mind…
🙏🏽 amen
Please know that for us who are suspended from X, we are unable most times, to open X posts. ( my case) there are many X posts in the comments we cannot read.
Thank you Sundance.
We love you.
Try reading from a clean browser. I’ve never been a Twitter member and so far have no difficulty reading anything anyone embeds or links to here, save for a short period when postings were blocked to all but logged in members.
If someone posts video content from Twitter I don’t go to the site, rather download the video with JDownloader (free software) right from CTH and view it offline. I archived much of what Treepers have posted about Butler events that way.
I try to support corporations as little as possible, whenever possible.
That’s a great idea! “JDownloader”…never heard of it, but I’m going to try to find it.
Will try. TY.
You can access Nitter.
https://nitter.poast.org/
http://nitter.poast.org/thelastrefuge/
Make that
https://nitter.poast.org/thelastrefuge2/
This works!!!! Thank you!!
I am not so good with this but I cannot find where I register. I have no username on nitter.
I had a well known college prof, an army Pentagon man…who used to tell us in ‘class’…
when your are posting comments or writing your papers…do so in a manner that your grandmother would understand and not be offended.
Obviously he didn’t know MY grandmother.. 😉
However, I do agree with you. I always observe the Logical Fallacies when posting… avoid non sequiturs, ad hominem attacks, ridicule…. and I also look for people who are using Alinsky’s Rules.
Also, I like to see writing that is expressive… that is… short staccato one sentence paragraphs in lieu of bullet point lists…. followed by longer paragraphs. It’s a style that I find to be engaging, clear and “exciting” to read.
Lastly, as Sundance notes, smart phones and tablets are not the best medium to write good prose. Perhaps I’m old fashioned, but I find the typewriter keyboard style is the best medium to put my thoughts into words.
And, lastly again -sounds like Monty Python’s Spanish inquisition – I have sent email every so often when you see people who are obviously trolling and insulting. It’s one thing to disagree and provide the reason why you disagree, but using Alinsky’s tactics is absolutely poisonous to a forum… remember the Old rule from the 90s… “A thread is dead when someone brings up the name of ‘Hitler’ “….
Thank you for this most important and needed post. We are in a time where decorum and precise communication is needed. It is ever important for truth, constructive ideas, and in depth insight be shared and considered.
Using our minds, hearts, and skills of intellectual and historical understanding, truth and discernment, and mastery of our language and writing for clear communication, will help us now and in our bright future.
Let us look toward the founders and their brilliance in constructing our nation as an example.
A suggestion: If anyone has not already read Orwell’s “Politics and the English Language,” hope you have time to do so. It’s a manual on clear and concise writing.
Wonderful guidelines, Sundance! If only we would all follow them, not just those of us who comment but also all the politicians and journalists, including Trump. I am all for him, but I am sick of all the name calling and putting down of others, though I do relish direct and straightforward criticism and wit and irony and humour to make certain points.
As Dr. Carson said, we need to focus on policy not personality unless it pertains directly to policy. News, even conservative news, is more like the National Enquirer than solid journalism.
The Conservative Treehouse is on my lips more than any other information source. That is because we have shared values. If I cannot trust my values, I can’t trust anything. The breadth of information here is remarkable.
Thanks for the reminders
God bless CTH/SD/Treepers! 🙏😇❤️🇺🇸
I’d add if I may ….. please read Sundance’s post and the reference links before commenting. It is tempting to comment based solely on the subject matter or context, but I’ve learned that there is far more information in his posts than appears on the surface.
Well stated. The truth, without love, is but noise. Keep the faith!
>> 4) …Please avoid using acronyms.
Amen
Alternative thought: Could there be a lexicon of acronyms? And then if someone feels a need for using an acronym, it is incumbent upon him to provide the meaning of the acronym in the lexicon. Personally, I find the liberal use of acronyms a problem when reading the comments at this site.
Amen Sundance. Some of these posts are like reading a dissertation. Keep it short and sweet and a little humor doesn’t hurt.
Also as my wife tells me “Not so much I,I,I.
I’m glad to see this again and I really hope everyone reads it or rereads it. The once edifying sense of camaraderie in the Treehouse has been seriously strained by the tenor of comments from mostly newer members who want everyone to know they’re right and if you don’t agree you’re stupid.
This is still, by far, the most useful site, it just hasn’t felt as homey in the last year or so. Who wants to offer a thought or a reference when someone is going to bite your head off?
Manners Maketh Man…and Woman.
.
Thanks for the reminder SD. I confess my patience gets rather shot with the trolls and off-topic posters, so I apologize for my ‘labeling’ responses in the past.
Can I offer a suggestion? I realize we’re living in prophetic times and much scripture does apply, but when lines and lines of scripture text are posted, I think it takes away from the topic at hand, eats up bandwidth, and I just scroll by. If people could just post the scripture reference, something like, “This reminds me of Isaiah 20: 1-16” instead of inserting all of Isaiah 20: 1-16, I’d be more inclined to pay attention to their post and look up the reference, (because less is more), and it wouldn’t take away from the topic at hand. (JMO)
How does one get a password?
ditto
One sends an email to the admin (see top right of the page). Oh, and include username (per WW).
You can use the e-mail in the top right hand corner of the page under “Say Hello” to request Admin for the password. Give Admin plenty of time to respond as they are volunteers working hard to maintain this site and live their best lives. As with all e-mail correspondence with Admin, kindly use your Username in the subject line.
Where can I find the password to read the above?
Email admin.
Yes, and the good news is the address is smack dab in the middle of the top of every page I read here 👍
You can use the e-mail in the top right hand corner of the page under “Say Hello” to request Admin for the password. Give Admin plenty of time to respond as they are volunteers working hard to maintain this site and live their best lives. As with all e-mail correspondence with Admin, kindly use your Username in the subject line.
Noted, Sundance. Good advice. I will try, but the political climate right now is challenging. There are many exposed targets that seem to be well protected by our government and the MSM.
I believe everyone who comes to this place should go to past Treehouse campfire conversations and look and read the comments of people who seemed to have disappeared from here.
I originally heard about CT while listening to the very Missed Rush over 7+ years ago and I was intimidated by the Deep political thinkers who fill the comment section and felt very inadequate in making any comments whatsoever.
Acknowledged.
As requested, some humor in the foxhole.
The Dukes of MAGA
Thanks!
I laughed so hard that tears came to my eyes!
Especially loved “Boss Hogg!”
I’ve watched it 100 times and still laughing! Kamala as the dog, classic!
sundance,
in order to filter out bad actors within the intelligence community or other grifters who wish to undermine the conservative treehouse community, you must employ a password to read the more sensitive subject matter.
for a common guy, like myself, what proof of integrity or character do you require to secure a password? to plow soil comprised of glacial till requires a mule of particular character.
God Bless
It appears passwords are used, so far, to prevent spiders from crawling specific threads. Spiders are web bots; automated software that catalogs, copies, indexes, etc. web site content.
So far, the same password I used years ago still works so I don’t believe the process is designed to prevent human access and interlopers run long and deep and an old password is about as secure as ‘password’ is as a password. Gentle readers likely will always have access regardless of their real intent.
For the rest I have the Green Dragon 👍
Please, please avoid acronyms except maybe the 3 letter agencies. I think we all know what FBI means. I miss out on the meaning of many posts because I simply cannot figure out what the acronym stands for.
What I seek to do in posts is, when posting an acronym, posting its full name in parentheses immediately after when first using it, so meaning is conveyed, then use it as shorthand for the rest of the post.
Forex, (for example), I often post about guns and how various forms of FFL’s (federal firearms licensees) interact with the law and the gun community. There are many different types and subtypes of FFL’s.
It’s pretty easy to do and is helpful when making longer posts where the acronym is used often.
How does a person get a password?
Send an email to the admin (address at top right of page) include your userid.
I have asked the same question a few times. I read daily Sundance’s writing. I am not the best at negotiating the discussion board. I post on Political Talk mostly.
I don’t know if people are answering or not.
As I’m sure each of you can attest, I must put on armor and chose my most reliable weapons to enter the daily battle of ideas. CTH is a truth weapon that I always hold close to my heart. I trust you all to help win the day!!
Absolutely. Thanks for the reminder.
In the realm of armor, in a dream this morning I was traveling on a plane with my body armor (real, I own it) in my backpack and was explaining it to people. Some were nervous. I noted, in the dream, I had some plates I don’t have in real life. Thigh plates as one example.
First time for everything I guess. Stay safe out there 👍
I’m trying to access the protected page, but the usual password fails. Did the pw get changed? I am a longtime regular user here. Please advise.
I’m having the same issue. The password has never failed me before.
FWIW, I just got in by using a lower case on the first letter of the usual password.
Thank you! That worked!
I’d like to request a password, appreciating The Conservative Treehouse for several years. Low in tech skill sets, high in admiration of Sundance’s work.
Thank each of you,
FEW
You can use the e-mail in the top right hand corner of the page under “Say Hello” to request Admin for the password. Give Admin plenty of time to respond as they are volunteers working hard to maintain this site and live their best lives. As with all e-mail correspondence with Admin, kindly use your Username in the subject line.
Thank you, Paprika!
I don’t remember if it was a set-in-stone rule or not, but I seem to remember that, especially in dedicated research threads back when CTH focused tightly on cases like Trayvon, Brown, Chambers, and the Marathon bombing — the basic rule to be followed was “focus on the task”, and to save the humor, snark, and memes for an open thread.
As I fondly recall, this aspect of those threads was very professional and effective.
I don’t pretend to understand a lot of what is discussed here, I only grasp at the very top edges. But it is enough to make me concerned, and dig deeper.
I am not a smart man, but I am a patient one. Anything can be learned with enough time and effort.
Keep up the good work, Sundance. Words will never match how grateful I am for what you’ve shown me.
Best site on the web for truthful information, in depth analysis and thoughtful discussion.
However, it does seem over the past 2 years there are many detractors posting comments. I usually just cruise past them but they have multiplied. Also I wish people would take the time to read the comments of a thread before they post their comment because so many times people post copycat information, info already posted earlier. It’s kind of like doing your homework before class.
I realize some threads are hundreds of comments long but it adds to the quality if we contribute comments or info not already posted.
Re: Duplicate content – I often see the same thing. I scan it to see if there are different sources and/or details and move on.
I think it’s a function of a web site with owner-controlled thread topics and there being few in number so they are necessarily long and often have duplicate content since not everyone reads the dozens or hundreds of posts before making a comment or posting a news article. I find it especially florid when there is breaking news. Such is life!
Sorry for not being smart enough for the group….😒
Humility is a sign of wisdom.
I suspect you are wiser than you know.
God bless you.
There, I read the entire list! I need to apply that all in convos with my sweet husband when politically wound up, lol.
So glad he and I are on the same side. Love Treehouse people and the many comments. Mostly your perspective on things, SD.
Thank you for all the research and pondering you certainly must do. I’ve been here forever and I have turning gray hair to prove it. God is good, lucky to be here.
Love you, and respect you, MAGA Brother!
👊👊🇺🇸🇺🇸🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️❤️
very, very good exhortation and lesson. i so admire the high standards of cth and sundance particularly. what a researcher and analyst!
Let’s avoid the term “folks” from now on, too.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE
Heh, can we add “moving forward” to that list-to-avoid? (Actually, it’s not in writing all that much, but geez, on talk radio, it’s like every 3 minutes w/some people.) It subliminally suggests that “progress”(ive) ideas are always right and trad(itiona) always wrong (very subtly, of course.)
If the comment section is causing issues I say close it down and move discussion over to X.
Many of us respond at times in comments sections, but draw the line at signing up for social media.
My password never works for password protected content. I never get to see it.
E-mail admin whose address is at the top of every page. They’ll ensure you get correct access 👍
Yikes, if I knew who (they) were, I wouldn’t need to type their name or even be here. I’d be out dealing with (them).
Your house, your rules, I’ll go sit in the corner.
Thank you Sundance!!! For everything!!! MAGA
Thank you, and what a great fellowship it is!
I’ve been following since 2016, and have learned so much, not just from Sundance, but other readers comments as well.
I very much appreciate the intellect and honesty on these pages.
Thanks for posting this again, Sundance!
I do my best to adhere to the rules.
Just as an aside, some months ago I stopped pressing that little bell by the ‘post comment’ box, that was to alert you that there was a follow up response. I was not getting those alerts (or, perhaps more accurately, no one was responding to my posts….???). Just curious if this works for others??
The bell still works and one must confirm their subscription via e-mail link after pressing it while submitting a post. I keep the resultant confirmation of the subscription in a forum e-mail folder for easy future access. I don’t use it often but it has, in my experience, worked accurately.
Bravo, Sundance! And thank you, both for this post and for, well, just being you. Love and peace to you and all the “treepers!
How do I get password?
Send an email to the admin (address at top right of page) include your userid.
I happened upon this site a month ago. I have been pleasantly surprised by the positivity by many of the articles, as well as most of the commenters. I seldom visit other sites anymore because of the positive nature here. Keep up the good work and may God bless those frequenting here.
How do I get a password?
Send an email to the admin (address at top right of page) include your userid.