Steerpike

Sorry, guys, but I was initially ticked off by the wonderful contribution of 'Ray':

If your a poofter pick SF
If you like rain pick Seattle

Having a nephew who just recently 'came out' after years of emotional struggle, that remark is exactly the kind of bad-taste humor that makes life hell for someone in that situation. I don't believe in being 100% 'PC', but jokes about minorities, immigrants, and gays are just bad taste. Fatbrit, I've seen you take on the rampant racism on other threads (and forums).

Even though it ticked me off, I decided to let it go because virtually the whole first page of responses were already off-topic. Finally the thread picked up momentum, then 'Ray' again chimed in with his comment about the visa. My thought was, this guy is just chiming in on every darned thread as if there were a prize for having a high post-count or something.

The bottom line is, it doesn't matter whether the OP has a visa, a green card, or just a lot of dreams and optimism. The thread topic was 'SF vs. Seattle', and the responses could be valuable to many readers, current and future. The value of any thread tends to be proportional to the number of on-topic posts to off-topic posts.

Peace.

Ray

You need to get a sense of humor ..without you wont last long here ..

Bob

nature of the beast....mod's aren't here to censor the forums and there is nothing in this thread to warrant anything to be deleted.

fatbrit

Threads do wander here. If you want it to remain closer to the topic, lead by example. Moaning about it, though, will result in your piss being taken -- ain't called Britishexpats for nothing!

The OP could very well have been one of our standard ones -- not uncommon for someone watching those silly TV programs to start an "Orlando or Malibu?" thread, then get pissy when we tell 'em they ain't actually coming. Manc once ran a rather amusing parody entitled something along the lines of "Scunthorpe or Rotherham?"

There's a ton of useful information buried in this here site. But I don't think the banter detracts at all -- rather it is what makes it the #1 site for expats. Take it slowly and you'll enjoy it.

MrP

Banter is fine. But it doesn’t make sense if a poster can (on a whim) just take the discussion completely off topic. Usually there are areas on bulletin boards where you can shoot the breeze, make homophobic comments etc.

But hey, this is your bulletin board so I’ll bow out of this thread.

Bob

There are parts of the forum just for chewing the fat, that doesn't mean threads are a static thing, they are fluid and they run their course. We've got better things to do than read every post and have over zealous censorship.

Pollyana

And I'd like to add to what Bob has said - just that if you are planning on making homophobic comments, you'd better change your mind now. That kind of thing isn't welcome on BE in this or any other thread.

Ray

They are whinging about my truthful comment ...

Tracym

Must admit I'm confused - there is a large gay population in SF, that's well known. Not sure what was homophobic about that...

Did I miss something? Didn't think you criticised them, just mentioned their existance...

Ray

http://britishexpats.com/forum/showp...78&postcount=2

Tracym

Saw that... so? imho of course.

norfolkgirl

We are new to the East Bay 40 mins from SF. Do you want to be in the city or just near? There are some great areas to live around here but housing is expensive (watch this space, things change!!)
Having only been here 3 months and with 2 children we haven't done much in the way of 'cultural' activities but have found loads to explore and do.
I've not been to Seattle, everyone mentions the rain but I've also heard it is a great city and quite green.
What are your priorities?

Poppy girl

Hey Norfolk girl that makes 2 of us I am from Norwich

Philgr

Three - I grew up in Mundesley and now live in East Bay - must be a tunnel or something.

elfman

On the ball City!!!