Democracy in action: Dr. Shades knuckles under

[_Gadianton]

A few brief points Shades:
- it's either MDB or MAD/RFM, there is no middle-ground, moderate intervention. It's either free speech or handpick your members because the middle territory just sets expectations and then its endless discussions about the rules.

- because of the above, people who usually don't whine will start whining, and those who really left because they were offended would have left earlier under heavier moderation.

- all of those names I saw complaining about the quality of the board and the "personal attacks" and so on, are all names that on this and other boards have been a thorn in the side to many, many posters. Not necessarily me, but, they've annoyed and offended just as many as CT has.

[_harmony]

A few brief points Shades:
- it's either MDB or MAD/RFM, there is no middle-ground, moderate intervention. It's either free speech or handpick your members because the middle territory just sets expectations and then its endless discussions about the rules.

- because of the above, people who usually don't whine will start whining, and those who really left because they were offended would have left earlier under heavier moderation.

- all of those names I saw complaining about the quality of the board and the "personal attacks" and so on, are all names that on this and other boards have been a thorn in the side to many, many posters. Not necessarily me, but, they've annoyed and offended just as many as CT has.

I am not annoying (generally), nor am I offensive (usually). Neither is JAK or marg or Jason or Liz.

Just who do you think is in this discussion?

[_collegeterrace]

How about I mod the lower kingdom and move my threads to the middle one?

JEEZUZ people.

The ignore feature was made for me. USE IT and stop your whining.

[_The Dude]

Not sure which post is funnier. Harmony's or PP's...?

How about I mod the lower kingdom and move my threads to the middle one?

I am not....

How about if harmony takes the Celestial, and PP takes the Terrestrial, and I'll just keep doing what I've been doing.

[_harmony]

Not sure which post is funnier. Harmony's or PP's...?

How about I mod the lower kingdom and move my threads to the middle one?

I am not....

How about if harmony takes the Celestial, and PP takes the Terrestrial, and I'll just keep doing what I've been doing.

How about if Liz takes the Celestial, harmony takes the Terrestial, and PP takes the Telestial?... Oh, and you keep doing what you've been doing.

[_bcspace]

I was (and still am) of the opinion that the judicious use of the ignore feature would solve those problems. Others disagreed, saying that offending posts must be moved to other forums, specifically the Telestial Forum.

So, what the heck? There's no reason to assume that I'm always right, so why not let democracy work its magic and give the people what they want?

Well, the original Athenian democracy included the notion of ostracism.....

[_Gadianton]

I am not annoying (generally), nor am I offensive (usually). Neither is JAK or marg or Jason or Liz.

Just who do you think is in this discussion?

You, Jersey Girl, JAK, Marg, mainly.

I'm judging the scene by your criteria, who has annoyed or offended the greatest number of people. Personal judgments aside.

[_Dr. Shades]

- it's either MDB or MAD/RFM, there is no middle-ground, moderate intervention. It's either free speech or handpick your members because the middle territory just sets expectations and then its endless discussions about the rules.

I share your opinion, but apparently others don't. Therefore, I think it's time to allow them to give their ideas a test drive. Who knows? Perhaps I'll be surprised.

- because of the above, people who usually don't whine will start whining, and those who really left because they were offended would have left earlier under heavier moderation.

Hmm, I hadn't really thought of that. Harmony, what's your take? Of the three people who recently left, would they or wouldn't they have left earlier thanks to heavier moderation?

- all of those names I saw complaining about the quality of the board and the "personal attacks" and so on, are all names that on this and other boards have been a thorn in the side to many, many posters. Not necessarily me, but, they've annoyed and offended just as many as CT has.

Ha! That's an EXCELLENT point. And a funny one, too. :-)

[_Gadianton]

Of the three people who recently left, would they or wouldn't they have left earlier thanks to heavier moderation?

I'm not sure who is being discussed here, but some other questions to think about. Have these "three" posted elsewhere --- have they ever left a message board with moderate levels of intervention?

When you start guaranteeing protection, you set expectations and people become even more sensitive when they get dinged or when someone they don't like doesn't. Further, it becomes a huge debate on what constitutes offensive behavior. Direct name calling and vulgarity is a very small corner of the domain of things that offend.

[_Dr. Shades]

When you start guaranteeing protection, you set expectations and people become even more sensitive when they get dinged or when someone they don't like doesn't. Further, it becomes a huge debate on what constitutes offensive behavior. Direct name calling and vulgarity is a very small corner of the domain of things that offend.

I fully agree with everything you wrote. Others don't, however, and since I've said everything I can possibly say, it's time we recognized that the only way to figure out who's right is to give their ideas a test drive.

More details to follow in an upcoming thread.