Posted by Mark H. on August 28, 2002, at 19:55:27
In reply to moderating on an on-going basis « Mark H., posted by Dr. Bob on August 8, 2002, at 8:31:32
Great discussion, even from those who disagree.
Another good reason for participant-moderators, in my opinion, is the increasing number and diversity of boards. While I'm very interested in psycho-psycho babble, for instance (and delighted that Dinah suggested it in the first place), I'm truly worn out when it comes to the meds board and have little time or interest to follow several of the other boards.
I think that any seasoned adult participant who accepts the responsibility of moderation quickly learns to balance personal allegiances with the need to maintain civility (participant safety and coherence, if you will). While it might be momentarily uncomfortable to ask an old friend to "please be civil," that very familiarity helps with recognizing and identifying incivility in the first place.
If this were my board, I would probably replace "please be civil" with "please be kind," which for me speaks more broadly and accurately to the needs of those of us with mental and emotional illnesses. So often our unkindness to others is an acting out of our own pain, and if we focus not so much on civility but on simply being kind to one another (and ourselves), perhaps we'd remember more often why it is we are here and there would be fewer conflicts.
In the end, I think it's a matter of trust. I admit that I trust any of probably two dozen regular participants here to serve as moderators, and I would gladly submit to their instructions and guidance. Whatever problems we may experience over time, I have met and enjoyed interactions with many truly great, well informed, kind and generous people on these boards. It is this experience borne out over time that has built my faith in the ability of participants to serve as safe and trustworthy moderators.
As always, thank you for considering my thoughts about this and for respecting our occasional differences of opinion.
With kind regards,
Mark H.
poster:Mark H.
thread:7094
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20020725/msgs/7288.html