Posted by Dinah on January 31, 2005, at 4:21:49
In reply to Re: half-cozy, half-gated communities » Dinah, posted by alexandra_k on January 30, 2005, at 22:54:03
Hmmm... Perhaps you don't, in your part of the world, have our historical and cultural perspective on separate but equal.
The fact that everyone can join *a* small group matters no more than that everyone could go to *a* school, or drink at *a* drinking fountain, or sit in *a* seat in a bus. What difference does it make, as long as education, fluid, and transportation is offered, right? It *does* make a difference in a community. It really does.
The fact is that it would probably make less difference to me than anyone. I don't read where I'm not welcome to post. I don't read student board or newbie board. But to newcomers or those who read the restricted boards, it would make a difference. I might see a group of people who seem funny or warm, or who are carrying on a really fun conversations about mangoes. But when I went to try to join in, I'd be hit with an invisible wall that said "Sorry, these people won't let you in, but you're welcome to join this other group over here." How on earth is that equal? Or inviting? How does it make Babble seem like a nice place?
If Dr. Bob lets friends pick their own group, the offensiveness and cliquiness of the idea must be apparent. But even if Dr. Bob assigns groups, how can you ever think that there won't be people in some groups that wish they could be parts of another. Groups of people are not generic.
I'm not carrying on this battle for myself. I wouldn't want to be part of a group that feels the need to exclude others. I wouldn't read such a group because it would be rude to read a private conversation. If they wanted me to be a part of it, they'd not have closed themselves off.
Or to use the cozy room idea. Were I to come across a group of people having a lively conversation in a party, and be told that my participation wasn't welcome, I think I'd suggest that they close the d*mn door if they were having a private conversation so that they weren't having a public private conversation at a community function.
poster:Dinah
thread:441543
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20050128/msgs/450461.html