Posted by Deputy Dinah on July 30, 2008, at 21:50:35
Dr. Bob has asked me to announce a couple of changes in policy. He'll update the FAQ when he gets a chance.
Dr. Bob has decided that posts in violation of the spirit of the civility guidelines are not in keeping with the goals of the site. In the future, Dr. Bob and the deputies will be able to ask posters to follow the spirit of the civility guidelines and these requests will have equal weight to a Please Be Civil. So those posts that are technically civil, but that are perhaps not respectful or sensitive, will no longer be allowed. Dr. Bob recognizes that "tough love" or "provocation" can be supportive. But he also believes that not all types of support are appropriate on Babble.
We all realize that judging intent is more difficult than judging words alone. We might ask for a rephrase. And we are certainly willing to admit that we might read intent incorrectly, and will do our best to be very careful. It's a developing policy, and we ask that you all be patient and work with us.
As always, if you think a post is in violation of these guidelines, please contact the administration directly using the notification button. Please do not attempt to point it out on board. That is also in violation of board policy.
Incivility towards deputies has in the past been treated differently than incivility towards posters who aren't deputies. This policy will be changed. No new rules are needed, because it's been a matter of enforcement, rather than rules. But in the future, incivility towards deputies, individually or as a group, will fall under the usual civility standards.
Dr. Bob and the deputies hope that these clarifications of existing Babble rules will help create a more supportive environment. I hope everyone will cooperate in this. Believe me, we're no more anxious to give blocks than you are to receive them. So we are definitely willing to work with people on this. If you receive a Please Follow the Spirit of the Guidelines, please don't take it as a reprimand so much as guidance on what is allowable under site guidelines.
If you have any questions, please feel free to ask them. I and the other deputies will answer them as best we can.
Please keep in mind the civility guidelines when asking questions.
This is a policy change, not a rule change. However, we are not planning to apply it in retrospect, so please don't send us posts that are made before this post. From this point on, this will be the policy.
Dinah, acting as deputy to Dr. Bob
poster:Deputy Dinah
thread:843152
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20080719/msgs/843152.html