Posted by Dinah on July 31, 2008, at 9:55:10
In reply to Re: Announcement of Policy Changes » Deputy Dinah, posted by Hygieia's Bowl on July 31, 2008, at 9:26:54
I think the discussion can get to a level where it is uncivil to the poster being discussed. The golden rule might be a good guideline here. If you put yourself in the place of the poster involved, would you have a fair basis for feeling accused or put down?
Context is also important. Sometimes the description of the poster or posters is pretty thinly veiled.
Moreover, sometimes Administration *has* ruled that something is not uncivil and is acceptable under board guidelines. When that has happened, the topic has already been addressed. After that, I think it's important to remember the rule about pressuring a poster.
It might be ok to continue to try to convince administration to change the rule. But again, context is important. Those requests to change the rule should be made as neutrally as possible, and with hypotheticals not linked to a particular poster. At that point too, as much as I hate to say this, your complaint is with Dr. Bob and the deputies, not the poster exhibiting the behavior.
I think, again, that you can take it as guidance rather than a reprimand. At some point we may say that something has gone too far, and is no longer in keeping with the spirit of the civility guidelines. We're not expecting everyone to know where this point is. We're expecting people to realize that if we ask them to stop, it's time to move the discussion to notifications or emails to Dr. Bob or the deputies, because we believe further on board discussion could lead posters to feel accused or put down.
poster:Dinah
thread:843152
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20080719/msgs/843221.html