Posted by Dinah on August 23, 2009, at 10:32:10
In reply to Re: choice and responsibility » alexandra_k, posted by Dr. Bob on August 19, 2009, at 11:22:25
It might be that Alex may not feel willing to make the choice to apologize and rephrase. And it likely is that you will then feel like you need to make the choice to block her, in keeping with Babble policy.
But might it be possible to block her for less than the full time she might receive under the formula? For a week perhaps? Or a month?
This might demonstrate good faith on your part that you really do wish Alex to be part of this community. And allow Alex to choose in the future to remain part of this community by committing to choose to post by site guidelines. Even if she doesn't feel like she can apologize for statements she made in the past.
I recognize that this may be inconsistent with past decisions, and you may not feel able to do this. Nor do I know if Alex would be interested in this.
But it is in keeping with what I have been suggesting recently. That blocks not be based on length but based on a willingness to abide by site guidelines. People might choose to post things in the past that they are willing to choose not to post in the future. Apologizing for things past can sometimes be harder than refraining from doing things in the future.
I think it would be a good thing for Babble for this to be part of the whole blocking process. To allow people to return to Babble from a block, if they are willing to choose to commit to follow site guidelines in the future. With perhaps some assurances given in the form of civility buddies, etc. if the first recommitment is broken. I think that people, as they start receiving longer blocks, might choose to be proactive to have more control over their blocks than they believe themselves currently to have. Making it possible to soften long blocks by their own actions might reduce the fear and resentment.
Just an idea.
poster:Dinah
thread:904398
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20090813/msgs/913622.html