Posted by Dinah on November 9, 2010, at 8:58:48
In reply to Re: some kind of Elders Council, posted by Dinah on November 9, 2010, at 7:51:25
Those who believe they have a decent understanding of the civility guidelines could volunteer to make themselves available to those who feel they don't.
There are (at least) two functions of a civility buddy.
A civility buddy can be someone you use to review your posts if you're unsure of your civility, or if you think maybe you're too angry to judge, or if you feel your posts are being scrutinized by Dr. Bob.
A civility buddy can also be the recipient of the things you really oughtn't post. A person of like enough mind that you're able to vent your feelings to without fear of repercussions. Sometimes I preview my post to my civility buddy, then after I feel better, I say "Ok, now what can I actually write?" And believe it or not, the venting has helped my feelings reflect a more thoughtful and sensitive post than I might have previously made. Of course, I tend not to get worked up by discussing things that anger me. It's more likely that I see the absurdity of my anger, and recognize that perhaps I'm not entirely being generous in spirit. I nearly always talk myself down with my civility buddy. It might not be as useful if talking to a civility buddy just stirs up feelings of outrage.
I greatly urge that everyone who feels the need, and who would benefit, make use of a civility buddy.
I think the second function is best served by choosing a friend of like mind and might not be the sort of thing where volunteers are useful. But I am more than willing to volunteer for the first function. As long as I am treated politely.
Would anyone else be willing to volunteer to be available to those who are uncertain how the civility guidelines might apply to their post? Perhaps Dr. Bob could include in the FAQ or provide a link in his pbc's to a list of posters who can be babblemailed in those circumstances? If the post still gets flagged, the civility buddy could explain their role, and ask for further clarification. If Dr. Bob finds a civility buddy is consistently missing the mark, he could request that they get further training before being listed as a resource.
It would be a pragmatic way of reducing blocks.
poster:Dinah
thread:964630
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20101014/msgs/969367.html