Posted by twinleaf on November 28, 2010, at 10:26:56
In reply to Re: Timing of enforcement - Call for Deputies » Solstice, posted by PartlyCloudy on November 28, 2010, at 8:40:40
Sadly, PC, if everyone remains silent about existing, harmful problems, our forum will die. We have valued it so much, particularly as it was several years ago, that many of us have risked our presence here by identifying what seemed to be problem areas, and suggesting very moderate, flexible changes.
Until now, Bob has not shown any interest in our ideas. I routinely felt punished for speaking up. Recently, I was about to be blocked for a year for using the word "outlandish". It was impossible for me to avoid coming to the conclusion that I was being silenced. I considered this extremely inappropriate in a mental health forum- and very stressful for me if I continued as an active poster.
Now, however, I note that Solstice has put forth an excellent set of suggestions, all tending torwards moderation, co-operation and flexibility, and that Bob has responded with interest. She has identified several very important things - that the punitive and inevitably uneven application of civility rules and blocks creates an elevated level of stress in our community. This is so important to recognize, and, even more, to correct. The other very important point is that any solutions need to seem like good ones to both Bob and the posters. None of us want Bob to do anything that is not an excellent idea in his own eyes. But we would like to have a say about what is helpful to us, also. We know, much better than Bob could, what makes us feel safe, stress-free, communicative and verbally expressive.
I was very excited to see Solstice's post, and even more, that Bob has responded,. I do hope Bob will continue his dialogue with her and all the others who care about Babble, and that they will work out the needed changes together within a reasonable period of time.
poster:twinleaf
thread:970854
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20101014/msgs/971543.html