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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Dr. Bob on April 14, 2000, at 10:19:08
Hi, everyone,
Some of you may have noticed some unsupportive posts here recently. Sorry about that. I'm trying to block them, but it's not a simple thing. Sometimes it turns into cat-and-mouse, and sometimes the mouse is determined, and resourceful. Also, the more blocking I do, the more innocent people get blocked. I'm especially sorry about that, but in my opinion it might be the lesser of two evils.
The bottom line is making the board as supportive as possible for as many people as possible. Unfortunately, I don't think it's possible to be supportive of everyone. If you have any ideas on how to handle this better, I'm open to suggestions!
Bob
PS: If you're being blocked and you shouldn't be *and* you can post from a computer that doesn't connect through a modem, then email me, we might be able to work something out.
Posted by AndrewB on April 14, 2000, at 11:20:36
In reply to Apologies, posted by Dr. Bob on April 14, 2000, at 10:19:08
Thank you for your vigilence. I know there are others things you would rather be doing.
AndrewB
Posted by AprilA. on April 14, 2000, at 13:01:39
In reply to Re: Apologies, posted by AndrewB on April 14, 2000, at 11:20:36
> Thank you for your vigilence >
> AndrewBMe too, I'm checking to see if I'm unblocked again-it comes and goesA.
Posted by Greg on April 14, 2000, at 13:12:02
In reply to Apologies, posted by Dr. Bob on April 14, 2000, at 10:19:08
Dr. Bob,
You shouldn't feel the need to apologize for the inconsiderate actions (being nice here) of one or two individuals. It doesn't matter where you go on the Internet, there is always someone waiting to push someone's button. It's part of the Internet experience..... I suspect that not many Babblers out here expect you to monitor every post, every minute of every day.I just wanted you to know how grateful I am that you have given myself and others a forum to not only discuss our failures, but our successes as well. You have done everything you can to provide a safe haven for us to come to, and for that I thank you.
I'm very glad that you're out there!
Peace,
Greg> Hi, everyone,
>
> Some of you may have noticed some unsupportive posts here recently. Sorry about that. I'm trying to block them, but it's not a simple thing. Sometimes it turns into cat-and-mouse, and sometimes the mouse is determined, and resourceful. Also, the more blocking I do, the more innocent people get blocked. I'm especially sorry about that, but in my opinion it might be the lesser of two evils.
>
> The bottom line is making the board as supportive as possible for as many people as possible. Unfortunately, I don't think it's possible to be supportive of everyone. If you have any ideas on how to handle this better, I'm open to suggestions!
>
> Bob
>
> PS: If you're being blocked and you shouldn't be *and* you can post from a computer that doesn't connect through a modem, then email me, we might be able to work something out.
Posted by saint james on April 14, 2000, at 14:48:40
In reply to Apologies, posted by Dr. Bob on April 14, 2000, at 10:19:08
> Hi, everyone,
>
> Some of you may have noticed some unsupportive posts here recently. Sorry about that.James here....
The best lists have a pro-active owner who will take action when these things happen. This plus a good group of list members keep the discussion on topic with few distractions.
james
Posted by Scott L. Schofield on April 14, 2000, at 16:46:18
In reply to Re: Apologies, posted by saint james on April 14, 2000, at 14:48:40
> > Hi, everyone,
> > Some of you may have noticed some unsupportive posts here recently. Sorry about that. I'm trying to block them, but it's not a simple thing. Sometimes it turns into cat-and-mouse, and sometimes the mouse is determined, and resourceful. Also, the more blocking I do, the more innocent people get blocked. I'm especially sorry about that, but in my opinion it might be the lesser of two evils.
> > The bottom line is making the board as supportive as possible for as many people as possible. Unfortunately, I don't think it's possible to be supportive of everyone. If you have any ideas on how to handle this better, I'm open to suggestions!
> >
> > Bob
> James here....
>
> The best lists have a pro-active owner who will take action when these things happen. This plus a good group of list members keep the discussion on topic with few distractions.
>
> james
I guess it makes sense to do something when things get out of hand. Some people are obviously very caustic and post things that go well beyond the threshold of tolerance. But who's tolerance?Someone has to make a judgment call. This is a pretty big responsibility. Where do you draw the line?
"I don't know how to define obscenity, but I know it when I see it."
Creating guidelines would probably be difficult.
I have seen posts that have been attacked for more or less obvious reasons, where it seemed that the author had genuinely good intentions.
> > Also, the more blocking I do, the more innocent people get blocked. I'm especially sorry about that, but in my opinion it might be the lesser of two evils.
I usually tend to think along these lines. "I would rather allow nine guilty men go free than to allow one innocent man be convicted" - or something like that. You never know when an asshole is going to have something profoundly brilliant and helpful to say. But obscenity laws do exist. They are supposed to protect the health of the community. How and where do you strike a balance?
This is pretty tough. I'm glad that I'm not the one to have to make any of these decisions.
In the meantime, the most effective strategy might be to not clutter the board with so many responses to each toxic post. I know this is easier said than done. We may be pleasantly surprised.
I'm sure the offenders are just loving to see this thread continue. It shows that they can effect change in their environment.
- Scott
Posted by JohnL on April 14, 2000, at 18:15:39
In reply to Apologies, posted by Dr. Bob on April 14, 2000, at 10:19:08
Dr. Bob,
With utmost respect for you I fully support whatever you feel is needed. Certainly no apologies needed, in my opinion. Very thoughtful of you though to share your concerns and keep us informed as to what's going on. I wish there was an easy answer. But then...don't we all...that's why we're all here. :)
I must say, either I'm blind or you're doing a real good job of handling the situation. I haven't seen any of the posts you are referring to. Admittedly I haven't read them all, but even scanning the titles I can't spot anything out-of-line.
Anyway, thank you very much for taking time out of your full day to monitor things here. With the marvelous group of regulars here, I doubt any passer-bys can stir up much trouble. Whatever battles you've been fighting behind the scenes to keep things in line, my hat's off to ya. JohnL
Posted by JohnB on April 15, 2000, at 2:46:47
In reply to Re: Apologies, posted by Scott L. Schofield on April 14, 2000, at 16:46:18
> In the meantime, the most effective strategy might be to not clutter the board with so many responses to each toxic post. I know this is easier said than done. We may be pleasantly surprised.
>
> I'm sure the offenders are just loving to see this thread continue. It shows that they can effect change in their environment.
>
>
> - ScottScott . . . Agree with you one hundred percent. I see these kinds of posts on almost every board. . . . yawn . . . .anytime you have a public space where people can post anonimously . . . . however . . . .
To those of you who would like to spew on this board:
Please be aware that some of the people who come to this board are on the edge, I mean really on the edge. So have a heart, this is not the place, OK? . . .do your graffiti elsewhere.
This is the end of the thread.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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