Posted by Larry Hoover on August 5, 2003, at 8:42:21
In reply to Re: Hey Doc Bob, remember me... a few ??'s..., posted by paxvox on August 4, 2003, at 19:12:33
>I have been the recipient of the rule of exponentiality, in which punitive action is doubled, regardless of the level of the offense. I do not find it reasonable nor even logical.
It doesn't have to be reasonable or logical. It needs only to be understood.
Reasonableness and being logical are values we apply. We're all going to do that differently. Understanding is also an individual experience, but separate from the others. You explicitly accepted rules when you joined this community. If you didn't find them to be reasonable or logical, why did you join?
>Whereas I agree that the maintenance of civility on this or any other board is indeed a difficult task, the application of said maintenance should at least be even-handed and equitable.
*I* would argue that the dispute arising around Ace is because the rules *were* applied in an even-handed and equitable way. People are arguing for more discretion to be applied, not less.
>True, you might say, "life is not fair" and indeed I would have to agree. But in a closed, fairly sterile environment such as this, I believe those easily offended should be the ones to take their leave at their own choosing.
Oh, they do. In silence. Ever heard of the Silent Majority? Confrontation is hard for most people. Mistaking their silence for lack of emotional response is to exhibit a total lack of empathy.
I would argue that a large majority of the people using the Babble forums are here because they're having difficulty coping with the pressures of living their lives. They come for support, not further challenges to their ability to cope.
>I mean, I do not want to log onto a porn site and then complain about the content of what I see, therefore, I CHOOSE NOT to go there.
If you don't like the rules here......
> Of course, you might suggest, "what about those who come here for help"? Well, I am not of the belief that those with the mental facility to use and post on a computer, are necessarily those most at risk from eminent ill from some "harsh words" or "judgmental chatisement".
Then people need protection from you. Clearly, you don't understand.
> Indeed, if I don't want to get into a fight, I avoid bringing an issue to the brink of such activity.
Blaming the victim? I am very surprised that you would stoop to that.
>As a rule, those on this board who get flamed generally have been a nuicance to MANY other posters for quite a long period of time.
So, employ your own standard, expressed above, and "take your leave". Bob and his assistants have the responsibility for maintaining civility, not vigilantes like you.
>This goes on until someone like myself makes a curt remark out of sheer frustration that this person has been merely "babbling on" if not outright inciting "negative attention".
Own your reaction. Don't read a poster if you think they are babbling or seeking attention.
>I have been rebuked by people out of misunderstanding, but I have engaged them intellectually until I find what makes them tick.
That's fine, if you maintain an empathetic tone.
>This may, at times, seem caustic or "uncivil", but as the learned Kid_a has pointed out, WHAT, by golly, is even REMOTELY civil about the world we live in?
Indeed. All the more reason to have civility here.
> I refuse to have to "walk on eggshells" to keep from being blocked, I have better things to do with my time and talents.
You refuse to think about the impact of your rhetoric, which is more important than whether it will result in your being blocked.
>I am clearly more helpful to others on these boards than I have EVER been harmful.
The latter should be zero. There is no "balance" to consider.
>But using Dr, Bob's rule of exponential blocking,my next infringment, regardless of its level of "uncivility" will result in a block of a month. This, considering that I haven't been blocked in MANY months. So, should a brief moment of heated blood on my part lead to the removal of my possibly life-changing input to others?
Please reassess your ego.
> Who suffers more in that scenario? I don't NEED to post here, I CHOOSE to post here. However, several years ago when I first found this board, I DID need the advice of those with years of experience dealing with similar issues to those I face/d. When's the last time you have seen CAM here? He used to (as a pharmacist, I believe) provide excellent insight as to the pharmacological efficacy of meds. Why does he no longer post? Driven away so that others could remain in civilty. Hand out the Haldol, and we can all share in the 1000 yard stare.
I don't know CAM, but if he was "driven away" because of inappropriate postings resulting in blocks, then he must be a slow learner.
Lar
poster:Larry Hoover
thread:248064
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20030508/msgs/248218.html