Posted by verne on May 4, 2009, at 0:42:05
In reply to Re: an issue with insects, posted by Sigismund on May 3, 2009, at 15:41:51
I think it's against Dr Bob's nature to get into the business of forgiving too much. He would rather error on the punitive side.
Perhaps, this site isn't able to handle the administrative job of weekly punishment. Yet, the site's commander seems willing to debate the issue for months and years.
Perhaps, even from an administrative level, site-running level, even a week block would be feasible. Once we get past that, why not even less time for blocks?
A "week" is arbitrary but better than a year. Why not block someone for a few DAYS. Since you can't come up with a new calendar, a week then.
Yet a year, 6-9 months blocks: that's medevial - and a little, maybe alot, sadistic. Not sure it happens anywhere else on the web. (Elsewhere, when you violate the terms of the site's agreement, you can be "banned" which is far less manipulative) It's clear. You violate the TOA and you're gone.
There's no "fanfare", no parade. No debate about the length of blocks. Here, every warning and block is a spectacule, inviting argument and debate. Why "announce" blocks anyway. Just to create the riot?
Other sites handle dysfunction so much better. Dissent isn't new. Many made the same arguments about this site 5 years ago. Many, bashed their heads against the wall (thanks Ak) and experienced true futility, finally leaving for good.
Civility doesn't have to be about shaming and big annoucements on the length of the blocks for those who stray.
In truth, the block system isn't even civil. Imagine being thrown in an Iranian prison for a year? Here the prisoners are voluntary patients with emotional or psych issues.
Verne
poster:verne
thread:888433
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20090302/msgs/894166.html