Posted by SLS on July 9, 2009, at 15:31:05
In reply to Re: Apologies, posted by Timne on July 9, 2009, at 12:55:39
> Maybe I presumed that your leadership experience moderating a forum where infractions are adjudged based on the way they affect readers instead of on what the writer intended caused me to believe you would be sensitive to the affect of your words more so than reiterating intent.
Actually, I don't think that intent or reception are used as factors to be adjudicated upon. Although I find it sterile (which is often desirable), I think it is the deed itself - the composition of words - upon which moderating actions are based. Although civility, like democracy, is in the eye of the beholder, I should expect that the framework of defining civility would comprise a certain amount of subjectivity and personal preference. It might necessarily be constructed upon how words may be received, although not necessarily intended. However, to attempt to evaluate and factor in making administrative decisions based upon intent or reception would lead to selective enforcement, as two people can write exactly the same thing and be charged differently. Once the precedents for judging verbiage as being uncivil are established, it seems to me that they are enforced consistently.
I do see that the doctor offers the individual the opportunity to describe the intentions behind their words as well as allow others to described how those words were received. This is less sterile, and perhaps contradictory, but might accomplish more in improving communication and promoting civility.
It sometimes occurs to me that Psycho-Babble must be the only game in town. Why else would so many people look to challenge its manager with such vigor rather than simply move on to another website? Altruism perhaps?
How would you prefer to see this website moderated, if at all?
Psycho-Babble. Sometimes I like it. Sometimes I don't. Still, I respect the efforts of its founder to maintain it and choose the way he wishes to administer it. I am grateful that this website exists. For now, I find its idiosyncrasies tolerable.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:895265
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20090707/msgs/905838.html