Posted by Lou Pilder on November 13, 2014, at 9:55:08
In reply to Re: why Lou isn't blocked » Dr. Bob, posted by oceansun on November 12, 2014, at 20:49:48
> I was scared because his post to me was one of the first ones I read. My first response was actually shock. I've only recently resurfaced, and I remember the board 10+ years ago when it was a big source of support and knowledge to me. From what I understand from The New York Times article, it was still flourishing in 2010.
>
> What I've seen on this board lately still retains that care and compassion and curiosity, but the sheer number of people posting has dropped dramatically. Shockingly. I certainly can't speak for any member, past or present, but I myself wish more people were able to gain the sort of support and information offered here.
>
> So, I wonder, although I don't know how long Lou has been posting, has he, or similar people, been a factor in the decrease in posters? Has he been turning off new people who could contribute to the site? He's clearly more scary, and prolific, than other unpleasant posters I remember. Unfortunately, because of the small size of the board, his voice is pretty loud. And I honestly think he would have been blocked in the past.
>
> I don't think it's a matter of triggers -- many people seem to ignore him, though I'm guessing pretty annoyed that he's still around -- but of maintaining the health and wellness of the board as a whole, and encouraging growth, if that is wanted, of course.
>
> I continue to post, and am posting this post, simply because I remember the board of the past and thus was able to look past his post to the wonderful other posters here. I don't read his posts. It's the new and potential posters I am worried about, who don't have prior knowledge of the board and might just be turned off immediately, and the current members who might get discouraged and leave.
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> Of course, there could be many other reasons for the downturn in posters in the past few years. I'm really curious about this, and concerned -- if anyone has any thoughts about this, I would appreciate any input.
>
>
>
> > > I just wonder, why isn't Lou blocked? ... His first post to me scared me, and I can see how a new member might not post again with his responses.
> >
> > > I'm greatly saddened by it.
> >
> > Sorry about not replying more promptly.
> >
> > I'd feel sad, too, if feeling scared kept people from posting. In this case, yes, I could block one trigger. (And I plan to add a Refuge board that would be more safe/less tolerant.) In general, however, it's impossible just to do away with triggers. My idea is that support and encouragement might help counteract fear. How were you able to overcome feeling scared and post again?
> >
> > Bob
>
> Friends,
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Lou
poster:Lou Pilder
thread:1073111
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20140902/msgs/1073429.html