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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 38. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Zo on April 24, 2002, at 0:59:03
that I had posted this:
"I personally don't give a rat's ass if there's an old-timers board or not.. . .. . I didn't care one way or the other for this board until the attacks started. . . Why do y'all give a shit?"
Now, this way of talk is as natural to me as it is to Phil.
But there is no WAY I could post this and not get blocked.
And be called Offensive.
Why is that?
I ask because I feel angry and sad about this.
Zo
Posted by Phil on April 24, 2002, at 7:01:48
In reply to Dear Dr. Bob, Imagine for a moment, posted by Zo on April 24, 2002, at 0:59:03
Maybe, now that you remind him, he will block me or PBC. If he does, I'll respect that and not come back for the time he says. I don't have any problem, if I go over the line, over getting in the penalty box. I'll use the time to shop for a new pill box or laxative.
I'm usually civil; I've never been blocked because I try to stay between the lines.
But if I get blocked, I don't want people saying I shouldn't have been blocked. I'll take my medicine and I won't make the same mistake twice, unlike real life.We shall see,
Phil
Zo or anybody...Does anyone want to take over the job of monitoring the board and making the decisions on all of these posts? I think Dr Bob has done a good job keeping the board running.
Should we set up Dr Bob, a newcomer, and an OT to vote on every PBC?
I see groups where it's absolute total chaos and they shut down.
Posted by Phil on April 24, 2002, at 7:40:57
In reply to Re: Zo or anyone.., posted by Phil on April 24, 2002, at 7:01:48
Posted by Krazy Kat on April 24, 2002, at 10:39:27
In reply to Re: Zo or anyone.., posted by Phil on April 24, 2002, at 7:01:48
Phil:
This is one of my concerns - that it has grown too much to be handled by just Dr. Bob.
I wonder if there's any chance someone else would be interested in helping him out, and if he thinks that's a good idea.
- kk
Posted by Ron Hill on April 24, 2002, at 13:26:42
In reply to too much to do... » Phil, posted by Krazy Kat on April 24, 2002, at 10:39:27
> This is one of my concerns - that it has grown too much to be handled by just Dr. Bob.
> I wonder if there's any chance someone else would be interested in helping him out, and if he thinks that's a good idea.
-----------------------KK,
EXACTLY!!! How can one person be expected to deal with all this AND maintain a demanding day job, family obligations, social life, exercise, etc? Maybe we should be less concerned over what we perceive as injustices (e.g. PBC, PB2k, blocking, etc), and more concerned about making the administration of this site feasible. Wouldn't it be a shame if we burn Dr. Bob out with our petty complaints? Our first concern should be Dr. Bob's well being, but on a selfish level, if he goes down so does the site.
Can't we all just get along?
-- Ron
Posted by Krazy Kat on April 24, 2002, at 14:10:56
In reply to Re: Too Much To Do For One Dr. Bob » Krazy Kat, posted by Ron Hill on April 24, 2002, at 13:26:42
Posted by Shar on April 24, 2002, at 14:55:12
In reply to Re: Too Much To Do For One Dr. Bob » Krazy Kat, posted by Ron Hill on April 24, 2002, at 13:26:42
Posted by Fi on April 24, 2002, at 16:07:10
In reply to Re: Too Much To Do For One Dr. Bob » Krazy Kat, posted by Ron Hill on April 24, 2002, at 13:26:42
I agree we want Dr Bob to keep going. But I would also say that I dont think we need to worry too much about him. His messages give the impression that *he's* not feeling overwhelmed, and I think we can trust him to say if he wants to share the load.
It is a considerable load, undoubtedly. However, he is hopefully an example of a healthy approach to this ie if it gets too much, to say so and ask us to share the work in some way.
Personally, I couldnt do what he does (all those endless messages about blocking), but I know he's different from me (fortunately)!
I dont subscribe to the idea that mental health professionals are gleaming examples of 100% mental health, but I do trust that this particular one is doing OK, and has the sense to detect if it gets too much, and act on that to share the work.
Dr Bob; your part in this deal is to prove me right and not suddenly disappear!
Fi
Posted by Krazy Kat on April 24, 2002, at 19:10:10
In reply to OK, I will decide all things from now on...8-) (nm), posted by Shar on April 24, 2002, at 14:55:12
Posted by Dr. Bob on April 24, 2002, at 19:39:28
In reply to Dear Dr. Bob, Imagine for a moment, posted by Zo on April 24, 2002, at 0:59:03
> "I personally don't give a rat's ass if there's an old-timers board or not.. . .. . I didn't care one way or the other for this board until the attacks started. . . Why do y'all give a shit?"
>
> But there is no WAY I could post this and not get blocked.
> And be called Offensive.What is it that you think I would find offensive?
> I ask because I feel angry and sad about this.
Sorry about that. Just try to be more careful in the future?
Bob
Posted by Dr. Bob on April 24, 2002, at 19:39:32
In reply to too much to do... » Phil, posted by Krazy Kat on April 24, 2002, at 10:39:27
> I wonder if there's any chance someone else would be interested in helping him out, and if he thinks that's a good idea.
Hmm, I'm going to go to the APA meeting in Philadelphia next month. Internet access shouldn't be a problem there, but if someone would like to fill in for me then I could focus more on other things. I thought it worked out well when Mark H. did it. Something like May 18-23?
Bob
Posted by Bekka H. on April 24, 2002, at 20:58:52
In reply to Re: interested in helping out?, posted by Dr. Bob on April 24, 2002, at 19:39:32
Hmm, I'm going to go to the APA meeting in Philadelphia next month. Internet access shouldn't be a problem there, but if someone would like to fill in for me then I could focus more on other things. I thought it worked out well when Mark H. did it. Something like May 18-23?
>
> Bob***********************************************
Can't we go to the APA meeting with you instead?
Posted by Zo on April 24, 2002, at 23:27:23
In reply to Zo:It's my 1st offense/what's my ban. u say I go (nm), posted by Phil on April 24, 2002, at 7:40:57
Posted by Zo on April 24, 2002, at 23:29:00
In reply to Re: Too Much To Do For One Dr. Bob » Krazy Kat, posted by Ron Hill on April 24, 2002, at 13:26:42
Ron, I was with you right up to that last little bit.Zo
Posted by Zo on April 24, 2002, at 23:51:27
In reply to Re: Offensive, posted by Dr. Bob on April 24, 2002, at 19:39:28
D.B., your sentences don't scan here, for me:
Zo > I ask because I feel angry and sad about this.
Bob > Sorry about that. Just try to be more careful in the future?
Who is supposed to try to be more careful in the future, and what is up with that question mark? Are you asking me something? Telling me?
MAJOR WHOA: It suddenly occurs to me to ask, do we have a small language barrier thing happening here? Seems like a lot of time spent lately w/people trying to figure out what you mean and vice versa. . .*I* certainly don't know if English is your first language--like all good Amurricans, I just blithely *assume* so. So I apologize if that is the case and I haven't been sensitive to that.
On the other hand, maybe I just told a born and bred American that he can't write worth s**t. <- joke alert
So maybe you want to share with us your entire life story?
Or, how about just clarifying your meaning, above, so that I can respond more intelligently (than this.)
Thanks,
Zo
Posted by wendy b. on April 25, 2002, at 8:04:23
In reply to Re: interested in helping out?, posted by Dr. Bob on April 24, 2002, at 19:39:32
Bob,
If Mark H. wants to do this, I think he was great last time...
I notice not exactly a flood of responses to your inquiry, Dr Bob... (sorta like Henny Penny?...) So, anyway, if I can be of some help while you are away, I would like to find out more about what 'subbing' for you entails.
Is it possible, in terms of the mechanics of it, to divide up the responsibilities among a couple of people? Just thinking out loud...
Yours, as ever,
Wendy
> > I wonder if there's any chance someone else would be interested in helping him out, and if he thinks that's a good idea.
>
> Hmm, I'm going to go to the APA meeting in Philadelphia next month. Internet access shouldn't be a problem there, but if someone would like to fill in for me then I could focus more on other things. I thought it worked out well when Mark H. did it. Something like May 18-23?
>
> Bob
Posted by Krazy Kat on April 25, 2002, at 9:52:03
In reply to Re: interested in helping out? » Dr. Bob, posted by wendy b. on April 25, 2002, at 8:04:23
wow, what a way for dr. b to call me on my comments re: his needing more help. :)
if it could be divided up, as you suggest wendy, i'd love to try it. but i also don't know if i'm ready yet to be a good moderator.
mark h. did do a fine job before.
- kk
Posted by wendy b. on April 25, 2002, at 10:09:25
In reply to Re: interested in helping out? » wendy b., posted by Krazy Kat on April 25, 2002, at 9:52:03
Kelly,
I don't think he's 'calling you' on anything, just mentioning the fact that yes, indeed, help is appreciated. I think it's the least we can do, & I can't donate any $$ right now. If I had a million dollars (like that NYS Lottery commercial), I would buy him a house! Or at least support as much server space as he would need in this lifetime.. Oh, yes, and a clone of him, so that one of him could monitor the Boards, while the other did regular 'life' stuff, like going on vacations (remember the picture after he got back from the last one? I felt happy for him...)
I wrote on PB2001, I'm sorry if you are feeling the way you do about that... I read your other comments above... I say, don't worry, be happy, use whichever board speaks to you and your issues...
A rainy day, perfect for grooving on the Dr Bob site for hours (doing laundry at the same time, though, multi-tasking!) --- thought I'd catch up on things over here...
big hug,
Wendy> wow, what a way for dr. b to call me on my comments re: his needing more help. :)
>
> if it could be divided up, as you suggest wendy, i'd love to try it. but i also don't know if i'm ready yet to be a good moderator.
>
> mark h. did do a fine job before.
>
> - kk
Posted by Krazy Kat on April 25, 2002, at 10:26:31
In reply to Re: interested in helping out? -miss you KK! :-], posted by wendy b. on April 25, 2002, at 10:09:25
wendy - i sent you an email. check it out when you have a chance. would love to speak with you.
oh, i desperately want to post on the 2000 board, but i stuck my foot in my mouth. :)
i do feel it's a bad idea to actually exclude anyone (let people post and the old timers throw 'em off just like the old west). i don't think i can post to the 2001 board - so see, i'm missing out on conversing with one of my favorite babblers. ;)
i'd be happy to be a prt of a group of folks who mediate during dr. b's absence. but i sure wouldn't take it on alone.
- k
Posted by Shar on April 25, 2002, at 12:28:24
In reply to Re: Elucidation Request » Dr. Bob, posted by Zo on April 24, 2002, at 23:51:27
<- joke alert
Zo,
I think you have hit upon a great idea here! lol. This could be an elegant way to be sure that nobody mistakes something meant as a joke to be a serious comment. Verrry good!I'd like to start using it myself, if I can plagiarize it from you. I have the type of sense of humor that, even in person, people don't get because it is too dry (Sahara) and I'm so deadpan. I may have to fashion a small "joke alert" sign that I can hold up when I am in person with somebody; or a tattoo on the palm of my hand.
Thanks! Great idea!
Shar
Posted by Dr. Bob on April 25, 2002, at 14:16:29
In reply to Re: interested in helping out? » wendy b., posted by Krazy Kat on April 25, 2002, at 9:52:03
> if I can be of some help while you are away, I would like to find out more about what 'subbing' for you entails.
>
> Is it possible, in terms of the mechanics of it, to divide up the responsibilities among a couple of people? Just thinking out loud...
>
> Wendy> if it could be divided up, as you suggest wendy, i'd love to try it. but i also don't know if i'm ready yet to be a good moderator.
>
> - kkI'm not sure about dividing it up. Mark, are you there? What do you think?
Here's the statement I put together after last time:
> If for some reason I'm not able to monitor these boards as closely as usual, I may ask another member of the community to stand in for me. His or her main role would be to try to maintain an atmosphere of civility -- keeping an eye on what's going on (checking the boards at least every other day) and (if necessary):
>
> 1. posting requests to be civil
> 2. blocking posters who continue not to be after one warning
> 3. deleting grossly inappropriate posts.
>
> He or she wouldn't have access to registration information (such as email addressses); blocking is done by posting name. He or she would post under his or her usual name and not pretend to be me. He or she would also post an email address in order to be reachable directly.
>
> He or she might not have the time or be familiar enough with the site to respond to technical questions. Housekeeping tasks like deleting duplicate posts might also need to wait until I'm back.
>
> FYI, I have mixed feelings about this. My philosophy has been to take the responsibility (and the heat) for administrative issues myself. But I think this might be better overall for the community. Let's see how it goes.How about that? I'd still be available (and maybe Mark could be, too?), so no one would be totally on their own...
Bob
Posted by kiddo on April 25, 2002, at 14:27:57
In reply to Re: interested in helping out?, posted by Dr. Bob on April 24, 2002, at 19:39:32
Posted by wendy b. on April 25, 2002, at 15:13:59
In reply to Re: interested in helping out?, posted by Dr. Bob on April 25, 2002, at 14:16:29
> How about that? I'd still be available (and maybe Mark could be, too?), so no one would be totally on their own...
>
> Bob
OK, I'm game if you are, Bob - pretty sure I've been a 'civil' player around here. It really doesn't sound too onerous, and I could do those tasks at least twice a day (teaching during the other times). Let me know. If I can be of service, and it's logistically &/or technically feasible, I'd be happy to -As ever,
Wendy
Posted by Mark H. on April 25, 2002, at 15:48:24
In reply to Re: interested in helping out?, posted by Dr. Bob on April 25, 2002, at 14:16:29
I have a few serious suggestions:
1.) Anyone subbing for Dr. Bob should expect to check the boards every couple of hours from about 8 AM to 10 PM every day. I appreciate that Dr. Bob does not want to put that level of expectation on anyone, but that's what it actually takes to catch problems early and to be available to answer questions for fellow board members. Dr. Bob will disagree out of consideration for those who sub, but this is what it takes to do a good job, in my opinion.
2.) I think it would work fine for more than one person at a time to have access to the admin action menu. Babblers sharing admin duties could coordinate and support each other using private email.
3.) Kiddo is my first choice for the lead job this time based on her past experience behind the scenes. She's much better qualified than I am, and she quietly supports this board in countless ways. She could ask Wendy and anyone else interested (including me) to give her a hand, either through direct access to the action menu or through email alerts and support, or both.
4.) Dr. Bob taught me to trust the community to take care of itself, to interfere as little as possible, and then to act decisively as needed to resolve problems.
5.) Subs can always resort to saying (as I did once or twice), "This is my decision in this matter. If you disagree, please take it up directly with Dr. Bob on his return." It helps both the sub and the person receiving the warning to remember that it's Dr. Bob's board, and that we are all in this together as participants, doing the best we can (and learning as we go).
I encourage everyone who has been on the board for awhile and has a good feel for what is needed to volunteer, whether during APA week or for Dr. Bob's future absences. The more people who have this experience, the better. Many of the conflicts discussed on PBA would not arise if more people had opportunities to serve the admin function for a few days to see what it's like to have responsibility for the welfare of the whole community. It's worthwhile, it's enjoyable and, if you're like me, you'll be greatly relieved when Dr. Bob returns!
With sincere appreciation,
Mark H.
Posted by kiddo on April 25, 2002, at 18:45:22
In reply to Adopting the joke alert symbol » Zo, posted by Shar on April 25, 2002, at 12:28:24
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