Originally Posted by Admin
(SNIP)
So far, I've seen three types of topics that spread out of control:
- Overall personal negative stuff
- Prayer requests
- Jokes
(SNIP)
I want to figure out how to keep the "contagious" topics from flooding the section without restricting the communication any more than necessary.
This is the tough part of discussion that everyone seems to be avoiding.
(Snipped for brevity.)
I must have missed something, because I thought that posting prayer requests wasn't allowed (or mutually agreed upon, at least, not to post them.) IF that indeed was the case, then we should either revisit the issue or enforce the rule.
Jokes, on the other hand - we've had some good ones posted, I'll be the first to admit. Taking them 'over the line, however, I just don't agree with. I may think they are funny; the next person in line might not. If we can't err on the side of caution, then we probably shouldn't post them at all. There are lots of places to find jokes on the Internet.
As far as overall personal, negative stuff, I refer back to my original post here - this is the Internet, not our living rooms. This is public, and its as public as it gets - some things should simply be private. Take it to PMs or e-mail; don't be offended if a Moderator suggests that to you. Negative, biting comments are uncalled for, hurtful, rude and just plain tactless - and people should be called on it so it stops.
Admin, I wish I knew of any way other than heavy moderating or just not allowing problem topics, but the only other thing (self-policing) isn't working very well. I'm getting a sense of what people feel they are entitled to, what their 'rights' are - but, sadly, not the responsibilities that go with those 'rights.' I appreciate, very much, the effort to accommodate as many members as possible; I just don't think it's realistic.
No one has the 'right' to post anything here; this is Admin's party :D and he gets to make the rules. If he sees a problem, then its a problem. It is rude to argue that fact with your host. He gave us an inch, and miles were taken. I wouldn't blame him in the slightest for taking it back. In the end, that may be the only option we've left him.