Theos-Talk Archives (November 2001 Message tt00072)

The following is based upon some comments I made
on another list. I've changed them slightly, to
the portions of my comments useful here. I'm
still mulling over how to establish the right
tone for our future discussions. Any last-minute
helpful comments are still appreciated.

-- Eldon

----

I'm thinking over some guidelines for respectful
discussions for this list. I'm almost ready to write
out a draft. First would be no name calling, which
includes classifying people with some negative
stereotype. Second would be no general hatred of
other peoples, be they of a different race, form
of faith or belief, holding a different political
stand, etc. Third would be to not persist challenging
someone with questions about a particular topic
once they've said they don't want to talk about it
more. The discussion can continue with others, but
each person has the right to say, "I'm dropping out
of this thread," and not be continually pulled
back into it. (This "pulling back" could be by
questions directed at them, or by mention of them
by name with comments that require some response.)

When someone misbehaves, they could be kicked off a list,
but kicking someone off a list really does not keep them
off. It ultimately comes back to everyone agreeing to
behave themselves. Someone can immediately come back
under other email id's, lurk, then join in with the
same material as before anytime. Ultimately, a group
is responsible to maintain itself. If our list
degenerates into hateful darkness, then it's up to all
of us as fellow list members to speak up and not let
people get out of hand.

Another option with Yahoo Groups is that one can cause
certain subscribers to be moderated, even though the
overall group is unmoderated. If someone misbehaves,
pestering people with unwanted challenges or constantly
calling them names and attacking them, one can warn them,
then if the behavior doesn't stop, they can be personally
moderated. Then, for a week or two, one'd get to accept
or reject all their future postings, until the time is
up and one decide to give them general posting privileges
again.

-- Eldon