Theos-Talk Archives (December 2005 Message tt00312)

Dear Perry and Iain,

It *is* very much a sidetrack to discuss rules here at theos-talk, 
because there has been zero indication of any interest in such by 
Eldon. Between philosophical commitment to an unmoderated group and 
the demands that moderation would impose on his already-busy 
schedule, that's a non-starter. Hence my "suggestions" were only 
based on what I have seen working well on other yahoo groups. I am 
listowner of a very quiet one but co-moderator of a quite busy one.  
The troll issue has already shown up a couple of times in a short 
period, but it was dealt with quickly and did not fester into ongoing 
longterm cycles of attack/counterattack. Something as simple as 
a "no personal attacks" rule can keep a mod or comod intermittently 
busy, but IMO it is worthwhile for the health of the group.

Perry wrote:

> I think for me the general rule of thumb is offer our point of view 
but respect someone's right to not respond.
> 
That is *a* rule of thumb, but "offer our point of view" can be done 
in several different frames. It can be "here's an idea I'd like to 
discuss" or it can be flamethrowing. Although intent can not be 
determined from one or two instances, if the same person consistently 
starts flamewars then it behooves others to consider the "don't feed 
trolls" guideline when deciding how to respond.

> We can still make a point or clarify an issue without relying on or 
needing someone to respond however it's a shame if meaningful and 
rational exchange cant be generated. If points are well reasoned and 
consistent even if different from our own beliefs it can 
> help us to try and understand where that person my be coming from 
and perhaps `see it' > in a different light.
> 
Indeed, but there has to be some sincere interest in exchange of 
ideas, some mutual respect, for meaningful exchange to occur.  
snip

> We all have particular beliefs but those beliefs need to be held 
lightly and other points of view always need to be listened to and 
assessed 

Indeed. But holding beliefs lightly and genuinely listening to those 
of others requires a certain maturity. Some participants at theos-
talk demonstrate such maturity on a regular basis. Others not so 
much.

to Iain:
> >
> > Dear All,
> > I think we are being sidetracked here. 

On at least that much we can agree! Anand comes in attacking HPB in 
strong, harsh personal terms. Along come four (?) Theosophists to 
attack Anand. How many times have we been around this particular 
track? If you choose to regard a "word to the wise" about feeding 
trolls as sidetracking, that is fine. But by the same token it is 
fine for me to see that feeding the troll is itself sidetracking.

I suppose it all comes down to what we think is "the track" that 
discussions ought to be on, when we define what is a "sidetrack."

Paul