Posted by shar on September 16, 2002, at 1:31:41
In reply to Re: Anonymous feedback on PBC and block decisions » Dr. Bob, posted by ShelliR on September 16, 2002, at 0:28:01
I like this idea. I believe that it MAY result in more representative input due to anonymity. I think there are lots of posters/readers with opinions who say nothing because they don't want to be attacked, or because they just don't want to stand out.
When one looks at admin, it is easy to see that the posts here are made by a subset of all posters, and lurkers. If I was less depressed and had more energy, it would be easy enough to calculate the percentage of all posters who are active on admin, and I think it would turn out to be a pretty small percentage. If an anonymous poll obtained a more representative sample of posters and lurkers, that would be good, imo.
The one thing I'm less comfortable with is the idea of decisions being changed on the basis of poll results. There is the obvious stuffing the ballot box issue. Also, there is the fact that whoever sets up the system, and enforces the guidelines, has a reason for the block. If popular opinion is to prevail, probably most blocks would have to be undone. And I don't think that is good.
Maybe it's because I'm a military brat and had a VERY military family. I think that, by and large, decisions should stand. It is fine for people to register their displeasure, which I have done more than once, but, I believe it is important not to set up a system that suggests complaining ENOUGH will change a decision. Or shouting louder, or whatever. (Maybe my position comes from being a parent and having to stand firm in the face of adversity...kids...)
Input can be considered, and if it is possible to separate the wheat from the chaff, and it turns out that Bob thinks it's true that he overreacted, he can change his decision. But, that should be a rarity, because some published standard exists and is being enforced when the block is issued (although there is a question of vagueness in the standards).
As I said before, I have disagreed with Bob's decisions to block at times, and said so. But, I would prefer a strong stance to stay with an unpopular decision if it was the right one in Bob's mind, rather than having decisions issued, and then vacated because a number of people complained.
I've never really thought of admin as a place to get Bob to change his decisions. He definitely has the option and can do so, but I don't expect that. To me, he makes a decision and I live with it, and I can state my feelings about it for the record. I've never thought that stating what I think should change the decision; it is not part of an appeals procedure where he 'pencils in' the block, awaiting the crowd's reaction.
Of course, there's nothing to say there couldn't be an appeals procedure...but it's not here now.
Shar
poster:shar
thread:7456
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20020725/msgs/7476.html