Posted by muffled on January 7, 2008, at 17:48:22
In reply to Re: My conclusion » muffled, posted by Racer on January 7, 2008, at 14:17:52
> Speaking for myself, I try to use PBCs to remind people of the rules for behavior on Babble. The problem is, sometimes people continue in the same behavior, despite reminders. I understand how it happens, but at that point I sometimes choose to block, both as a stronger reminder and as a way to protect the larger group from behavior which may be disruptive or even damaging. It's a hard line to walk, between the good of the individual whose behavior is breaking a rule, and the good of those whose behavior is within guidelines.
*Hard is RIGHT!!! Thats why I could never do it! and I appreciate those of you who are willing to be deputies!!!
> It's hard to choose to block someone, and it's not something I think any deputy takes lightly. Sometimes, though, if someone continues to behave in a way which breaks the rules, despite often repeated warnings, I think it's appropriate. Kinda like a time out for a kid who knowingly breaks a rule over and over, despite warnings. Other times, it looks like a time out for someone to settle down after an upset -- sometimes it looks therapeutic to enforce a Babble Break, if that makes sense.*I agree with you Racer. As long as a person is given the opportunity to be warned and back off. And yes. I have seen cases where a babbler is unfortunately escalating and proly needs a break.But its rare. Mostly I think babblers have been doing WONDERFULLY at handling stuff!!!
> I know that blocks result in hurt, and I know that a lot of people object to the entire idea of blocking. Then again, I've been part of a number of online mental health related communities over the past ten years -- and many of them have much stricter blocking policies. One I know of blocks indefinitely, rather than for a set period as it's done here. If someone there crosses a line, that's that, they're blocked unless the moderator decides to allow them back. Another site will block someone who seems in crisis, in order to "encourage" them to get real life help sooner. There's sense to that idea, but it sure makes me appreciate the Babble Way a lot more, you know?* Yup, I appreciate it too. Thats why I still here. And I honestly beleive its a kinder place blocking wise than when I first came here...
> I think my point is that there's probably no perfect way to work any of this. We do our best -- often with your support, which I always appreciate -- and learn as we go along what works best. I try to do my best for the community, and to keep my own feelings out of it. I have always been impressed by Dinah and 10derHeart, and how well they navigate the civility waters. I hope one day I'll live up to their example.
*Racer, you do VERY well yourself as well. Like I said its a TOUGH job!
> > My one wish for babble, is that more would post rather than bmail, cuz bmail hides stuff. I like it when all is out in the open on the boards. That way others can learn too. Cuz most of us started out as lurkers, and then finally posted cuz of what we read here on babble......
>
> Actually, I'm glad you posted this. I get babblemails every so often from people who ask medication questions, and I usually direct them to the board. I figure, if I have any useful information to offer them, it might be useful to others as well, and that others on the board know far more than I and can offer even more.*:-) Thanks!
> One reason for the overgeneralization rule is related to that: a number of people have reported that the negativity about medications on the meds board lately have led them to feel uncomfortable posting there about their own issues with medication. (Frankly, I have felt uncomfortable posting some of my questions, too, so I can empathize.) I don't know how to make the board a more comfortable and accepting place for everyone, but I think asking people to be respectful of differing opinions is a start, and that includes not over-generalizing. It may not be the perfect answer, but I think it's worth trying, you know? Better than doing nothing, in my opinion...*yeah, I not on that board much. I hope tho people that hang around that board know there is this discussion so they can get a sense of things too?
Well done.
Thanks Racer.
M
poster:muffled
thread:803345
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20071106/msgs/804884.html