Well, we seem to be split -
ETA 25 Sept: less evenly now than we were the first time I compiled these votes:
21 in favour
Edited to add in additional votes14 neutral
Edited to add in additional votes16 against
Edited to add in additional votes1 'other'
The moderators have discussed this topic privately, as we indicated on one of the political threads. Thus far we see no reason to intervene, unless we see flaming or other inappropriate behaviour which contravenes board rules. As we've said, the current threads haven't even come close to breaching rules.
Terry said it best and, while it's a personal view, I think we can all learn from it:
Please note that I do NOT believe that beating my friend about the head and shoulders with my political or religious beliefs is a good thing. In that case, I would indeed be pushing my friend away, and that would be wrong.
But simply stating what I believe and then listening to my friend's response is, I believe, perfectly valid. And unless my friend's response threatens me ("All Republicans should be interned!" or "All Democrats should be shot on sight!") there's no reason to allow it to ruin the friendship. No one has all the information on any subject, and I'm willing to listen to what others have to say.
However, we do want to emphasise that, as moderators, we
want to hear if board members are unhappy, feeling intimidated or believe they've been flamed. Don't just moan about it in private or post on your blog;
tell us. We can't read every thread all the time, though we do pay closer attention to any we know could be controversial. Talk to us. Maybe we won't agree that a particular thread should be closed or a particular topic banned, but we do want to know what members think, and to see if we can reach some sort of accommodation.
Thank you to everyone who's expressed their opinion, and please feel free to add a comment if you haven't yet.
Wendy
Boards Administration Team
