Moderation of the community
Hi all, given recent posts I think it is important as a moderator and manager of the online network that I make comment about the disrespect that has been evident on the network lately and the role of...
Forum Discussion
As I've said to you, @Marianne_BCNA , I wouldn't have your job for quids.
Striking a balance between what it acceptable for one group and unacceptable for another is not easy and the fluid nature of our society makes that task even more difficult.
I was part of a working group years ago that helped BCNA set the scene for the online forum. It was a brave step that involved devoting considerable resources to providing a service that was not available elsewhere. The internet was not the animal that it is now and to BCNA's credit you have done a brilliant job of managing an uncertain environment.
Unfortunately, being offended has become an international sport. Trying to accommodate every claim of offense will, effectively, close down any open discussion. Yes, we need to be mindful of other peoples sensitivities, but we all have choices. If you don't like something, particularly when it involves the way people express themselves, don't participate. Don't engage with them. Enjoy other things that suit you better and there is no shortage of that here.
Personally, I find the idea conforming to societal norms that belong to the 1950s both frustrating and insulting. I see the world as a much more vivid and interesting place than it was when my mother was a young woman, but If that is what is required to participate because there is general consensus that's fine, we can all make up our minds about what level of engagement suits us in the future.
I'm the first to admit that I can sometimes step across the line. Part of being a grown up is owning that but there is no one size fits all solution to the current dilemma. I find suggestions that swearing can be managed by abbreviating the bits that someone may find offensive utterly baffling. If you know what I am saying, why does the inclusion/exclusion of one vowel and one consonant make any difference? That is in no way an attack on those who have made the suggestions. It's just me being dense.
The way this presents in the public forums lately must be very confusing for those new to the site. Thankfully, the over all community is incredibly supportive and it would be good to see the focus move back to helping those in need. Marg