Forum Discussion

Marianne_BCNA's avatar
Marianne_BCNA
Member
8 years ago

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 the BCNA moderators. We are always mindful that this is your community and as such we want you to self moderate as much as possible and only step in when necessary. It has become more necessary of late however to step in more and as such it has been difficult to strike a balance between allowing self expression and ensuring our community is a safe and supportive place for all members. We are getting mixed feedback at present from members for removing posts and not removing posts so I think it is important that I clarify how we will manage the moderating of posts moving forward. We will continue to remove any posts that we deem disrespectful, abusive or offensive towards others and will private message the relevant person to advise them of what we have removed and why. This is regardless of whether they have swearing in them or not as posts can be just as abusive or disrespectful without foul language. 
In regards to the use of language, most of you have stated that you are comfortable with language. Additionally, when we consulted a group of members last year about managing language on the network, the consenses was to leave the moderating to the community and only step in if needed. However, there are still a large number of people on the network who aren’t comfortable with language and their views are just as important. I am also concerned that the level of language is being talked about outside the community and may impact on new members joining at a time when they most need support. We will therefore also more carefully moderate language that is deemed to be gratuitously offensive as per the guidelines.  
We also ask that every member takes responsibility for self-moderating their own posts ie asking yourself if your post is disrespectful towards another member or likely to cause offence before posting. This will assist us in getting what is primarily a wonderful community for those impacted by breast cancer back on track. We need to protect and nurture this vibrant community as it is such an important part of so many peoples’ lives. I therefore ask for all your assistance with this. We may not always get it right with moderating as we are trying to accommodate so many different views so please let us know if we miss posts and be understanding if we remove a post of yours and you don’t agree. We are always happy to discuss this.
Thank you for you cooperation.

moderation
  • Zoffiel's avatar
    Zoffiel
    Member
    8 years ago

    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