| I've often said that just like bad money pushes out good money (think inflation), bad debate pushes out good debate. The more threads become bogged down in endless haggling over side-issues, the less the forum hosts quality discussions and the less it draws quality participants. |
I agree that bad debate pushes out good debate, but at the same time, controversial debates sucks people in like a sponge. This is why, like it or not, threads on homosexuality, abortion, etc drew large crowds.
Yes, it was divisive. And that is a problem. But good moderation can avoid these problems. It just requires some diligence and for some moderators not to involve themselves in their member status.
| I've also argued many times that people don't change. Problem members, no matter what the specifics, will almost always remain problem members. |
If it means anything to you, in response to my public apology, Berberry, of all people, has written me an email accepting my apology for which I am grateful for. He apologized to me, but I didn't accept his apology because he didn't have to apologize to me at all!
I meant what I said earlier. Whether it was all my fault or partly my fault is inconsequential to me. I want to eat all of it and wish to take full responsibility.
If Berberry and I can make reparations, even to the point where we may even hang out when he comes to California, why couldn't anyone else end the negativity?
More to the point, I have seen monumental changes in many members brenna, to name one. She's a sweet girl who simply is as not afraid of voicing her opinions as me. But she has changed how she delivers it in most regards. Would it be lasting? Could some a-hole push her buttons to the point where she comes back with some snappy comeback? I don't know. But I'm willing to leave the past in its rightful place.
Jar, our own lovable, cantankerous soul has also come a long way in my opinion. He and I speak amicably now, despite not still agreeing on many things. As a result, he no longer seeks to find ways to irritate me.
Since NWR's return, he and I have not quarreled even once. Same with Omni. I largely attribute that to sessions in chat, where we really got to know each other.
The list goes on.
Then of course there is the matter of people, such as iceage, that did not seem to warrant any suspension whatsoever.
And the rest, well, they just stood with their buddies. Even the always sweet Purple Dawn has jumped ship. That's got to say a lot.
| AdminNosy, Adminnemooseus and myself still have details to work out regarding moderation |
I hope this trio can work it out. I still think you need more.
| EvC Forum exists to provide a venue for productive discussion between evolutionists and creationists through moderated discussion threads. Those who make this difficult will not be permitted to remain here. I don't think it is asking too much for members to embrace the raison d'être of EvC Forum and not hinder achievement of our primary goal of allowing the two sides to better understand one another through communication in a dispassionate environment. |
This debate will never be dispassionate. We're human beings with thoughts and emotions. I mean, I certainly agree that we all need to keep our composure, but its going to get heated even still.
| Any gathering of people develops a sense of community, and this turns out to be as true of the virtual communities of the on-line world as anywhere real. It's always sad when a community loses someone |
That's really the heart of the issue right now for me. But you have a forum to run. I respect your decision, but I hope that you would still reconsider.
“There is something which unites magic and applied science while separating both from the 'wisdom' of earlier ages. For the wise men of old the cardinal problem had been how to conform the soul to objective reality, and the solution had been knowledge, self-discipline, and virtue. For magic and applied science alike the problem is how to subdue reality to the wishes of men: the solution is a technique; and both, in the practice of this technique, are ready to do things hitherto regarded as disgusting and impious" -C.S. Lewis
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