Posted by gardenergirl on November 2, 2004, at 14:50:11
In reply to Re: Why we need rules, posted by Dr. Bob on November 2, 2004, at 10:32:24
> > > If something happens once, it can happen again.
> >
> > Yes, but...what is the liklihood?
>
> I don't know, but why not do what we can to minimize it?I am thinking of the idea of diminshing returns here. Is the effort really necessary to have a significant effect on the liklihood of more and more posters behaving in a similar manner?
>
> > > I think the main advantage of a rule is that it makes things more predictable. Posting the speed limit makes it easier for drivers and the police both. And for any deputies.
> >
> > Yes, this is true. But how about a rule for how you must slow down when going up hill behind a semi? How quickly should you decelerate? I'm confused, please give me a rule.
>
> Sorry, what's the issue with going uphill behind a semi?It's a metafer. A metafer! Do I have to challenge you to a duel now? Or just throw spitballs at you? ;-) (And if you are still confused, see clip of Zell Miller on Hardball immediately post-his speech at the RNC)
>
> > I feel weighed down by many specific rules for specific behaviors that are not likely to occur
>
> If they're not likely to affect you, why should you feel weighed down?Because the atmosphere feels oppressive to me. Kind of like being in a heavy, muggy, dark environment, when it could be light and breezy and relaxed, and yet still civil. How's that for a non-helpful answer? Sorry, best I can do with my feelings about this.
>
> > I also believe that the more rules you have, specifically those that have quantifiable criteria, the more likely YOU are, Dr. Bob, to make errors in administration. Whatever happened to the KISS principle?
>
> That could be seen as another advantage of a rule, errors would be easier to identify and then to correct. Simple isn't necessarily best, the most simple would be no rules...KISS isn't saying make it the simplest possible. There needs to be general rules. But common sense and judgement of the moderator can serve the same purpose as creating a new rule for every last behavior, imo. Keeping it simple means not getting so detailed that you lose the general principles.
gg
poster:gardenergirl
thread:407882
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20041027/msgs/410688.html