Posted by alexandra_k on February 1, 2005, at 17:16:37
In reply to Re: I think I am still trying to understand... » alexandra_k, posted by Gabbix2 on February 1, 2005, at 15:28:34
> > But I would say that some good could come of small boards (not that it *will* come - but that it *might possibly*) for all the reasons that Dr Bob has given.
> People already have that choice, why must it be risked under the auspices of Babble?Not people who don't know anyone in cyberspace...
Not people who don't already feel included...
> > Maybe he doesn't get how hurt people are likely to be...
> I think that's likely, I really do.Yes.
But maybe some other people don't get how some people could really benefit from feeling more included.
The 'restriction' idea isn't just for the sake of a restriction. It is a way to keep the number of posters down. That way people will notice when someone hasn't posted for a while. That way peoples threads are more likely to be responded to rather than bypassed.
> > Not even for a greater good? I would say that Dr Bob thinks more good than harm would be likely to come from this or he wouldn't want to implement the idea. Maybe he is wrong, but I have faith that he is well intentioned (as are we all...).
> That would contradict Dr. Bobs previous and stated philosophies/actions, which was to protect the most sensitive at the risk of alienating the majority, an examply being the srict offensive language rules. And again, I can't see the greater good when the opportunity to have private conversations is already freely available.
Ok. With respect to the offensive language rules how hard is it to put in the odd asterisk? Some people are offended by some language. It really isn't much cost to others to asterisk. In fact with the automated asterisking system in place we can just forget about it and swear to our little hearts content so long as the thing is left at default. I saw that as a comprimise between freedom of expression and the point that some people are offended. The automated asterisking provides the best of both worlds. The swearers don't have to change anything at all and people are no longer (as) offended.
Once again, what about the people who don't already have friends in cyberspace?
> I think it's a general feeling of exclusion, hurt that people need to seperate from the rest, it's an inference.What about people who are new to cyberspace? Who are too anxious to join a VLG to start with but may find the courage to join a VSG. Then they might venture out to the VLG once they have some confidence.
> It's very natural to have a close group of friends, but it's rude to only associate with them when you are in public.
So you think that if VSG's are implemented people won't post to the main babble boards anymore? I don't think that is likely. When a new board is added it doesn't seem to take away from the other boards, rather it gives us something new as well. I wouldn't reduce my main babble imput if I joined a VSG as well..
> I think babble should be easier on people than that babble is for people who are already working on enough things and should I believe be a place that is as comfortable as possible.
Yeah. I think that is the idea behind the VSG. To help people feel comfortable who don't feel comfortable in the VLG.
> > But is there a possible greater good?
> No, I don't think so. If there is I think it's sacrificing the type of people who are sacrificed every day every where else in the world and that repulses me on a mental health board.You can't think of any pro's for VSG's? Not even hypothetical ones? You can't see how or why someone could think that this could be a good idea?
To repeat:
> > Will some people stay on Babble who otherwise would leave?
> > Will some people feel more supported and more understood?> > Hard to weigh...
IMO. Hard to weigh.
> Ha! That's funny. I took philosophy for half a semester, it drove me bats. I figure if you can get everyone to agree on one thing (namely a philosophy) then you have no need for a philosophy.. Now when people discuss philosophy that's generally when I go play with the dog. : )
Heh heh, yeah ok. The more philosophy you do the more you see that the distinctions that they teach you early on actually collapse back in on one another. That the 'radically different' theories have so many things they agree on you wonder at the end of the day whether they are simply verbal disputes without much difference in substance. When you start to see things that way then you start to grasp something of the fact that people have been harping on about the same old stuff for centuries. Just using different words. The wisdom of the ages...
poster:alexandra_k
thread:441543
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20050128/msgs/451189.html