Posted by Dinah on December 6, 2008, at 14:29:26
In reply to Re: well, where is a more spirited board?, posted by Nadezda on December 6, 2008, at 14:01:30
As I said, my words are a loose guideline. I don't think it's impossible to say "I don't like politician X" while remaining under site guidelines. "Politician X is a lying b*stard who wishes to bring down democracy" would be an extreme example of what would be uncivil, under my understanding of board policy.
I personally don't have an investment in that being where the line is drawn. I'm leaving that to Dr. Bob. The problem always comes in enforcement, and the lines need to be clearly drawn somewhere. Obviously it can never be as cut and dried as would be ideal. But Admin, and Dr. Bob, is doing their best.
I think there is probably some way to conceptualize it that would clarify the situation. Unfortunately, some of this is individual. For example, if I said don't post anything about anyone else's position/candidate/whatever that you would feel accused or put down if it was said about the candidate or political position that you feel the most passionate about, that might be a good guideline. But clearly there is some divergence among individuals on that. Or if I said imagine you're talking to someone you like and respect, but who holds positions contrary to your own, post in the same way you'd talk to that person. But clearly that wouldn't be cut and dried either.
It's a difficult situation. Maybe one of the best ways to think of it, at least for me, is to remember the main purpose of Babble.
poster:Dinah
thread:867002
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20081003/msgs/867055.html