Posted by Deputy 10derHeart on March 1, 2009, at 15:55:10
In reply to Blocking formula, posted by Sigismund on March 1, 2009, at 14:05:15
> This is the first time in a while that the blocking formula was used.
Hmmm, I think Dr. Bob almost always uses it. Maybe even "always."
I use it all the time when I have to block someone. In a way.
I use it, then if to me, taking into consideration all the factors, and all the gray areas I might be struggling with (e.g., was the person 'provoked?" What IS 'provoked?" How many PBCs, say in a day or two, a week, etc., warrant a block? Two? Three? One? - say if the person is particularly uncivil? [Whatever that means...]) the number of weeks appears reasonable, I follow it.
Other times, I will *reduce* the length, despite what it says, as my gut just can't see/justify the number it shows me. (I would NEVER increase the length - ever.) I choose some shorter length and notify Dr. Bob that I was agonizing over the "right" number of weeks, to have him take a look. To me, the formula is hardly the perfect solution. It IS better than the old method of doubling, than doubling again. I didn't care for that as it led to lengthy blocks so very quickly in some cases. I have come to believe there is no perfect solution. As long as I know I am factoring in compassion for posters, I can be at relative peace with myself as a deputy, and I just make the best choice I can in each case. Maybe this approach fuels a perception of inconsistency? I don't know. I rarely know what is meant by that unless it's spelled out or examples are given. I think....unless we find a software program (obviously a non-human technological tool) that scans the boards and applies requests to be civil and blocks itself, with zero human input, there will be *some* form of inconsistency people can point to in what deputies do, over time. We discuss and discuss and worry and try so hard to balance being consistent with being fair with being responsive to posters different situations.....and well, it's tough.
I don't think that is Dr. Bob's way of looking at the formula. I think I've seen that he likes to use it - period. I could be mistaken, but I think that's because in developing this tool, he has already factored in the things needed to be factored in - things that in his view ought to increase or decrease the length - by having all the various boxes to check, or not. Perhaps he's able to be at peace with that, and is more rational about it, and I am still more emotional?
Dr. Bob doesn't require us to use it exclusively at this time. We can choose to use it or not. I think he allows this out of respect, and the desire to not want to "force" deputies to take an action they don't feel is right in a given situation. My belief is he just wants us to be reasonable and we may always defer to him if we are unsure or simply don't want to make the decision.
I hate, hate, hate blocking people. It takes me - sometimes - not minutes but hours (maybe even days) to decide what to do in a case where prior practice, number of recent PBCs, etc., really point me to no choice but a block. (And I'm not even talking about the times where the choice is one more PBC OR a block - those are particularly distressing to me as I tend to see both sides and become a little 'stuck') I almost always consult any other deputy available. This is extrememly helpful - in the sense of emtional support and that 2 or 3 heads are better than one. We all can get tunnel vision, and trapped in a rut and miss the forest for the trees, etc. Sometimes they are also not sure, but usually offer their unique view and suggestion. Then I decide. If my posting name is going on something, I have to be able to tolerate my own decision within the framework of integrity and fairness as I see it. It's no fun, and almost never simple, except maybe in the case of posting while blocked. Not that I have no emotional reaction to those posters - I do. But there, as long as I am acting as a deputy, and have agreed to do deputy duties like blocking sometimes, the rule is pretty cut and dried, without that, "but what about....[insert variables]"
My points here are to say, yes, the formula does get used - at least by me and Deputy Racer. I think Dinah does not use it. And secondly, just to try and provide some insight into me as a deputy and a person, dealing with consequences of uncivil posts and one aspect of my "job." It's the least favorite part - in fact, it's not a favorite at all. I believe in blocking as I can't figure out any other method that I can see being better for overall harmony and support for the entire Babble community. I am a big believer in actions having consequences, and in following through - IRL and here. But I know being blocked absolutely s**** for (most) posters, and I do NOT look forward to the times I have to use do it.
I don't know if this helps at all. Hope so.
poster:Deputy 10derHeart
thread:881542
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20081228/msgs/883251.html