Posted by Dinah on July 7, 2009, at 17:43:00
In reply to Re: BLAMING the COMMUNITY! I've had it!!!!! STOP IT!!, posted by seldomseen on July 7, 2009, at 16:59:52
I wonder what Dr. Bob thinks an apology would do, if posting behavior does not change. I have been taught that an apology consists of regret, taking responsibility, and making amends (which could include taking care that it doesn't happen again). An apology with the first two but without the third doesn't seem like a good way to promote civility. There were apologies over the last few months, both with and without admin action. But did that help Deneb?
I think Scott said something that was worthwhile. That someone might have an uncivil post addressed to them, and decide that Babble was not a supportive or hospitable place. Dr. Bob is not the only person who banishes posters from Babble. I've seen many people have their feelings hurt and leave, because of posts from other posters. The civility guidelines are meant to keep those incidents at a minimum.
I think a year long cap on blocks is open to debate. But again, I don't think time should be the determining factor. The reason time increases is to reflect a lack of willingness or ability to comply with site guidelines. But I think it would be far better to have willingness to abide by site guidelines be the means by which people return, with time not being a consideration. I think that after a block, people should reregister under the same name, reaffirm the commitment which we all made when registering to abide by site guidelines, and provide appropriate assurances. As I stated before, the first time could merely be a reaffirmation of the commitment, the second time could be a reaffirmation along with a plan of action to ensure that guidelines will be followed, and thereafer, additional assurances such as a civility buddy.
We have agreed to follow site guidelines if we post here. If we wish to post here, we need to agree to follow site guidelines. I think that's far more sensible than banishing people for a set period of time.
poster:Dinah
thread:905306
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20090707/msgs/905521.html