Posted by Solstice on November 28, 2010, at 22:58:57
In reply to Re: formal civility buddies, posted by Dr. Bob on November 28, 2010, at 22:00:09
> Is this idea like the "mandatory civility buddies" we've discussed before?
>
> http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20051205/msgs/597469.html
>
> To recap, that idea was that as an alternative to being blocked, a poster could choose to have their posts go through (be approved by) someone else before being posted.
>
> It would be mandatory in that their posts would have to go through someone else. It wouldn't be mandatory in that they wouldn't have to choose that alternative, they could just be blocked (for not as long). Both the mandatory civility buddies and the "voluntary civility buddies" also being discussed now:
>
> http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20101014/msgs/969367.html
>
> would be volunteers.
>
> And both would review posts. That's where I wonder if these ideas diverge. Would these "formal civility buddies" not review posts and have the power to lift blocks? If so, then IMO this is more like some kind of Elders Council:
>
> http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20101014/msgs/969323.html
It might be a variation of all three. What I had in mind was a formalization of the CB system that has been working behind the scenes. First, making it public like Dinah has suggested, so that everyone knows where to find one. Second, it would be similar to your description of 'Mandatory Civility Buddies,' but I'm not crazy about the potential associations around the word 'Mandatory.' I currently (it has evolved) visualize the role being one where people can use CB's to help them if they see the need. Otherwise, they would be available to posters who got themselves blocked. Iwas imagining blocks as being a suspension of posting privileges that only you would do. The blocked poster would have the option of getting help from a CB who could: i)help blocked poster understand why/how their post crossed the line; ii) help them formulate the apologies/restating to repair the incivility (which includes review); iii) when CB is satisfied blocked poster's proposed post is sufficient, CB forwards that post to admin. along with a recommendation that suspended posting privileges are restored. I don't think of it as 'Mandatory,' because it is truly optional. Some posters might be too angry to use it right away, but maybe after they cool down they will want to access a CB. I think that CB's as a rule would probably be better off NOT having the power to unblock. However, because of your periodic absences, will probably be necessary for a Sr. CB, or some kind of administrative deputy to have the power to release blocks when you aren't around. Posters who are restored are good-to-go, and of course any member who feels themselves escalating would be wise to use CB's BEFORE they get themselves blocked.The whole purpose is to have a way for posters to get relief from blocks, without compromising your civility guidelines, and it encourages the use of CB's, which may help those who are 'frequent-fliers' of the block system learn how to manage their civility.
Solstice
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