From: Jonathan Davis (jonathan.davis@lineone.net)
Date: Tue Oct 07 2003 - 18:40:33 MDT
So much for me being in bed by 00:40!
"We seek useable and attractive forums". If this is the simple aim then
maybe a simple solution of an (elected?) moderator(s) sufficient. Perhaps a
system of nominated referees is preferable*. I like the idea of a trusted
ombudsman with the option of an appeal to the council. I think we might look
at the Roman Tribune for an example of what I mean.
It seems to me that the procedure is now presented as a solution for day to
day interventions and disputes whereas I see it as something reserved for
serious problems and offenders. Given that its ultimate sanction is
disownment, it seems to have massive scope. I see it sold as a near
toothless and gentle way of keeping forums useable and attractive yet it
ultimately can lead to disownment, as near to a death penalty as on can get
in an online community. This scope and matters such as what constitutes
"keeping the forums attractive" need close attention and detailed
explication. One man's flood is another man's legitimate defence and we need
a foolproof way of ensuring these matters are dealt with fairly and
effectively.
For now I think the community can police itself day to day and only requires
intervention when the guidelines are flouted and serious conflicts occur (or
there is *serious* violation of the rules). I think this is where our
efforts are best spent: informal escalation "circuit-breakers", informal
conflict resolution/adjudication and a formal discipline system for
*serious* violations of serious, well defined rules.
Kind regards
Jonathan
* We all record who we would be happy to have as a referees - if there is an
overlap, that person referees the dispute or argument. This will fall into
two categories: The argument or issue under discussion or behaviour related
to how the argument is conducted. So, disputants might request a referee to
sum up a position, close a thread or decide if it I fruitful or not to
continue. Alternatively, they can be asked to judge whether statements or
implied statements are offensive, abusive or unnecessarily personal.
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Subject: Re:virus: Two requests for tonight debate
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