Hi everybody,
Some thoughts about moderating this board. Please forgive the mechanical tone and format of this post—this is my holiday week, and I still have my annual holiday talk to write…
1) My preference is to stay in the background as much as possible. Because this is a voicelessness board, it is my wish that people say as much as possible unimpeded by rules, censorship, etc. Most people on the board have been exceptionally respectful.
2) Establishing boundaries is an important part of the board for each and every member. But beware—sometimes we can learn from the people we most don’t want to hear from.
3) Could I make the board safer for some people—or create a second safe board? Perhaps, but on the board I have seen people who believe themselves to be kind and empathic be rude and demeaning without their knowing it. And I have also seen people be accused of being rude, demeaning, and non-validating when they simply disagreed or were not supportive of a particular position. This will happen on a safe board, just as it would on the regular board. On a “voicelessness” board where the most sensitive feelings are shared, people are going to get hurt, and unfortunately, leave. I am always sad about that. The safest board is one where people don’t share their sensitive, vulnerable feelings.
4) That said, over the years, I have not permitted contentless taunting. In these situations, I have deleted posts with a note of explanation. Also, if a person asks to be left alone, I have allowed them that right.
5) And then, there is the question of resources (thanks, Mud). The board began in 1999 as a place for a few people to talk about voicelessness and my thoughts about it. Last year alone there were approximately 35,000 posts and 1.75 million page views. Those numbers are still growing rapidly. Yesterday, for example, there were 387 posts and over 16000 page views. On the other side of this explosion of activity is---me. The board adds meaning to my life, and I hope to yours. But already, one third of my professional life is devoted to managing it…
Best,
Richard