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ModeratorPermalink Reply by Deb on May 1, 2012 at 4:10pm

In true Gemini fashion, I agree with the points all of you have raised in your posts on this thread, but particularly Dan and Michael. 

Having said that, I am also very cognizant of Joe's dilemma in dealing the set of contentious persons who appear unable to "leave it alone" or "play nice".   But I must admit that the first time I saw the notice about all posts being moderated, I was slightly taken aback. 

For new members, or potential members, that is very off-putting, especially to novices or those newly come to Theosophy.   Personally, I know that if I had had that barrier to jump over when I first came here, I doubt that I would have joined.  It's too much like passing a test, and too many people just aren't going to want to subject themselves to that, when they can go elsewhere and not have to, but most especially the newbies, or those who are not well-read on the subject, and ironically, it may be these folks who can think in new ways for the future.  It's just very intimidating. 

Having said that, and knowing of the recent issues, I can understand the wish to be pro-active and not re-active, as Joe said.  But if we want a vibrant level of discussion and learning, we really need make people feel welcome.  This is not an intellectual activity.  The ambiance and presence must touch a chord in people, make them feel relaxed and safe, first of all, and that people here are genuinely interested in what they know already or what they want to know.  IN a word, they must FEEL welcome.  This is probably a very feminine way of approaching the situation, but people are people, and want to feel welcome. 

So it's a conundrum.  I freely admit that I am coming from a point of not knowing anyone, contentious or otherwise, in the larger theosophical network, so I don't recognize names the way some of you here do.  I have always avoided Theosophical sites specifically because of all the arguments and the back-stabbing, etc. of this group who doesn't like that group or those teachings, etc.  For that reason, I have been somewhat careful &/or slow to approve new members,etc. on this site.   I'm learning as I go.  So at this time, I remain neutral about the blanket moderation policy.  I see why some want it, but I also recognize that it's off-putting to many, especially new-comers, and has a generally chilling affect on dialogue, and thus the overall growth of the site.  But there is also something to be said for slower more thoughtful growth. 

The other thing that is somewhat scary to posters is this confusion over theosophy vs. Theosophy, and a vaguely implied editorial policy or leaning for the site.  For better or worse, the term is synonymous in the minds of most people with HPB and the T.S.  That just a fact.   That can be addressed with gentle discussions and the FAQ, etc., as part of the educational aims of the site, but there are going to be a great many people who come here who are curious about her, what she said, "the teachings", for lack of a better phrase, or who have some knowledge of it and like it, and the same may be true for people who are somewhat familiar with AAB, and a few other rather "famous names" in the writings of Theosophy or the Ageless Wisdom.   So it is a fine line to be walked between maintaining the course, and squelching open and relaxed discussion.

I'm not advocating for one way or the other at this point.  I'm still learning, gathering and sifting through ideas and consequences in my own mind, but I did want to address some of my initial thoughts that this thread generated for me.  I only hope I haven't confused anyone.   It wouldn't be surprising because I feel a bit pulled in different directions myself.   

But very simply, Anand asked the question: How to encourage those on the sideline to participate?    The answer is encourage them, invite them, but don't be surprised if they go away if they get scolded or hammered when they do participate.   It's just human nature. 

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ModeratorPermalink Reply by M K Ramadoss on May 2, 2012 at 12:35am

From what I have seen, moderation is there in every Internet forum to one degree or the other. In another forum I am active for years, all new members are put on 100% moderation and initial welcome message informs the new member. Later the moderator makes a judgement and moderation is removed. This has worked very well. So we will have to find a happy medium so that members do not feel postings are censored. I have seen Internet forums die when there is unreasonable censorship, which is not acceptable in today's environment. 

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ModeratorPermalink Reply by Deb on May 2, 2012 at 9:29am

I was thinking along those lines about this last night.  I'll have to go back and read the current welcome message because I cannot remember precisely what all it says, but that might be a good way to strike a happy medium.   One thing that drives me crazy ( and this is just a personal quirk, I know) is when people do not fill out the profile to any degree that gives other members any clue to their likes, interests, or general personality - those who approve their membership any notions of them either.   I know that not everyone wants to share that much info about themselves, and that's just life, but I do think we should encourage it.  I mean, people often say they want to join to meet others of like minds, or some such similar thing, but how can anyone get an inkling of them if they stay in stealth mode?!  LOL   I'm not really talking about using an internet alias or handle.  That's OK with me.   Sharing a little bit about what they do, like, or fill their time with fosters comradery and helps break the ice, IMO, and THAT goes a long way to fostering civil interaction between people on here. 

But this is a relatively minor thing compared to the other issues, but to me it's a piece of the larger picture of creating a vibrant and harmonious site.

 

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