Seeking members' input on an editing question

If you have an opinion on this question please let me know, either by posting here or by private message:

If a poster wants to delete his/her own Introductory post for any reason (after the editing window has expired), how should the moderators handle this request? Some people have second thoughts about info they've put up and they would like to remove it for whatever reason. If it is only their own details, I don't see this as having a significant negative impact on the forum overall, but that's my opinion. Do you think it would be too disruptive to have Intro posts appearing and disappearing, or is this an appropriate area for an exception to the general rule? (The general rule is that we delete only those posts that violate forum rules.)

Thanks for any input you may have.

L.

Hi Lise,

Thanks for asking the question! I have mixed feelings about removing Intro posts. The main negative reaction I have is that all the responding posts after it will not make a lot of sense. At the same time, I completely understand that a person might want to back out of this very public forum. There are quite a few very valid reasons why a person might decide to change their mind about participating here. So, I would like to give them an opportunity to do that if it would help make their life easier. I'd be interested in seeing what other folks think about this.

For "introductions" I'd lean on the side of letting people withdraw their own introductory material whenever they chose. I'd avoid the dangling conversations that would result from canceling introduction by nuking the whole thread.

Conversations here are transient interchanges rather information for the record or posterity.

I wouldn't make it dead easy to cancel introductions, but I'd make it possible.

Just my opinion.

Thanks Jack, and thanks Laura.

Going forward, if people want their Intro posts removed we will do that. I agree it makes sense to delete the entire thread rather than let the responses sit there unattached to an original post.

regards,
L.

Lise,

Is there any way we can get spell check?

mokuan

Spell check would be a great idea,I have a slight problem with getting them back to front

Yes a selpl ckehcer wulod be good

Right, got it, I will put up a thread on spell-checking

I had no idea that so many people did not pay close attention to their primary school teachers, back in the day, who I am sure tried to teach them good spelling habits

I use to win spelling bees. Typing bees, not so much, but I can spell. Must be an accumulation of merit.

I guess I believe that poster's should have the option of deleting whatever they want, including their introductory thread. I could see where this would be total pain if the moderators had to do the editing. I have been thinking about this. Maybe you could just have the "edit" option be permanent for all posts? Of course this is confusing for people who would be reading the threads...

Maybe you can post some suggestions for starting up on the forum. One suggestion might be: "Stop! Please note this is a public arena. You may want to think about using an alias if you don't want your identity revealed. Also, please remember that this is an interactive arena and what you write is subject to comment including critique by all members...." Stuff like that? I guess I should read what you have already wrote, huh?!

I can see why some people might regret signing up and posting, especially if their identity is at stake. It also seems to be a familiar feeling, that of oppression and fear of the freedom of speech, which this particular group has a lot of issues!

That's my 2cents.

~Diana

Lise,

I hope you wait to make your decision on deleting intro threads. Most people are on vacation or taking a break for the holidays. Hopefully more will weigh in. It is an important topic.

I don't like the idea of deleting intro threads. When people post on this forum, they are doing so understanding it is a public forum. If you write a letter to a newspaper, it's your choice, and once its done its done. After a person writes their intro, many people take time, thought, and effort to respond. To have all that work deleted is something I don't particularly agree with.

Hopefully, most here understand that people change their minds. If that's the case, a person can write on their own thread why they believe what they wrote was not what they believe now. People change their minds and can express that without having all the work and effort the original poster invited from others by posting on the site deleted.

That is my take. I could see making exceptions in extreme circumstances, which would be left up to Lise and moderators to determine, but overall I'm against this. I know I will think twice before putting any effort in what I write on an intro thread, or any other thread for that matter, as that category of thread might be the next to be deleted wholesale.

I'm actually wondering if writing anything here of any depth will be worth the effort.

PS One possibility,as a compromise, would be that a person would have the option, on their own intro thread, to be the last one to post on that thread. They could explain why they've changed their mind or wished they hadn't posted and then that post would be closed to further posting, so they could have the last word.

Hello Lise
I liked and support Kaizans take on the editing. I think giving the author the right to explain their change of heart and to leave it as the last allowable entry is an appropriate compromise.

A definite yes for the inclusion of a spell checker that would save me from having to transfer my posts back and forth from other sites that already have a spell checker.

Howard

Hmmm. Yeah, I guess you guys are right, there's no way to keep things going if other members delete stuff. I was thinking that if a post was deleted, that that wouldn't be so bad. I wasn't suggesting deleting whole threads. But Kaizan is right, some people put A LOT of work and effort into their writing and it wouldn't be fair to pull the rug out from a thread.

I like what Kaizan said about likening posts to print; once things go to print, that's it.

As far as intro threads, I guess it doesn't make sense to treat them any differently. For me, I never did an intro thread! I don't want to. Plus, I'm already here and don't feel the need to introduce myself.

I also like what Kaizan said about posting when there has been a need to correct or update a view or opinion. Of course, it's difficult to keep track of who is "in" and who is "out," but I think we all understand that sometimes we drop away for a while if things get sticky or we get busy.
~Diana

thanks guys, we will take your comments on board and give others a chance to chime in.

Regardless of how this settles out, I agree there will be times when the mods must use their discretion in granting specific requests to delete Intro threads. Without going into extensive detail, I have reason to think some of our members are being pressured to drop off the forum. Given that we have a fair number of active OBC sangha and monks registered, it doesn't surprise me that this might be happening, although I think it is a sad indicator of the fear surrounding open communication. Regardless, our members' needs come first and if they feel it's better to take a break or become less visible, that's ok and we will support it. Those who drop off are welcome to come back, always.

One thing I would like to do is give posters the option of "locking" their own Intro threads, per the suggestions above, at their discretion, which means they could decide when a discussion has gone far enough (on their Intro thread only, not other threads they start) and notify a moderator to close it to further postings. It would remain visible but nothing could be added to it. I think this would be helpful actually, as sometimes discussions get buried on Intro threads when they should probably be started anew as separate topics.

More on this as we see what develops --

L.

Here's my chime: I agree with Kaizan's take on this and also the suggestion of closing down an intro thread when the time seems right or upon request of the person who began the thread. Thanks for your care in handling this issue, Lise. You are thorough and compassionate in your approach to moderating this forum.

thanks Jan, I appreciate your input