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Message started by laffingrain on Apr 23rd, 2007 at 12:18am

Title: Peer moderation
Post by laffingrain on Apr 23rd, 2007 at 12:18am
Hello new and old members. it has been brought to my attention we could use a little moderation on this board and so I am extending invitations for that.

anyone can be a peer moderater by clicking at the bottom of the page "Peer Moderator Input".  then explain why you object to a post, what your reccomendation is, whether removal, or modification, put the location of the post for identifcation by the administrator, and the title of the post. keep it brief but to the point.

If more people here were interested in keeping this forum user friendly, we can also make the world user friendly!  thanks for being here. If you're not sure what the intentions of this board is for, we do have the guidelines listed to read.

Title: Re: Peer moderation
Post by EternalEssence on Apr 23rd, 2007 at 12:20am
Alysia,

What a wonderful incentive. You may count on me for this as well.

E.
[smiley=engel017.gif]

Title: Re: Peer moderation
Post by betson on Apr 23rd, 2007 at 11:48am
Agreed, Alysia!

Bets

Title: Re: Peer moderation
Post by DocM on Apr 23rd, 2007 at 12:17pm
I like the form I've seen in an OOB forum.  What happens is, let us say a poster posts an interesting note on an afterlife topic, but then inserts snippy insults against another user or a group of users.  
The editors leave the meat of the post that is objected to, and edit out the attacks with a brief note in a different font that says:

"post edited due to violation of posting guideines, attacks, etc."

If this were done, we wouldn't have to be as concerned about banning someone who violated the guidelines, as we would about removing the hurtful remarks.  

I know the argument that we are all big boys and girls, sticks and stones, yadda yadda yadda.  But anyone of intelligence should be able to make his/her point without degrading another or a whole group of people.


Matthew

Title: Re: Peer moderation
Post by Rondele on Apr 23rd, 2007 at 12:43pm
I think it's essential to first have a solid understanding of what violates the guidelines and what doesn't.  The guidelines themselves are quite clear and comprehensive; however sometimes it comes down to whose ox is gored before folks get upset.

For example, there is a thread on the board that is titled "The ungodly lie promoted by Christianity".  This is apparently considered to be ok even in light of the following:

POSTING GUIDELINES & RULES:

It is a violation subject to banning to post any message that is:

**An attack upon the beliefs of individuals or groups**

I realize Christianity these days is an easy target, but it would be nice for someone to provide a clear and concise reason as to why that thread does not violate the Guideline cited above.

Perhaps it comes down to this.....if anyone challenges certain of the new age beliefs, they are immediately criticized. However, it's perfectly ok to bash Christianity because that's politically correct and because Christianity happens to be the target de jour.  

In any case, let's all recognize that there are flaws in ANY belief system.  Yes, there are some good and worthwhile things in the new age literature.  But let's also admit that there is a fair share of misrepresentation and outright fraud as well.  If, by bringing examples of that to the attention of the board is considered offensive, let's just say so and thereby avoid a double standard of what is ok and what is not.


Title: Re: Peer moderation
Post by DocM on Apr 23rd, 2007 at 12:59pm
Roger,

I agree with you wholeheartedly.  However, there should be no tolerance of negative comments toward a person (i.e. - a recent pun on the name DaBears that was given as Duh---), or a group of people.  Your point about anitchristian posting was correct.  Tell me, did you use the peer moderator system?
If it worked, the thread title should have been changed to "an ungodly lie," and the person given a warning.  

I will be sad to see anyone leave again just for merely talking of peer moderation, but there should be a tone of support and civility that goes with these forums.

I especially like the idea of not throwing out the baby with the bathwater.  Of keeping the threads, but moderating and putting in administrator comments when someone goes to far.  That way, the bulk of the interesting threads stay.

I also am not a fan of banning except in the most egregious of cases.  

Matthew

Title: Re: Peer moderation
Post by laffingrain on Apr 23rd, 2007 at 2:33pm
whos Roger? Replying to Rondele here the title of the thread "ungodly lie" was attempted by the original poster to change (title only, as it was agreed the title incites) however due to our forum technological set up, we are only able, (some of us I suppose, as Allan, our tech guy has said) to modify our posts within a set period of time, as the next day, we it occurs to us we should like to rephrase something, our delete and modify button has disappeared.

I don't know if this is due to certain differences in browsers capabilities, as I know when I use Safari browser my modify button is completely not there, ever, but when I use Mozilla browser I can modify within the hour.

Lets give credit to the poster for expressing the wish to modify the title as he did say that he tried. and it wasn't his intention to bash Christianity so much as it was to rid himself of the fear of going to hell, whereas there appears on this board a wish to bash new agers in much more blatant and rude manner, my opinion, so you see counter forces at work here.

so it's all interpretation guys. my interpretation of "ungodly" is anything unlike love which makes another "less than."  

it becomes necessary to choose our words well then and re-read the signal we are sending out there, so that we don't send the wrong signal and get back unto us something we weren't expecting.  there was a fellow here recently who asked "whats the point of posting if you can't say something good about whatever?"

thats where I stand today. there's no point to return to a board where we all live in a glass house and yet throw stones at each other, and at those who are not on the board whom we might like to say something catty about. generally an author or channelled material some words worthless are bantered about, and the intention for posting by the original poster is completely not seen or appreciated for their effort at understanding and progressing and their gift to the board is their time and caring of trying to put in words and share something that is precious to them, but wordless in some cases to express.

we got the tabloids for gossip should we want some gossip.  we each have a piece of the truth and I dislike seeing people saying my dog is bigger than your dog. lets see if we can get back to basics of tolerance and kindness and open sharing and nonjudgmental and genuine exploring and that kind of sharing.

I see this board as a place for people to come and get ideas. we may be the only place of it's kind. of this size anyway. Somebody has to keep a vision for it to stay healthy.
each person does that.

love, alysia


Title: Re: Peer moderation
Post by EternalEssence on Apr 23rd, 2007 at 4:36pm
Alysia,


Well said. I concur complete and cannot add anything that you have not already stated.


E.
[smiley=engel017.gif]

Title: Re: Peer moderation
Post by Gman on Apr 23rd, 2007 at 5:49pm
Off Course!! That's what we need here...MORE CENSORSHIP!..Well done Laffinrain!.Throw
out freedom of speech and lets bring back the New Age Thought Police in service, commonly
called the peer moderators on this forum....Debate, no matter how spirited or inflamed it
becomes should be banned, right?! ...Let's all paste those big smiles on our faces, throw out
our arms and pace around the room; "HUGS ANYONE? I RECEIVING SOME GROOVY PUL FROM
MY GUIDES,".... Give us a break. Gman.

Title: Re: Peer moderation
Post by Shirley on Apr 23rd, 2007 at 6:06pm
Gman, that is not what she is talking about.  Its about the personal insults, the personal attacks against persons, that should not be tolerated.

I've come to expect it out of certain posters, but that still should not make it acceptable.

This should be a comfortable place to come and share ideas, as it once was, where openness abounded.  Now, its becoming a fearful place..a place of "if I say that, will I be attacked and condemned?"  That's what its become for me, personally..I don't feel as open as I once did.  

There are many ideas/experiences I would like to share, but fear holds me back-I don't want to be told I"m hallucinating.

Title: Re: Peer moderation
Post by recoverer on Apr 23rd, 2007 at 6:07pm
I believe Rondelle makes a good point. If somebody is going to be a moderator he or she can't pick sides.

It is also important to keep in mind that it is one thing to point out the faults of a source of information, and another thing to get into the name calling mode. If things developed to the point where people couldn't even question the validity of something, that would be sad.


Title: Re: Peer moderation
Post by Shirley on Apr 23rd, 2007 at 6:14pm
Its fine to question the validity of a belief..quite another matter to belittle and question the validity of a person.

I don't think anyone is calling for moderators in the usual sense of the word. And its not an easy job to be one, either.  Another board I'm on, we've had a pretty good record of seperating the post from the poster, while still maintaining our own perspectives.  

That is, we don't change a post because we disagree with its opinion, but if someone does name calling..then we edit that out.  Yes, I say "we", as I am a moderator there.

Title: Re: Peer moderation
Post by Berserk on Apr 23rd, 2007 at 6:52pm
I have invoked the Peer Moderator system a few times to delete vicious anti-Christian screed but have been ignored.   It is precisely because of the double standard in censorship that I am as bluntly honest as I am.  I will not ignore snide and smug New Age winks and nods in support of bigotry, even if that means I get banned from this site.   For example, I don't mind B-man's anti-Christian critiques.  What I mind are the insults in which they are couched and, worse, the smirky applause he receives with impunity.  You teach people how to treat you and my blunt replies are just what this site deserves.  What makes my blunt replies unique is that I almost always address the key issues.

In any case, I do not post for the site's New Age audience.  I get many PMs from visitors around the world cheering my exposure of what New Age "spirituality" is really about; so I post for their benefit.   By the way, most of these are non-Christian seekers.  I never ramp up my own sarcasm until anti-Christian sarcasm is both posted and then reinforced by winks and nods from unctious New Agers.  Diligently moderate this bigotry and you'll find my posts excruciatingly polite.  Otherwise, I intend to continue posting in the same tone, regardless of the consequences.  

In any case, I am thoroughly immersed in new Age thought and seldom derive any benefit from the posts here.  Recent posts on NDE research are a welcome exception and are the main reason why I continue to post.

Don

Title: Re: Peer moderation
Post by Boris on Apr 23rd, 2007 at 7:26pm
I dont have any problem with what I have read so far on this board, although I dont read all of it. I liked the criticsm of Christianity in the full force that it was written and dont want it censored. I have made similar criticism of New Age nonsense and dont want that censored either.

Things on this board are tame compared to what I experience daily,
in Middle Eastern chat rooms.

I agree with Harry Truman, who said, "if you cant stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen". I learn things from controversy and interpersonal problems. Real life is full of that.

This is a great kitchen where new knowledge is being hammered out.
You cant deal with people's entrenched beliefs without there being controversy and criticism.

Love you all,  Boris

Title: Re: Peer moderation
Post by laffingrain on Apr 24th, 2007 at 12:44am

Gman wrote on Apr 23rd, 2007 at 5:49pm:
Off Course!! That's what we need here...MORE CENSORSHIP!..Well done Laffinrain!.Throw
out freedom of speech and lets bring back the New Age Thought Police in service, commonly
called the peer moderators on this forum....Debate, no matter how spirited or inflamed it
becomes should be banned, right?! ...Let's all paste those big smiles on our faces, throw out
our arms and pace around the room; "HUGS ANYONE? I RECEIVING SOME GROOVY PUL FROM
MY GUIDES,".... Give us a break. Gman.


well nobody has censored you mr moonface now have they? far be it from me to censor anybody. u been eatin our crumpets and drinking our tea for years and I never saw you once pick up your dirty socks.
I simply come along and ask for what I'd like to receive. respect. is that so hard? now, we have freedom in life or here to ask for what we want. But you have to be willing to accept that we don't always get what we ask for do we?

just thought I'd ask. pardon me. pull your pants up. simple request, thats all.

Title: Re: Peer moderation
Post by Rondele on Apr 24th, 2007 at 8:30am
Thanks Matthew.  I agree, banning should be reserved only in the most egregious of cases.  Some people object to Don's posts but they are chock-full of valuable information that, unlike most of the run of the mill new age stuff, is simply not obtainable anywhere else on the website.

Don, you're a wonderful and unique resource and if sometimes you come across a little strong, I chalk it up to frustration rather than anger.  I know your intentions are honorable, and that's really what counts.  

As for myself, I just feel that it's important to provide a balanced viewpoint on things.  New age material, just like material of any other genre, is a mixed bag of good and bad.  I know some folks have never met a new age author or channeler they didn't like, and they promote all of it as if it were handed down from on high.  

When I see that going on, and if....and only if....I am aware of things folks should know so that they may reach an informed conclusion about the material, I will speak up and point out the flaws.  In the end, of course, it's up to all of us to make up our own minds.  Cheerleading works best for sporting events.

R






Title: Re: Peer moderation
Post by Lights of Love on Apr 24th, 2007 at 8:53am

Quote:
You teach people how to treat you and my blunt replies are just what this site deserves.


This quote is from Don, however it is fitting for all of us.  When we are hurt usually our first impulse is to lash out at someone else.  We all have done this in our life.  We all understand the meaning of this.

Years of old wounds continue to be opened up here.  What is needed here is forgiveness.  Real forgiveness.  

Perhaps something new could be tried.  The next time a post is read that is different from what you believe, instead of attacking the person or their beliefs, see that they are struggling with their own beliefs and fears.  This has nothing to do with you.  Perhaps they are covering their pain with anger and frustration.  It is only their fear that they are expressing.  Sure sometimes the heart is stubborn and we may need to read between the lines to figure out exactly what someone is expressing, but if the post were read from the eyes and heart of God, what would we really see?  

Let the love that is deep within you well up from your inner being… taste the sweetness of your love, smell its fragrance, look around the room and see the beauty of all that surrounds you, hear the symphony of your love, feel your love all around you, then go back and read the person’s post and no doubt you will see it in a different light… the light of God, which is patient and kind.

Love, Kathy

Title: Re: Peer moderation
Post by DocM on Apr 24th, 2007 at 10:23am
Thank you, Kathy.


You are right, of course.  Debate may be fun and fiery, but no matter how noble the motives, if insults fly, some may get hurt.  This is not major Karma, but minor - still, it is ironic to me, in that people who support "turning the other cheek" in scripture sometimes don't do so on the forum.  I myself usually point out the offensive rants, as I have done on the "big lie" thread, without insulting the poster.  

Don and others are eloquent and educated enough to make their point, have your and my support, and not imply that the poster's mother wears army boots (to take an old school phrase).


Matthew

Title: Re: Peer moderation
Post by Gman on Apr 25th, 2007 at 3:14am

LaffingRain wrote on Apr 24th, 2007 at 12:44am:

Gman wrote on Apr 23rd, 2007 at 5:49pm:
Off Course!! That's what we need here...MORE CENSORSHIP!..Well done Laffinrain!.Throw
out freedom of speech and lets bring back the New Age Thought Police in service, commonly
called the peer moderators on this forum....Debate, no matter how spirited or inflamed it
becomes should be banned, right?! ...Let's all paste those big smiles on our faces, throw out
our arms and pace around the room; "HUGS ANYONE? I RECEIVING SOME GROOVY PUL FROM
MY GUIDES,".... Give us a break. Gman.


well nobody has censored you mr moonface now have they? far be it from me to censor anybody. u been eatin our crumpets and drinking our tea for years and I never saw you once pick up your dirty socks.
I simply come along and ask for what I'd like to receive. respect. is that so hard? now, we have freedom in life or here to ask for what we want. But you have to be willing to accept that we don't always get what we ask for do we?

just thought I'd ask. pardon me. pull your pants up. simple request, thats all.


Well, old girl..You got what you sent out, cleverly veiled and all. Firstly. I sit on the opposite
side of the debating chamber that Berserk plants his posterior. Not all new age seekers
play the role the condescending 'older member' of Bruce's Forum.' Like you. I got a gut-
full of those types of people when I frequented spiritual retreats in the 1990's. Example:
" Who is your guide?"...."Lady Quan Yin"..." Mine's, Saint Germain," another butts in."Mine's,
Yeshua..Thats Jesus you know!?"...."Oh. How nice...Gabriel and Michael are part of my
spiritual family, and my son has been blessed by Satya Sai Baba. He's the Cosmic Christ
you know."...and it goes on and on and on...We have a saying in my country: 'Standing
around drinking cups of tea and coffee, urinating in each others pockets'...Sorry!! Gman.
ps...Your reply is somewhat abstract and cryptic..Please expalin?

Title: Re: Peer moderation
Post by betson on Apr 25th, 2007 at 9:55am
GMan,

I do regret you met such people at that meeting.

I do not believe anyone is forcing you to communicate here. When you do communicate here, please abide by the Posting Guidelines.

For personal messages, this forum provides PMs.

This site has a respected history of mentorship and helpfulness, and LR has always been an active member of the community, providing much insight.
I and many others owe her much for her kind attention and spiritual sensitivity.
Her approach has changed recently to better speak with people who seem less sensitive.

You are welcome in this community but you'll have to come in from the alley where you're busy throwing rocks.

Bets

Title: Re: Peer moderation
Post by DaBears on Apr 25th, 2007 at 2:13pm

Lights of Love wrote on Apr 24th, 2007 at 8:53am:

Quote:
You teach people how to treat you and my blunt replies are just what this site deserves.


This quote is from Don, however it is fitting for all of us.  When we are hurt usually our first impulse is to lash out at someone else.  We all have done this in our life.  We all understand the meaning of this.

Years of old wounds continue to be opened up here.  What is needed here is forgiveness.  Real forgiveness.  

Perhaps something new could be tried.  The next time a post is read that is different from what you believe, instead of attacking the person or their beliefs, see that they are struggling with their own beliefs and fears.  This has nothing to do with you.  Perhaps they are covering their pain with anger and frustration.  It is only their fear that they are expressing.  Sure sometimes the heart is stubborn and we may need to read between the lines to figure out exactly what someone is expressing, but if the post were read from the eyes and heart of God, what would we really see?  

Let the love that is deep within you well up from your inner being… taste the sweetness of your love, smell its fragrance, look around the room and see the beauty of all that surrounds you, hear the symphony of your love, feel your love all around you, then go back and read the person’s post and no doubt you will see it in a different light… the light of God, which is patient and kind.

Love, Kathy


I agree, with you totally! Great post!!

Title: Re: Peer moderation
Post by juditha on Apr 25th, 2007 at 4:50pm
Hi I got to say,that i am not really bothered about what or how we answer each subject,as i beleive in free speech for all,but i have to say that i was banned off here that time for using the word liar and ive seen a lot worse than that and im not saying that anyone should be banned because thats not fair,all im saying is ,that  it should be Forgiveness and understanding that  matters on here ,because none of us can say with all honesty ,that we practise everything  we preach to others.

Free speech should be here for everyone,if i dont agree with whats written to me ,i just write back and say so,then we all know where we stand,best way is honesty,when we write,we are expressing how we as individuals feel about ,whatever we are answering.

Polititions do it every day.

Love and God bless    Love  Juditha  

Title: Re: Peer moderation
Post by laffingrain on Apr 26th, 2007 at 4:28am
Hi Juditha I agree about forgiveness and tolerance but I hope we don't seem like politicians here..they really can play dirty and maybe we can rise above that sort of thing I would hope. I'm all for freedom of speech, and I've enjoyed B-man even though he's off the wall, I still enjoy his posts, although they have basically nothing to do with Bruce's books and intentions to learn exploration techniques. I was ribbing him as I thought he could take it, knowing I still like his presence here.
My way is to just move to another thread and say nothing. we can still just move to another thread is it's too negative for us. However, we've had a lot of good posters over the years vacate the premises because of negativity here getting out of hand and even some behind the scenes private emails some nasty things fly back and forth.

I was hoping to establish, and I think I have a feeling we are family here; I would like people to stay, not leave, and maybe we'll all be together with a few more added on, next year? who knows? could it get better here?

its up to us. not my decision. its not my board. I just work here, and trying to get everyone heard and respected.
when it gets too negative then we don't talk about the things that really matter as we get afraid somebody is getting ready to say something negative to you or I, like
for instance what you are reading comes from a demon. scuse me. that is completely negative remark and unnecessary and then I didn't want to post anymore about the most important thing I have in my life to share; just kind of shuts down love, shuts down hope, shuts it all down.
I don't want that to happen to any poster. thats why I posted the reminder about peer moderation, which I did not invent. Bruce's idea of the peer moderation.

I simply was reminding you all, that if you are troubled by a post, to speak out by using the peer moderation, or you can add your two cents to the thread, but that will in many cases just escalate the thread and thats just rants in some cases.

I know some like rants. done a few myself. my only suggestion is to re-read what you've written to see if you were reading your own post, is it something that you would be sharing, or is someone attacking another person for their beliefs?
would we in other words really like to do unto others as we would have done unto us?

maybe not. and maybe it's two steps back and one forward insofar as this board being able to help one another grow and develop into knowledge, which I assume that was the original intentions.

I'm acting as some sort of protector of newbies, so I know this and I'm upfront, I like the kids. they are honestly searching. They won't get anything from this board unless we're prepared to give them what they want. a little direction, because in the end, they're the ones who will be here after we're gone.

Juditha, I still don't know the facts of what happened to u awhile back only that it hurt you bad. I only know I've grown to appreciate your contributions here and you are seldom negative so you are not the problem and neither is Chumley.

now before I say too much :)  I should go away quietly. IMPOSSIBLE!  haha!

I'll probably stay over in the book forum or stay off the main thread. I like to stay focused in these other areas anyway, so you guys do what you want here as usual. do what your heart tells you and you can't go wrong.

love, alysia



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