Offensive language, swear words, derogatory phrases aimed towards one and all, demeaning passages that can hurt other member's sentiments will be simply whitened out of the text typed out in posts, beginning today.
If you see blank sentences in posts, like this ---> If you are tempted to read this, do it at your own risk. If you feel bad, don't come running to the mods, accept the responsibility for being tempted. -- You can safely assume that something that was offensive has been moderated by either MBB or me. All you have to do is put your cursor there and say select all... you should be able to read all of it.
This rule is being applied so that all members who just want to come to quoteland and enjoy being here, can do so, without having their ears fried with the heat that emanates out of some writings. What is most amazing is that we are not editing any of the text or even deleting it, yet in a way, all of that which is unpalatable to most folks, is hidden to the general eye.
Play nice guys!!! and there should be no need for any moderation at all.
NOTE: This rule is being tried out for now only in the General Discussion forums. If it works well, other mods may apply it in the future on their forums too.
-
much love, light and laughter, Ananya & Mizz Busy Bee.
*~Come play with my children feel the peace and Scatter some joy.~* ~*Blowing out someone else's candle doesn't make your's burn any brighter.*~ We can't all be stars, but we can all twinkle. We may not have it all together, but together we have it all.
Posts: 5728 | Location: India | Registered: 07-03-01
The best part of this technique is that you can write not only owl shit, you can write more. Albeit, knowing that it will be whitened out. The point is its actually there, just hidden.
This technique gives the person you're calling owl shit or more a chance to ignore the name calling, if s/he wishes to do so. If however the person wants to read it, then the story is between the subject and the object, and the GD mods as a third party will not be held responsible for any consequences of that interaction in any way. Its literally on their heads.
@ Asa,
My question to you would be, why would you want to read anything that's whitened out? If I had not been the mod, and this rule would have been applied, I would never ever use the right click option. In my mind, usually those people who have a fetish for causing trouble wherever they go, are the people who are obsessed with the right click... (Yikes! what if the birdie is reading this? )... And they should be, it feeds their mind after all.
- much love, light and laughter, ananya.
This message has been edited. Last edited by: Ananya,
*~Come play with my children feel the peace and Scatter some joy.~* ~*Blowing out someone else's candle doesn't make your's burn any brighter.*~ We can't all be stars, but we can all twinkle. We may not have it all together, but together we have it all.
Posts: 5728 | Location: India | Registered: 07-03-01
In my mind, usually those people who have a fetish for causing trouble wherever they go, are the people who are obsessed with the right click... (Yikes! what if the birdie is reading this? )... And they should be, it feeds their mind after all.
Now who is being snarky?
And this from a current mod no less. Ananya, it ain't an obsession. Just curious as to what YOU personally feel should not be said. Besides, why tell everyone how to see what's been edited if you're going to come back and state that those who do look are obsessed!
And I hope you aren't insinuating I have a fetish for causing trouble.
I like to think of it more as pointing out hypocrisy.
Which as I see it, is pretty much what your post represents. There are things in your post that should be whited out. Insulting another QL member?
Or perhaps you were just joking.
I was only making light of the right click thing. Thought I was being rather funny if I say so myself because just about every post on the page I was reading said:"This post edited by Ananya".
But nope....got my hand slapped and got called snarky.
Whatever.
~I intend to live forever -- so far, so good.~
I'd rather learn from one bird how to sing than to teach ten thousand stars how not to dance - e e cummings
Conferred the Walrus Memorial Award - 6th April, 2004.
Posts: 1951 | Location: On a tree branch.....way up high. | Registered: 11-12-02
Because curiosity will always outweigh the means censorship derives to stifle it.
(In answer to why people would ever want to read the blanked out sections).
While this is probably a more effective way to avoid member grievance (since their actual posts won't have content removed from them), I have to think that its actually much more work for the moderators.
Along this line, is it even feasible for this to be applied to all topics all the time or will the members "we" like (we meaning our own individual preferences) slip by when they say something out of line and the members "we" (once again based on our individual preferences) don't like will be singled out more closely.
In a sense I think this policy creates more work for people who don't have enough time (I'm not even a moderator but I have observed moderators talking about how they do what they can to uphold the rules set forth in the quoteland charter but they essentially cannot be everywhere at once).
This thread already should be edited by the edict put forth in the first post with PD's use of derogatory (but entirely proper usage) words to test the system.
Indeed even Ananya's post should not contain the phrase "owl shit" which was said twice (beyond necessary example) that it serves as slap in the face to the edict put forth.
Ananya, you even used an implied derogatory comment against a former active member (Songbird).
I just wonder, when I read such edicts as this, where the proper line will lie in the end (member verse moderator discretion and power).
I'm not posting this to cause conflict, but I sometimes wonder when posts like this one (meaning mine) will be edited because they don't immediately embrace increased censorship methods.
I will say again, I think this is better than blatant and anonymous editing of members (which several moderators have been accused of) which gives said members proper grounds for grievance, but when I see things like this (blatant edicts) I wonder what will come next?
And it is those thoughts that trouble me because I often feel it is those inevitable policies that will drive away many more members, quite possibly myself in the long run.
I am glad you read it. It was an opportunity given to you to make us quits. As I mentioned to Emerald Eyes, in another thread, I couldn't care much about what you think of Ananya. You can continue with your cute speech on hypocrisy till kingdom come. About snarkiness, it was not I who called you snarky, so please take it up with the relevant person.
@ Aeras,
Thank you for your post. I'd like to take each point and give my arguement/opinion against it. Can you please wait till Saturday night. I am travelling right now.
*~Come play with my children feel the peace and Scatter some joy.~* ~*Blowing out someone else's candle doesn't make your's burn any brighter.*~ We can't all be stars, but we can all twinkle. We may not have it all together, but together we have it all.
Posts: 5728 | Location: India | Registered: 07-03-01
Well I will have to give credit to Areas for his command of writing in formal language. (I did not know what an edict is until today and it is not every day that I learn the meaning of a new “two-dollar” word.) The “white out” practice might formally be described as effacing but I am more comfortable calling it “white washing.” If I understand what is going on then the moderators will be white washing derogatory remarks or comments. You can call someone a ripe green rotten turd and it will be white washed. Perhaps there would not be so much friction in the forums if everyone would play ball by the Golden Rule.
Do unto otters as you would have otters do unto you.
Would someone please define, snarky? I can't find it in my dictionary. It should be there between snarl and snatch but the guy who published the dictionary must have white washed it our. Snaky is in the dictionary between snake-root and snap.
Posts: 2560 | Location: The Volunteer State | Registered: 06-25-03
My question to you would be, why would you want to read anything that's whitened out
Very little offends me in the way of language (it's usually behaviour that offends) and sometimes I appreciate swear words in context.
I think white-outs are a good idea for those who would be offended by swear words. It's worth experimenting with new moderating techniques whether they work or not, whether they are accepted or not. How else can we develop?
This message has been edited. Last edited by: eagleandchild,
----------------------------- "In all of our hearts lies a longing for a Sacred Romance. It will not go away in spite of our efforts over the years to anesthetize or ignore its song, or attach it to a single person or endeavor." Brent Curtis
Posts: 582 | Location: CA, USA | Registered: 11-12-07
Thank you eagleandchild, for all the lovely words. They made me feel so wonderful, I had tears in my eyes.
Further, if you have any grievances please write to thenostromo and he'd be able to address them the best. You can demand for me to step down as a moderator too, if you think its being handled badly.... one never knows what happens, you could be the unsung hero for many if you succeed.
On my behalf I'd like to say only this... I have two other working mods who think its a great idea. Sincerely I don't understand what's the fuss about? You're actually getting to read what's been written, the only hitch is that from now on YOU and only YOU are responsible for reading it. Besides it's working alright, there's not been any of the vitriolic "I'd like to smash your kiwi face" banter, ever since we started this technique. The post was deleted by the member as soon as it was whitened out.
As Airedale once said being a moderator is essentially a thankless job... now i realise what she meant then.
*~Come play with my children feel the peace and Scatter some joy.~* ~*Blowing out someone else's candle doesn't make your's burn any brighter.*~ We can't all be stars, but we can all twinkle. We may not have it all together, but together we have it all.
Posts: 5728 | Location: India | Registered: 07-03-01
Well, for the record, I also think it's a great idea. If the moderators are willing to go to the trouble of using this method as a moderating tool, then I say "go for it". In fact, I'd like to test it. Snarky: 1 : crotchety, snappish 2 : sarcastic, impertinent, or irreverent in tone or manner
And also for the record, Ananya and all the moderators have my sincere gratitude for the work they do in service to Quoteland. So, it is not an entirely thankless job.
Back for an edit: I see that my post has what appears to be very light blue background, so whiting out the text doesn't make it invisible. Back for another edit: On my home computer screen the alternating posts are just a different shade; so, the white-out does make the text invisible. Strange. Even more I also notice that the white-out will not hide a URL that is part of the message, so I took that out.
This message has been edited. Last edited by: thenostromo,
For the record, eagle, your reply sounds to me like a huge overreaction with no examples to back up your charges.
I privately, and now publicly, endorse the whiteout idea. Wish I had thought of it myself. Like any tool, there is the opportunity for abuse or misuse, but QLers are a canny clan for the most part.
My parting comment is all of us, moderators and members, would be best served by printing out the QL Constitution and rereading it regularly for guidelines on what is appropriate for "getting along." The Golden Rule isn't a bad assay either: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
I wish those who most get their panties in a twist at QL would be able to walk in my shoes this last month. Once you make pre-funeral arrangements for someone as I did recently, all the vexations and annoyances of others are put in clearer perspective.
------------------------------ The opposite of joy is not sorrow. It is unbelief. ~ Leslie Weatherhead Picture me with my ground teeth stalking joy--fully armed too, as it's a highly dangerous quest. ~ Flannery O'Connor
Originally posted by thenostromo: Well, for the record, I also think it's a great idea. If the moderators are willing to go to the trouble of using this method as a moderating tool, then I say "go for it". In fact, I'd like to test it. Snarky: 1 : crotchety, snappish 2 : sarcastic, impertinent, or irreverent in tone or manner
And also for the record, Ananya and all the moderators have my sincere gratitude for the work they do in service to Quoteland. So, it is not an entirely thankless job.
Back for an edit: I see that my post has what appears to be very light blue background, so whiting out the text doesn't make it invisible. Back for another edit: On my home computer screen the alternating posts are just a different shade; so, the white-out does make the text invisible. Strange. Even more I also notice that the white-out will not hide a URL that is part of the message, so I took that out.
Good to know the definition of snarky, Jon. Although I already knew what was implied when one of your moderators insinuated that this what what I was being.
Perhaps I was being sarcastic and if people can't find the humour in that, well then they need to lighten up. Crotchety? Nope...not this happy go lucky gal!
~I intend to live forever -- so far, so good.~
I'd rather learn from one bird how to sing than to teach ten thousand stars how not to dance - e e cummings
Conferred the Walrus Memorial Award - 6th April, 2004.
Posts: 1951 | Location: On a tree branch.....way up high. | Registered: 11-12-02
Aire, I am not sure I would agree that the post was a “huge overreaction.” I would describe it more as a “moderate overreaction.”
Having looked it over a couple times I should have made my points less forceful and had more self control. I sent a note to Ananya apologizing and essentially saying the same thing.
I think we all have our share of posts we wish we had rethought and held on to for little while. Maybe this would include you some times.
In any case I appreciate Ananya's willingness to moderate.
This message has been edited. Last edited by: eagleandchild,
----------------------------- "In all of our hearts lies a longing for a Sacred Romance. It will not go away in spite of our efforts over the years to anesthetize or ignore its song, or attach it to a single person or endeavor." Brent Curtis
Posts: 582 | Location: CA, USA | Registered: 11-12-07
Just for your record, I have not received any note from you neither in my PT nor in my mailbox. Could you please have it resent again. I'd really like to hear from you in the positive.
***
Immense gratitude to Fair_Gwen, Airedale, MBB and TN for their support to this idea. Thank you for standing by it.
I thank Thee first because I was never robbed before; second, because although they took my purse they did not take my life; third, because although they took my all, it was not much; and fourth because it was I who was robbed, and not I who robbed. -- Matthew Henry
*~Come play with my children feel the peace and Scatter some joy.~* ~*Blowing out someone else's candle doesn't make your's burn any brighter.*~ We can't all be stars, but we can all twinkle. We may not have it all together, but together we have it all.
Posts: 5728 | Location: India | Registered: 07-03-01
"For the record" - how crotchety those words sound - on 06/29/09 I sent the email to bajarbattu@gmail.com. I got the email address from your public information. I don’t know why it did not get to you. It was not returned.
I sent it to you in a private note here..."for the record."
----------------------------- "In all of our hearts lies a longing for a Sacred Romance. It will not go away in spite of our efforts over the years to anesthetize or ignore its song, or attach it to a single person or endeavor." Brent Curtis
Posts: 582 | Location: CA, USA | Registered: 11-12-07
The email address is right, but I did not receive anything in June nor in July. Usually when you want to be correct it is a good idea to send a cc to someone, so that the person you send the mail to (in this case me) has nothing to stand on, when they say they did not receive it, especially if they are lying, which I am not.
I have received the PT today. Will check it later and respond. While I can very much believe that you may not have any love lost for me, I will still have your respect, even if you so not please. Thank you.
*~Come play with my children feel the peace and Scatter some joy.~* ~*Blowing out someone else's candle doesn't make your's burn any brighter.*~ We can't all be stars, but we can all twinkle. We may not have it all together, but together we have it all.
Posts: 5728 | Location: India | Registered: 07-03-01
Having thought about it some more and reread my post again, I agree I was too harsh and I overreacted.
Again, I apologize.
Patrick
----------------------------- "In all of our hearts lies a longing for a Sacred Romance. It will not go away in spite of our efforts over the years to anesthetize or ignore its song, or attach it to a single person or endeavor." Brent Curtis
Posts: 582 | Location: CA, USA | Registered: 11-12-07
You didn't have to. At least not again, and not here. Once is enough. I haven't been able to write an answer to your latest PT, because of heavy workload in the office. Check your PT at the end of the day today. Please.
*~Come play with my children feel the peace and Scatter some joy.~* ~*Blowing out someone else's candle doesn't make your's burn any brighter.*~ We can't all be stars, but we can all twinkle. We may not have it all together, but together we have it all.
Posts: 5728 | Location: India | Registered: 07-03-01
In my mind, usually those people who have a fetish for causing trouble wherever they go, are the people who are obsessed with the right click... (Yikes! what if the birdie is reading this? )... And they should be, it feeds their mind after all.
I'd rather learn from one bird how to sing 
