I posted on another thread that this might be considered. Cheyenne was teh only person who responded at the time, and had concerns. I sent her the original post as you see it in the "Top of my screen " thread to see if she felt it what was described might address those concerns.
I also searched the forum archives for previous discussion on a sub forum. I read what others had to say. A mixed bag of responses was found.
I also sent the post to Laurel and two other posters who were on somewhat opposite sides of the issue of moderation. One, wants more management by the mod, one wants less.
In any event, then, I sent the post, in it's original form to Laurel. All, from very different pespectives left the post as it was.
I then, pmed Laurel to see if we should take the issue to the forum for a poll or debate before trying it. She posted the new forum and then, responded to me.
I do believe this forum could turn into a good thing for the BDSM crowd if they are willing to give it a try. I am giving it my best shot, but granted, it isn't easy and seems chaotic.
I am trying to address the needs of as many people as possible who have over the months have posted or pmed me.
How?
1. Fluff posters or inexperienced posters don't feel like they belong here because they lack experience. Everyone has a place her, if they have an interest.
2. People enjoy the seroius discussions on the Discussion forum without the flirting, fluff, flames or hijackings.
3. A cry for less moderation and a cry for more moderation. So, two forums, one for each. Messages in my box over the recent months, "Why do you let the bullies carry on?" The answer is because there is nothing that can be done to stop them, unless the entire community ignores them. "Why is she allowed to post silly stuff?" My response was the Fireside Lounge so that people could relax and banter when they felt like it. Other messages,"Is it okay if I post this?" Geesh. We don't need a ruler here.
4. These concerns are from BDSM posters. Many regulars, many newbies or lurkers. What prompted me to start thinking about solutions was my movement of ADR's thread. That was just plain stupid and I do agree that there needs to be space for freedom of expression.
5. The number of those lurking who don't feel they have a place to post. Here is space for everyone to post and feel it is an open environment.
With regard to moderation: I will not be moving threads randomly or on my own whim. I am still trying to work out the kinks, but it will involve input from the posters when a thread is moved. Ultimately, there shouldn't be a need for a lot of thread movement, once people get a feel for where things go.
Right now, I am watching both forums to see how they may evolve on theri own. I will not be moving anymore threads over unless a poster specifically asks me to. and yes! This has happened. I am willing to return the threads that I moved the other night to the Main Forum at the thread starters request if they didn't have an opportunity to consent to the original move.
You guys have this space and can do what you want with it. Notice, there is no almight sticky or a bazillion rules to follow. Just keep it legal.
Use the forum as you wish or ignore it. It will only be as good as the posters make it.
