New Moderator & New Rules

[zendancer]

Apr 20, 2017 11:50:11 GMT -5 figgles said:

Apr 7, 2017 8:32:47 GMT -5 Reefs said:

All,

I've joined the mod team with the goal to make this forum great again, i.e. less toxic and more friendly. Which means in addition to the already existing user guidelines I am going to enforce the following rules across the entire board:

1) No giraffes.

2) No crusades.

3) No temp bans.


So just act your age, walk your talk and you won't see much moderation.

If you have any questions regarding moderation, ask them here in this thread and I'll be happy to clarify.



Happy posting!

Reefs

So...you are going to curb your own forum participation, for the sheer purpose of whipping this forum into a condition that you hope will be your very own, personalized version of 'great'? Why exactly? If you're not even gonna be participating much yourself, why impose your personal judgements here?

..and in trying to change the way others behave through such an effort, aren't you essentially 'paddling upsteam,' when instead, you could simply get into alignment yourself, and then demonstrate that in your ongoing forum participation? Those who are in alignment with you will readily engage with you, those who are not, simply won't. You say you know how it works...



& Be careful what you wish for...a forum completely devoid of contention and a little drama here & there, is gonna get boring. A boring forum is quickly a dead forum. You've seen it all before, so I'm a little surprised you'd take this tact of trying to 'effort' and 'do' the forum into supposed 'greatness.'

Time will tell, but conversation already seems to be drying up in the wake of your announcement.

Here's a few reminders for you;



"Your work is not to look for the perfect place where only the things you want exist. Your work is to look for the things you want in every place.” AH

“Satisfying relationships do not bring alignment. Alignment brings satisfying relationships. Do you see what your work its?” AH


“Rather than being so ready to jump into action to get the things that you want, we say think them into being; see them, visualize them, and expect them—and they will be.” AH

Reefs goal, which Peter and I wholeheartedly support, is the same goal that Shawn Nevins initially had for the forum--a place where seekers and finders could discuss existential issues without an excess of personal drama, denigration, and disparagement. I personally know many people who stopped visiting the forum after the food-fighting escalated, and some of those people are now returning to read the posts. In general, I think the discourse has been much more civil since Reefs began moderating. I was surprised that he was willing to take the job because it's a time-consuming and generally thankless task.

[Reefs]

Apr 20, 2017 11:50:11 GMT -5 figgles said:

So...you are going to curb your own forum participation, for the sheer purpose of whipping this forum into a condition that you hope will be your very own, personalized version of 'great'? Why exactly? If you're not even gonna be participating much yourself, why impose your personal judgements here?

..and in trying to change the way others behave through such an effort, aren't you essentially 'paddling upsteam,' when instead, you could simply get into alignment yourself, and then demonstrate that in your ongoing forum participation? Those who are in alignment with you will readily engage with you, those who are not, simply won't. You say you know how it works...



& Be careful what you wish for...a forum completely devoid of contention and a little drama here & there, is gonna get boring. A boring forum is quickly a dead forum. You've seen it all before, so I'm a little surprised you'd take this tact of trying to 'effort' and 'do' the forum into supposed 'greatness.'

Time will tell, but conversation already seems to be drying up in the wake of your announcement.

Here's a few reminders for you;



"Your work is not to look for the perfect place where only the things you want exist. Your work is to look for the things you want in every place.” AH

“Satisfying relationships do not bring alignment. Alignment brings satisfying relationships. Do you see what your work its?” AH


“Rather than being so ready to jump into action to get the things that you want, we say think them into being; see them, visualize them, and expect them—and they will be.” AH

Apr 20, 2017 17:09:05 GMT -5 figgles said:

I agree, there was indeed a point a ways back, where mocking and denigration was rampant....fwiw, even then, I was not necessarily in favor of heavier moderation per se. While I've frequently pointed out that mocking and denigration and incivility need not be part of discussion or even argument, I'm not a fan of legislating compliance.

I've always found it more interesting to talk about why someone is feeling the need to mock and denigrade...seems to me there's one helluv an opportunity there if one will actually look.

I kinda thought that recently, things were going pretty well here. Nothing too nasty going on at all, really, from what I could see...guess others felt differently.

Forums are interesting things....they evolve organically. While one can try to plot and plan and fix what they deem to be a 'broken' discussion group, those efforts often backfire. E's realizinghappiness forum is a good example.

Best of intentions...clear guidelines...clear statement of purpose. Virtually no conversing happening there, at all now.

All that said, it's Shawn's forum, and obviously, he's free to pursue whatever direction for it he wants.

Yeah, That makes two of us. He must feel very passionate about fixing this place....which I also find kind of strange because he's been quite vocal about being the change you want to see rather than legislating change....aligning with the manifest change rather than trying to effort or orchestrate it.

Oh well...will be interesting to see how it works out.....time will tell.

Figgles, please honor the no crusades and no giraffes rules. This kind of dialog is not acceptable anymore. Also, this thread is intended to introduce and clarify the new rules. It is not meant to be a discussion thread about moderation/moderators.

[figgles]

Apr 20, 2017 20:08:39 GMT -5 Reefs said:

Figgles, please honor the no crusades and no giraffes rules. This kind of dialog is not acceptable anymore. Also, this thread is intended to introduce and clarify the new rules. It is not meant to be a discussion thread about moderation/moderators.

What the heck happened to this guy?

Reefs: It's still the upside down approach of fixing others instead of getting ones own house in order. If you have your own house in order you will naturally gravitate to what fits your preferences and attract those who are on the same page with you.

If a community grows spontaneously then it has a solid basis. But if it is the brainchild of some utopist there's planning involved, protection, keeping out unwanted and that's a recipe for disaster…..

….There's a verse in the DaoDeJing about a wise emperor. No one ever saw him. People only knew that he existed. And everything was in order. His mere presence was enough. No need for rules.

There's also another verse in the DaoDeJing that describes levels of decline. The highest level would be without rules, people just in tune with the Dao. When that is lost, people will start sticking to moral codes. When that doesn't work, people will create laws. When that doesn't work, people will create punishments...

So, one person that has his/her own house in order is enough. Just think about Ramana. That guy sat there on a mountain top all his life and did 'nothing'. But his influence is mighty, even today.

So my suggestion is to not care about a community or the world at large. Get your own house in order and everything else will follow.

Reefs: LOA also says that you can't fix a problem. Like attracts like, so by focusing on fixing a problem, LOA will bring more problems in more detail.

…Only the 'me' wants to fix things…

[Reefs]

Apr 21, 2017 11:18:40 GMT -5 figgles said:

Apr 20, 2017 20:08:39 GMT -5 Reefs said:

Figgles, please honor the no crusades and no giraffes rules. This kind of dialog is not acceptable anymore. Also, this thread is intended to introduce and clarify the new rules. It is not meant to be a discussion thread about moderation/moderators.

What the heck happened to this guy?

Reefs: It's still the upside down approach of fixing others instead of getting ones own house in order. If you have your own house in order you will naturally gravitate to what fits your preferences and attract those who are on the same page with you.

If a community grows spontaneously then it has a solid basis. But if it is the brainchild of some utopist there's planning involved, protection, keeping out unwanted and that's a recipe for disaster…..

….There's a verse in the DaoDeJing about a wise emperor. No one ever saw him. People only knew that he existed. And everything was in order. His mere presence was enough. No need for rules.

There's also another verse in the DaoDeJing that describes levels of decline. The highest level would be without rules, people just in tune with the Dao. When that is lost, people will start sticking to moral codes. When that doesn't work, people will create laws. When that doesn't work, people will create punishments...

So, one person that has his/her own house in order is enough. Just think about Ramana. That guy sat there on a mountain top all his life and did 'nothing'. But his influence is mighty, even today.

So my suggestion is to not care about a community or the world at large. Get your own house in order and everything else will follow.

Reefs: LOA also says that you can't fix a problem. Like attracts like, so by focusing on fixing a problem, LOA will bring more problems in more detail.

…Only the 'me' wants to fix things…

Figgles, fyi, so far you've been violating every rule in the book with your recent 3 posts. This kind of litigation is exactly the kind of stuff we don't want here anymore. If litigation is your only motivation for being here then you have a decision to make really soon because this kind of behavior won't be tolerated anymore. And as already mentioned, the new rules and moderation in general are not open for discussion. Consider this your official warning #1.

ETA: Please read the entire thread to get familiar with the new forum direction.

[Reefs]

All,

the subject of litigation came up. The kind of litigation you've just witnessed here is what has been at the core of the toxicity on this forum. So this won't be tolerated at all. I had to move out a series of posts that contained off topic discussion and litigation. I'll keep two posts though as an example so that you can see what kind of litigation is not allowed here anymore. Moved the rest here.


R

[lolly]

I remembered a clear statement of intention, and as it seems a bit of an thing with the litigation business, I taking the liberty of quoting that statement. The statement goes with one of my own litt;e 'ethos's' where an underlying vibe manifests in the observable. Hence, in my own life, I at least attempt to bring about an aura of loving kindness so that the manifest is conducive to the benefit of all beings.

I thought it rang true:

"A basic tone or vibration has to be established. Once that's done, the forum will run on its own and only keep and attract those people that are in alignment with that basic tone or vibration. So I'll be moderating a bit more hands on for a month or two until things are stable enough and everyone knows exactly what is okay and what isn't and then I'll just let the forum be. The final goal is no moderation whatsoever and let LOA do the work instead. Similar to what is said in the Daodejing about the highest form of governing a country. But that requires a mature community. And we are not quite there yet. But so far I can say it looks very promising. And we've basically been there once already, so it can be done again."

Read more: spiritualteachers.proboards.com/thread/4905/new-moderator-rules?page=5#ixzz4fQxYmP69

[quinn]

I stop by to take a peek at the forum every once in a while. This time, my first look was at "A Spiritual Life" thread, which I enjoyed immensely. There was mention of a new sheriff in town, so I came here.

I'm thrilled with the new policies. The difference in tone is obvious, at least on the two threads I've read.

I've wallowed in some of the now-prohibited practices in the past, but I'll keep an eye out (internal eye, that is) to hopefully catch it before you have to.

Thanks, Reefs.

And good to see all you reprobates!

[enigma]

Apr 30, 2017 9:07:28 GMT -5 quinn said:

I stop by to take a peek at the forum every once in a while. This time, my first look was at "A Spiritual Life" thread, which I enjoyed immensely. There was mention of a new sheriff in town, so I came here.

I'm thrilled with the new policies. The difference in tone is obvious, at least on the two threads I've read.

I've wallowed in some of the now-prohibited practices in the past, but I'll keep an eye out (internal eye, that is) to hopefully catch it before you have to.

Thanks, Reefs.

And good to see all you reprobates!

Howdy, Quinn
I'm pretty sure "reprobates" is in violation of the new rules.
Yes, it's been interesting. Posting slowed to a crawl briefly, which was expected, and then came back strong, minus most of the foolishness. Lets keep our fingers and toes crossed. To Reefs I say, good on you.

[quinn]

Apr 30, 2017 19:58:07 GMT -5 enigma said:

Apr 30, 2017 9:07:28 GMT -5 quinn said:

I stop by to take a peek at the forum every once in a while. This time, my first look was at "A Spiritual Life" thread, which I enjoyed immensely. There was mention of a new sheriff in town, so I came here.

I'm thrilled with the new policies. The difference in tone is obvious, at least on the two threads I've read.

I've wallowed in some of the now-prohibited practices in the past, but I'll keep an eye out (internal eye, that is) to hopefully catch it before you have to.

Thanks, Reefs.

And good to see all you reprobates!

Howdy, Quinn
I'm pretty sure "reprobates" is in violation of the new rules.

Haha! ***gulp***

Yes, it's been interesting. Posting slowed to a crawl briefly, which was expected, and then came back strong, minus most of the foolishness. Lets keep our fingers and toes crossed. To Reefs I say, good on you.

Great to hear. Looking forward to jumping in.

[Reefs]

Apr 30, 2017 9:07:28 GMT -5 quinn said:

I stop by to take a peek at the forum every once in a while. This time, my first look was at "A Spiritual Life" thread, which I enjoyed immensely. There was mention of a new sheriff in town, so I came here.

I'm thrilled with the new policies. The difference in tone is obvious, at least on the two threads I've read.

I've wallowed in some of the now-prohibited practices in the past, but I'll keep an eye out (internal eye, that is) to hopefully catch it before you have to.

Thanks, Reefs.

And good to see all you reprobates!

Hey, Quinn!

Good to hear. I was already missing you.

All I'm asking for is a basic decency. And I think you can do that effortlessly.

[Reefs]

Apr 30, 2017 19:58:07 GMT -5 enigma said:

Yes, it's been interesting. Posting slowed to a crawl briefly, which was expected, and then came back strong, minus most of the foolishness. Lets keep our fingers and toes crossed. To Reefs I say, good on you.

Nice!

[lolly]

I was happy with the immediate effect of reefs drawing clearly defined boundaries on behaviour; then I later found the forum became more conducive to meaningful talks (as opposed to 10 or more pages a day of 'spiritual noise'). Far more pleasing to me and it makes the place a safer haven. It is becoming of an air more befitting a 'virtual ashram'. This benefits members (such as me) - so well done administrators.

[quinn]

Apr 30, 2017 23:25:59 GMT -5 Reefs said:

Apr 30, 2017 9:07:28 GMT -5 quinn said:

I stop by to take a peek at the forum every once in a while. This time, my first look was at "A Spiritual Life" thread, which I enjoyed immensely. There was mention of a new sheriff in town, so I came here.

I'm thrilled with the new policies. The difference in tone is obvious, at least on the two threads I've read.

I've wallowed in some of the now-prohibited practices in the past, but I'll keep an eye out (internal eye, that is) to hopefully catch it before you have to.

Thanks, Reefs.

And good to see all you reprobates!

Hey, Quinn!

Good to hear. I was already missing you.

All I'm asking for is a basic decency. And I think you can do that effortlessly.

<---- effortless smile (includes appreciation for the double meaning and for the warm welcome)

[esponja]

Apr 30, 2017 9:07:28 GMT -5 quinn said:

I stop by to take a peek at the forum every once in a while. This time, my first look was at "A Spiritual Life" thread, which I enjoyed immensely. There was mention of a new sheriff in town, so I came here.

I'm thrilled with the new policies. The difference in tone is obvious, at least on the two threads I've read.

I've wallowed in some of the now-prohibited practices in the past, but I'll keep an eye out (internal eye, that is) to hopefully catch it before you have to.

Thanks, Reefs.

And good to see all you reprobates!

I've tried to stop in but been so lost in the posts and unable to read any of it. Today I was inspired to check back in. Glad I did. Hi Reefs, Quinn, Enigma, Zendancer and all...I may be back. :-)

[maxdprophet]

May 16, 2017 8:11:33 GMT -5 esponja said:

Apr 30, 2017 9:07:28 GMT -5 quinn said:

I stop by to take a peek at the forum every once in a while. This time, my first look was at "A Spiritual Life" thread, which I enjoyed immensely. There was mention of a new sheriff in town, so I came here.

I'm thrilled with the new policies. The difference in tone is obvious, at least on the two threads I've read.

I've wallowed in some of the now-prohibited practices in the past, but I'll keep an eye out (internal eye, that is) to hopefully catch it before you have to.

Thanks, Reefs.

And good to see all you reprobates!

I've tried to stop in but been so lost in the posts and unable to read any of it. Today I was inspired to check back in. Glad I did. Hi Reefs, Quinn, Enigma, Zendancer and all...I may be back. :-)

Don't feel like you have to keep up with anything.  Just write when moved to do so.