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| Source Unknown ~ But I'm pretty sure it's poisonous! |
It is sometimes the case that we run across "nuisances" in blogland, and I mean people who overstep the bounds of basic good manners or common decency. As the coordinator of RT, I often receive notification of such incidents or complaints from individual members. While I am not an advocate of witch hunts, neither am I a fan of on-line harassment nor wholesale self-promotion by individuals.
The word verification has been discontinued because it hinders the comments of the people who genuinely want to follow and support the efforts of RT. As a result, the 'spam inbox' is never empty and it may be the case that people with personal issues against individuals could use our comment boxes for their own agendas.
The starting point of our RT philosophy is that we want a safe environment, which has a solid core of members who help and support one another. If a member reports that someone has been offensive, I think this information should be relayed to other members, not so that we can be offensive in kind, but rather so we will know whom to avoid in future. No-one wants to see the garden become the breeding ground for discontent. I have seen things escalate very quickly to chaos on similar sites when tempers run high. Sometimes the anonymity of cyberspace can bring out the worst in personalities. I ask, therefore, that we remain united in maintaining the open and friendly atmosphere of the imaginary garden, where all who love poetry and are committed to their own creative goals feel welcome to spend their time.
You're so right, Kerry. We don't have comment moderation on here, either, do we? I've removed the word verification from my own blog, but kept comment moderation. I know, it would mean more work, most likely for you, unless you could direct it to a less-busy member of Real Toads, so maybe it's not a great idea.
ReplyDeleteJust a thought.
K
The comment moderation is certainly useful for individuals, Kay, but would possibly remove the spontaneity of our open forum. I couldn't take charge of moderation on such a large scale either, besides which, I sleep when many people are active in the early evening on the other side of the world, so you would have to wait until I got back from work to read what had been said the day before.
ReplyDeleteThat's what I thought. Too bad you're the only one who could do it.
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile, I forgot to say how much I love your bright orange toad/frog critter. It's a poisonous colour at any rate. LOL
K
Kerry~
ReplyDeleteSorry you have to waste your valuable time addressing such issues. Your wisdom prevails as you ask each member to act with grace and respect, knowing that sometimes individuals not of like mind will wander into the garden.
It is frustrating to encounter those who participate without a spirit of community and support; and I generally make a mental note not to return to their work after having once been snookered. No other action is really necessary.
Thanks for your efforts as steward over this place. I participate less than I want, but as often as I'm able; and I appreciate this inspiring crowd.
I have been online for 12 years, I've seen many squabbles effect sites, to the point of closing them down. Sometimes you can ignore, sometimes you have to take action and get rid of the few for the sake of the many. Hope this clears itself up.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Kim's comment. I've learned upon whom I can rely for the community spirit that's so important here. Others are just ignored.
ReplyDeleteKerry, you do such a wonderful job of running this site and maintaining an atmosphere of dignity, respect and support, as do the members. I have come to really value what we have grown here, as other sites have gotten too big and, thus, less cohesive. I appreciate Kim's advice, too. Silence is sometimes the loudest comment.
ReplyDeleteI know you have a heavy work load, and I KNOW how much work admin-ing a site like this takes. Thank you for the brilliant job you are doing here. I so appreciate it.
Kerry,
ReplyDeleteAs usual, I'm totally in the dark about the behind the scenes goings on, but I'm sorry you've had to waste your valuable time addressing this issue. If anyone ever has a problem or is offended by something I say or post, please just respond to me directly and we'll try to clear it up. I love the community atmosphere at Toads and those who don't want to play nice can hop off our lily pad.
Why can't people just play nicely? :-(
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the supportive environment you have created here. I like that we support each other, in this prompt or not, and just leave encouraging words. I too have learned who are the bloggers I can rely on to encourage and support me, and who to avoid. Our open link night Monday event is becoming more and more popular, hence attractive to other bloggers who just want to promote their site. On the flip side, I have discovered really good writers during this time, and some of them are really nice. I guess we just have to be more vigilant about our garden specially Monday. Thanks again Kerry ~
ReplyDeletei don't know what's going on but am more than happy to help, Kerry, if there is any way for me to do that. i so value Real Toads and YOU for organizing this for all of us. i hope you know those of us to whom you can reach out when the craziness reigns! we are all busy but this place is so important. thank you. sorry for the bad energy, and may it go away! go away, baddies. :)
ReplyDeleteSure Kerry. I am not sure what happened, but I shall be responsible- and won't cause problems.
ReplyDeleteBtw, amazing site you run, and love the toad picture!
Love,
Apeetha.
Nothing specific has happened, but I received a few complaints this week about people, who are not regular visitors, and their methods of using open links, so I wanted to convey a message to cover such events in the future. There is no trouble in the garden itself :)
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine being mean in an Imaginary Garden.........
ReplyDelete:(
It is sad. I have seen a few posts recently, that did not correspond to the prompt. It is disrespectful to post whatever, when others are taking the time to write for the prompt.
ReplyDeleteThank you for keeping the garden respectful, imaginative, and fun~
As a garden should be, but remember in life there are always a few unwelcome visitors.
Thank you for all you do!
I have certainly missed being upon the "lilly pad" lately... just a few more days... hope to have the house on the market for sale by the end of this week. I have missed this community so much! I groan every time I glance at the new prompts. :) Thank you for making certain the "garden" stays a friendly place. And if I can ever help out in some way, let me know.
ReplyDelete