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Hi all,
I am glad to say that my OVERWHELMING experience of this site has been very positive. Almost everyone behaves in a very positive and constructive way. I have met some wonderful people through the forum, who are now friends and acquaintenances quite apart from contact on the IIS forum.
I am saddened that this is not the experience of others, and in particular it is most unfortunate that many of those who have posted have had a less positive experience of the IIS forums.
Part of creating a culture when bullying is the exception rather than the usual experience, is that we are all responsible to communicate in a civil and respectful manner. If each of us can ask ourselves the question before we submit a post, "Is this comment intended to help rather than harm", and only post what is helpful, then we will go a long way to avoiding the sot of behaviour Alex has identified.
Given that human nature does not change, whether at the pub or on a forum, it would surprising if there wasn't disputation or inappropriate behaviour from time to time. Just as in face-to-face meetings, there will always be people we do not like, or who we disagree with on most things....and as others have observed, common sense tells us that it will usually be better not to engage with such people and just to ignore them.
When we make mistakes, and jump down someone's throat (we are ALL capable of this, particularly if we are tired after a late observing session), and deep down we realise that our behaviour is less than ideal, I think it is important that we take responsibility for our behaviour and apologise. Sometimes having a misunderstanding with someone, and then finding resolution can lead to deeper friendship, and better understanding of each other's position.
The task of a moderator is rather difficult. We are not children. It is not the job of a moderator, in my opinion, to protect people from negative emotions. There will be strong disagreement from time to time, and that is a healthy thing, IMO.
Sometimes people can take offence at something that was never intended to offend. I can recall a recent thread where I took offence at something that in hindsight I do not think was intended to be taken in the way that I took it. Fortunately, we were able to come to a good understanding, and I think we all walked away from that interaction without any hard feelings.
Sometimes a person can go too far, and I would agree that if a thread reaches a point where people are becoming malicious and vindictive, this is the time when moderation is needed. I agree with Alex that such behaviour should be challenged by using the "report a post" function, and by PM-ing to try to sort it out.
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