I was presented with a dilemma today in that I found an article that pointed to a problem in my church (Southern Baptist) that I wished to address, but was highly critical of another church. How do I post such an article without it becoming a bash fest? It could not be made a caucus because it had criticisms of another church.
I decide to go ahead and post the article with my first post stating my purpose for the post and a plea to keep it introspective of my church and not attacking the other church. A plea for edification and not enmity.
In doing so, I hope by example, to set a civil tone for the entire thread. I do realize that in such a thread that it is often necessary to post something that might be offensive or uncomplimentary to others, but maybe by setting the tone we can keep such posts in the realm of loving admonition rather that out and out bashing.
Please check out this thread here and tell me what you think. It is just an idea, but we have to start somewhere. Is there something better, different or more that I could do that would help? I would appreciate your comments.
Religion Mod - If we post threads like this, asking for civility at the top, could it be possible to lock or remove the thread upon request of the person who posted it, if the thread disintegrate into senseless bickering?
THERE ARE ENOUGH OF US OF LIKE MINDED CHARITY [I think] that we SHOULD be able to POUND THE DISSENTING RABBLE ROUSERS INTO SILENCE by group dogpiling their offensive post with stern exhortations to knock it off. And, if they fail that, then to do say a Shaker type SHUNNING of all further posts by them regardless of how provockative???
Just a proposal. Others have other alternatives???
In doing so, I hope by example, to set a civil tone for the entire thread. I do realize that in such a thread that it is often necessary to post something that might be offensive or uncomplimentary to others, but maybe by setting the tone we can keep such posts in the realm of loving admonition rather that out and out bashing.
Please check out this thread here and tell me what you think. It is just an idea, but we have to start somewhere. Is there something better, different or more that I could do that would help? I would appreciate your comments.
*************
I think you are quite right. I also think that the thread host probably should endeavor to direct conversation to some degree. As you have demonstrated, the initial post can go a long way to extablishing the tone of conversation. It seems you have a talent, friend. :)