I really do believe that anarchista and others have valid points, as unintelligible as they may be.
I do as well, which is why I suggested that they start a new thread! That's a proper request from the forum, and is done for a reason that might be obscure but that will make sense if you think about it. The content here is an archive, and in ten/twenty/thirty years the content will still be available. Searching for topics of interests "later on" is generally done by thread title, so it's important to keep topics on-title, and to start new threads whenever the subject strays. This is a simple library-resource organization request, not a "conspiracy". If people cannot search for information, they cannot find it. The way we search i by threads, Threads NEED to stay on track. It's that simple. I've posted this request earlier, and re-post it now. Our friend anarchista et-al can start as many threads as they like, on whatever DIVING subject that they choose. Threads are free... start one!
With that said, the basic ethos of the site is that we do not use profanity, we do not discuss people or their value, do not make fun of or detract from other posters, and treat everyone as if we meet them daily in the market. I
will moderate for this sort of thing in any thread,
for anyone being treated disrespectfully, and that includes myself. If
anyone feels that they are being treated disrespectfully by anoyone else, then please let myself or another moderator know and we will start by sending the poster a gentle note, then we will progress to a more public chiding, and finally we will (if needed) give people a time out. This is how we keep this a friendly place for everyone. So far we have never needed to resort to anything other than a public "That's not very nice". Saying things such as "so another threat, eh?" is, well....
not very nice. We do not have a large staff of moderators, and as a result I often need to wear two hats (unless you want me to only moderate and not provide any content), but I always try to tread softly and will always be fair. If anyone ever thinks being chided is unfair, then send a note to Clare. I would note that we have NEVER needed to remove a post, have only I think twice edited a post, aand have never needed to ever remove a member. This is the
least moderated diving site know. That's due to a basiclaly good group of guys, and an ethos tha we make clear and then try to gently persuade people into embracing.
Now: Meta-discussions in a thread of "how the thread is being managed" is off topic, and is a distraction to the actual content. Some other forums, which you migbht read, end up being almost nothing BUT meta-discussions, discussions of the individuals participating, and aggressive behaviour that inhibits FRIENDY and PROFESSIONAL debate among PEERS. I will not permit that here. Clear and fair?
So, this ends the meta-discussion, and I trust that the reasons for this policy is not only clear, but also is one that we all understand and support. I expect nothing but the BEST in both attitude and content from our friends here. Discuss anything, but let's stick to the basic framework that I have laid out here. I probably ought to write it up as a sticky, but "generally" people seem to understand it intuitively, which in itself is commendable. Well done all.
Now then:, if anyone wishes to dicuss the subject articulated by title of the thread, let's feel free. If we want to discuss arcane Russian scientific papers, let's start a thread and see where it goes, and I am sure will all learn something. If we want to have a meta-discussion "on the discussion" it will be deleted without comment or any additional coaching on the purpose of the forum, which is rebreather diving, and not how the internet social structure evolves. I am absolutely certain that there are other forums dedicated to that exact subject.
I spend about an hour a day reading every post here, participating as my expertise permits, stay silent when I have no expertise in an area, and generally sit on my hands and enjoy the show. It's a lot of work, and I trust that it's appreciated. It's not always going to satisfy everyone, but we do try.
The rules above are not going to be compromised, but ought not to do anything other than keep the table clear for a nice enjoyable discussion.
Fair?
Dave
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