 |
 |
I am one who thinks there is an obvious need for a more clearly articulated code of conduct here at poetryetc. I read Chris Hamilton's response to Cassie with dropped jaw, because my impressions of poetryetc [muggingsetc] are quite different from his -- "poets here have already negotiated their own space and developed their courteous and positive membership of the list". For every example of courteous and positive membership, I suspect that each of us could find an equal and opposite case. In fact the list already operates by explicit and implicit rules of conduct, it is nothing like a collection of free spirits. It is more like a collection of hierarchically structured position-defending egos. An adjustment of the implicit and explicit rules could help to soften this aspect of the list. I see Cassie's suggestions as pointers towards what Alison called civilised behaviour. Summarised they are -- a) keep the discussion relevant b) no personal attacks, threatening language etc c) hone your listening ability, support democratic exchange d) encourage diversity e) attend to logic and relevance of your own posts, be wrong gracefully f) not a drop in centre I don't think I have seen objections to the content of her suggestions, only to the means of implementation. So, given that the suggestions - *are good [perhaps they could be discussed, modified] *are needed [some feel they are needed, others don't - how is this negotiated? by the 'dont's' overuling? by indifference? by exhaustion?] I'd be interested to hear some constructive ways of helping the list move towards more pro-social behaviour. Gillian %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%