- Dr TimothyLeary
- |
- Exalted Mythic Member
I'd like to take a moment and address as many of the topics/criticisms as I can.
First things first.
Sapphire is a group of over a thousand members. Each member has their own likes and dislikes, personalities, and taboo subjects that they'd rather stay clear of. Because of this, there's many diverse topics discussed on a daily basis. From serious discussions like politics and religion, to silly and immature subjects such as the aforementioned genital comparisons.
But that's why Sapphire works. You're free to discuss anything you wish so long as it has discussion value.
But what's "discussion value"? As a moderator of the group, it's something that I have to consider on a daily basis. As much as I'd like to lock any thread that I may find "immature" or "pointless", I have to bear in mind that, as stated above, there's a lot of people and not everyone will find enjoyment in the same things.
So essentially, I moderate under the rule that, as long as conversation is moving forward, not being used to promote hate towards other members, and stays on topic(as silly as that topic may be) I let it continue. Even if it doesn't interest me.
For example.. I personally don't participate in political discussions. Though I lurk them quite heavily, they tend to become heated affairs with very little give and take. But so long as no one makes personal attacks toward on another, they're free to carry on as long as they choose.
The funny thing about those people who talk badly about the group is that they're quick to point to subject matter they find immature, while completely ignoring the vast majority of the groups "important" threads.
For every sex related thread, I guarantee you there are dozens of threads on a vast variety of topics.
But, of course, it's easier to make your case if you simply omit the facts. Right?
Now let's move on to the Sears policy.
The policy was implemented under one simple thought... "If you don't like being in the group, there's no reason to be a part of it."
We were finding that members were going to other groups and playing "cool guy" with those who have been kicked for various reasons. They would act friendly while on Sapphire, then turn around and smack-talk us when they thought no one was around.
Not stating concerns with members, or making a passing remark of a personal gripe. Simply talking -blam!- to fit in with the people they were around at the time. To my knowledge, no one has ever been Sears'd for any other reason.
Every member is not only "allowed" to have an opinion on the future of the group, but encouraged to do so. Harlow makes many threads asking for feedback, and rules are often adjusted based on the replies of our members.
We only ask that we keep our dirty laundry in our own back yard. It's no one else's business.
Finally, let's address the "circle-jerking" and "elitism".
Some of our members are very tight-knit. They've been friends both on Bnet, and off, for quite a long time. MSN conversations, tinychat, game nights. Years of interactions that's bonded them to be as close a friend as one can get without actually meeting.
Yes. They take pride in that. Those who attempt to belittle what they have may be met with harsh words from some of the more vocal members of the community because they care deeply about their relationship with one another. And there's nothing wrong with it.
Any time a new person tries to enter something established for so long, they may find themselves feeling a bit out of the loop for a little while. It's common. But it's fixed simply through activity.
Even after a year as a member, and being a moderator of the group, I still don't fit into every clique the group has.
We have no hazing rituals, no disdain for new members, we just don't know you yet. So speak up, realize that Sapphire isn't the flood when you post, and you'll fit in just fine.
One more thought before I'm done.. I find it ironic that so many people claim that we blindly hang from Harlow's sack, yet he is, by far, the most mocked member of the group. It's all done with love, though. And he's a great sport about it all.
Perhaps that's why we gravitate toward him. Few could take what he receives and not blow a gasket.
Our fearless leader.