This is still so confusing, but I will try and ansa one issue in Silence's recent post.
If you are moderating an email list or forum such as this, yes it is hard to know where to draw the line on what is offensive and what is not. I am a member of one of the BEST deaf email lists ever. Deaf UK. The moderators style was basically open. The moderator allowed the group to influence and determine the style, type and content of the postings. If there were group disagreements, flaming etc, the group sorted it out -believe u me it worked. The list became vibrant, you got to know different personalities and you learn to develop a thick skin.
Yes, we even had the issue of homosexuality and the responses have neen equally pointed. But the point is that the group was allowed to control the list. The group was encouraged but never made to be mindful of other members, but the group was allowed its ebb and flow. The moderator didn't intervene unless the group called for it or things needed to be hosed down a bit. And yeah, you get to see the point behind hotheads like me and the more passive writers.
It worked and the list is still going strong.........but you can tell obvious racist, sexist, homophobic writings...even so, as moderator I would let it in and let the group do the responding.
