digit-up Loc: Flushing, Michigan

I would like to see a rational explanation for how someone could or should be BANNED from this or any other section of the Hogg. Is it generally something left up to the sections moderator(s) Is it democratic? Majority rules? Or could an uptight airhead moderator just get feathers ruffled. I understand that this particular SECTION has refused access to posting, and I for one would like an explanation. The Hogg has been something I thought was intellectual as well as open- minded. What would anyone have to do to get banned?? Swear, spit, be a republican, or WHAT. I will be watching to see how long this post stays PUBLIC.

Blenheim Orange Loc: Michigan

In my experience it takes a lot of provocation before someone is blocked from participating in a section. Typically there is a lot of abuse before action is taken to protect the members from the bad actor.

Should one person be permitted to destroy the experience for many others? Nowhere in the offline world is that true that anyone and everyone is welcome to do whatever they like anywhere they choose.

This is really no more interesting or complicated than giving an unruly misbehaving kindergartner a time out. There are no grand matters of high principles involved, but rather a simple matter of not repeatedly being rude, obnoxious and disruptive. In other words, the same rules that apply any time you are involved in any group activity anywhere.

Mike

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Here are the public comments from R.G. (one of For Your Consideration's volunteer-moderators):
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-619565-6.html#10693663

I'm only stepping into this topic because it's the middle of the night where R.G. lives and I'm not sure of ebrunner's schedule.

With regards to "any other section," UHH owner (user name Admin) has banned several members.

digit-up Loc: Flushing, Michigan

Who decides WHO has been rude, disruptive or mean? Do you have any details or info about how member “artbob” was banned from this section? I’ve read many of his postings and don’t recognize any substance to reject him . What say you?

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

See what I wrote above your reply to Mike.

digit-up Loc: Flushing, Michigan

I’m losing interest, it seems a bit harsh to ban someone, sorta UNAMERICAN even . The moderator that decided to ban artbob might feel that it’s appropriate to do so, I’m just against power abuse, at this looks like two egos at odds, hence artbob’s out. I will re-evaluate for myself, participating in such an organization of snobs.did I just get myself banned?

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Just needed to vent a little, eh? I'm sure you'll feel better after a good night's sleep.

I thought both Blenheim Orange's observations here and R.G.'s posting to artBob's topic were thoughtfully written and clear about the circumstances. Abuse of power and organization of snobs are the opposite of the reality here.

Blenheim Orange Loc: Michigan

I am doing you the courtesy of answering your questions because I think this is a matter of importance to the community, and I value the community. I am not going to be "taking sides."

Moderators of a section make these decisions, on the basis of violations of the rules.

You can read all about it here:

https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-619565-6.html#10693663

Mike

digit-up Loc: Flushing, Michigan

I have read and admired your perspective and take on many issues over the past few years. Not to mention my admiration of your service to our navy . My younger brother was a navy photography so I have some insight there in. My whole issue here is that banning people in America had better have substantive proof of reason, and a majority of opinion. I’ll go rest the night away now. Thanks for your INPUT, really. RJM

Blenheim Orange Loc: Michigan

Don't be ridiculous. Everything here is managed with a very light hand. "Power?" Moderating a forum is "power?" It is a tough job and a labor of love.

There is no such thing as any group anywhere that does not have rules.

This has nothing to do with politics, patriotism, egos, abuse of power, or any of the other things you are dragging in here. We all learn as youngsters that there are rules if group activities are going to work. For example, you can't play tuba during Algebra class, and if you repeatedly do so despite being requested to stop, you will be asked to leave the class. It is the tuba player, disrupting the group activity to the disadvantage of all of the other students who is being abusive, not the teacher who asks the tuba player to leave.

Mike

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Thanks very much!

I can't make a clearer point than Mike's tuba/algebra example, but I do want to mention that during my six months as PP Forum moderator, I operated with zero tolerance for rudeness. I made that policy clear in my intro topic + an expanded comment in the guidelines (originally written by Searcher).

I strongly believe that constructive feedback, consideration for how someone might interpret comments, and simple civility are fully within the capability of any member who is sincere about wanting to contribute to a positive experience.

I didn't ban anyone during that six months, but I did delete a few comments

srt101fan

May I ask how you interpret the role of a UHH section moderator?

luvmypets Loc: Born & raised Texan living in Fayetteville NC

It is a shame that he has brought this on himself. He could have been a great help to many but instead he has chosen to be rude. If you read the the posts in ArtBob's thread he was given many of examples of his toxic demeanor but he chose to ignore that he was being inconsiderate and overbearing.

As an example, if you read the post made by Graham Smith where ArtBob downloaded Graham's photo and reposted it will illustrative arrows. This was done without Graham's permission and Graham's tag line specifically states "please do not edit or mark my images in any way". ArtBob should have asked permission before downloading the photo and should have definitely apologized when he was shown his error. Instead, he chose to rant that he had done nothing wrong. The point is that he did not have permission.

If he truly wants to help others he should state his views in the manner of a teacher trying to guide instead of a dictator whose authority is absolute.

I feel I am not the only one who thinks he has seriously damaged his reputation as someone of knowledge and experience. I would truly like to see him make amends and show that he can be civil to the UHH members.

I would ask that you read Graham Smiths post and also the the one that was the final straw that he was banished for.

Linda, would you, please, attach those links....I haven't figured out how to do it

Dodie

digit-up Loc: Flushing, Michigan

So my curiosity and questions about this banning issue made me ridiculous?? Isn’t it great that we all still have the “ignore option” I’m making a list , you’ll be on it. That makes me BANNED AND REDICULOUS. It so often becomes the rule, the smallest minds want/ demand to run the show. ANON.....RJM

Blenheim Orange Loc: Michigan

I didn't say that you were ridiculous nor do I have any ability to ban anyone. I said that suggesting that this has anything to do with politics, patriotism, egos, or abuse of power is ridiculous.

Sorry that I pissed you off. I hope you will reconsider and that we can let this go.

Mike