I also agree with everyone else. One of the reasons I love this group is because no one is afraid to give their honest opinion. I am afraid of certain members being given a "time out" because their opinion wasn't sugar coated enough for the "leader".
We are all different and unique and have different ways of expressing our thoughts and feelings. I don't feel that it would be beneficial for this group to have a moderator that gets to decide if our thoughts and feelings are "politically correct". I may not always agree with everyone's opinions but I can respect them. It's called being an adult.
IMO
~Wendy

Disagreeing slightly with previous posts.

We have monitoring in place now by DS staff.

We have "unofficial" greeters and Leaders now.

I like the idea that they would be identified as such.

I take this as a positive step. I do not think it changes the dynamic of the group or the nature of the posts.

I believe it will give the group more cohesion.

Those are my thoughts.

I don't think anyone here is questioning the right of Daily Strength's management to operate these forums in any way they deem appropriate. Clearly, it's their house, therefore their rules apply.

At the end of the day it really is that simple.

I've been participating in online Internet communities since 1987 - long before there even was a "WEB" (back then it was Usenet and majordomo mailing lists)- and I fully understand that different communities require different approaches and widely varying "rules of the road".

This particular forum works well - at least in part - specifically because everyone here has an equal voice here. No single participant's opinion is "more important" than any other participant's opinion. People can choose to stay or leave (or leave and come back), change identities/avatars, and freely speak their mind. And sometimes, we all need the space to bitch - either on or off topic - because not all problems can be solved by pouring maple sugar on them.

In this respect then, dealing openly with conflict can be an essential part of the support process. As this applies to gastric bypass - and how it impacts all areas of our lives, I believe it is critically important that "support" not be confused with "coddling". Yes, we spend a lot of time encouraging each other - as we should. But sometimes, what we most need to hear is an honest opinion - such opinions can often be harsh. Feelings do get hurt.

I could be wrong, but I suspect that most people who have been around here for even a little bit are quite comfortable knowing that Jerry1007 does not determine what they may or may not post here. There is no "Jerry Test" for continued participation. DS has largely avoided becoming involved in all but a very few dramas here. Seems to me that approach has worked pretty well.

Amen,
That was beautiful Jerry.
There have been and always will be, from time to time, people who come to the group who try to "lead" the others.
Thus far no one has been successful. Hope

That sounds great! I would be glad to help, but perhaps there are others who have more experience... I am still preop. Maybe you should have more than one?

val

I agree with most of the posts.. I do not think that we need a person monitoring the groups discussions... I would hate to have a post deleted because the monitor did not agree with what one person said.

We have a couple people that tell it like it is and they can be blocked if desired.

Now if DS truly wants to make this site better make it faster and give us a "like" button and an option to edit our posts and maybe a spelk check lol maybe have an option if you think this thread needs to be monitoired let there be button that can be checked and if say 6 people check it than it goes to a monitor.

But in the past I think we have done fine without one.

Who is to judge if a topic should be banned or considered off topic? I think everything that we have to say to each other is important and we support each other and someties it is nice to read jokes or personal stuff from each other that has nothing to do with surgery or losing weigh.

The "regulars" know when there is a new poster to the board and they are greeted and welcomed even if the newbie does not announce that they are new.

Bottom line... I think we are fine without a baby sitter. jmo


sally

I truly believe the old saying is true... "if it aint broke don't fix it". Not quite as sofisticated as Jerrys comment but just as true none the less.

If we as buyers, of all the advertising on this site, have any say at all then, I say no.

Robin

Again, I don't understand why the majority of folks see this as a bad thing and having a baby-sitter.

Perhaps the DS team could clarify how much actual power this volunteer would have over board postings and whether the group could approve any final candidates before they assume their roles.

I think this is not really a change to the way things go on now......just giving official recognition to the person(s) who decides to assume this role(s).

I see this giving the board more cohesion and clarity.

My guess is that this isn't actually going to be put up for a vote. I think the only question is going to be who our CL will be. During the last "blow out," I wish someone who actually understood the dynamics of our group was able to have some input.

Personally, my thought is if we are going to have a CL, it should be an oldtimer like Eggface, Laurarn, Karauto, or Wittchsomeone with history, grace, and a light touch. :)

JJ

member for 9 months. i agree with my fellow group members who posted (much more articulate than i), we do not need a group leader... mary

Thanks for this, Jesse.

And following up on the thread, I am just of the mind "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

"What good can adding a layer of administration actually bring?" Would be my question. To me, moderation is generally intrusive and not needed, even kind and fair input from a sanctioned source. It is DS' choice to make, but is not one I would agree was needed for this group.

As an aside, and for DS generally, the beauty of unmoderated boards is that they are self-sustaining and editing. I would rather weed through a thread, ignore a person, edit my own behaviour than rely upon someone else's biases, gift of perception or contribution.

As for a greeting purpose, I am not defensive about it, but we don't need it. Everyone jumps on the love train here for new members, lol.

As for this: "help steer negative topics back on track (and occasionally close a clearly abusive discussion post" - I get the big brother willies over this. We can report that if it happens. People do. People have. However, we learn as much from mistakes as we do from victories and I don't really want someone else determining what I am able to learn from a thread, incident or wrong-doing member.

Don't know, but it seems to be that there may be some sort of obligation that extends to DS when a DS team member provides advice, even "positive and constructive advice". My mind leaps to: With increased responsibility comes increased liability.

My two cents.

O

I agree with butterfly. Having a CL/moderator isn't a bad thing. They aren't there to censor topics or remove/block posts that they don't agree with.

I to help newbies and at most stop scanners/spammers and abusive posts (which we don't have a lot of, so it shouldn't be a problem.)

Maybe if we had a moderator that drama with ricky dee a few months ago could have been nipped in the bud before we had people leaving the board in disgust.

Liz, If everyone said everything that came to their mind, without editing, it would not be a very helpful board.

Resentment is one of the main reasons people eat to medicate. Getting rid of the pus allows the sore to heal.

If you are holding on to old negative feelings, divest yourself of them, as recovery can not coexist with rancor. VSG {:>}

This is suppose to be a discussion board not a freaking chatroom.. it shouldn't need monitoring at all... Children can't have this surgery.. so we shouldn't have to edit our posts.. Do we need someone to tell us when someone is offensive.. can't each person just IGNORE if they choose.. what some would cal offensive others wouldn't... We have already seen one get put in "timeout" when another one did much worse and NOTHING was done about that.. so I see NO WAY that adding more controlling to this board will help anything.. Newbies are always welcomed. Personally I thought everyone here was a Volunteer.. This stuff almost makes me not wanting to even bother.. maybe look for something less censored. I know some use some colorful language and maybe discuss some " personal issues" But again if anyone is offended they have a ignore button.. I feel some already are censoring thier own comments now just because someone might report them.. like tattletails do.. Just what we need to turn this board into a popularity contest. As it is right now.. anyone can just join in anytime they want to.. and I haven't seen anyone that wasn't welcome.. unless it was a troll...

Negative, Jesse, negative...

Jerry ~ To you a Big, Giant AMEN!!!

I agree with "If it ain't broke ~ Don't fix it..." We are a self sustaining group here .. We ARE adults. Personally, I LIKE some of the more colorful speech and remarks here... That's WHY this site is so entertaining...!!

Put a Class Monitor in and see HOW many people leave and HOW fast!!