Can we make MN less hostile?

[temporal1]

Obviously, other believers feel differently.

This is an informal discussion forum that does a pretty good job of allowing discussion, “connecting” Mennonites with others.
It’s not the Encyclopedia Britannica or anything like it. It’s not even GAMEO.

Awhile back, DanZ (and Hats Off) posted some of his thoughts on .. reasonable forum expectations.
i appreciated reviewing them this week.

Not sleeping, I just reviewed every page in this thread. Good memories on every page.

2018 / Page 11:

A few thoughts I've latched on to along the way that would make the MN experience a better one for all:

• 1) We need to leave our pride at the door - we're likely wrong more than we think we are.
  
  2) Diversity is the spice of life. MN would be thoroughly boring if we all agreed.
  
  3) Come understanding that when our ideas are challenged two things can happen - we can learn to better defend our beliefs and ideas that can stand up to challenge, or we can learn to move on from the weak or faulty beliefs and ideas that don't stand up. Either way is a win for us.
  
  4) Don't label others, or turn them into a caricature of something in your head. They are dearly loved by God, and likely more nuanced and complex and insightful than you are able to discern from MN alone.
  
  5) Don't take things so personally - have fun, learn, test your ideas, be salt & light!
  
  6) Ultimately, remember which Kingdom you are a part of, and which citizenship is of eternal importance.

Another good one:
Will Hats Off return? ‘Hope so.
And, why has Gene been so quiet?

2017 / Page 8

Hats Off:
When we don't like what you say, we kick you out!

I do appreciate Dan’s #2.

For those who feel strongly about their vision/rules, i always look forward to learning of a new forum they might initiate!
There have been a few offshoots, mostly in the past (?) .. Various members have chosen other avenues, some are very much missed.
Facebook took a number of active members at one point. Blogs, etc. i’m always glad to know where folks go.
Some return now+then, or more frequently.

[Sudsy]

Since we have the little heart feature to say we 'liked' someone's post, perhaps we need a 'don't agree' feature with it's own symbol for those who don't agree but just don't want to get into arguing.

There is not much said on this forum with regard to professional sport competitions. And some may think this is a worldly thing to resist. However, it appears at times that views, often not spiritual ones, are the ground for fierce competition. If someone sees things a certain way, then the challenge is to get better arguments and data sources to back up how we view things. Sometimes threads read like there must be a winner when all is said and done and this competitive spirit is one where above all else, we have destroyed all opposing views. It is easy for the ego to be the driver if we allow it to.

I'm saying this because I have this struggle too at times and I believe this has been a very destructive thing in Christianity and can be excused as just a search for truth. The last prayer of Jesus before He went back to the Father was for us to be one as He and the Father are one. The church has failed miserably in this area.

It is not that we shouldn't seek truth but how we go about it. Spiritual character as in gentleness, long suffering, kindness, humility, brotherly love might not sit well with our fleshly nature but this can mature in our new nature. Sometimes a thread might best end with YMMV as Max would put it. Having the last word may need to come under the fruit of self-control.

Sometimes it is most spiritually mature to just 'turn the other cheek'.

Would love to hear other's views in working toward answers to this thread's title question.

[steve-in-kville]

Since we have the little heart feature to say we 'liked' someone's post, perhaps we need a 'don't agree' feature with it's own symbol for those who don't agree but just don't want to get into arguing.

Maybe the heart can be replaced with a "thumbs up" or "thumbs down"?

[steve-in-kville]

I have appreciated that we have had few posts flagged for moderation of late. Several tense discussions yet we are finding a way to communicate through it. Thanks for your efforts. Keep it up. Just always remember, I am always right in the end.

If I'm not getting the occasional thread flagged, I'm not trying hard enough.

And, as to Robert always being right, as seen on a T-shirt recently: I'm not arguing, I'm just explaining why I'm right!

[ragpicker]

Hang on… people flag posts because they don’t like the content? Or what am I reading here?

[steve-in-kville]

Hang on… people flag posts because they don’t like the content? Or what am I reading here?

I'd venture to guess the majority of flagged threads are in the Politics forum. I'd also venture to guess the flags come from the same few people.

[Robert]

Hang on… people flag posts because they don’t like the content? Or what am I reading here?

They should not, but it does happen.

BTW, now that I am working at the local hardware store, every time I walk past the Weber grills, which is 100 times a day, I think of you.

[steve-in-kville]

Can we make MN a less hostile place?

A little workplace forum violence never hurt anybody

[MaxPC]

Hang on… people flag posts because they don’t like the content? Or what am I reading here?

I'd venture to guess the majority of flagged threads are in the Politics forum. I'd also venture to guess the flags come from the same few people.

And from the same people about the same people. There are those who carry grudges against others who have provided honest accountability feedback.

[steve-in-kville]

Hang on… people flag posts because they don’t like the content? Or what am I reading here?

I'd venture to guess the majority of flagged threads are in the Politics forum. I'd also venture to guess the flags come from the same few people.

And from the same people about the same people. There are those who carry grudges against others who have provided honest accountability feedback.

Just like my workplace: there's always that one person running to the HR office every other day...