Harringay, Haringey - So Good they Spelt it Twice!
Civility & inclusiveness on HoL
I had a message passed on to me this morning from someone who's relatively new to the site. She felt uncertain about the robustness of some of the debate and felt a bit put off from contributing by that.
I know what she means. Sometimes things do get a bit tinged with the feel of a just-before-closing-time discussion. So whilst a certain amount of rough and tumble is part and parcel of democratic debate (as we know from watching Westminster), let's bear in mind that when the line is crossed it makes some people feel excluded.
Any thoughts?
I know what she means. Sometimes things do get a bit tinged with the feel of a just-before-closing-time discussion. So whilst a certain amount of rough and tumble is part and parcel of democratic debate (as we know from watching Westminster), let's bear in mind that when the line is crossed it makes some people feel excluded.
Any thoughts?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by John McMullan on
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I think it's time we had another HoL drinks.
Sorry Hugh, but I REALLY like the robustness of the debates on here and would hate it see it watered down to suit a small number of people who haven't yet contributed...
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Permalink Reply by Hugh on
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Sure, John, but shouldn't we challenge ourselves and reflect on why those people haven't contributed? Does everybody like the robustness?
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OK, imagine that there are enough of us that don't like the robustness. What are we going to do about it? As far as I can see your only option is to bash people for being too "robust".
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I guess I started this posting with a sense that there may be an issue. My aim is to get others' views on that. If there's a sense that there might be an issue, I'd hope that we could find a way of self-regulating. What do others think?
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Permalink Reply by matt on
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I see no issue at the moment.
John, HOL Autumn Drinks are a good idea. Can you come up with a date and post the event?
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Permalink Reply by John D on
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I'm surprised by this. I haven't seen anything offensive or any personal attacks. Perhaps a non-attributed example would clarify what you mean.
I occasionally find myself disagreeing with what I consider to be ill-thought-out opinions and assertions and I will counter with my views, but I don't think I have ever been rude or agressive in my posts. Some members make unjustified assumptions about my politics or lifestyle and I will firmly correct these, but always, I hope with restraint and courtesy.
I agree with John McM - it would be a pity if it were to be restricted to anodyne comments about the weather.
Anyway, you can't mean me, since I don't drink :-)
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Permalink Reply by StephenBln on
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I'm in agreement with the two Johns.. it would be a pity people weren't able to honestly express their opinions, as I do dislike what I would call the 'over the back garden fence' discussions; Sly or petty contributions.. inferring something and not being 'up front'.
I also imagine that it is not a co-incidence that with elections coming up, the political parties will try and 'work the media' and control the debate - all of them, that is. We all know that 'the best form of defence is attack'.
I can't remember ever seeing bad language here, so I think John D is correct - maybe an example wouldn't be a bad idea.
@Hugh I hope, you are quite sure that this 'new contributor' isn't just a troll.. There are plenty of them about - even here on HoL.
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@Tom ... sorry .. add: we all know 'the saying' the best form of defence is attack..
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Permalink Reply by Birdy_Too on
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I'm also with the two Johns (sure that was an indie outfit in the late 80's?), robust but respectful is good. I would hate to see the cucumber sandwiches coming out.
JM, you going to organise a HOL Autumn gathering then : )
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and BTW, I forgot to mention.. I like and enjoy reading the other contributors comments.. It's fun to build a picture of someone and notice their quirky ways.. and that surely isn't a one-way street.
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Permalink Reply by Ruth on
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I would be put off if there was some sort of self censorship and control going on. We get enough of that anway, at work, politics etc. I often find that by getting involved in some of the debates we have, I come to see other peoples points of view more and get a lot of food for thought. We live in challenging times and in an often challenging city so robustness is part and parcel of that. We are all trying to find ways to deal with the immediate world on our doorstep and find ways to get on with each other yet accept our differences. Some of us may be quirky, but long live quirkiness. and difference. and open debate please!
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