Why move a thread another moderator already participated in?: Philosophy Forums

Philosophy Forums » Feedback » Why move a thread another moderator already participated in? » Why move a thread another moderator already participated in?

Why move a thread another moderator already participated in?

Page: 1 2 3 4 5 6

Why move a thread another moderator already participated in?

baden511
McHamlet

Usergroup: Members
Joined: Oct 13, 2009

Total Topics: 5
Total Posts: 167

Posted 11/04/09 - 03:08 AM: Subject: Why move a thread another moderator already participated in?	#1
I wish to protest. My thread about the ethical value of watching TV was unceremoniously moved to 'community/off topic' after already generating an interesting debate here (over 200 views and 18 responses in a couple of days). Although it was introduced by a satire, it was a serious attempt to address this issue. Swstephe who is a moderator was one of those who took part in the debate. I was told by Caldwell it was moved because I did not put my idea "in the question of ethics", which is not even a coherent reason. He also said "read the guidelines". Well presumably swstephe read the guidelines as he is a moderator. Maybe the other moderators can give their opinions. Personally, I think it was a very narrow-minded act. (By the way, I'm not presuming I'm in the right here. I may be wrong. But I think that considering the circumstances (particularly the fact that a moderator already posted on my thread) a better explanation of the reason for the move than I received in the offhand and poorly formulated response from Caldwell would at least be in order). Edited by baden511 on 11/04/09 - 03:51 AM
"Now kill all the boys. And kill every woman who has slept with a man, but save for yourselves every girl who has never slept with a man." Moses (Numbers 31:17-18) "Do not harm little children" - Satanic Bible. Rule no.9 "Send me a cool rut-time, Jove, or who can blame me to piss my tallow?" - Falstaff

Yahadreas
YHDRS

Usergroup: Sponsors
Joined: Mar 02, 2006
Location: Awesometown

Total Topics: 54
Total Posts: 1903

Posted 11/04/09 - 04:22 AM:	#2
Different moderators might feel differently about the issue. And they'd only move it if they felt it appropriate. As far as I'm aware, none of them abuse their powers for shits and giggles.
I am awesome.

baden511
McHamlet

Usergroup: Members
Joined: Oct 13, 2009

Total Topics: 5
Total Posts: 167

Posted 11/04/09 - 04:54 AM:	#3
Yahadreas wrote: Different moderators might feel differently about the issue. And they'd only move it if they felt it appropriate. As far as I'm aware, none of them abuse their powers for shits and giggles. Maybe that's it, but I think if anyone gives the original post a fair reading they would see that though it's not couched in regular philosophical discourse it is a serious attempt through satire to address the issues involved in the subject. I'm not the first one to use satire in philosophy and I believe it's justified if it's done properly. What I most object to though is what was in my opinion the offhand and poorly formulated response I received when I questioned the issue. I'm not saying this because I enjoy criticizing one of the moderators; that's hardly to my advantage. But I do feel in this case that I have some reason to be critical. As I said in my original post, there may be a good reason for the move, I just haven't heard it and if I do I only ask that that reason is thoughtful and coherent. P.S. I did tell Caldwell he needed to learn to write and then send me a coherent reply, which in itself wasn't very thoughtful admittedly. That interaction is below. Judge for yourself. Caldwell wrote: Putting the word "unethical" or "ethical" or any such variations in the title or body of your post does not make your post an ethical discussion or position. You need to put your idea in the question of ethics. If you're not sure how to say your idea so that it is relevant in the ethics forum, read the guidelines. I hope this helps. C. baden511 wrote: "You need to put your idea in the question of ethics". You need to learn how to write. When you do, please send me a coherent reply. Edited by baden511 on 11/04/09 - 05:03 AM
"Now kill all the boys. And kill every woman who has slept with a man, but save for yourselves every girl who has never slept with a man." Moses (Numbers 31:17-18) "Do not harm little children" - Satanic Bible. Rule no.9 "Send me a cool rut-time, Jove, or who can blame me to piss my tallow?" - Falstaff

Mako
Assistant Professor

Usergroup: Members
Joined: Feb 15, 2006
Location: In transit, somewhere in Nanjing

Total Topics: 14
Total Posts: 314

Posted 11/04/09 - 07:20 AM:	#4
baden511 wrote: I was told by Caldwell it was moved because I did not put my idea "in the question of ethics", which is not even a coherent reason. He also said "read the guidelines". Just a minor note of correction regarding biology here. Caldwell is a 'she;' that fact is of course irrelevant to her role as moderator. Edited by Mako on 11/04/09 - 07:39 AM
"To alcohol. The cause of, and solution to, all of life's problems." ~ Homer Simpson

unenlightened
everything is...

Usergroup: Administrators
Joined: Aug 10, 2007
Location: Wales

Total Topics: 36
Total Posts: 3283

Posted 11/04/09 - 09:29 AM:	#5
Unfortunately, all attempts to clone the moderators have failed, so I'm afraid we have to put up with arbitrary and random variations on a theme of capricious idleness. But if you think the moderators are bad, watch out for the admins - they're so inconsistent they're almost human!
...most of our actions are the result of the past, or according to a future ideal. That's not action, that is just conformity. J Krishnamurti "Philosophy, to the Philistine, is an evolutionary process, watched over by some sort of brisk dynamic Providence, and culminating in the supreme insight of modern thought." John Cowper Powys

ciceronianus
Tenured Poster

Usergroup: Members
Joined: Sep 20, 2008
Location: USA

Total Topics: 11
Total Posts: 1020

Last Blog: Trials in which "Failure is not an option"

Posted 11/04/09 - 11:34 AM:	#6
This shouldn't be a matter of great concern. You might consider the possibility that you're taking your post, if not yourself, far, far too seriously.
"Let us not pretend to doubt in philosophy what we do not doubt in our hearts."--C.S. Peirce "There is nothing so absurd but some philosopher has said it."--Marcus Tullius Cicero "Philosophy recovers itself when it ceases to be a device for dealing with the problems of philosophers and becomes a method, cultivated by philosophers, for dealing with the problems of men."--John Dewey

Incision
Professor

Usergroup: Administrators
Joined: Jan 04, 2008
Location: Utah

Total Topics: 23
Total Posts: 905

Posted 11/04/09 - 12:51 PM:	#7
Since moderation is an inherently uncertain activity, it's always acceptable to protest moderator actions. In addition to the feedback forum, you can use the "contact the administration" button at the bottom of the page, or PM a specific moderator or admin. However, please do not discuss moderator actions in another thread; these posts will be deleted as off-topic and disruptive. Also, insultingly dismissing moderator advice is a definitely good idea, unless you wish to remain part of the forum. To be honest, I'd lean more towards Caldwell's side on this one. While "Is watching TV unethical" is a good piece of satire, it doesn't suggest either a general claim (are you trying to say that it is unethical? that it can be carried too far?) or an argument. These are crucial for good on-topic posts. So I'd say it's a good Community/Off Topic thread, just not a good Ethics thread.

Incision
Professor

Usergroup: Administrators
Joined: Jan 04, 2008
Location: Utah

Total Topics: 23
Total Posts: 905

Posted 11/04/09 - 12:54 PM:	#8
unenlightened wrote: Unfortunately, all attempts to clone the moderators have failed[. . .]. Oh, come on -- how long do you think the farce can be kept up? It's past time that, cough, Wittgenstein, cough, people knew that we can clone the moderators, cough, Wittgenstein Paul, cough, and that all disputes be sent to the care of Modbot. EDIT: darn, all I got was Banno. Edited by Incision on 11/04/09 - 01:00 PM. Reason: come on, work

Banno
Old goat

Usergroup: Sponsors
Joined: Aug 15, 2004
Location: Oz

Total Topics: 111
Total Posts: 6293

Posted 11/04/09 - 12:56 PM:	#9
unenlightened wrote: Unfortunately, all attempts to clone the moderators have failed, so I'm afraid we have to put up with arbitrary and random variations on a theme of capricious idleness. But if you think the moderators are bad, watch out for the admins - they're so inconsistent they're almost human! Indeed. Random incisions are a part of life around here.
Davidson: We make maximum sense of the words and thoughts of others when we interpret in a way that optimizes agreement. Russel Morris: There's a meaning there, but the meaning there doesn't really mean a thing... Ned: Such is life

baden511
McHamlet

Usergroup: Members
Joined: Oct 13, 2009

Total Topics: 5
Total Posts: 167

Posted 11/04/09 - 03:06 PM:	#10
ciceronianus wrote: This shouldn't be a matter of great concern. You might consider the possibility that you're taking your post, if not yourself, far, far too seriously. Ok, let me put on my Victorian rhetoric hat to answer that: ‘Tis I realize, a certain failing to covet admiration, but a failing to which I willingly admit, and to be scorned is a blow my ego cannot abide. Self-consciousness hath not the strength to stall a tsunami of pride betimes, and though it may consume the bearer before overwhelming the target, it bears in its waves at least the brine of honesty that may, all fault notwithstanding, salt the mind of the plain and unseasoned with a little of that essence that drives us to ponder and wonder from the start. [Hat off] I may be open to the accusation that I take myself too seriously at times, but my original post, though somewhat unorthodox, had communicative quality. Caldwell’s communication to me had little or none. My point is that I think a little bit of colour should be tolerated here as long as it’s done with thought and effort. P.S. I make no claims as to the historical accuracy of my “Victorian rhetoric.” ‘)
"Now kill all the boys. And kill every woman who has slept with a man, but save for yourselves every girl who has never slept with a man." Moses (Numbers 31:17-18) "Do not harm little children" - Satanic Bible. Rule no.9 "Send me a cool rut-time, Jove, or who can blame me to piss my tallow?" - Falstaff

Page: 1 2 3 4 5 6

Sorry, you don't have permission to post. Log in, or register if you haven't yet.