an off topic, less moderated 18+ section?

[1cock2hens]

the conversation is already there, its just hidden in little pockets all around byc ..

 

[lilmillefleur]

...Oops. I have no idea how that got there. I thought i was somewhere else, deleting that now

oh lol still applies!

 

[LoveMyChickenBabies]

I agree with staff, this is a terrible idea. The forums are already fairly well moderated and this would be horrible.
I understand the frustrations expressed in this thread... But recognize that they swing both ways.
Should this forum be unable to talk about Christmas because of the no religion rule? If we can talk about Christmas, if we can discuss why they're called 'Easter Eggers', we can recognize religion is an acceptable light topic sometimes. But that also means that I can chat lightly about my pagan holidays, even if you're not comfy with it and you can talk about Christmas even if I have problems with Christianity.

In theory that swings both ways on all levels so if an area allows stronger conversations, presumably they allow it just as equally regardless of the "side" of the issue. The problem is that if you allow more dramatic conversation, you make room for more extremist personalities on the site in general. And extremism does not swing equally across all political/social spectrums. So the moderators might allow the conversation equally, but the people who present with the opinions might not be equal at all. Combine that with the fact that chickens are already a bit niche and soon you find yourself with a userbase that's easily louder on one side than the other and quickly becomes an echo chamber of people who are the loudest and most extreme.

And that carries into the other areas of the website. I've seen this happen on some other forums... Only extremists ended up left because it doesn't take much of a push for that to be your only userbase and then you have to pander to them.

And you loose out that way. For every stereotypical white boomer christian conservative whose kept chickens since before your uncle was born and is full of experience and info, there's some hipster millennial who found that you can upcycle a particular item into amazing chicken supplies, or is building their own solar heaters, etc. That information diversity vanishes with the allowance of extremism because extremism is genuinely inequal and, in fact, it's very goal is to remove the other side entirely. Echo chambers are bad, and the best way to avoid them is to keep things extremely civil.

The contention of an 18+ area that allows political and serious religious debates etc. would bring would allow for a higher level of extreme personalities across the whole site, and it will quickly become socially homogeneous and would incite stronger responses on both sides. There's plenty of other places on the internet for that. I prefer this website remain as tolerant and neutral as possible. And I think the mods to a good job. Sure, they don't always hit the mark every time, but life's not perfect and I think they get heckin close. And it's made for a quality community that I feel like I can rely on. I'm very glad this website doesn't allow that contention and both myself and huge swaths of other users full of knowledge probably wouldn't be here if it did.

Feel free to PM me for citations to my claims. TL;DR: This is bad because it will cause an echo chamber that is bad for information diversity and general community.

 

[Magnolia Ducks]

Just ignore it when it happens. I have seen it and just try to ignore the invitation to be ugly. I like the fact that the younger folks can come here for help. I have had funny things to share including a great duck cartoon, scientifically correct but PG, that I avoid posting because this is a multi country, multi cultural and multi age site. I appreciate that immensely and I don't think it should be hard for any of us to think before we post. Facebook is out there if you need an outlet for opinion and not fowl. we do a pretty good job here with being supportive it will not be perfect. I think we should focus on keeping a great and comfortable for all community about our fowl and occaisionally dogs, cats, goats, data etc.

 

[aart]

the conversation is already there, its just hidden in little pockets all around byc ..

Yes, yes it is...and the random rambling and other social forums doesn't keep the blathering chatter out of the rest of the forums/threads either.
You can't moderate integrity.

 

[Nifty-Chicken]

This thread is fascinating... and completely ironic!

I mean, y'all can see how funny it is that a thread discussing the pros and cons of less-moderated discussion, is itself devolving into potentially negative comments and feelings?

So fascinating!

Like I said a few times, we appreciate feedback and ideas on how to make BYC better for our millions of diverse members... especially if it helps achieve our mission of "a chicken in every yard".

We've been doing this forum management stuff a LONG time. We've experimented with a lot of different ways of running this specific community (recognizing that all communities aren't the same), and we're SUPER proud of what we, as a huge community, have accomplished, and are excited about what we have yet to accomplish... with your great help!!!!

 

[Nifty-Chicken]

This reminds me of the time I was trying to get a chicken thread opened up on an adult themed message board and they wouldn't let me.

Ok, that was just TOO funny!!!

 

[aart]

I mean, y'all can see how funny it is that a thread discussing the pros and cons of less-moderated discussion, is itself devolving into potentially negative comments and feelings?

Exactly!
Can't you see that they can't see?

 

[DuckLady]

The OP has requested this thread be closed. Thank you all for your participation.