SANParks.org Forums

I have a question for the mods:

Please explain to me why mods decide to lock a particular subject: is it, for example, becoming too inflammatory in their opinion? And is this always the reason why mods would lock a particular thread? Or, are there other reasons too?

Personally, I feel that, if the posts are done tastefully and respectfully, debating topics are by far the most thought-provoking and, therefore, life-advancing!

For example, the recent Darwinian debate (which is indeed nature-related) was marvellous and gave me new viewpoints that I hadn't considered until now. I have leapt forward in my understanding of both Darwinism and Creationism. Knowledgeable posters put forward brilliant points and many people were appreciative of this. Why was this locked?

Please enlighten me, Sir/Ma'am Mods ...

I did wonder how long it might survive OWN.

I do however think that it was a demonstration of how it's possible to hold different views and be respectful. At least it was not closed due to bad behaviour, intolenance or name calling.

So then, why would it be closed? No-one seemed offended in any way.

There is no need to be nice with them....Tell them straight OWN...

Grab them by the ..... And tune them "HEY MODS....listen here!!!!"

Feeling brave this morning, Dot Daisy?!

Always.... and listen here missy J, I eat assistant mods for breakfast

You do? It sounded as if you already had your Post toasties this morning.

You betcha....and Hercules pee'd in it!!!

OK, now I'm scared!

Hercules must have also read the thread of snake in the toilet.

Hi OWN

The mods have a responsibility to ensure that topics on the forums remain within the Rules of the Forum. We do, at times, let topics that are not strictly within the rules, but appeal to the sense of community here, run for a few days.

This is what happened with the topic you are questioning.

We feel we let it run for a fair length of time, but that it is also now the time to lock it as it was starting to head towards a religious debate and in our experience, religion and political debates are explosive topics, apart from being against the rules. (See rule 8.)

I would have thought a guiding hand via PM's (especially for new people), and the exclusion of those not able to behave in a civilised and respectful manner, would better have served those enjoying the thread.

I concur, SnowZee: delete those posts inflammatory to the cause, and retain those that further understanding and appreciation of nature.

Thanks, DinkyBird - your answer makes perfect sense (we don't want religious fervour and political intrigue interfering with an increase in natural knowledge); and, well, you show the way by expressing yourself diplomatically and respectfully, but assertively. Let this be a guidance to all of us to follow in the future.

However, perhaps we need to stimulate some nature-related debates in future, following the leads of the recent Darwinian thread as a prototype to adopt in terms of style of debate.

Regards
OWN

Jazil also explained lucidly to me that:

"To answer your question, the mods decided, after discussion, that seeing as this topic was against the rules as I said in my post there
Jazil wrote:
'Guys and Dolls, this topic is hardly related to anything to do with Sanparks, conservation, or in fact forumites, (Like the pets they have, mugshots etc) except for their opinions and thoughts, and whilst very interesting to some I think enough has been said here.

Therefore this is just a warning that this thread will be locked at noon today.'

and although the posts were not, at this stage too inflamatory, they really had nothing to do with sanparks or conservation, and the topic had now run for long enough, against the rules.

We strive to run a friendly forum, but do have to stick to the rules, and in this case they were bent for a while.

I hope this answers your question.

Cheers
Jazil and the Mod Team"

Now I understand: SANParks owns this website and so sets the rules; therefore the rules need to be complied with.

I still would love to start a debating-style thread on nature-related topics that further interest in SANParks. I wonder if this is possible?