this was proposed by @t3rmit3@beehaw.org and after some discussion we agree. in t3rmit3’s simple terms:
State-level stuff, ballot measures, etc, no problem, but IMO there’s not going to be any productive discussion of the presidential race right now; there’s still too little information, too many emotions, etc.
the discussions already started about the presidential election will remain open, but in our view sufficient time has been given for venting frustration and expressing emotion about the result. additional discussion is likely to just be nasty and vitriolic as the blame game starts up between Democrats, between progressives and centrists, between identity groups, and so on. we don’t want that and it’s not interesting discussion. it will also be ill-informed discussion until much more in-depth studies are undertaken on the result. and in any case, a far better question than “what went wrong?” (which is beyond the ability of any person on Beehaw to influence) is “what can we do now?” (which people on Beehaw can influence, even in small ways). there are three months before Trump’s second inauguration, and that is vital time for organizing, networking, and workshopping.
we would strongly encourage you to make posts, and off-Beehaw make connections, on those subjects. but at the very least: please don’t post further US presidential stuff–we’ll be removing it.
I don’t know whether or not an entire month is the right timeframe, but I definitely agree with the principle of counting to ten before you speak. I’ve already made at least one discussion worse by failing to consider my tone. If my ideas are worth sharing now, they’ll be worth sharing when the moratorium is over, and they’ll only gain nuance by being left in the oven for longer.
I appreciate the self reflection in this comment, and hope others follow your example
You know, I left Reddit because I didn’t like what was going on. Banning US presidential election posts to a political forum makes me not like what’s going on. What’s next on the ban list?
You’re free to bring it up again here in a month, but I think ‘emotions are too hot for a productive discussion’ is a good reason to put a temporary halt on it. A healthy discourse just isn’t possible right now, and there’s the wellbeing of both users and admins to think about here.
Does this extend to not discussing plans, posting information about which states may be taking measures to protect their citizens or how effective those measures might be, or discussing things like resistance or mutual aid? Those seem like pretty important topics to be able to discuss.
Does this extend to not discussing plans, posting information about which states may be taking measures to protect their citizens or how effective those measures might be, or discussing things like resistance or mutual aid?
no, why would it? even way you’re describing them makes it clear they’re not about the presidential election. don’t be too clever by one half–if there’s a problem with a submission we’ll just tell you.
Good to hear! Thanks!
For what it’s worth, I appreciate this. I’m not in the right headspace for the usual circular firing squad right now.
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A lot of people are understandably upset right now, and yes, all the facts of the election are not in yet. But do you really want to have a moratorium on election posts for a whole month?
yes, the mod team is in more-or-less unanimous agreement on the subject. and if we were moderating to the exact same standard we usually do we’d likely be removing, locking, or severely pruning nearly every thread posted in the politics section on the subject in the past few days. maybe we’ll shorten if it need be but moratorium itself is not controversial and i do not anticipate us reversing course on it. please remember that this cannot be a day job for any of us.
So, “what can we do now” posts are okay?
That’s more of a !chat post.
Thanks!
