stuff getting deleted

In the Great White North forum there is a topic about Crown Land. The conversation has drifted into politics, economics and other things. You're stating that you will erase some of those posts. I asked if it was a space issue, cuz I find the conversation is still about Crown Land, indirectly, and about land acquisition in general, and don't see any of it as offensive. You referred me here to ask questions about it. So, is it a space issue, or is there something else about the conversation you object to?

I think the first part is that I only wanna publish stuff that meets my standards. I think there are lots of folks that have a different set of standards, and they want me to publish according to their standards. I think it is fair to want those things - as long as "want" doesn't turn into "expect".

I wish to set a certain pace for the discussions on these forums. Generally avoiding politics, religion and the third ethic. I let it go once in a while - mostly out of laziness. Or because people are aware of my concerns in this space so they are extra, extra respectful.

So here are the notes I've added to that thread so far (which I will put time bombs on - so they will disappear in a few days):

I just now deleted a post that was awesome in many ways - except it suggested that somebody on permies was less than perfect.

that post was super flattering to me, which, foolishly, I really like. But I feel powerfully compelled to do the right thing - and that means being consistent and predictable in my deleting.

I'm now deleting stuff arguing about politics.

I'm also doing the thing where I search for the word "you" as a sort of quickie triage. usually, stuff outside of my comfort zone has the word "you" in it.

I just deleted a post that made a lot of good points, but some of the points were presented as "the truth". Utter fact.

I need folks to get into the habit of presenting their position instead of "the truth". Otherwise, other folks attempting to add their position to the discussion feel like they are entering into a conflict by presenting something contrary to "the truth".

Granted, the stuff I've been deleting isn't as hysterical pissed as the stuff I was deleting a couple of years ago. But it is still outside of my comfort zone.

I don't have time to read everything on permies. So like a lot of the stuff I delete, this was pointed out to me. So it isn't as if I was on patrol looking for something to delete.

There is no space issue. The only issue is quality and type of content.

Some stuff I have deleted:

Read some history.

Suggesting that somebody on permies has never read any history.

I just think you're demonizing money

Suggesting that somebody on permies demonizes something.

I don't think you've considered my points well and are too eager to believe in the existing economic system.

Suggesting that somebody on permies is less than perfect.

The key is: I need folks to state their position without bashing other people or other positions.

And now I'm deleting this:

Instead of wasting time whining about how the system is broken and how those that have should give to those who don't because it would be fairer, how about working at a job for 12 to 16 hours a day.

This is gonna take me hours. Hours that i would rather spend doing something more constructive.

Are you sure you want to stick to "I don't see any of it as offensive." ??

Here is a post that kept me reaching for the delete button, but in the end ... it all seemed fine. So I'm leaving it:

https://permies.com/forums/posts/list/40/8137#117458

Personally, I'd try to broaden discussion to include politics, religion, etc, cuz everything relates to everything else, just like in Nature. But, it's your site and it's good that you do what you want. Parameters noted. Thanks for explaining.

I looked around for the guidelines today, but didn't find them. Maybe posting them up front on the home page will save you an immense amount of deleting time. Maybe they are somewhere handy, I just didn't look in the right place. Or forgot them after I signed up. In that case, I apologize for not following them.

When you signed up you agreed to "be nice".

I have a thread in this forum that goes into a lot of detail on what I think that means.

Setting rules just gives the bad guys traction. I prefer to manage things by the idea that the site is run by some crazy guy who will delete stuff on any crazy whim. Some people could not figure out the crazy and they left. Some people think it isn't crazy at all, and makes perfect sense - those people are still around.

It is true that the other topics "belong" here. But .... they are just jumping off points for all sorts of other headaches. I prefer to focus on more constructive discussion like how to build a rocket mass heater, or how to replace irrigation with permaculture ....

Maybe somebody (you?) could create a forum for all the things that are not discussed here. And when something gets hot, a link can be made to the other forum. That way, you have the meaty discussions you want and I have the permaculture discussions I want. ??

Now I find myself wanting to discuss/debate much of what you've said in these posts, but I don't think you want that either. Our common ground is that we both love permaculture and see the spread of it as helpful to ourselves, others and the whole world. Let's continue in that great vein of positivity. You've clarified your desires for the site, so now I know. Thanks, P.M.

paul wheaton wrote:I prefer to manage things by the idea that the site is run by some crazy guy who will delete stuff on any crazy whim.

I love this approach!

'Cause lets face it one can debate ideas, discuss philosophy, critique ethics, and even argue what the deffinitions of a word is.

.......but you just can't argue with crazy......

peter mukunda wrote:Personally, I'd try to broaden discussion to include politics, religion, etc, cuz everything relates to everything else, just like in Nature.

I've read what you've written and find myself agreeing to much of it...but in the end, I come here to learn as much as I can about permaculture. I save my political and religion discussion for other forums or my facebook.

That being said....Paul, you are doing one heck of a crazy job herding the cats

Thanks
Willow

*meow*