Forum announcement re: Wuhan virus threads

[Ninshub]

So I've talked with Laird and we recognize we've goofed.

Like global warming or HIV, but unlike something like cold fusion, the Wuhan virus is a non-psi-related "other topic" that either IS or CAN become heavily sociopolitically-related or controversial. (And just looking at some of the fighting and post reporting we're getting on those threads, that fact has been demonstrated here.) By that definition, that means it should be in an Other Topics hidden subforum.

See the rules on how to navigate scientific topics in this forum.

One could argue that it's potentially possible to keep a Wuhan virus thread open without getting into controversies, but as we've seen people have different views, rightly or wrongly, about the "facts", and it's not our place as moderators to rule on what is information vs. disinformation.

I, and Laird also, are sensitive to the fact that some people who have either created or contributed heavily to those threads have not opted-in to be in the hidden forums. I'm very interested in what they have to say particularly, since for the rest of the forum all these threads can remain as they are, they'll just be out of the publicly available without-signing-on forum. I'm sensitive to what this means for them, but then part of me is thinking if such a person is so interested in continuing to post about the topic, then it's their own personal decision to temporarily, if they wish, sign in to see and have access to that hidden forum.

Thoughts?

I think this is the right decision and I'm glad it's finally happening

I often have strong feelings or arguments on such matters. This is not one of those times. I'm currently heavily in the 'life' end of the so-called "work-life balance" and will leave it to others to do what they think best.

[Laird]

I’ve already been banned on one other forum I’ve been a member of for years

Max, I hope you're well aware that you are in no danger whatsoever of being banned on this one. Nor is any other current member.

So *all* mention of the virus [...] goes into the hidden part of the forum, and is banned everywhere else, but you will have to police that.

Yes, but with an exception: discussion of personal, psychological, and spiritual issues with respect to the situation (lock-down, social distancing/isolating, etc) that we find ourselves in because of the virus will be permitted. This means in particular that we will be leaving open in the public forums these two threads:

Thread for sharing personal news regarding the coronavirus' effects and Spiritual counsel for fear-evoking times

Of course, any posts in those threads that veer into any discussion of the virus beyond that - its science, sociopolitics, and origins, etc etc - will be, as you say, policed.

[Laird]

I think this is the right decision and I'm glad it's finally happening

That's encouraging to read. We (mostly I) messed up the original moderation response to all of this.

Imo this discussion is a real head slapper. 

As I posted recently in response to my posts being moved, elsewhere on the forum nothing is said about about what I called a ‘bitching little girls ego club’, a generic description of one recent thread. Now I’m not claiming that I don’t behave that way (like a bitching little girl with an ego  ) on the odd occasion, or that this bothers me personally, it doesn’t. Actually such threads bring some much needed energy to what is at times a pretty dull forum, again, imo.

So to discuss back and forth about where the various threads should go and what is acceptable and yada yada yada...is a bit daft. Very human in the 21st century and very much ego driven - all in my opinion. Tin hat at the ready!   

So I've talked with Laird and we recognize we've goofed.

Like global warming or HIV, but unlike something like cold fusion, the Wuhan virus is a non-psi-related "other topic" that either IS or CAN become heavily sociopolitically-related or controversial. (And just looking at some of the fighting and post reporting we're getting on those threads, that fact has been demonstrated here.) By that definition, that means it should be in an Other Topics hidden subforum.

See the rules on how to navigate scientific topics in this forum.

One could argue that it's potentially possible to keep a Wuhan virus thread open without getting into controversies, but as we've seen people have different views, rightly or wrongly, about the "facts", and it's not our place as moderators to rule on what is information vs. disinformation.

I, and Laird also, are sensitive to the fact that some people who have either created or contributed heavily to those threads have not opted-in to be in the hidden forums. I'm very interested in what they have to say particularly, since for the rest of the forum all these threads can remain as they are, they'll just be out of the publicly available without-signing-on forum. I'm sensitive to what this means for them, but then part of me is thinking if such a person is so interested in continuing to post about the topic, then it's their own personal decision to temporarily, if they wish, sign in to see and have access to that hidden forum.

Thoughts?

Thank you for clarifying the direction you are looking for in this forum.

Linda

@Ian and Laird

I don't think you've 'goofed up' at all. I wasn't aware there was even a problem. What does it actually amount to if someone mentions covid 19 inappropriately in the wrong thread and who's coming (gunning for us) for us if we do ? What terrible consequences will there be.

I think you're worrying too much but you shouldn't because you do a good job.