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comment by cW
cW  ·  4067 days ago  ·  link  ·    ·  parent  ·  post: The Results are In.  ·  

This is a really interesting thread. Alas, the whole discussion relies on some really shifting and non-determinable factors, each of which is chocked full of myriad possible causes. Why is hubski predominantly male? (Assuming that the test group was representative, and that it _is_ in fact predominantly male -- this is probably the least of all necessary leaps to be found in this discussion). Well, if it is predominantly male, then it might just be so because it's predominantly male.

I don't mean this just as tautology, or as blatant circular reasoning for its own caddyshack-esque sense of pseudo-zen. I mean rather that many situations are self-perpetuating. To whatever extent that styles of communication/objects of inquiry or interest are at all gender-specific or determined (and of course behind each of these quotients stands a rat's nest of conflicting evidence and well-informed, well-reasoned opinion), these patterns are likely to perpetuate themselves and to reinforce existing lines of demographic composition.

Fortunately, this is a community created (largely) by a consensus of contributors. The only guidelines (and these are really only enforced by practice and example, rather than by edict) are that subjects be raised for thoughtful consideration and discovery, and that discussions be conducted with at least civility, if not collegiality. If anyone would like to suggest that these orientations are at all gender-exclusive, I'm willing to hear your argument (as I'm willing to hear just about any argument), but I think you'll be facing an uphill struggle. In short, the field of play is open, and hubski will continue to define its identity as it continues to grow and change. I am personally refreshed by how much lucid discourse can be found on this site, and how little space or attention is given to trolls, to vandals, or to any other variety of cyber-bully. Regarding diversity of viewpoint, not just of gender, but of all varieties: bring it on!



wiffleaxe  ·  4066 days ago  ·  link  ·  

I'm new here, but I'm wondering what will happen if there is an influx of members, as far as moderation is concerned, to keep the discussion civil and on-topic? I honestly see that as being the make-it-or-break-it moment as far as bullying is concerned.

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thenewgreen  ·  4066 days ago  ·  link  ·  

First of all, welcome, that is a valid question wiffleaxe. Like any site, it's impossible to completely insulate any discussion completely unless we were to become a gated community, which is something that has occasionally come up. As it is, you can ignore and mute other users. When you ignore a user, their content doesn't show up in your feed and you essentially don't see anything they post, but they could still comment on your posts. When you "mute" a user, they can no longer comment on anything you post. You've essentially "silenced" them. That said, they can still comment in other peoples posts that you partake in.

We are very aware of potential threats to the overall good-natured community we have and are open to suggestions. As new needs arise, we develop new methods. There is no doubt that having an "influx" of users presents new challenges, but that is a great way to test what we have created and to present new opportunities for change.

Bring it on!

Hope you enjoy yourself here wiffleaxe, feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

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wiffleaxe  ·  4066 days ago  ·  link  ·  

Thanks!

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