Simon Lees wrote:
On 12/13/20 12:25 AM, Adrien Glauser wrote:
There are few clear-cut and objective criteria for on-topic vs. off-topic. Putting people under moderation on the base of unclear, non-objective criteria might not the best of ideas if you want to build trust and healthy social interactions. Arbitrariness and biases will probably be lurking in about every corner.
Fortunately the on / off -topic is not the most relevant distinction you need to keep the MLs clean. If you need a middle-ground between (dangerously arbitrary, free-speech infringing) moderation and nice but sometimes insufficient abstract rules (such as the Code of Conduct), you can do 2 simple things:
Both these lists have reasonably well defined definitions of what is and isn't ontopic. In this instance we are more trying to put in a framework on how to handle people who are repeatedly taking these lists off topic.
I guess we have a significant number of such individuals to warrant the Board taking such steps ? I would very much like to see the Board minutes of this particular meeting.
They will still be able to post, its just there posts will need to be approved to ensure they are not going offtopic. This isn't intending to target someone who posts something offtopic on a one off occasion because they are unaware of the rules, we always want to be open and friendly to new people.
I would much hope we also want to be open and friendly to old people. In fact, even more so. (old = experienced or long-time). -- Per Jessen, Zürich (3.1°C) Member, openSUSE Heroes