[John Freestone]

Originally Posted by Angela

Well, I think I specifically said there were no *shoulds* about it -- I don't think you or I or Cylon or anyone else *should* do or be anything other than what we're doing or being. I was just saying that there's room for whatever it was Cylon was doing or being, even though you might prefer something else, like serious, rational discussion.

Sure, I get that, Angela. You can raise the perspective with 'shoulds' too - there is no rule that says you as moderator should allow all modes of participation everywhere. With hindsight I feel that the thread might have been more productive had it been recognised as trying to address IM in a serious manner, because of the seriousness of the "RANT!" (as cylon called it) of the OP. You might have (please, again, notice I'm not saying any shoulds here) then put a word to people attempting to demonstrate how synchronous their lives are to stay on topic. Staying on topic, or using a certain mode of communication, may not be in the guidelines. You may not want to bother with them. I may be completely wrong to suggest it. It might make conversations worse not better. I just feel there's a place for things like that. Maybe my intentions belonged in another section of the forums altogether, and you as mod might have put a word to me. Many places these actions are quite common - moving someone's thread, asking people to stay on topic, etc.

I don't think so. My authority only extends to enforcing the rules of the forum; I have (and want!) no power over how people express themselves. But maybe you are just being playful here.

Moi, playful? Actually, no, I wasn't. I was confused how 'enforcing the rules' as you put it, would limit you. I can only think it means that you would have to be limited in enforcing them as opposed to not bothering to. It popped into my head that enforcing rules is about limiting others. I could see it almost as an extension of self, rather than a limitation - I have to do stuff (and I have had some experience of running a forum) to help people interact more harmoniously.

Oh dear, I don't want this to imply that you in any way failed in your duty! I don't think people understand me very well, particularly on this point - I enjoy analysing things and discussing them with others so much that I say things and people think I'm making some point, accusing them or praising them or being arrogant or something, when I am just pushing ideas around, playing (to those who enjoy the same game, it really is play). [Edit: that's not quite right - it's part of the reality, but I'm also an argumentative bastard] You're a welcoming and smoothing kind of presence here, Angela, and courageous too. So the above was a thought. How you moderate is not my business.

I like the evolution cypher. When I looked again, it looked like an arrow hunting for two little creatures hiding in a cave, and then the two little creatures vomit.

:-

I got mixed up with who was saying what to whom. Sorry about that!

No problem. I think you, cylon and I all did the same thing then. There's a coincidence.

So long and thanks for all the fish.