Members' view on BB policies

Oops! To my shame, Pauline's post reminded me that I forgot to say thanks to the administrators and others who keep this board running.

Thanks.

-Neil

 

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Maybe, perhaps starting January, a forum for daily Bible study where the Bible really is gone through in one year? Each day's threads and discussions to be taken off of that day's readings? I've never seen this done, but I would sure like to encourage regular Bible reading among my brothers and sisters in the faith. So few seem to do more than a couple of verses now and then... <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>


What a great idea...

God speed.

 

You won't determine who is Baptist because you won't find two Baptists who agree on everything or any two members of any church who agree upon anything. Let's study to show ourselves approved and let the disagreements come. Just because its a Baptist Board, doesn't mean that others won't continually come to challenge Baptists' notions. Does the truths Baptists hold only affect Baptist? How can one say, "We have the Truth and you don't, so shut up and leave if you don't like it." That sounds like fear and a lack of faith to me. Pray and study the Word of God. Atheists, Deists, Arminians, The Baptists the other Baptists don't agree with are all going to come, if this website is any good. Don't delete their posts, answer them. If you can't, leave them until someone can. How effective is a witness who lobbs his argument and deletes the questions and propositions of the other fellow which are uncomfortable.

[ November 04, 2001: Message edited by: Slain Arminian ]

 

Right now, some of the best discussion on the web is happening here.

Whether or not an open forum for all serves the purposes of management is something management will have to decide.

I think it was best to put controversial topics in a "free for all" section so that anyone who is offended by open discussions can simply chose to avoid them.

It seems to be working fine. Don't change it.

 

I believe Thomas Cassidy reflected my views quite well. Leave this board as it is, it's different than other Baptist boards out there, and that's what makes it great!
Sue

 

1.) Who should be allowed to post on Baptist Board? (Baptists only, Baptists and other “friendly” born-again believers, everybody, etc.)
Anyone who is willing to follow the rules.
2.) Should every member be allowed to post everywhere? Or is the current “Baptist-only” and “Free-for-All” limitation a good solution?
No. Keeping the "Baptist Only" and "Free-for-All" limitations provides the most workable solution for all concerned. Baptists should not be afraid to discuss the Bible (or Music, History, etc.) with others. But sometimes I want to sit and discuss certain issues with other Baptists without being distracted by whomever else may want to put in their 2 cents worth.
3.) How can the webmaster/administrators determine who is Baptist is who is not?
For a forum such as this, simple is better. The simplest format is: anyone who is a member of a Baptist church is a Baptist.
4.) Should the registration process be modified so that everyone would need to provide the name of his/her church – or would that mean a loss of privacy?
Providing denominational affiliation should be sufficient. It would be a nightmare for the webmaster/administrators to have to track each registration to find out if a person really is a Baptist.
5.) How should the board be moderated? Would an unmoderated board make more sense? How should the moderators change?
The present system seems to work fairly well. A little moderation is a necessary evil.
6.) Is it time for “lights out” because the idea of a civil and constructive Baptist discussion board is not achievable?
Definitely not! Perfection is not attainable, and pleasing everyone is not possible; BUT this discussion board is GREAT!

[ November 04, 2001: Message edited by: rlvaughn ]

 

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by webmaster:
Baptist Board.com Administrators and Moderators will have to make the most significant decision in the history of BB within a few days.

...

Thank you.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I am a non Baptist and post only in the creation evolution discussions. But the format and moderation of this board are very good. There is an issue with attacks on creationism that needs to be carefully considered but I am not sure what to do.

I think the current board is fine but you might want to have some places where only Baptists can post (or only Christians or whatever) to provide a place for people who just want some inspiration and not so much controversy.

DP

 

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by webmaster:
Baptist Board.com Administrators and Moderators will have to make the most significant decision in the history of BB within a few days.


1.) Who should be allowed to post on Baptist Board? (Baptists only, Baptists and other ?friendly? born-again believers, everybody, etc.)

All should be allowed. Even non-Christians. We may win someone to Christ by this board!

Only remove someone after repeated episodes of intolerance. We may lose someone by the character slashing that goes on on this board. I have been called heretic ~8 times in about a month with ~30 posts. The replies are ofetn quick, caustic and non-responsive in that they often don't really reply to the issue at hand. And I am a member/deacon/SS teacher in good standing at a Baptist Church and my views are not extreme (fairly in line with Smythe/Helwys/Williams/Leland/Backus).

2.) Should every member be allowed to post everywhere? Or is the current ?Baptist-only? and ?Free-for-All? limitation a good solution?

Let everyone post wherever they want until they abuse the privilege by name-calling.

3.) How can the webmaster/administrators determine who is Baptist is who is not?

Don't even try. We are Christians first, Baptist second (or third).

4.) Should the registration process be modified so that everyone would need to provide the name of his/her church ? or would that mean a loss of privacy?

Don't do that. We want teh unchurched on this board!
5.) How should the board be moderated? Would an unmoderated board make more sense? How should the moderators change?

I notice that the moderators are often the most opinionated. So instruct the moderators to be just that - MODERATE (just kidding). They should police for intolerance, name calling and sticking to the subject.
6.) Is it time for ?lights out? because the idea of a civil and constructive Baptist discussion board is not achievable?

I've come close to forgetting about this board because when I bring up an item for discussion (that I think would be of interest, because it is controversial in some circles), I have gotten it with both barrels. While thick skinned, I do not have the time to defend every thought I post and when I do try, I just get more "thoughtless" bullet holes.


Any and all responses will be seriously considered. Please take time to share how you feel about these issues.


Thank you.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

 

For the most part, I'm very happy with BaptistBoard.

I believe that people of all denominations should be able to post as long as they are civil.

At the same time, I wouldn't have a problem with a few "Baptist" only boards.

My only problem with BaptistBoard is that two of the moderators seem to have itchy trigger fingers when it comes to censoring posts.

If something is blatantly offensive, then it should be censored. If someone is merely asking a legitimate question, why should it be censored just because a moderator is afraid to answer?

 

In response to your questionnaire, you asked us to reply to the question, "Should changes be made to the BB." I became a member of the board to find out more about the Baptist religion. I am seeking a home church and I have a Baptist background, but I had so many questions. In particular, I have always felt that Baptists are "exclusionary" and I was hoping that my experiences were not the norm. I was hoping by asking questions of other members of the board, I would find that I was wrong about Baptists. Unfortunately, I came away from some forums feeling that my past experiences are not all that unusual. Many Baptists do feel that way. I was disturbed when I began to see messages about excluding this one and that one, and so I quit using the BB and decided to continue my search for God's word elsewhere. I believe that we can learn from those who do not always agree with us, probably more than those who agree with us. I believe that "healthy" discussions with those who have different opinions can be good, and can unite us even more. I do not believe these forums are a good place for people to "bad mouth" others, nor do I believe we should promote "unusual" philosophies here. As you make your decisions I'm sure you will make them with these questions in mind: "What would Jesus do?" Would He exclude those who did not agree with him? Would He try to edit out their opinions and input? OR, would He listen to others who may have interpreted His words differently, and then try to help them return to the right path? I may have gotten the wrong impression about the BB, but it is the impression I got from its members. I will pray for you in your quest to promote the Baptist religion. r5dots

 

I do not have time to address all the questions. However I would like to see the post controled. This fighting and bickering is not honoring to God. When the battles brake out the moderator need to step in and put a stop to it. If that can not be done then it may well be better not to have a Board at all.

 

As has been stated by others in this discussioin, if it ain't broke don't fix it. I have enjoyed the discussion on the Baptist Board and have found most members will abide by the rules. For those who don't or won't the moderators are neccesary to help keep the rules enforced.

I like the set up of Baptist only and Open forums. After all this is a Baptist Board and while some may engage in deception to post where they don't belong, their words will eventually betray them.

Keep tings as they are and seriously consider Helen's idea for January 2002

Gary Pierpont

 

I believe that this board has outlived its usefulness. It is a discussion board that calls itself Baptist but has never defined what it means to be a Baptist. It has become just like the ecumenical crowd in that there is a plea for unity without having a solid doctrinal foundation. It is hotbed of heresy and immorality. Shut her down!

Bro. Steve Smith

 

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by webmaster:
Baptist Board.com Administrators and Moderators will have to make the most significant decision in the history of BB within a few days.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Now that is scary...

I have received many emails and private messages in the last few weeks and the messages can be summarized along the following lines:

a.) moderators are too strict
b.) moderators allow offensive posts and personal attacks (in other words, they are too lenient)
c.) you’re a flaming liberal for allowing anti-KJVs to post on BB
d.) why are non-Baptists allowed to post?
e.) why aren't non-Baptists allowed to post in every forum?[/QUOTE]

Can't please everyone. Especially when your membership grows as large as ours has.

We’d like to hear from the majority of the 1,800 members regarding these issues. Please take a moment and reply now.

Your input in the following areas would be much appreciated:

1.) Who should be allowed to post on Baptist Board? (Baptists only, Baptists and other “friendly” born-again believers, everybody, etc.)[/QUOTE]

Everyone...from fundamentalists Baptist to atheists from the infidel forum. As long as they are willing to follow the rules of this board. Those who aren't, be they IFBer's to atheists, should just go somewhere else.

2.) Should every member be allowed to post everywhere? Or is the current “Baptist-only” and “Free-for-All” limitation a good solution?[/QUOTE]

My personal opinion is that they should be allowed to post anywhere. However, I understand that there are many members who would like to only discuss Baptist issues from Baptists points of view (whatever that is...). Therefore, I think the system we have now is probably the best for everyone for right now.

3.) How can the webmaster/administrators determine who is Baptist is who is not?[/QUOTE]

We are on the honor system here for the most part. I do think it would be a good idea for new members to have to post their local church affiliation in order to register. If there is none or they are not Baptist, then they should be sent to the free for all forums.

4.) Should the registration process be modified so that everyone would need to provide the name of his/her church – or would that mean a loss of privacy?[/QUOTE]

See above.

5.) How should the board be moderated? Would an unmoderated board make more sense? How should the moderators change?[/QUOTE]

I think the board is very well moderated. The only suggestion for change that I would suggest is that we do double up moderators in some of the more controversial forums.

6.) Is it time for “lights out” because the idea of a civil and constructive Baptist discussion board is not achievable?[/QUOTE]

Not a chance.

 

Being another Northern San Francisco Peninsula resident, let me add my concurrence to Squire Robertsson's remarks. Having read some of the other remarks, this is all I can say: <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>It must be nice to live someplace where Satan's agenda is not before your eyes 24/7 outside your home and church. Regretfully, I do not have that luxury; God has called me to Corinth by the Bay.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

In His service,
Rob't Fall

 

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Dr. Bob Griffin:
I have waited to hear others' thoughts and read 4 pages of thoughts. I do not agree with most, so will just share my thoughts as an individual (not in any other role)
I pray that I am not one of the moderators to whom all the criticism has been raised, but I think that it should be strict, with strict guidelines. Length of thread, language, off-topic direction (which many threads take), lack of appropriateness should be spelled out for all with authority.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Dr. Griffin, I am one guilty of making some complaints regarding certain administrators who have been (for reasons unknown to me) unable to accept appologies and having gone as far as erasing attacks made by such administrators so to the rest of the board it looks one sided. Again, I appologize for this, but I still think there is an issue there that needs to be discussed by the webmaster and certain administrators.

YOU, MY FRIEND and Brother in Christ, are not that way and YOU have never been considered as anything but ethical, upstanding and understanding to people who may not have your education. I thank you very much for the way you have handled the administration in the areas of your pervue and wish that the webmaster take notice of this and continue allowing you to use the exact amount of control in your sites. It bothered me greatly when I saw your concern about being an administrator who has been complained about and I wished to assure you that I, for one, have never complained about you as an administrator and appreciate both your work and the excellent answers you give by taking the time away from what I sure is an already busy schedule.

Webmaster, please take note that if all the administrators handled their areas the way Dr. Griffin handles his, you would have as near a perfect board as possible. To you other administrators, there are also many other good ones; so please, don't take anything personally. I would just appreciate it if I have an appology to make for getting out of line and snapping in an unChristian like manner that other administrators will please accept that appology publically rather than erase every post partaining to it or making statements that I don't like them, because this is not the case. I think in certain areas some administrators (not you, Dr. Griffin) have allowed your education to go to you heads a bit much and intimidate Christians who are trying, but may not be on your level. Please, take note of Helen's posts and you will note how she handles people who are obviously not up to par either educationally or have difficulty articulating as well.

The above is not for Dr. Griffin and Thank you Dr. Griffin and God Bless. I'm afraid that without you the board would be at a BIG loss.

[ November 04, 2001: Message edited by: Phillip ]

 

1.) Who should be allowed to post on Baptist Board? (Baptists only, Baptists and other “friendly” born-again believers, everybody, etc.)

Well, seeing as though this is a Baptist Board, you'd think Baptists should be the only one's that should be allowed to post. This isn't a Nondenominational Christian Board, nor is it the Catholic Board, the Mormon Board, or the Muslim Board. If the Webmaster is gracious enough to allow all to post, I think there should be some segregation.

2.) Should every member be allowed to post everywhere? Or is the current “Baptist-only” and “Free-for-All” limitation a good solution?

The “Free-for-All” limitation seems to be a viable solution. However, because this is a Baptist Board, I think the “Free-for-All” sections should be fewer. There are plenty of message boards on the internet.

3.) How can the webmaster/administrators determine who is Baptist is who is not?

Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
Matthew 7:20

4.) Should the registration process be modified so that everyone would need to provide the name of his/her church – or would that mean a loss of privacy?

I don't think this is really necessary.

5.) How should the board be moderated? Would an unmoderated board make more sense? How should the moderators change?

For the most part, I think the moderation of the board is fine. However, I think if and when moderators modify, move or delete a post, they should e-mail the poster and let them know where it was moved, why it was modified or why it was deleted.

6.) Is it time for “lights out” because the idea of a civil and constructive Baptist discussion board is not achievable?

"Lights out" should only come when the Light of the world is come and taken us away.

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
John 8:12

[ November 05, 2001: Message edited by: Dajuid ]