Members' view on BB policies

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by webmaster:
1.) Who should be allowed to post on Baptist Board? (Baptists only, Baptists and other “friendly” born-again believers, everybody, etc.)<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>I think it should stay just the way it is. The webmaster has done an excellent job of allowing some latitude but also maintaining a safe Christian environment for the Baptists on the BB. <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>2.) Should every member be allowed to post everywhere? Or is the current “Baptist-only” and “Free-for-All” limitation a good solution?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Again, the present system is excellent. Don't change a thing! <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>3.) How can the webmaster/administrators determine who is Baptist is who is not?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>The present system seems to be working just fine. The wolves in sheep's clothing give themselves away sooner or later. There are Baptists of many different stripes around the world, and most of them are represented on the BB. <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>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?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>I think that is reasonable. After all, what Baptist is ashamed of his home church? However, it should also be pointed out that it would be unethical to contact a home church to complain about a BB member's posted opinions. <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>5.) How should the board be moderated? Would an unmoderated board make more sense? How should the moderators change?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>If it ain't broke, don't fix it! The present system is working just fine! As the BB continues to grow it may be prudent to appoint more Moderators and Administrators, but great care should be taken in that process. <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>6.) Is it time for “lights out” because the idea of a civil and constructive Baptist discussion board is not achievable?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Absolutely NOT! The BB is the best forum on the internet. Let's not allow a few disgruntled members destroy it! KEEP THE BAPTIST BOARD!

 

I would personally like to DITTO Thomas Cassidy's above post! The ONLY (very minor) difference I would recommend, is that instead of posting ones home church, put the denomination (i.e. IFB, SBC, Primitive Bapt...etc.) It's not that I would be ashamed to list my church, it's just that you CANNOT trust EVERYONE that comes on this board. And lets be honest, you all don't really know me from Eve...know what I mean VERN? LoL

Webmaster...this is an EXCELLENT Baptist site and I wouldn't change a GOSH DARN thing! I thank you so much for creating this place, I love it here!

Kathy
&lt;&gt;&lt;

 

1. Baptists, friendly born again Believers, and friendly non-believers who come truly seeking answers, not to preach their own false doctrine or blaspheme God. (blasphemy out ot get automatic expulsion.)

2. I vote to shut down the "Other Religions" forum, because it attracts too many who would preach their own false doctrine and or blaspheme God. (In other words, make this a mostly Baptist Board. If someone comes seeking answers, without preaching false doctrine or blaspheming God, they may post in any forum that isn't marked "Baptist Only." All Forums should be labelled individually as "Baptist Only", or "Open Forum".

3. I agree with Brother Cassidy on this one!

4. I don't mind giving the name of my church, but perhaps for better security reasons, one could give one's religion or denomination instead.

5. (I'll answer in the moderator's forum first.)

6. As Brother Cassidy said- <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR> <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Absolutely NOT! The BB is the best forum on the internet. Let's not allow a few disgruntled members destroy it! KEEP THE BAPTIST BOARD!

 

After all... it is the BAPTIST board! Leave it like it is!

PreachersWife

 

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

Everybody.

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

If you do limit, maybe they should be password coded like the three private forums, and give out passwords as appropriate.. ..but I don't know how you would want to break it down.

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

I don't know.

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?

Yes, but it shouldn't necessarily be published.

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

It still needs to be moderated.

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


No way.

 

Hey, it ain't broke, don't fix it!

 

Greetings,

I submit this as my reply to these questions.

Webmaster posted:
Baptist Board.com Administrators and Moderators will have to make the most significant decision in the history of BB within a few days.

My reply:
I am glad this issue has finally gotten brought forward. I am glad that I am being asked. I am not glad that I had to be censored and have my posts removed without warning in the past. I hope you make a wise decision. Ask God, He gives it liberally to all who ask.


Webmaster posted:
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

My reply:
I do not have issues with strictness. I have issues with moderators:
1) removing without notifying.
2) enforcing things in a subjective manner, such that there is lack of consistency without bias.


Webmaster posted:
b.) moderators allow offensive posts and personal attacks (in other words, they are too lenient)

My reply:
I do not believe it is leniency that is the problem. The problem is consistency.


Webmaster posted:
c.) you’re a flaming liberal for allowing anti-KJVs to post on BB

My reply:
As if "liberal" is suddenly a bad thing. I'm sorry. There is a broad spectrum of beliefs within the Baptist segment of beliefs. I would suggest denying people who insult you like that privately access to the board. And if they do it in public, let it be seen before removing it and banning them.


Webmaster posted:
d.) why are non-Baptists allowed to post?

My reply:
I always thought iron was to sharpen iron, like a friend sharpens a friends wits. If they are sticking to the "free-for-all" area, then what is the issue?


Webmaster posted:
e.) why aren't non-Baptists allowed to post in every forum?

My reply:
Though there is the dilemma of duplicate threads, this board was started for baptists, by baptists. It makes sense that non-Baptists should not necessarily have free reign. Though, I would encourage people to read differing viewpoints, so they can truly evaluate why they believe what they believe rather than believe the religion of their parents, mentor(s), peer(s), etc.


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

My reply:
Anyone should be able to post within the designated areas.


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

My reply:
The problem is determining "baptist" to properly enforce the sections, but the current layout is fine.


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

My reply:
I suppose you could ask for their home church number, and confirm their membership if you wanted to be Big Brother about it. However, a less painful solution is drafting a belief document that you feel includes everything that is definatively, and agreeably baptist, and having each member agree or not agree with the document, and thus we may even get some "honourary" baptists.


Webmaster posted:
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?

My reply:
You'll have you remind me what is in the registration process. If it includes a mailing address, then I do not see why adding a church phone number is an intolerable loss of privacy. If it includes a home phone number, then same things as if you asked for a mailing address. If neither of these identifying things are asked for, then I would argue that is "too much" privacy lost.


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

My reply:
And exact, publicly available list of guidelines should be posted regarding what constitutes a post being worthy of removal. I do think that if a moderator removes a post, they should notifty the poster preferably encolsing a copy of the offensive post. There is a need for moderated boards, but there is also the need for an obvious appeal process. Just like a poster shouldn't post the first knee-jerk reaction they feel, a moderator shouldn't remove in a knee-jerk reaction. There are no clearly known standards for removal. If I post a swearword, that's obvious it should be at least editted, but removed? Perhaps the post actually has a valid point beyond the foul language. If a moderator removed it, and notified the person, they could then revise it to acceptable standards and repost it with no hard feelings.


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

My reply:
We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. I'd really think that shutting down the board is an extreme measure.

In short, I do not agree with the opinions currently noted, but I do not feel their opinion on the matter is any less valuable. I do hope that if I do decide to come back here and check for my post it won't be deleted.

I have not posted on this board in a long time, because of these very issues. However, I feel it is important to share my opinion with you, so that you are aware of the other side(s) of the complex administrative issues you have.

Mark Tompsett
(mtompset@ican.net)

 

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by webmaster:
1.) Who should be allowed to post on Baptist Board? (Baptists only, Baptists and other “friendly” born-again believers, everybody, etc.)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I think it should stay just the way it is. The webmaster has done an excellent job of allowing some latitude but also maintaining a safe Christian environment for the Baptists on the BB.
quote:

=====Message truncated=====


Originally posted by Thomas Cassidy:
Absolutely NOT! The BB is the best forum on the internet. Let's not allow a few disgruntled members destroy it! KEEP THE BAPTIST BOARD! [/b]<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

IBID,
Mike

P.S. Good post Dr. Cassidy

 

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

All Christians. The BB has a limited appeal, and those few and far-between trouble-makers soon lose interest.


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

Everywhere. Simply because this is a "Baptist" board does not mean that we cannot tolerate other honest opinions up to a certain point. The mission and statement of faith can remain Baptistic while allowing others to voice their differences.


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

Ask them when they register. We're on the honor system here. Sure, there will be some abuses, but that's life.


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?

No need.


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

The board needs to be moderated, however, of late the moderators have been too quick to delete posts and close threads for no reason other than they disagree with the viewpoint being expressed. Who cares if there is more than one thread on the same subject? Let the members interact!

Sometimes the exchanges get hot. So? Is that worse than the threads of inane and silly content? Let the members interact!

Posts that clearly and upon their face violate the stated rules of the board should be deleted, but I think waaaay too much is left up to the personal discretion of the moderators.

Members should be allowed to discuss moderator decisions in open forum. How else can the membership be assured that their grievances receive a fair hearing? No one is arguing that this is not a private forum, however, it is bad form and stifling to take a hard-core stand on that issue.


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

NO!! It was run very well until some moderators became too authoritarian.

 

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

Pretty good the way it is, with the forums for non-baptists and some latitude for non-Baptists to post most anywhere so long as they do not make an issue over Baptist vs. non-baptist teachings and beliefs. EXCEPT: those who hold positions clearly antagonistic to the historic and biblical fundamentals of Christianity should be either extremely limited or excluded altogether, especially if they are "pushing" their heresy rather than looking for truth.

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

Same answer as "1" above. Plus, I think most of us here have far more in common with, say, Bible Presbyterians and independent fundamental churches than some who post here who are technically "Baptists" by name.

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

Don't even try unless someone gives a reason to make it important.

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?

It would mean a loss of privacy and would not necessarily tell you much.

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

Pretty good the way it is. Some moderators perhaps a little trigger happy but they have some tough calls and I respect their work.

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

Are you joking?

 

I agree with those who have said that Baptist Board is fine the way it is. It is a difficult job moderating a forum such as this and I think the moderators have done a good job. I would not make any significant changes. Thanks for asking.

 

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>1.) Who should be allowed to post on Baptist Board? (Baptists only, Baptists and other “friendly” born-again believers, everybody, etc.)<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I don't particularly have an opinion. I keep out of the areas where there are problems with non-believers with a disruptive agenda and where even the Baptists are busily drawing blood. If there's name-calling and angry discourse going on, I just avoid or drop out of the discussion.

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>2.) Should every member be allowed to post everywhere? Or is the current “Baptist-only” and “Free-for-All” limitation a good solution?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

No, I think the present policy is a good one.

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>3.) How can the webmaster/administrators determine who is Baptist is who is not?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

All you can do is take their word for it. Agreement with a basic statement of faith might be good, but even that seems to be debatable.

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>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?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

It would help the rest of us to be able to look in the profile and have an idea where the other person is coming from.

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>5.) How should the board be moderated? Would an unmoderated board make more sense? How should the moderators change?
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Definitely NOT an unmoderated board; chaos would rein in less than a day. I think the moderators do a great job.

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>6.) Is it time for “lights out” because the idea of a civil and constructive Baptist discussion board is not achievable?
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I don't think it's time for lights out. Sometimes the arguing is frustrating, but there is some productive conversation too. The productive conversation makes putting up the the other worthwhile. A "civil" Baptist discussion board may be a dream, though.

-- Danette

 

Keep the Board as is and keep a logical position on the moderation. We have to remember that Jesus walked among these type peoples. We may be able to reach just one. I would have the moderator at least keep it under control enough that there is no grossness or something that is especially intended to inflame the members. It is a difficult thing to do but for me I would like it to continue. Ted Miller

 

1. Who should be allowed to post? Baptists - Yes, friendly born again believers - Yes. Everybody - NO. Anyone who dosn't obey the rules - NO, those preaching non-christian doctrine - NO. Actually since this is a free site only those that the Webmaster says can post should post. Its his site to do with as he pleases and the rest of us are guests. He is a good host for asking our opinions on this.

2. Should every member be allowed to post everywhere? - NO. The current system seems to work well.

3. How can the webmaster/administrators determine who is Baptist is who is not?
Its pure guesswork on your part.

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?

That really wouldn't do a thing. People could fill in whatever they wanted. I would suggest making all members agree to some basic rules and/or doctrines. Kind of like a terms of service on other sites. If you don't follow the rules then you are out.

5. How should the board be moderated?

Just as it is now. I admire the job all of the moderators and administrators have done, and I don't envy them the job at all.

6.Is it time for “lights out” - NO NO A THOUSAND TIMES NO!

The more members we get the more who will be dissatisfied. As I stated above we are all the webmasters guests that goes for Dr. Bob with his 3000 post and the newest jr. member who hasn't even posted yet. The webmaster has been and Im sure will continue to be a good host, in that same light we should all be good guests as well.

Bill

 

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

“Friendly” everybody.

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

Except that I might add that it would be nice for some of the “hostile” sections in the “Free-for-all” to have similar forums in the “Baptist-only” for those who want to follow debates based only on Biblical perspectives.

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

You can’t.

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?

Home church or denomination can be made up.

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

Same as it is now or even more so if possible! Not to me. The only change might be to be less lenient.


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

Quote:
Absolutely NOT! The BB is the best forum on the internet. Let's not allow a few disgruntled members destroy it! KEEP THE BAPTIST BOARD!

 

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

Everybody

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

On the old board I thought anyone should be allowed to post anywhere. Admittedly, some ot the things happening got out of hand. Then it bacame Baptists only. Then a compromise solution came about in which there are forums for Baptists only and others for anyone. I like this solution. However, some are upset I am sure since "liberal" Baptists are on the board. Hey, the warning when you come on is "your views WILL be challenged". Liberals are being challenged when they post and this is good for it points out their error. I think some "conservatives" need to lighten up and realize that being conservative or fundamental doesn't mean you are always right and it doesn't exempt you from being challenged.

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

By the fruit that comes off their typewriter. The problem is that the word "Baptist" encompasses alot of people with divergent views. If you want to narrow it, your are gonna have to change it to FundamentalBaptistBoard. However, defining a fundamentalist will be as difficult as defining a baptist and not everyone will be satisfied.

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?

If it would help police the board, I have no problem with it.

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

I like it the way it is for the most part. I have seen moderators do things to others that I thought were unfair, but I have not personally had anything said to me or done to my posts that I thought was unfair.

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

NO WAY!

 

To new to know all the facts.
But do enjoy this BAPTIST BOARD and sence you have done some good here.
So i say keep up the good work and i will be here.
Davmo

 

I do not agree with everything that is said on some posts but that is not to say they don't have the right to say it. I believe in constructive argumentation and what a person believes is their personal belief.

I want to thank everyone for giving us Primitive Baptist a voice. You may not see things as we do but even among our own brethren we disagree every now and then, as I'm sure all Gods children do.

I share what I believe and that is all. I'm not here to make Primitive Baptist and I'm sure no one is here to convert other to their various denominations. If we are not here to share the goodness and mercies of the Lord in all aspects of our multifaceted lives then we are here for the wrong reason.

I'm a KJV reader and have been well recieved here and thank everyone I've met on this board for their CHRISTIAN kindness and brotherhood. Those who want to find fault here will find fault anywhere.

I was on a KJV bible club and had to send emails to the webmaster many time because people wanted to fight about everything under the sun. All I wanted to do was talk about the KJV which I read and study and love. I finally cancelled my participation in the club.

After that I found the Baptist Board and when the Lord shuts a door he opens a window.
I have nothing but praise for you brethren and know we will meet where this board will never be needed again... Brother Glen

[ November 03, 2001: Message edited by: tyndale1946 ]

 

Being a fairly new member here, I will not try to form an opinion on all of the questions that the webmaster has presented but I would like to make two suggestions:

1)Eliminate the "Creation vs. Evolution" forum. All it does is get people mad and worked up over an issue that is imperically unprovable to either side. The discussions, no, debates and arguments that ensue in those threads become non-Christian and insulting. The forum does nothing to promote good, solid Baptist doctrine and is not helping us implement the Great Commission.

2) Make a rule forbidding the word "heretic" to be used against one with whom another is debating. Unless the Almighty Himself has come down and spoken to you from a burning bush saying, "Read this but not that, think this way but not that, etc." one has no right to use such hurtful terminology. To a real heretic, it wouldn't matter. To a believer it is damaging and insulting. I would rather a fellow Baptist swear at me than call me such an awful name. It is God who reserves the right to judge man, not Baptist Christians. Intolerance is as unBaptist as it is unAmerican.

Otherwise I have been very happy with my experiences here. I have found, for the most part, that when the fellow members and moderators are treated with respect they reply in kind.

Thank you for asking, Webmaster

- Clint