Members' view on BB policies

[PreacherDave]

1.) Who should be allowed to post on Baptist Board?
A. Baptists and other “friendly” born-again believers
2.) Should every member be allowed to post everywhere? Or is the current “Baptist-only” and “Free-for-All” limitation a good solution?
A. Perhaps rather than restrictions on Baptist vs. non have a restriction about Bible believing Christians vs. non. Perhaps require non-Baptists to identify in some way so that when they present ideas "not Baptist" it is understood that is where they hail from. But all true Christians (Baptist, Presbyterian, Nazarene, etc.) should be free to communicate w/ one another in love--"one Lord, one faith...one God and Father of all..." (Eph. 4:5,6)/
3.) How can the webmaster/administrators determine who is Baptist is who is not?
A. Have users give their doctrinal affiliation.
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?
A. It's not a loss of privacy. They could say "First Church"--they wouldn't have to say "Of Sacramento." Realize, however, that there are Christians who are not in an "organized" church; we should not discriminate against them.
5.) How should the board be moderated? Would an unmoderated board make more sense? How should the moderators change?
A. Moderators should feel free to edit postings with cursing, promotion of evil, & also reprimand those who promote anti-Biblical ideology. Those ignoring reprimands continually could be barred from using the board; ie. have thier messages removed, or simply disallowed entrance. This is a part of "church discipline." Only on the idea of universal church--it's saying: This is for believers. You're not going to trash this up with ungodliness.
6.) Is it time for “lights out” because the idea of a civil and constructive Baptist discussion board is not achievable?
A. It is discouraging. I've used it less & less because so many regular users who post do not seem to be interested in truly learning from one another. They just use it as a place to promote themselves. I'm not sure I have an answer right now. Part of the problem lies in the place of the Church right now--pridefulness, promotion of self over the promotion of Christ & the Gospel runs rampant in the Church (Baptist & otherwise) today. The answer is purification; which sadly will probably come from persecution.
Some of the problem lies in the vapid topics: Seen any good movies? And they are all worldly.
Continual warfare over KJV vs. Not. (We prefer the KJV, by the way. We DON'T prefer the warfare over it, however.)
The guidelines should follow Scriptural principal: love, mercy, forgiveness, longsuffering; and the topics should underline the proper attitudes.

Thanks for reading & considering. God bless!
PreacherDave & Tami

 

[Gina B]

1.) Who should be allowed to post on the Baptist Board?
Da Baptists! Limited non-Baptists to the other topics/religions forum is just fine....there are a million and one, maybe even two, alternatives on the net to the Baptist Board.

2.) Should every member be allowed to post everywhere?
Well, don't let the guys in the women's forum! Although it IS a little silly that a FEW of them can see in there....we just kinda think of them like doctors and preachers though.

3.) How can the webmaster/administrators determine who is baptist/who is not?
Have them fill out this little questionairre.
1. What is your opinion on pot luck suppers?
2. Name the original 13 disciples. (gets non-baptists every-time)
3. If you had to yell out STANDARDS, would it look like
a. Standards
b. Staaanderrds
c. Staaaaanndeeerrrrrrrds
(if they pick c then have no doubts)

4.) Should registration be modified so everyone would have to provide the name of their church? Would that invade privacy?
That's a tad extreme. I doubt most people would do that. It pretty much has to be an honor system, if things get out of hand then maybe the webmaster or a moderator assigned to it can ask personally if it's that bad, other than that it's getting pretty personal.

5.) How should the board be moderated?
A very good job is being done right now. UNMODERATED? ROFL! Ya think it's gettin' bad NOW?????

6.) Is it time for lights out?
Well, if we're all posting here we obviously don't think so! That would be a personal decision for you to make if you're the sole person who owns this board and you feel that might be what you want.
---------------------------------------------
Webmaster, you've done an excellent job, and the majority of the people here are grateful for that and appreciate it! As for those that don't, it's like I tell my kid's...there's plenty of other mom's! If you don't like my rules go cry to them!
da Gina
(Ok, ok, nobody every accused me of being sane)

 

[Gina B]

PS. I just noticed it's after 5am on Monday and I haven't gone to bed yet??? Since Saturday? Hope whatever I posted made sense...something about moderators...I may have just proven the point of why we need them, huh?

 

[Jonathan]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>1.) Who should be allowed to post on Baptist Board?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

In the short time that I have been posting (I am actually one of the earliest members), I have been impressed with the diversity of those who come. How they are treated when they come is another matter (poster beware may be an effective motto).

Let any who choose to come, come. Deal with spammers on a case by case.

<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>

So far so good. There is a value in having a discussion limited to those who have at least one thing in common (although the term "Baptist" may, in fact, be the most broad term available other than "Christian").

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

Jonathan: This is one tricky issue. There is not answer that will satisfy even a significant minority. Unless you establish a clear set of entrance questions, you will not be able to control this one. The paradox is that the authentic Baptist and the disciplined dissenter will appear to be the same.

<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>

Anonymity on discussion boards tend to do more to encourage honesty in discussion. Identifying posters to the internet "wasteland" provides a risk that will overcome the desire for participation...especially for those who rely upon often unsophisticated congregations for financial support.

<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>

The present level of moderation is acceptable and to be desired to either extreme.

<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>

No. Understand that the complaints will likely come from those who:

a) Have little life outside this board
b) Have a level of spiritual maturity that does not consider "reasoning together" on contentious topics a value
c) Confuse obtuse dissent with actual intelligence

 

[tragic_pizza]

<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>

You are free to limit posting in whatever way you desire -- after all. you own the Board, and offer it as a free service.

Why do you offer this forum for discussion? To give Baptists the opportunity to exercise their faith, thereby building spiritual 'Muscle" through debate and study? Or is it a forum for Baptists to congratulate one another on being "right?" Answer this question, and you'll have your answer. As for my opinion, restricting access would be a mistake.


<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>

See above response. The idea that only certain religious beliefs should be allowed in this place or that place is reminiscent of the Roman Catholic restriction on Eucharist. If you are comfortable with that kind of elitism...

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

[sarcasm]
Password? Secret handshake? Tattoo? Perhaps by closely monitoring the cloistered areas for any sign of dissention amongst the faithful?
[/sarcasm]

Seriously, aside from the above suggestions, there is no way. Even then, it's a toss-up. Baptists are nearly as diverse in their beliefs within the "basics" as the Unitarians are outside the basics...

<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>

Loss of privacy, yes. Besides, what is to keep a person from lying about it?

<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>

I like the idea of an unmoderated board. However, it isn't my board, is it? The Moderators should moderate in whatever fashion they want. If we don't like it, well, cyberspace is big and we can always find another venue, can't we?

<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>

This would be unfortunate. One would think that mature Christians can engage in lively debate without getting their feelings hurt. However, if this is not the case with the majority of Baptist posters, then perhaps death is the only comfortable alternative.

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Any and all responses will be seriously considered. Please take time to share how you feel about these issues.

Thank you.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

You are welcome.

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

 

[Jeff Weaver]

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

Everybody, so long as they remain civil. Course what the definition of civil is, is subjective.


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

No opinion

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

Impossible to do, have to take person's word for it.

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 would like to see a person's denomination, if he/she has one, so that one might be better able to figure out from whence that person is coming.

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

For the most part the moderators do a good job. I personally think they should close threads more quickly than they do. A suggestion that might be worthwhile -- to close a thread temporarily when issues get heated. Not to stiffle debate, but give folks time to cool off and chill out.

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

No, I don't think so for the lights out. However, I think a completely civil and constructive board of any kind is difficult/impossible to achieve. Why -- Human nature. I do wish folks would use more self restraint, course what is self-restraint is another subjective kind of thing. Folks should never post in the heat of anger, but that isn't the fault of the webmaster or administrators.

Hope it helps

Jeff Weaver

 

[John Paul]

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

John Paul:
I disagre. I think they are doing a very good job.

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

John Paul:
That is in the eye of the beholder.

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

John Paul:
Not a flaming liberal! Oh my gosh!

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

John Paul:
What good is an opinion of one?

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

John Paul:
I can see a point where some discussions are not for everyone.


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.)

John Paul:
Everybody who behaves themselves.

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

John Paul:
Letting people post where they shouldn't could confuse the issues. If people want a segregated space let them have it.

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

John Paul:
Is this like a circumcision(sp?) thing?

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?

John Paul:
Can one be a Baptist and not be registered at a Church?

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

John Paul:
The moderators are doing fine.

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

John Paul:
No, please leave the lights on. Thank you.

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

 

[ddavis]

Keep the STANDARDS high this is a BAPTIST BOARD. I agree with Thomas Cassidy on this one!!!

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

 

[Amazing_Grace]

I don't post here as often as many members, but I do visit and read forums often, and I don't think anything needs to be changed. I think you all do a great job right now!

 

[ANSELMETZ]

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus,
I feel a little funny writing this because I only discovered you this last Saturday (11-03-01). But I think that we as Baptist need to step back and take a good look at this situation. Baptists have been persecuted by all established churches throughout the ages. This help shape us into the freedom loving people that we are. We have been and are the champions of religious and soul liberty the world over. Do we now forget our wonderful heritage and become like the rest of the established churches and persecute others who are not like ourselves? God, forbid! We must remain true to whom and what we are, BAPTISTS! I bear that title proudly
it is full of meaning and bold history.
Our forefathers were a hearty lot who were not afraid to publicly stand up and proclaim their faith asured of what it was they believed. Are we now a mere shadow of our former selves? Are we become afraid to publicaly debate our faith with those who teach false doctrine and show them for the vipers they truely are! I know that the old battle tested veterens of yesteryear are now passing from the scene, but, will the faith and fight die with them? God, forbid!
Let them say what they will for we know in whom we have believed and are persuaded that he is able to keep that which we have committed unto Him against that day. If we join the others in silencing those who diagree with us how long will it be until we find our own religious freedom withdrawn?
Think that it can not happen to us? I would
remind you that Biblically Fundamental Baptists are not a very popular group in contemporary America. We have the right (triune) God, the right Savior,Jesus, the right Comfortor, the Holy Ghost,and the right Book, the KJV, (for English speaking people).
Let's remain the soldiers of religious and soul liberty!

Ansel ANSELMETZ@NETSCAPE.NET

 

[Maria]

Yes I agree that it is good the way it is.
Maria

 

[Barnabas H.]

I read the entire thread. It was quite time consuming. There are a number of good ideas, good support. But there are also many unreasonable expectations. Folks, you can't have your cake and eat it too.

Those who object to censure, editing and or removal of an offensive post should consider the following. Many times the Moderators cannot send a private notification or give an opportunity of an offensive poster to "revise" his/her remarks for the following reasons:

If and when an offensive language post (or a personal attack) has been detected by a member, the same may not be observed by a Moderator. Members will see the post and they will immediately react to it, often resulting in a verbal fight. It spreads like an atomic chain reaction. In those circumstances how can the originator of the post be notified, given the opportunity to revise or remove the post? If the post is the head of the thread, the whole thread will disappear when the post is deleted (resulting in a tirade of private email notices to the Administrators). If the post is revised, the reactions of the posters will remain and visitors will wonder what the fuss is all about, since they cannot see the original post, which triggered the reaction of other posters.

Then there are those who come to the BB with a preconceived agenda and they will advertise it at any given opportunity. They care very little about the outcome of their posts. Some of these people are pretty selfish, often pompous, demanding, and obnoxious. Should I go on with the adjectives? Almost daily we have to remove obnoxious links from people’s profile because it is so vile and offensive that many members left or stopped posting because they consider the widespread evil on the BB offensive. Some of these offensive people’s privileges were revoked to post, but it does not stop them to come back with another username and start the spread of their evil all over again. You still think that the Moderators job is so easy? Trust that you all know that our Moderators and Administrators are not getting paid for the work they do. Their work is a voluntary contribution to the BaptistBoard.com in order to keep the site Christ-like and Baptistic in nature.

Now in the past I have deleted several posts myself because of vile language. I have closed others because they were provocative, and challenging to other members personally – in other words, they lacked subjectivity. Naturally, other sympathizing posters (personal friends of the offender) maintained that outside of the haughty language the post contained a valid message, which should have been left there subject for debate. Sorry friends, but not in my book. If you have a subject to discuss, then do it civilized. Be a gentleman or a gentlewoman, and courteous to other posters. If you come to the BB to demean others for their views then you are climbing on a wrong tree. You may be challenged for your views but avoid reacting. Come back with facts and solid Biblical references to support your views.

We close threads, which are provocative in nature and attack the integrity of Moderators or other members of the board. To give you an example: A “member,” who was edited in his post remarked that this site resembled a concentration camp by the Nazis. Well, this person probably didn’t care for the welfare of other people except his own. His “knee jerk” reaction brought the following Bible verses to mind:

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR> O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall vive account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by words thou shalt be condemned. (Matthew 12:34-37)<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I summary, I would like to suggest that all of our visitors as well as our members from henceforth should strive to post their comments in such a way that it both edifies and builds the reader. If this is being done, there will be no editing, removal, or closing any threads – promise! My, my, won’t that make the jobs of our Moderators so much easier? Boy, they will hardly be able to contain themselves! I believe that the BB is the best thing ever happened to www, and I for one would like to keep it and work constantly on improving the same instead of closing the site down. God bless all!

 

[p]

I may be just a dumb old country boy, but here's my take on it.

Um, I don't pay for it, so it really doesn't matter a whole lot what I think of it. Of anything, anywhere, or how.

My opinion is not so exalted that it should be regarded by necessity at all, unless it is out of earned respect.

I am not earning anything here. I am involved in the free exchange of scriptural doctrine, views, and ideas.

I am enjoying the gravy, but it's the webmaster that is grinding the flour.

Therefore, the site is his to administrate as he sees fit, or not, notwithstanding my meager opinion.

If at any time, I become dissatisfied with the operation/moderation/administration of this forum, or any other, I have the right to seek, or not seek, these activities elsewhere (whew, long sentence).

Webmaster is a patient, kind, longsuffering, and courageous soul.

I thank Webmaster for his selfless, giving act of offering this venue for my edification, and at times, pontifications of my onerous views.

Other than that, he may solicit suggestions, but ultimately, they are his to act upon.

May God grant him the wisdom necessary to execute this arduous task.

In His Steps,

Alex Peterson
II Corinthans 10:5

 

[TXVET58]

Is it true that "moderators" are preventing posts or closing threads at their own personal discretion?
If this type of censorship is happening, then we should definitely close this site down. Baptists are accused often of intolerance; a recent radio editorial I heard referred to a particular Baptist denomination as "the most potentially dangerous hate-group in America".
Censorship by un-moderate moderators only confirms the Nazi-like Taliban image that our critics ascribe to us.
Give this forum liberty...or give it death!

 

[Barnabas H.]

You are very sweet TXVET58. Did you arrive to that conclusion on your prayer knees or you pirated that thought from a Hollywood movie?

Are you one of those free spirited Baptists? Did you ever consider Paul's words to the Corinthians in chapter 10:23?

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

 

[DocCas]

LOL! That is the funniest thing I have ever read TXVET58! You decry what you call "censorship" on the BB, then offer, as a solution, the ultimate act of censorship - shutting down the BB! LOL! That is rich!

[ November 05, 2001: Message edited by: Thomas Cassidy ]

[ November 06, 2001: Message edited by: webmaster ]

 

[Aaron]

I've got to jump in again and say that I think it is bad form for the moderators themselves to be appraising their own skills.

Okay, this board is privately owned. When it comes right down to it you can run it any way you want. We may not like it, but you can do anything you want.

However, you obviously feel some sort of responsibility to the membership, or you wouldn't have asked. There is obviously a significant segment of the membership who perceive some sort of inequity.

Don't do like the engineers and managers at my place of employment and ask my opinion on how to improve the uptime of the machines in my area then reject them all wholesale and maintain the status quo.

Certainly you can see that some kind of compromise is in order.

 

[Bro. Curtis]

I have read posts where KJV-only christians are called "cult" members. I have been called "tone deaf" because I won't listen to cristian rock music. I decided to not wait for strike three. The only reason I bothered to post this is the message I recieved in my private e-mail.Rom 16:17&18

 

[DHK]

This is an excellent board. I agree with Thomas Cassidy to keep it the way it is.

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 think that a person ought to give some information--the name of their church, or the type of church, or their religious affiliation. Are they Baptist? If so what kind? If they are not, then what are they? But I do not necessarily think that a person has to divulge their exact location. That is where the loss of privacy would come in. We go on the honor system. If a person lies about whether they are a Baptist or not, they are generally found out by the nature of their posts anyway.
DHK

 

[Aaron]

Yes, this is an excellent board. Yes, it is a privately-owned board. Yes, I think that for the most part it has been governed well.

I think Thomas Cassidy did an excellent job of cleaning up the Bible Versions/Translations forum when he became the moderator. That forum was a hot-bed of vulgarity and personal provocation, but I have never witnessed him closing a thread or deleting a post simply because he had a personal issue with it.

Bob Griffin is also, as one already expressed, a paragon of moderation. I have only seen him close threads when they have become too long (ten pages or more). And it is a rare thing for me to see that he has deleted a post.

Of course, these are the older and wiser men among us.

Some of the newer moderators, on the other hand, are overzealous in the execution of their powers to squelch dissent.

That has to change.

Do I think it is easy? Please. I have been a school teacher and a pastor. I know what it is to get raked over the coals regularly, but that's just one of the perks of the job.

[ November 06, 2001: Message edited by: Aaron ]