I didn't like the block function when it was introduced. I was afraid of being locked out of threads that I wanted to respond to.
It turned out not to be a problem for me and I noticed an improved quality of conversation -- a whole lot less bashing of other DUers and less snark.
I thought people were still speaking their truth, but doing so in a more polite way - respectful-like, if you know what I mean.
Now the attacking comments are back in lots of threads: TROLL! Your comment was NASTY! My comment was NOT nasty! Well, why don't you just go post in another thread now?
:puke:
:thumbsdown: :thumbsdown: :thumbsdown: :thumbsdown: :thumbsdown: :thumbsdown: :thumbsdown:
DistantEarlyWarning's Predictions about the Block Function:
2) Second, a group norm will eventually be developed whereby it's socially acceptable to have up to 3-4 people on one's ignore list - having that many and no more will give the impression that the DUer in question is a reasonable person who is open to debate but is tired of having to put up with a few jerks who always disrupt his conversations (which may actually be true for many posters). Some DUers will build self-esteem by adopting a more puritan attitude of not having anyone on their block list, allowing them to feel smug about being a more nice/open-minded/fearless/whatever person than anyone else. (Yes, I'll probably get flamed by some "puritans" for that last statement - oh well. Some people can't handle truth.)
3) Third, some angry posters (the "I'll show them!" people) will ignore said above norm and use this feature block on absolutely everyone they don't agree with or who might have ever once said something they found offensive in any way, no matter how minor. This is the playground equivalent of refusing to let anyone play with you in the hope that they might notice you refusing to let them play with you and feel bad. Unfortunately for them, the end result will inevitably be that only the really thin-skinned DUers notice or care about their "great revenge", and they will end up standing alone in their corner of the playground throwing the ball by themselves. This will be no great loss for any of the other kids, who will still be playing ball with one another. Eventually the "I'll show them" people will either figure out that they are just shunning themselves and revise their poor attitude, or they will leave because talking to oneself isn't really fun. Either way DU improves.
4) Fourth, certain other posters (the "I think dissent = getting out the flamethrower at every possible opportunity" people) will end up on a lot of 3-4 person lists. This will effectively shut them out of a lot of different conversations. Since they get entertainment from ticking people off, DU will cease to be interesting and they will move on to other, unmoderated boards where they can flame unsuspecting victims to their heart's delight. They may also end up totally humiliated if the mods ever decide to post a list of the "most blocked". Again, no great loss for DU.
5) Due to the loss of 3 and 4, and judicious application of #2, DU will eventually become a more civil environment. Debate will still happen, some people will block others for revenge, but in general, the overall adult level of discourse will probably rise. The thin-skinned people will be happy that the flamers are gone. The "puritans" will feel even better about themselves for rising above/being enlightened after a lot of posters put 3-4 people on their block lists. The "hate and fear change" people will prophecy gloom and doom for a while until they get comfortable with the new stuff. And eventually this will just seem like the normal way things were always done around here.
DistantEarlyWarning's Predictions are
here.
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