I want to submit the following suggestions for improving the Forum Communities at AAC. They are just some thoughts I have had when thinking about what seems like a repetitive pattern in certain areas and with certain long standing members, many of whom, in my view, have made a great deal of SME contributions in relevant areas.
I don’t claim that the suggestions have more merit than sincerity.
1. Creation of a Beginner Topic area.
This creates a specific place for “newbies” to ask On-Topic questions. By collecting them in their own area, they provide an increased comfort level and a friendly atmosphere.
2. Removal of “Likes” capability in Off-Topic threads.
On the one hand, the whole idea of “likes” is perplexing. If you truly like a post, why not respond with a post that says as much and explains why? On the other hand, “Likes” are a good way of providing appreciation and validation for a post that is particularly valuable in addressing a problem or issue….in On-Topic threads.
In Off-Topic threads, “Likes” serve only as a mechanism to enhance division. They are, therefore, provocative in a place (Off-Topic) whose very existence is on shaky grounds with regard to the purpose of the site.
3. Prohibit Moderators and Administrators from participating in the Off-Topic threads.
To be clear, by prohibit, I mean, by agreement of the management staff. By not participating, I mean that participation is limited strictly to moderation functions only.
I realize that there are quite a few very pleasant and non-contentious Off-Topic threads. I also realize that moderators are volunteering their time. But, ostensibly, regular members are on a level playing field. When moderators enter those threads as participants, they are necessarily on a different and distinctly unbalanced playing field, no matter how objective one thinks they are being.
Off-Topic threads are, by definition, peripheral to the central mission of AAC. As much as I would hate to see some Off-Topic threads go, I know that those topics are covered in other Forums and the unrest that is sometimes caused in the Off-Topics is a clear liability.
4. Update the TOS in a meaningful manner and do it sooner rather than later.
This has been discussed in many places for a very long time, but no updates have been made. In this regard, I would only add “make sure that “Mission Statements” are supported by policies that all can truly thrive under”.
I don’t really feel a need to list areas in desperate need of revision because those areas have been discussed openly and covertly many times.
The point is: When will it be done?
I don’t claim that the suggestions have more merit than sincerity.
1. Creation of a Beginner Topic area.
This creates a specific place for “newbies” to ask On-Topic questions. By collecting them in their own area, they provide an increased comfort level and a friendly atmosphere.
2. Removal of “Likes” capability in Off-Topic threads.
On the one hand, the whole idea of “likes” is perplexing. If you truly like a post, why not respond with a post that says as much and explains why? On the other hand, “Likes” are a good way of providing appreciation and validation for a post that is particularly valuable in addressing a problem or issue….in On-Topic threads.
In Off-Topic threads, “Likes” serve only as a mechanism to enhance division. They are, therefore, provocative in a place (Off-Topic) whose very existence is on shaky grounds with regard to the purpose of the site.
3. Prohibit Moderators and Administrators from participating in the Off-Topic threads.
To be clear, by prohibit, I mean, by agreement of the management staff. By not participating, I mean that participation is limited strictly to moderation functions only.
I realize that there are quite a few very pleasant and non-contentious Off-Topic threads. I also realize that moderators are volunteering their time. But, ostensibly, regular members are on a level playing field. When moderators enter those threads as participants, they are necessarily on a different and distinctly unbalanced playing field, no matter how objective one thinks they are being.
Off-Topic threads are, by definition, peripheral to the central mission of AAC. As much as I would hate to see some Off-Topic threads go, I know that those topics are covered in other Forums and the unrest that is sometimes caused in the Off-Topics is a clear liability.
4. Update the TOS in a meaningful manner and do it sooner rather than later.
This has been discussed in many places for a very long time, but no updates have been made. In this regard, I would only add “make sure that “Mission Statements” are supported by policies that all can truly thrive under”.
I don’t really feel a need to list areas in desperate need of revision because those areas have been discussed openly and covertly many times.
The point is: When will it be done?