To tell MNHQ that I think they are awesome

[GrinchyMcGrincherson]

I've just come back from site stuff where MNHQ are taking a battering for reasons I can't even understand and I came via a thread on which Justine has taken even worse. What the hell is going on?

I wanted to let HQ know that this vocal minority is a minority. So who is with me? Let's have some love for HQ. No one ever gets everything right all the time so why should they be any different? Why should they be hurled abuse at because they made a call that some people didn't like? Or have an opinion someone disagrees with? Guess what different opinions exist and some people even respect others rights to have a differing one.

This forum is so popular entirely because HQ allow debates about topics other forms would delete and try to allow freedom of speech as far as possible by only intervening when absolutely necessary. They also let us swear. Because of this They also have to troll hunt constantly.

They do a brilliant job in difficult circumstances. Given how much crap I've seen them take in public I'd hate to be whoever deals with HQs inbox!

So shout out to MNHQ and night watch. Thank you for all you do!

That isn't happening at the moment - What is happening is that there are people here who believe HQ personally owe them something and when they don't get their way they think it's OK to rage against HQ staff.

Some of the rages have got very personal, which isn't ok either.

GrinchyMcGrincherson er, did you miss that my post was in praise of MNHQ? That I think they should be proud of the way they handle a very diverse and very opinionated bunch of people, and get it all running reasonably smoothly without generally having to shut down or restrict debate?

Sorry if I confused or upset you. I quoted you saying you sometimes get a little upset and then basically was trying to say we all do that and that's fine but the shit we are seeing now is not that it's another level of anger.

Err...Why is it funny to suggest diversity training? And why should MNHQ be cut some slack?

Because generally they are more informed and clued up than half the posters. Occasionally they get it wrong but they are humans who make mistakes sometimes.

Also from what I've seen a lot of the things they are pulled up on and abused for are things that the vast majority of people think are fine but a teeny tiny minority are super offended by. If they removed every post that offended someone I'm pretty sure we would have no forum left. You have to draw lines somewhere.

People are being heard.

Just because things aren't happening fast enough, or they are not agreed with 100% of the time doesn't mean they aren't.

I have to say that when I have raised an issue, it has always been dealt with fairly quickly and very politely. I accept that it's going to take some time to get a response at night and on the weekends. However, in general, they are very responsive. The night watch is also good but I don't think enough forum users utilise it enough. I've had email contact with most of the mods and they've all been exceptionally nice, even when I once threw a strop and didn't deserve it.

People rage when they don't feel heard - so when the same offensive language and attitudes are left to stand people feel frustrated and let down

Yes.

The rage and the frustration have become the sole focus of discussion now. The original issue is getting.

lost

Some people rage because they think they're right and won't shift at all on their opinions. This isn't exclusive to MN, of course, just how people are.

Yes, it seems to go:

Poster 1: Contentious post
Poster 2: I'm mega offended
Poster 1: that's my opinion
Poster 3: I'm not offended and it's a debate
Poster 2: Wah, I'm telling MNHQ on you
MNHQ: We've reviewed it and feel it should stand for x reason
Poster 2: You never listen to me and I'm right ALL the time. MNHQ should be sacked.

I posted a lot on the thread which I think you refer too regarding Justine's ill informed comments about children with diabetes.

Generally I love mn and have learnt a lot from it. But Justine wasn't her usual self on that thread and I was disappointed by it.

I think MN have a really hard job to do but I do think it is fine to point out where they have unknowingly caused offence through a poor choice of words.

... and when that happens, IMVHO MNHQ are more than happy to hold their hands up and admit that they are at fault/haven't understood the issue, etc.

I agree 100%

That 'other' thread is so far up itself!

Indeed BIWI they usually do. That is why I was so surprised by how Justine reacted on that thread.