In another wandering tributary on this post - I'd like to pick up on the issue of the FWR board. Lots of posters on MN complain that it's scary and intimidating, and you get short shrift if you don't fit in. I have experienced it myself, although I do continue to lurk and post when I feel comfortable so to do.
There are a couple of posts that illustrate this perfectly. They are both from LucyStone - for which I apologise hugely, as this is no way intended as having a pop at Lucy, just that these demonstrate what many regular Feminists keep trying to deny - that there is a strong collective which can exclude many. It's almost like it has become a quiche:
i don't mind debating rape myths a million times over, but i object to having women told they're lying in the one section where we practice the "i believe you" motto.
In other words, the FWR has its own rules. It matters not a jot whether I accept the 'I believe you' motto, but it is an assertion that this is what is ^practiced* on that board. Therefore anyone who doesn't know this is the case is likely to fall foul of the FWR board. And who got to say that this is what would be practiced?
We have never asked for anyone to be banned for a difference of opinion, Justine. even though we're the many headed monster in your eyes, it seems, we don't agree constantly. if we asked for everyone with a different opinion to be banned, then hell, there's times we'd be hitting the report button every other post. we have every shade of feminism over there, but people insist on painting us as clones.
Can't you see that speaking as 'we' does make you seem like a collective voice, standing firm against the 'you'? And you wonder why people insist as painting you as clones!
The issue of trolls/derailers on the FWR board is a completely different one, and I have said before that I do think that MNHQ should be more vigilant in that regard. I believe you, Justine, when you say that you are banning/warning them, but I don't think you read the boards carefully/often enough to really understand how much of an issue people like Bob and Edd are.
Anyway, my threepennyworth.
I still think that the banning of DBF was fair, although it was unfortunate that it had to happen the way it did. I love it when people have passionate views and are prepared to argue their corner here. It's what makes MN what it is. But I hate it when passion spills into aggression and hostility, with no thought for the person it is being directed at.