A different webpage in this section discussed why topics are shifted from one venue to another.
Might this policy alienate some people? Unquestionably. That's one of the most difficult aspects of moderating these groups.
However, it's clearly much more efficient to explain this philosophy to those who are offended than to deprive an entire forum of the right to discuss the topic for which they subscribed.
It is rare to have a large number of discussants on any particular issue. When shifting the discussion, the moderator asks those few participants (as well as others who are interested in the current discussion) to temporarily join the appropriate group. To cite the example presented in the previous installment, we have to face one of two choices:
When considered from that point of view, only one option seems viable.
Perhaps this solution could be seen as the democratic rights of the majority. The subscribers to the Jewish Special Needs group represent this majority, and they should all be able to participate freely in the discussion in the topic represented by their own group, without having to move to a different group.
Are there other alternatives? Perhaps. We could merge two groups for the purpose of a single thread. Would that be fair? Of course not. The participants selected each of those groups because they had specific interests that did not overlap.
Will some people be offended by this rule, when they have to move their discussion elsewhere? Probably. Some people may think only of their own needs.
However, we cerainly cannot run groups based on those who sulk or pout because of their own needs for instant gratification or their refusal to follow group guidelines.
Furthermore, this merging could theoretically continue until we would be back to one large group - with all the problems inherent in that arrangement.
For example, some parents in the Jewish Parenting group might want to discuss how to run a Hebrew program for their children, so the newly expanded group would merge with the Hebrew Computing group. Other parents might want to relate to issues that relate to themselves and not to their children, so we would merge the Jewish Spouses group with the new entity.
And on and on.
When seen in that light, there is certainly a need to maintain a modicum of order. We thus assure that each group will have a defined area of moderated discussion.
The system is not perfect. Any decision will entail inconvenience for one group or another. We are certainly willing to change this policy.
However, at this stage, it seems to be the least problematic method of dealing with a difficult situation.
Find out more about remaining on topic
Find out more guidelines for our Jewish groups
Find out about other Jewish and Hebrew groups
Third Son will help you decide which group is best for you
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