Hellobee Boards

II say make a trial unlimited and see how it goes. If it changes the vibe of HB or is abused, reassess. Just because we can imagine how it could be abused doesn't mean it would be.

This is a delayed response, but I agree with @Grace:

Personally not a fan of this. If a thread goes south where people are clearly piling on, beating a dead horse, being mean, etc., I think the current system works just fine and there is a clear rationale for asking for a thread to be closed. But I fear that overly sensitive OPs will close threads when differing positions are presented in a respectful way (95 percent of what I see) and that's not good for the community.

@mrsjazz: agree.

In the case of the Miley Cyrus thread that was deleted, how about just changing the OP to AnonyBee (like today's blog post)? This way the OP is no longer associated with the thread, but other users can continue the discussion.

I think threads should only be deleted if they are accidental duplicates. If people have a change of heart and want their content or photos deleted, I think the system of having a limited amount per user, requested through the help boards, is a good system. And I think threads should only be closed in extreme situations. If people are getting too heated and posting in a way that's bad for the community, you can always flag their posts and then they're put into moderation. I've seen instances where threads were closed for being veered off topic, and other threads open up for the new topics, which is fine... but then what about the people who find the thread later and want to discuss again?

I don't like whole threads being deleted because then everyone else's comments on the thread are deleted without their knowledge.

This is the internet, so everyone should think about what they post before they post it... deleting or closing things should be the exception, not the norm.

ETA: then again, if you want to start up the discussion again I guess you could just start a new thread. But again, I don't like the idea of all the other users' comments just being blown away forever.

@anonysquire: Wow, I just have to say, I'm shocked at your response. "if you can't handle different opinions from your own maybe don't come here?"

Just wow! As I pick my jaw off the ground...

@bluestriped bee: I agree with @Anonysquire (and the pps who stated similar responses albeit slightly more diplomatically). There have been several threads closed lately because (presumably) the OP didn't like the responses and/or was anticipating different responses (I can think of one in particular about finding a receipt for a gun in a farmer's market shopping bag).

I think the current system works well

I don't really see anything wrong with the current system of asking to have a thread closed. I have not qualms with people wanting to close threads no matter what the reason. People are welcome to start a new thread to discuss the topic.

@MsLipGloss: So all this talk about HB being a great supportive community but yet if you can't take different opinions, you better leave?!? That's the HB community I've grown to love.

I don't know why those threads were closed and eventually deleted but MrBee does allow us to delete 3 threads. I think that was very accommodating of MrBee to allow deletions.

Toot Toot!

I posted a great solution IMHO...If an OP would like to close a thread for future comments or delete altogether the user id should be changed to AnonyBee. That user would no longer ve a ssiciated with the post, but v the community can still benefit from the discussion. Call it Ghost Bee Protocol. Boom!

@bluestriped bee: I have to agree with @MsLipGloss:. Certainly the statement by @anonysquire could have been made in a more diplomatic manner, however, her sentiment is correct. I think one of the best parts of this community is that we are able to maintain a supportive environment in spite of different opinions. If you are unwilling to acknowledge any opinion other than your own I don't think this is a place for you.

@mrskc: I think there's a difference between someone attacking or name-calling OP and posters just disagreeing or offering countering viewpoints than the OP...which from some recent posts that were closed seem to be the latter.

@bluestriped bee: You're right, it is great that we have the option to delete and an OP can delete whatever thread she wants to. It just seems lately that there have been a few threads closed and/or deleted because the OP just didn't like the responses. How do you build and maintain a community when some members seem to only value commentary that validates or is in agreement with their beliefs? But honestly, this is not that serious, I don't know why I'm so gung-ho about it, whatever mrbee & mrsbee decide is fine because I don't run this place.

@mrbee: I guess I'm saying we should keep it as is, even though I may not agree with certain policies as they stand. I'm not trying to rock the boat. Maybe if the OP wants a post deleted and you or mrsbee can't get to it right away, than that OP just has to wait!

@MsLipGloss: thanks for getting me and not blowing my comment out of proportion

@mrsjazz: I get that. I guess I'm thinking more from the stand point if you post something about your personal life and you're feeling attacked (not necessarily name calling). I don't see what's wrong with wanting the thread closed. I also think sometimes people close threads when things get off topic (maybe the case with the Miley thread? who knows). I've only had one thread closed and maybe it was silly of me to request it, but I felt a lot of anxiety over the thread. I just couldn't take seeing one more comment on it and I felt relieved when it was closed. And now I'm more careful about threads that I start.

@mrbee: I wonder if it would be possible to give a hostess or two the ability to respond to requests to close threads, instead of just you and Mrs. Bee? That way the responsibility isn't all on you two, but there's still another level to go through before a thread can be closed? Just a thought

I haven't read through pp, but I have mixed feelings on closing threads. I don't think it would be used all that much, but I don't usually HB until after work and I would selfishly be bummed if a whole bunch of threads closed before I could post I guess. BUt, I do think its a nice feature to have if you're "over" a post you started.

Kind of random.. but One of the things I really value about HB is that it is not like wedding bee in terms of the community feel. No offense to the WB, but I got a little put off by the whole hostess/moderator policing, and the blurred lines in terms of their abilities, then preferences and interpretations in regards of the TOS. I don't see HB anywhere near this, but sometimes when these threads pop up I feel an uneasy vibe.

Anyways, I think its nice to have some adult conversation and having the chance to self regulate. I think its wonderful that we can have the ability to remove sensitive material upon request. Id be down for either option- change or no change, just as long as it doesn't change the community feel!

@MamaMoose: I can absolutely agree with your statement. I think people can disagree and still be valuable to this site. But rare instances where people can't see other points of view can be very hard for our site.