Hellobee Boards

If some people feel it would help them, then I don't see the harm. From the looks of this thread, the feature wouldn't be used that often so I doubt it would change the community feel of the site.

I agree with those who say we are adults and shouldn't need these features. I certainly wouldn't use them.

Then again, I'm not someone who puts much energy into debating online. I notice some users are more "aggressive" with their opinions, but wouldn't call it bullying by any means.

@Anagram: You wrote exactly what I would have written.

First things first, lets keep it real, how many people are opposed to this, but have used the hide and/block features on FB? Just because someone doesn't have a need for something at time, doesn't mean there isn't a need for it. This community is still small and these occurances are obviously not extremely common, but as the community grows so will the problems. This is probably part why people don't understand the need for these types of changes, if you're in the large majority of users that has never had issues with someone else, you might not be able to understand the viewpoint of those in the minority because you haven't walked in their shoes...at least not yet. I see no reason to not try and be proactive now before things snowball. Moderating gets so tricky and if people are in an uproar about this, it's nothing compared to the reactions to stricter policies. I would rather see someone use the mute and block features if it would prevent people from no longer being allowed to use the site. It's like Gold, don't like it, you don't have to use it. But, it doesn't hurt to have options for people. Shoot, I don't like mint chocolate chip ice cream, but it doesn't mean it shouldn't be a flavor option in an ice cream shop.

@Happygal: Lol I really don't! I realize I might be in the minority on that.

@Boogs: I love mint chocolate chip but I like your comment even more. Well said!

I do find some posters abrasive and generally don't like their tone but I just avoid them. I don't think I would use the mute/block features but I can see them being beneficial to those who think they're continually being targeted.

@bluestriped bee: @Sammyfab: @Boogs: you girls are fabulous, can I just say that?! Boogs, that was very well said. You can come have ice cream with me anytime! There's a nice gelateria up the street that will do quite well

@bluestriped bee: there are probably also people like me who have opened this multiple times to see where it's going.

@Boogs: you make a good point. I see HB as different than fb though since fb you decide whose posts you see in the first place. But that's some food for thought.

@bluestriped bee: Fair enough!

Even though its not my experience I think harassment is never something we should turn a blind eye to. Yeah we are all adults and you know what we still need police and judges and governing because the plain fact is that civilization is built on these systems. Some people have committed suicide over Internet bullying. Words can be very powerful things. I don't think we should completely water down our lives for this and I want to maintain honesty as much as possible but abuse or disrespect are not okay. They are not what this community should stand for and we should aim to protect people who feel that way. I think that is the goal here. Yes we are adults. Adults who don't always know where to draw the line. This includes me. I always have good intentions but who knows. At the end of the day I feel like what matters most is maintaining our integrity and that means giving options to those who feel abused. I think that is what this post is trying to accomplish. A happy compromise for everyone.

@bluestriped bee: I've been following along but not commenting, so I'm definitely part of the "lurkers" until now.

I don't have a strong feeling on either option. I don't think I'd use them, but if others would, that's fine with me.

I can't say I've noticed a big change in tone overall, but I definitely have noticed a few threads where the the comments do sort of jump down the original poster's throat. I haven't noticed that it's always the same commenters, but I haven't looked, really. And I can think of a couple of people who were regular posters who disappeared and I wondered about them, and I DID assume they left because others sometimes disagreed very enthusiastically with them.

Mostly I'm a little sad that it would come to this, but if this might help, good.

@Boogs: I agree with you. I am happy to admit I use the "hide feed" function on Facebook and love it. I have certain acquaintances from high school that have very different views from me on gay marriage, gun control, etc. While I would always ignore their posts and not comment, sometimes their comments would make my blood boil a little bit. It was so nice just to hide their feeds and not be bothered...especially around election time, etc. So I can see how it might be useful here. The trouble is, I'm not sure the people that *should* use the mute button would actually use it... I've seen lots of threads where I wonder why a commenter couldn't just move along when it's obvious he/she had a problem with the poster or the topic (e.g., "crowd sourcing type posts").

As I said, I think blocking is unnecessary/likely to cause more problems, but I can see how it might also be nice to be able to hide your own ability to see comments from a person who always seems to want to argue with you/be nasty. There are a couple people whose comments I might hide. Not necessarily because they have upset me personally, but because I don't like how they talk to other people. You can't do that in real life, but if it's possible here, why not? I'm all about avoiding unnecessary stress.

I've lurked for a long time but am an infrequent contributor (mainly due to only using HB on my phone.) I have noticed a change in the tone of some posts. I think mute would be helpful, but I really think the focus should be on the policies for the site/boards and direct, private communication to the individuals who are repeat-offenders. I don't visit any other boards so I don't know if this is considered moderating, but I feel like we should focus on communicating without being vague in situations like this. Like has been mentioned, some people may not realize they're coming off in an abrasive manner and we should give them the opportunity to modify their behavior and not just individually mute it because then there's no chance for improvement.