Silenced Again

[Lux]

dancingAlone said, "I have spent the better part of my life silent on this issue of abortion and choice even though it was and is of great importance to me. Here, I thought I had finally found a place to speak openly and freely.

It feels a bit like being told to shut up - again."

I've found discussions locked three times since I joined this group. I suppose I need to look at the rules for discussions again, but this seems a little strange. This is a little like what it feels like to be shouted down by antis when I was doing clinic support. Not a good feeling.

[whistle]

1. Good idea to read the rules then post accordingly

[elehhhhna]

2. a;so read the "locked" posts at the end of them. The mods explain

why.

If you want a freeforall forum where anything goes, I can direct you, but it's not that way here. pm me if you like.

[Lerkfish]

3. posting threads about locked threads is also a nono

for only 15 posts, and you've had three and soon 4 threads locked? maybe you should carefully read the rules.

[Control-Z]

4. I brought it up - my fault

With the topic of choice and abortion I think it is fair to say that it might be difficult to discern why a thread has been locked when the reason given is a copy and paste from a prior lock. I was sincere in asking but apparently inappropriate in my approach.

This is a highly emotional and personal subject for many of the women who post and lurk here including myself. I will be more aware of the rules in the future and make a concerted effort to abide by them.

Hi Lux. Thanks for standing behind me.:hi:

[Crunchy Frog]

5. This thread will be locked too, since it clearly violates the rules.

As nearly as I can tell, the other threads got locked because they had turned into flame-fests. They mostly had been started by anti-choice posters as well. Sometimes it helps to investigate before leaping to snap judgements. Of course, this will simply add to the locked threads that someone will point to in evidence of "voices being silenced".

The moderators don't supress genuine discourse on this issue, but they do insist that it remain civil, and within the rules for the forum.

[Control-Z]

7. I wasn't aware

that it clearly violated rules but now a bunch of us have been enlightened and I for one will never ever break this particular rule again. I promise.

Edit: to be nice

[Crunchy Frog]

8. You're supposed to discuss enforcement of the rules

directly with the mods or admins. You are not supposed to start threads about moderator actions such as locking other threads.

Having to follow rules is the price that you pay for a moderated forum. The other alternative is a total free for all. There are advantages and disadvantages to each type of forum I guess. Having looked at what goes on on some unmoderated forums, I prefer what we have at DU. That's just me though.

[Control-Z]

6. Maybe you have to experience it

to understand it. There is nothing quite like being shouted down by antis. Seeing the look in their eyes...

I guess I'm a little sensitive but I'm tired of being looked at as a criminal for being pro-choice. I'm really tired of needing to choose my words ever so carefully so as not to offend anyone. They can scream baby killer at me but I have to demure to pc conventions or say nothing at all. ack!

[wakemeupwhenitsover]

9. I'm going to lock this.

From the rules:

Questions about Democratic Underground policies should be emailed to the administrators. Discussion topics pertaining to specific enforcement actions by the moderators are categorically forbidden. Discussion topics relating to Democratic Underground policies, procedures, enforcement, etc., are sometimes permitted if they are respectful and not disruptive to the administration of the website. We reserve the right to lock or delete any such topics for any reason.

best,
wakemeupwhenitsover
DU Moderator