Keeping The Peace

[Navy for Moms Admin]

As many of you are aware, there has been some negative energy on this site, mostly rooted in our political forums, that have escalated into blogs and individual pages.

Earlier this week I froze the conversations on a few of the boards. This was partially to allow me to go back and see how things progressed but also to give some of you a chance to take a step back and take a breather. You’ll notice that I have gone in and deleted a great deal of the comments that were off subject, not sourced, or could be perceived as attacks. You can agree or disagree with me about what I have left or removed, but please do so in a PM and I can discuss/address accordingly. No action was taken for personal reasons and I tried to be fair to all sides.

I’ve spent the past few days going back and reading through threads to when Catherine was the admin so I could make an unbiased decision on how to handle this. I’ve also had numerous members contact me in various ways to discuss their personal views on the matter, some even offering up suggestions – all of which I have taken into consideration.

With that being said, here is how we are moving forward:

1. I am not getting rid of Scuttlebutt… yet. The rules of both the site and that forum in particular will be strictly enforced from here on out. I will be watching it closely for the first few days after I re-open, but can’t continue to police just this portion of the site. I ask that if somebody posts something that you think is a violation of our guidelines for whatever reason, that you direct me to it as soon as you see it. If someone seemingly attacks you personally, try to address it yourself without provoking further problems. Remember, Scuttlebutt exists to debate issues – not to attack members/responses that are different from your personal beliefs. If you are unable, direct me to it instead of continuing the fight. If you cannot all learn to be civil I will begin deleting and banning. This is not because we don’t believe in free speech on the site, opinions are not banned here – but blatant insults and attacks will not be tolerated. I do no want this to continue to the point that we have to ban all political discussion to keep the peace. I have seen good discussions going on within those forums and I have seen people come together in support or in spite of their difference and sometimes even have some of their perceptions dispelled – let’s make it our goal to foster that type of conversation!

2. Taking Scuttlebutt out of Scuttlebutt is a no go, and by this I don’t just mean the literal political aspect. Continuing to insult or speak badly about other members within your own blogs, pages, groups, or other members’ walls is not the way to go about things. It just feeds into the fire and creates more negativity. There is the Private Message function – use it. I also encourage you to make an effort to remove your own postings that have spurred up this type of negativity – as others can see this, including our Sailors. Let’s maintain the type of character on this site that would make them and the Navy proud.

3. Above all – remember what this site is for. While it has become a place for you to express your opinions, it is foremost a place to find answers… to help others… to relate and support one another when times get hard and to share in each other’s moments of happiness. Know that each member brings something unique that adds value and insight. There is only one of me and over 10,000 of you – that’s why I need you all to help by being additional eyes on this site and most importantly by following the rules and guidelines at all times.

Thank you for your patience in reading this incredibly long message. I encourage you to send me any comments or suggestions you may have and I hope that we can all work together to elevate this community into something even bigger and greater than it already is!

Your imperfect but devoted admin,
Elle

[J from O]

Elle, Thank you for your time. This is a wonderful site and I am pleased you are trying to keep it that. God bless.

[Mary, Proud Mom of Nick]

Elle, clearly you have put a lot of time and research into finding a solution to our concerns. Hoping we can all move forward into 2009 with a positive focus on our sailors and supporting the families of the US Navy.

[carols_kitchen]

Thanks Elle. I can not even begin to imagine how big your job is, but I do know it is appreciated. I don't know what I would do without my Navy for Moms and the friends I have made through here. May we continue to be blessed and remember the encouragement and love that has been expressed in many ways.

[AngiePNMx2]

Thank you!!

[kim ann]

Elle, what a wonder you are! 9,999 can thank you, but all it takes is that 1 to make the whole batch become "bruised". Am so thankful a soul as large as yours can help us all. Let's all do our part and keep it /do it "Navy Proud", after all, we should be big enough to show others the proper way of doing things. And when not, thanks to you for calling it out. We are not children, so may we not act as such. Let's all show that we are there to Back the Navy up, not to destroying them from the inside out! God Bless your hard work and dedication!