Re: Admin actions recently taken
I intend only to reiterate what has been so far shared by the other admins, and then to bring up another point that maybe hasn't been realized. Here goes:
This forum is gigantic. It really is. Go to the homepage and scroll to the bottom to see how many posts there are, how many registered members there are, and etc.
There are about four active admins. Each of us have lives, jobs, families, churches, and whatever else, that come before AFF. We are not going to read every post, It just won't happen. We are not going to see every violation of every rule. It's just not going to happen.
We ask people to report posts. Some do, others never do, no matter how upset they get. We PM members and try to arbitrate some kind of peace, and some embrace the notion, others reject it and stay on their course. We offer putting members on "ignore" as a best solution. Some do it, some don't, or only for a few weeks, before they decide the need to be able to see what that person is saying, so they can take up sword and shield and have another go.
This is just the reality of message boards. It comes with the territory. Other reported posts don't receive any action, because the admins believe you all to be grown-ups who ought to know how to handle matters in a mature, Godly way. The truth is, some people on this forum enjoy the fight, enjoy the animosity, and enjoy getting others worked up.
It's just the nature of the human beast. Not all who say "Lord, Lord', right?
That being said, the Admin log-in rarely receives PM from posting members. That's fine, but maybe if there really are unaddressed issues (possibly missed due to the reasons stipulated above), a PM might get an Admin to look at a matter more closely.
The fact is, sometimes the only reason we get a PM is because a poster wants a thread deleted because they made a fool of themselves, or posted something they regret, and lost out on the chance to delete it before it was too late. Is that our fault or responsibility?
I suppose we could argue round and round about what the Admins are supposed to be doing for AFF, and what changes might need to take place in order to see the Admins be more proactive, or more lax, depending on one's view.
But before we go that route, let me tell you about some other apostolic, Oneness Pentecostal forums that were moderated to death because the admin was so worried about every single rule and post and thread and etc., that no one got a chance to post much of anything at all, unless it was completely free of anything controversial. Pretty soon, most of the members left, the ones who stayed, trying to create topics of discussion became disenfranchised, because an Admin swooped in like a hawk to police their every post.
Eventually it became a "Us Four and No More" club, until finally the admin gave up the url and the message board disbanded.
So, for those who want constant policing of the board by the Admins, realize you might find AFF not to your liking.
Personally, I think AFF has a lot of great variety and humor, with a lot of interesting people, some with profound Bible knowledge and insight, others with gentle, peace-seeking spirits, and most, if not all, with a desire to know the Lord and follow Him always, no matter how much disagreements might bar them from interacting with others in ways that might actually edify someone.
I am personally thankful and find myself blessed that this message board exists. I have grown and learned things about the Word I couldn't learn anywhere else. The truth is, I lurked here for over two years before I ever thought to create a username.
I watched and read and when I saw a new post by a member I felt like I had come to know and respect, I made sure to read it.
What has recently transpired has been a bit of a blow and all around, is not something to be glad happened, whichever side you fall out on. But before you get too set on griping and begrudging, ask yourself: What does AFF mean to me? Why do I come here? What's the point of being a part of this forum?
If you can't really come up with a good answer, maybe being here isn't right for you?
But if you can say the same as I just did above, that this is a great forum, and a true blessing, then stick around and let this pass, and move on.
What was done isn't going to be undone. No one is trying to lay the law down on anyone's head. No one is trying to be anyone's pastor or elder offering rebuke and correction. We're just trying to do what we believe is the right thing to do. Hopefully that can be respected. If you disagree, really, reach out to us. We may not offer the kind of answer you were hoping for, but one of us will respond.
Otherwise, we could always use the prayer. Each of the Admin's is filled with the Holy Spirit, and if we've erred, trust in God to get our attention and redirect us accordingly.
Other than that, have an awesome Friday!
Peace and God bless,
Aaron
Last edited by votivesoul; 10-07-2016 at 02:33 AM.
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