Forum Issue: Question about locking thread

[Obol]

I must say that I am against the ban.

I don't like using force in these cases, because if we dont like what Vince says, we should ignore it, not lock him out.

That said, Vince, I don't think you read the intro thread for the forum:

As an example, the thread about Christianity was instantly blocked here.  At another forum an informative discussion was generated from it that myself and possibly others learned from.  On a Thanissaro Bhikkhu facebook group the same question was greeted with "Great question!" and an polite and informative discussion ensued.  There are many other threads that something very similar can be said about. 

From the intro thread: http://www.vipassanaforum.net/forum/index.php/topic,91.msg516.html#msg516:

Discussion of anything is acceptable, however, game playing with words is an obstacle and hindrance on the path of meditation and divisive of community.

In particular "mindless speculation of imponderables" and purely intellectual debates are not what this place is about - this place is a meditation practice oriented community of active meditators - not an intellectual playground for the amusement of people with a purely intellectual approach to the subject. The approach is practical, personal and experiential.

[Quardamon]

Ignoring him gives him the room to do his own thing. If several of the members ignore him, than we would have in fact two forums, each with their own tone and own kind of subjects. And it would not be clear where the one forum begins and the other forum ends. (I found myself ignoring whole threads in which he posted a lot.)

[Matthew]

I must say that I am against the ban.

I don't like using force in these cases, because if we dont like what Vince says, we should ignore it, not lock him out.

I agree that to ban someone does not feel good. It leaves a sour taste. However, every opportunity has been offered to Vince to take on board specific issues regarding his behaviour and he won't (or can't) see that he plays any part in this.

That said, Vince, I don't think you read the intro thread for the forum:

I'm quite sure he read it. It has also been pointed out as one of the issues that is problematic. But he sees no problem in his posting, clearly isn't concerned at the disharmony caused, and I'm in agreement with quardamon on the outcome of ignoring him:

... If several of the members ignore him, than we would have in fact two forums, each with their own tone and own kind of subjects. And it would not be clear where the one forum begins and the other forum ends. (I found myself ignoring whole threads in which he posted a lot.)

And the reality of what that means has, sadly, already become the defacto way the forum is operating today:

... at least I'm least bothered to post these days because of your useless discussions.

This forum and Vince obviously aren't a good mixture at this time. A big community may be able to handle very loud people but in small places like this it can happen that you hear nothing else anymore....

So it seems to me we are faced with a choice of two, neither ideal, sour tastes:

A divided forum with people staying away from posts where Vince gets involved.

Or realising and acting upon the disharmony and dissatisfaction resulting from Vince's continued involvement by enacting the ban.

To my mind this is the "acid test" that best determines the wise course of action:

Edit to add: It's not only about the discussion taking away too much room, but I can't see that anybody does profit from an ongoing discussion. It seems to be useless at this time.

If nobody profits from his continued membership, if that membership leads to a divided forum and other members refusing to post for fear of fruitless engagement, it seems clear that to swallow a bitter pill is more wholesome than to try and stay engaged with a bitter atmosphere in a forum divided by one member's behaviour.

[Dharmic Tui]

Having had a quick look at the Dhamma wheel it'd appear that's a much more suitable place for Vinces abstract philosophical musings. It looks like the replies aren't dissimilar to here they're just more polite due to the more philosophical bent of that forum.

[Matthew]

I'm sure he will find places amenable to his interests and style.

His account is now deleted.