The arbitrary locking of topics

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Steve3007
Posts: 10339
Joined: June 15th, 2011, 5:53 pm

The arbitrary locking of topics

Post by Steve3007 »

I have a serious concern about the arbitrary locking of topics.

In philosophy, it is my experience that conversations frequently develop in unexpected directions. This is an inherent feature of philosophy, because a major aspect that distinguishes it from more specific subjects is that it can seek to establish connections between superficially unconnected phenomena.

When a conversation has started to develop like this, it is particularly frustrating if someone dips into it, skim reads a few recent posts, and decrees that it isn't going anyway and therefore needs to be forcibly shut down. This, to me, goes against an essential feature of philosophical discussion - a feature which makes such discussions uniquely interesting.

So I'm starting to conclude that this philosophy forum is no longer a good place for philosophical discussion.

Does anybody have anything to say about this?
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Burning ghost
Posts: 3065
Joined: February 27th, 2016, 3:10 am

Re: The arbitrary locking of topics

Post by Burning ghost »

Yes, I’ve pm’d you already.

You read something into it that wasn’t true. The aim is NOT to shut down conversations but to make the discussions move forward and/or allow new comers to access the argument at hand without havig to read through 50 pages of text.

My aim is to keep threads to around 20-30 pages (with some exceptions - some topics always go nowhere fast and the views fly around. Such as with to[ics like “abortion” where the topic will inevitably go around the houses a few times.)

A topic being LOCKED does not mean it is worthless (in fact the exact opposite!) The point is to encourage moe people to join in and see how it has developed.

ALL locked threads (which total at 0 at the moment) will have links provided in OP and last post to the next/previous thread/s - hopefully with a small summary provided by participants if and where possible.

Please note that nothreads have been “arbitrarily locked” to date.

Again, didn’t read my post. You assumed the worst - fair enough.
AKA badgerjelly
Steve3007
Posts: 10339
Joined: June 15th, 2011, 5:53 pm

Re: The arbitrary locking of topics

Post by Steve3007 »

OK. BG, I understand your reasoning and withdraw my objection. Sorry for the confusion. The capitalised red text in the post made me jump to the conclusion that what I considered to be a worthwhile conversation was being shut down.
Georgeanna
Posts: 436
Joined: October 29th, 2017, 1:17 pm

Re: The arbitrary locking of topics

Post by Georgeanna »

Burning ghost: 'ALL locked threads (which total at 0 at the moment) will have links provided in OP and last post to the next/previous thread/s - hopefully with a small summary provided by participants if and where possible.'

There are more locked threads now. The latest locked 'Off Topic' in the Philosophy of Politics forum does not contain links in the OP or a summary or explanation. I have left feedback elsewhere.
Georgeanna
Posts: 436
Joined: October 29th, 2017, 1:17 pm

Re: The arbitrary locking of topics

Post by Georgeanna »

Steve3007 wrote: September 17th, 2018, 4:35 am I have a serious concern about the arbitrary locking of topics.

In philosophy, it is my experience that conversations frequently develop in unexpected directions. This is an inherent feature of philosophy, because a major aspect that distinguishes it from more specific subjects is that it can seek to establish connections between superficially unconnected phenomena.

When a conversation has started to develop like this, it is particularly frustrating if someone dips into it, skim reads a few recent posts, and decrees that it isn't going anyway and therefore needs to be forcibly shut down. This, to me, goes against an essential feature of philosophical discussion - a feature which makes such discussions uniquely interesting.

So I'm starting to conclude that this philosophy forum is no longer a good place for philosophical discussion.

Does anybody have anything to say about this?
I too have concerns despite any reassurances made by burning ghost.
As long as immoderate moderation continues, I will be taking time out.
Georgeanna
Posts: 436
Joined: October 29th, 2017, 1:17 pm

Re: The arbitrary locking of topics

Post by Georgeanna »

Georgeanna wrote: October 21st, 2018, 4:46 am Burning ghost: 'ALL locked threads (which total at 0 at the moment) will have links provided in OP and last post to the next/previous thread/s - hopefully with a small summary provided by participants if and where possible.'

There are more locked threads now. The latest locked 'Off Topic' in the Philosophy of Politics forum does not contain links in the OP or a summary or explanation. I have left feedback elsewhere.
'I have left feedback elsewhere'.
Here: viewtopic.php?f=7&t=15882
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