[Tamed Wildflower]

It occurred to me today that there may be situations in which people might want to throw a question out to a few particular people, or discuss something with a few particular people. A private message would not be the best way to do this, because there you can only contact one person at a time. A forum is not conducive to a small-group discussion either, because anyone can jump in.

So is there anyway within LS to have a private thread, for which the thread-starter can invite a handful of other people to discuss something he/she'd rather not open up all LoveShackers??

I don't tend to think that it would be a good idea to start using these things ALL the time, perhaps it could be divisive-- the last thing we need is cliques in LS!

But, under some circumstances, I would think it would be a good idea.

Mods, is this possible?

Do others think this would be a good idea?

Thanks.

[Pocky]

Personally, I don't think it's a good idea. I have images of references to invite only threads that I may not be privy to and that would make following discussions very difficult. At least when they are kept to PM it is a one on one basis and it's unlikely that there would be a reference in a public thread to a private conversation. In my opinion, if you only want the advice of a particular person then send them a PM or ask them for an email and start a group email discussion. The concept of having threads up that are locked unless you're invited seems rude.

[Tamed Wildflower]

I see your points, Pocky, and I recognize that the kind of thing you are referring to would be a downside to private threads. I guess this is more a question of whether the good outweighs the bad. I would think that if there were private threads, it would become part of common courtesy not to reference them in public threads. It would also be important not to use them to bad-mouth other members behind their backs. But then, bad-mouthing people is already against Loveshack guidelines anyway (and for the most part, against common LS etiquette), so I hope that to the extent that it happened, the mods would jump on it real quick, just like they mediate public posts and delete where necessary.

Any other viewpoints?

Mods, what do you think of this one?


[As an aside, I think it is true that to very limited extent, there already are some threads that not everyone can access. I've noticed that when I try to copy and paste the URL of a thread that deals very explicitly with sex, I can't access it until I log in. I'm guessing this is to counteract the obvious danger of those younger than 18 accessing material that could be considered pornographic? Say, what are the registration and access guidelines anyway? I'm not sure if there is anything that deals with this outright in the LS guidelines.]

[Paul]

Hi Tamed Wildflower,

Thank you for your suggestion!

It is our belief that the value of this community is present in the wide variety of opinions and insights public discussion offers to posters on LoveShack.org's forums. Please see the section on Community participation and inclusion in our Community Guidelines:

Community participation and inclusion

We remind all participants of the value of collaborative exchange. Discussions occurring on the public forum are to be inclusive of all participants and should not be of a private nature between a small, select group of people. Questions, comments or other exchanges directed to any particular individual outside of the context of on-topic threads should be made privately and do not belong on the public community forums.

We highly discourage the use of private conversations to discuss topics that would otherwise be on-topic on this forum and recommend that anyone seeking insight on a particular relationship situation post the situation in the appropriate public forum. By creating a method to exclude members on the site, we create a situation, as you've pointed out, that would destructive and divisive to the community.

There are already established cliques on the site that demand a greater degree of our attention to keep off of the on-topic threads and who have historically had great difficulty staying on-topic and not overtaking the flow of discussion on any particular thread. In my opinion, the limited possible usefulness for a feature like this is outweighed by the potential for abuse and further difficulties in establishing the role of private conversation on this site.

Best wishes,
Paul

[Tamed Wildflower]

OKay, thanks for the responses, Pocky and Paul. It was just a thought. I see your points, so I'll drop the issue.

Thanks again!

[greenhorn]

continuing on this topic..

of late I have found that few LSers have formed their own group sort of thing and would start a thread and discuss within themselves and referencing something which has happened within themselves. Even if you try to enter that thread you would be make to feel as unwelcome visitor.But often those discussions are banters so I don't mind.

I find this very rude ,and what you are asking is to formalize this sort of rude behaiour.

It is good that Paul has categorically said NO to this.

[Moose]

Well, it only makes sense to me not to have a Private Thread, or chat area on the, "Community" Forum. It would negate the purpose of sparking diverse opinions, thoughts, and advice.

[Mr Spock]

There are people who engage in what I think of as extremely dumb banter amongst themselves (you're hot, no YOU'RE hot)but on the positive side it's an effective thread killer when needed.