Hmmm...I agree and disagree somewhat. Allow me to qualify my position. I agree with the community guidelines. However there is some subjectivity involved in determining what is appropriate and helpful.I agree in particular that Adducent is a model contributor and wish he would comment more often. However, I am not a professional writer/ consultant- yet. Dennis, if you feel like disagreeing with me here then know I will respect your opinion and take your advice seriously. However, there are only a select handful of contributors here that really impress me. I welcome most of their involvement.
I disagree that insightful posts "should" look like that. If you can, then great. However, if you want to make an effort, then I think you should do so. I don't want this to be a "stuck up" community. That reflects my own preferences and interests. I can appreciate the representation of differing views and abilities. So while there are obviously high standards set by contributors such as Lighthouse, I personally welcome views from novices and ametuers. General commentary adds to the diversity and open nature of the community. Many people come looking for help rather than giving help. Some make poor efforts at answering and I think it is apparent many are unclear about their needs. Both represent opportunities for improvement- a good market for the solutions providers to jump on or at least use to distinguish themselves.
Making an effort usually results in some form of evident clarification such as an "answered" point, reciprocal participation by the quality contributors and vice versa, and insightful responses pertaining to the value of contribution- i.e. noting good advice or on occasion, disagreement. The "report innappropriate" feature is self-explanetory and quite available. However, if you lack the courage to report a post, I think this has something to do with the subjectivity of interpretation and the value this community places on open involvement at various levels of ability.
The issue continues to come up, but I don't see too much that meets the extreme definition of innappropriate. I do agree the site moderators should be stepping in on the occasions that do happen- either by initiating warnings/ their own comments to let people know there is some enforcement, or at least responding to complaints and taking appropriate action. However, as far as the lower quality range of contributions, I think there is a value to them too. In my opinion, the range of contributions made in this community are perhaps a closer reflection of the actual range of business perspectives out there. I participate in other communities that are "expert only" and could criticize them for being too self-aggrandizing and perhaps a bit out of touch. Other social networks are a little too open and I think pretty low in substantial content- sacrificing tough love/ directness for emotional support. In my opinion, the SBOC moderators do a good job by some of their allowances and non-actions- despite some of our complaining. Really, how seriously do you take your own view?
I think the SBOC represent real world and is a good place to get a reality check. I welcome constructive criticism of my own contributions. However do not be surprised if I dissagree or don't follow the advice immediately. I think a lot of my views are "one percenters" and outside-the-box. Sometimes I post for the sake of it because it represents my interest to make my unique perspective known. On other occasions I refer people to look into me and what I have to offer because I think it is worth their while to do so. You are welcome to critique me publicly or contact me directly. I'd rather be told that I'm making mundane and generic posts rather than be allowed to walk around with my shoes untied. As the saying goes, "I didn't get all dressed up for nothing!"
Consequently, having put a focus on the problem and recommending what should be done- what solutions, if any, do you have to offer that can actually have an effect on the problem? I offer my site as a social network where personal, professional, and organizational interests can be represented simultaniously at the member's discretion. However, I also exercise my own discretion in booting out anybody "I don't like". It's sink or swim, but the goal is to create a community of choice. If you don't take a risk, then how do you expect to compete with the status quo? If you find people extending themselves inadequately or in a manner you feel is unwelcome for the direction this community should go- then please refer them to me. I'm happy to help and welcome the opportunities.
