Suggested hate speech protocol for Gather.

If you see a post suggesting that Gays will burn in hell for their sinful ways, the temptation is there to argue against it. Please resist the urge. You are providing oxygen to a fire.

If you witness someone on gather expressing a conviction that Newtown was a staged event, that goose stepping Obama gun control storm troopers set the whole thing up, and nobody actually died, you may feel a wave of indignation. swallow your rage. it will just encourage more nonsense if you post a comment.

We sometimes have a tendency to anger towards gather. But look in the mirror- because that is where gather lives. If you want to file a hate speech flag before you move on, okay by me. Gather management is there to evaluate such claims, so go ahead and help them earn their pay, right?

But do not encourage crap, because we then end up buried under it.

Comments: 12

David K. Jan 27, 2013, 12:05pm UTC

Giving attention to bigots and liars is what they want. Their posts should be ignored, or reported for hate speech if it rises to that level. And those who routinely act dishonestly should be banned from posts because they violate the rights of honest posters.

Chris Wiegard Jan 27, 2013, 12:07pm UTC

Thanks David.

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Chris Wiegard Jan 27, 2013, 12:06pm UTC

When I walk by a donut shop and the donuts in the front window are covered in blue mold, I do not get in a fight with the owner. I just walk on and email the health department.

Margaret Garside Jan 27, 2013, 4:15pm UTC

Too bad the health department isn't authorized to shut down all those nonsense-spouting web sites.

Hey, if the NRA gets its wish and we get 'better mental health treatment', can health departments start doing that?

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Chris Wiegard Jan 27, 2013, 12:09pm UTC

Thanks for recommending, David, Ada, and Ann. :)

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Ann Egerton Jan 27, 2013, 12:10pm UTC

I nver post responses to climate change denialists, birthers, or the like. Not only is it a waste of time getting in fights with them, but they also score points if people respond to their drivel.

Chris Wiegard Jan 27, 2013, 12:57pm UTC

good plan, Ann. Thanks for recommending, Melissa.

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Melissa Hart Jan 27, 2013, 12:57pm UTC

I am rather glad that some have closed their blogs to opposition. It totally takes the temptation away to reply to their ignorance.

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Linda B. Jan 27, 2013, 1:21pm UTC

Never try to teach a pig to sing. It frustrates you and annoys the pig.

Thanks for the reminder. I did allow myself a few comments and while it felt good to express myself, you are right--it only caused the problem to spread further.

I'm looking at another writers' website that another Gather member recommended; so far it looks a lot more inviting, as well as more profitable. PM me here if you want details. Very little vitriol...a much cleaner atmosphere.

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Leslie ~ from NYC ~ R. Jan 27, 2013, 1:27pm UTC

I've gotten into some discussions like that in facebook. I have a strong stubborn streak.
Often I've just said, REALLY, you REALLY believe that... then put it into my own words. Haven't gotten too many responses there. Many people just re-post and don't think about what they're posting.

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Margaret Garside Jan 27, 2013, 4:20pm UTC

it'sa fine line to walk. Yeah, they want attention, and we shouldn't encourage them. At the same time, it's tough to stay quiet when these people espouse views and polices that endanger all of us.

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Gerry Wass Jan 29, 2013, 1:50pm UTC

It occurs to me that if my time were not so limited for Gather that I would be more vulnerable to jumping into pointless arguments, but even so I agree with the plan, Chris.

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Suggested hate speech protocol for Gather.

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Comments: 12

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