Reading this board infrequently for the last couple of years, I have been appalled at the dysfunctional and unhealthy tolerance for the bullying behavior of a very few of its participants. While a forum to present complaints about genealogical practices - or perhaps, malpractices - seems to be the function of this board, too often commentary has degenerated into personal attacks that have subverted any useful function. And, in fact, the personal attacks are useless to a serious genealogist, often illogical and ad hominem arguments that fail to address the subject, and always boring.
Bullying, or psychological violence, describes the stance toward others taken by a few of the frequent users of this board. I don't believe that bullies should so subvert the commentary on the board, as they seek out victims for their psychological intimidation, baffling distortions, and belittlingly cruel remarks. For me, it has been both destructive and instructive to witness bullying, as I recognize the uncivilized depths that human beings can reach.
Anyone who has been concerned about, a victim of, or a perpetrator of the bullying on this board can find a wealth of information in some excellent online resources, as well as books, that deal with the pathology of bullying, including the bully online website (www.bullyonline.org/) with information about the motivations and behavior of the bully, as well as the destructive effects of bullying on the victim. The bully is assisted by the silences of victims and observers, and is marked by a lack of conscience or remorse.
The first of three possible remedies for this destructive situation is to request that the moderator of this forum restrict participation to those who can stick to the issues without personal attacks upon other participants, with a "three-strikes" rule for those who persist in personal attacks. The second possibility is establishing a new forum, for serious genealogical discussion, at Ezboard, and restricting participation. A third possible remedy is to leave this forum for a place that operates with higher standards. As YankeeWoman indicated her intent, I'm looking for something functional, too.
Bullying, or psychological violence, describes the stance toward others taken by a few of the frequent users of this board. I don't believe that bullies should so subvert the commentary on the board, as they seek out victims for their psychological intimidation, baffling distortions, and belittlingly cruel remarks. For me, it has been both destructive and instructive to witness bullying, as I recognize the uncivilized depths that human beings can reach.
Anyone who has been concerned about, a victim of, or a perpetrator of the bullying on this board can find a wealth of information in some excellent online resources, as well as books, that deal with the pathology of bullying, including the bully online website (www.bullyonline.org/) with information about the motivations and behavior of the bully, as well as the destructive effects of bullying on the victim. The bully is assisted by the silences of victims and observers, and is marked by a lack of conscience or remorse.
The first of three possible remedies for this destructive situation is to request that the moderator of this forum restrict participation to those who can stick to the issues without personal attacks upon other participants, with a "three-strikes" rule for those who persist in personal attacks. The second possibility is establishing a new forum, for serious genealogical discussion, at Ezboard, and restricting participation. A third possible remedy is to leave this forum for a place that operates with higher standards. As YankeeWoman indicated her intent, I'm looking for something functional, too.
