New Group Announcement & Invitation

[LadyKitt]

:sun: Questers Unlimited :sun:

It started out as a joke, but that tiny little seed took root and began to grow in the Newbie Matters thread.

How it has played out there is as a general discussion and conversation thread among newbies especially, and more importantly all AF members, without restrictive protocols.

What seemed to be a good idea, to me at least, is that so many of us generally might really benefit from starting a group whose threads would be for unlimited discussion purposes, to take all the incredible research and information and even info we garner from posted links, and then start topic-specific discussion threads to brainstorm it all, and even perhaps explore how this info impacts us personally, and even our communities.

These 'questing' discussion threads would be within the confines of a specifically created group for that purpose, which would not interfere or disrupt other groups' research or other foundations. At the same time the valued information gathered through the research activities would provide the Questers with priceless unlimited topics and fodder for discussions, debates, brainstorming, arguments, conversations, or just casual chats.

And all of this would transpire completely free of restrictions or protocols not already defined by the existing Avalon Forum protocols and applied by the moderators and administrators.

The most important, and urgently required, first activity of the group must be in the selection of an icon. Without that, Questers Unlimited cannot be listed among and along with other groups here in the Forum, which would make it impossible to find the Questers Unlimited group for the purposes of posting new threads.

Because by being a member of the group.....or not.....anyone at all will be allowed to post a discussion thread that might be of importance to them, or even might just tickle their fancy. :)

So the most important action right off would be to discover or create an excellent icon for the group which would not constitute piracy.

And the second most important action, at least to me, is to determine if Questers Unlimited would benefit by having a board of directors, and why or why not. Perhaps we could start a discussion about that now. Then if a clear need is identified, we could discuss an appropriate process for selecting a board, and determine the number needed.

Would really like to read/hear all your thoughts about all of this!

LadyKitt :cocktail:

[Noelle]

I would participate in such a group. As for an icon, can it be a common symbol (i.e., star, spiral, etc.)? I'm not sure about a board of directors, though, because it could impede the flow of discussions; with jobs and other obligations, participants may not have a lot of free time. Also, the term itself has a "policy and procedure" connotation associated with it.

[Flash]

I am either thick, or my understanding is flawed, but something seems to be missing:

If I understood, you want a forum within a forum (Avalon)? without moderation or rules? is that it?

[LadyKitt]

I would participate in such a group. As for an icon, can it be a common symbol (i.e., star, spiral, etc.)? I'm not sure about a board of directors, though, because it could impede the flow of discussions; with jobs and other obligations, participants may not have a lot of free time. Also, the term itself has a "policy and procedure" connotation associated with it.

Most excellent points about a potential BOD. So far I'm in agreement. Let's get some other feedback, as this should prove an interesting discussion. As for the icon, yes, a symbol that is commonly used like an icon for a star, the moon in any of its phases...any of those symbols which are outside the capture of copyright laws could be used. We would just need to start making suggestions, then with enough to work with, vote on them.

[TargeT]

I am either thick, or my understanding is flawed, but something seems to be missing:

If I understood, you want a forum within a forum (Avalon)? without moderation or rules? is that it?

there's a function in this forum where you can create groups

http://projectavalon.net/forum4/group.php

[LadyKitt]

I am either thick, or my understanding is flawed, but something seems to be missing:

If I understood, you want a forum within a forum (Avalon)? without moderation or rules? is that it?


Actually, no. I don't think I ever suggested that it would be a forum within the Avalon Forum. What I'm creating is a group within AF, just as there are so many other specialized groups here.

What I'm saying is that the threads posted within the Questers Unlimited group are intended to be free of restrictions within the preexisting protocols and confines already being applied and agreed to by the AF members. That is, except when it comes to additional protocols which might be applied by other groups regarding the specific types of discussions and off topic posting.

Yes! That's it, that's where posts to the Questers Unlimited threads would deviate. Being a group literally dedicated to unlimited questing then naturally all discussions within threads must be allowed to be unfettered, and to wander wherever they go.

Even if they go off topic! ;)

[Lifebringer]

Yes a sort of alphabetical index of the questions they have interests in and others they may not be aware of. Sounds great. But Idk too. Some of us that came had to learn at their own pace, because most of the lie walls come down and they have to take a rest or....:confused: however there are so many here they can look at the poster's name in order to get some conversation going. They can private message or public ask in the forums....hmmmm...sounds better and better the more I think about it. The younger have a loneliness program that leads them to depression if they no longer are the center of attention as with their parents growing up. The world isn't like that. The outreach would be good and I think it's needed. Perhaps run it by Paul, or Bill or one of the team here.
come to think of it, the youth are more skeptical of putting it out there, and it would be a good reference point, I think the elders that pose these questions should be the moderators to it as if it gets "filthy" it will be their responsibility to end the filth. Cursing, insulting, disrespect, or name calling. This site isn't Youtube and newbies sometimes forget that, especially if they are coming off a yahoo blog. Anyway, those mods will be the responsible ones to tame the ill in them by reminding them of such concerns, yes?:silent::p:shielddeflect:

[LadyKitt]

Yes a sort of alphabetical index of the questions they have interests in and others they may not be aware of. Sounds great. But Idk too. Some of us that came had to learn at their own pace, because most of the lie walls come down and they have to take a rest or....:confused: however there are so many here they can look at the poster's name in order to get some conversation going. They can private message or public ask in the forums....hmmmm...sounds better and better the more I think about it. The younger have a loneliness program that leads them to depression if they no longer are the center of attention as with their parents growing up. The world isn't like that. The outreach would be good and I think it's needed. Perhaps run it by Paul, or Bill or one of the team here.
come to think of it, the youth are more skeptical of putting it out there, and it would be a good reference point, I think the elders that pose these questions should be the moderators to it as if it gets "filthy" it will be their responsibility to end the filth. Cursing, insulting, disrespect, or name calling. This site isn't Youtube and newbies sometimes forget that, especially if they are coming off a yahoo blog. Anyway, those mods will be the responsible ones to tame the ill in them by reminding them of such concerns, yes?:silent::p:shielddeflect:

All excellent points and observations, and thank you, as a senior AF member, for raising these concerns. I had considered the ones potentially affecting and/or involving senior members, which I'll explain.

When I was first new here, and having an over 20 year history online including participation in other discussion forums (including the very first, 'SAID'), experience had taught me to learn as much as possible about the group's do's and don't's. And when in doubt, run a concern by the group's founder or a senior member. Naturally I read the AF FAQ's, I think for the third time before pursuing this action.

And another unfortunate episode also spurred me to create a new playground for myself (and anyone else interested, naturally), as permitted by the rules here. The episode involved a senior member whose thread to which I had attempted to contribute resulted in discovering that I had completely misread its intended purpose and that my contribution was roundly rejected. When my overly humorous attempt at smoothing ruffled feathers flopped and resulted in my being surprisingly flamed, I withdrew as gracefully and quickly as possible.

Yesterday, I was curious about where that senior member had taken the thread in its next phase. Being a wordsmith and storyteller, and sometime editor for other writers, and even a parttime journalist, of course I was interested in what I had observed was a different approach to posting methods. Yet upon catching up with that thread, I was so literally blown away by his accusations toward me and unfair assessment of my other activities, that I had to log out and distance myself from the Forum for a few hours to consider how to possibly remedy what had clearly become an unhappy, for me, conundrum. Short of quitting Avalon Forum completely, and knowing that additional truce-making attempts would be pointless, I decided that creating the new group and restricting the majority of my postings there for a little while would be the best solution.

So I set about doing just that. And the first step was in sending a PM to one of the Moderators with a detailed outline for the proposed new group, and requested permission to run with it. I also advised her of other activities not readily apparent to any other member, and asked if any of my activities had been disturbing to the senior members. Upon receiving clearance to move forward, I took action.

Now, seeing as how this post has become lengthy, I'll address additional concerns separately. :)

[LadyKitt]

[...................................................]

come to think of it, the youth are more skeptical of putting it out there, and it would be a good reference point, I think the elders that pose these questions should be the moderators to it as if it gets "filthy" it will be their responsibility to end the filth. Cursing, insulting, disrespect, or name calling. This site isn't Youtube and newbies sometimes forget that, especially if they are coming off a yahoo blog. Anyway, those mods will be the responsible ones to tame the ill in them by reminding them of such concerns, yes?:silent::p:shielddeflect:


Frankly, if this forum had in any manner been like Facebook or Twitter or Yahoo or any other generalized social media, then I would not be here. A brief period in trying out FB cured me of those realms when they proved too potentially dangerous to pursue, not to mention filled with so many millions of unserious people.

As for people misbehaving in ways which might include: "Cursing, insulting, disrespect, or name calling", I would fully expect that the AF moderators and administrators will be watching and/or acting when members or guests might behave poorly, just as happens with already existing groups here. I believe that one warning is usually sufficient, and if the behavior is repeated then expulsion would usually result.

Other groups were created here and are being enjoyed under the watchful eyes of every other member. And I can't see a discussion group involving these same serious research ventures and adventures falling off the rails since idiots and jerks generally would never be invited to submit an application anyway.

The new members have all been invited by senior members, and their applications submitted for approval. Serious people recommending other known serious people. And if the occasional rowdy person slips by, then the process gets reassessed and tightened up. None of us would be here if jerks were hanging out belittling the research the rest of us consider to be so vital. :coffee:

[Innocent Warrior]

A note to the newer members, LadyKitt wrote -


So I set about doing just that. And the first step was in sending a PM to one of the Moderators with a detailed outline for the proposed new group, and requested permission to run with it. I also advised her of other activities not readily apparent to any other member, and asked if any of my activities had been disturbing to the senior members. Upon receiving clearance to move forward, I took action.

Although Kitt asked me for my thoughts on the group she wishes to start you don't actually need to request permission/clearance to create a group. The group section of Avalon is a private (not visible to public), informal place where people with common interests can have discussions, research etc. together and anyone can create a group on any topic.

[LadyKitt]

A note to the newer members, LadyKitt wrote -


So I set about doing just that. And the first step was in sending a PM to one of the Moderators with a detailed outline for the proposed new group, and requested permission to run with it. I also advised her of other activities not readily apparent to any other member, and asked if any of my activities had been disturbing to the senior members. Upon receiving clearance to move forward, I took action.

Although Kitt asked me for my thoughts on the group she wishes to start you don't actually need to request permission/clearance to create a group. The group section of Avalon is a private (not visible to public), informal place where people with common interests can have discussions, research etc. together and anyone can create a group on any topic.


That was essentially my understanding, yet being such a new newbie I felt, because the Questers group would so heavily focus on discussions contrary to the 'norm' here, that out of respect I should run it by a moderator to ensure that an appropriate heads up had been given.

I apologize if that came across sounding like Rachel had given me "permission" to move forward with the new group.

[Flash]

I am either thick, or my understanding is flawed, but something seems to be missing:

If I understood, you want a forum within a forum (Avalon)? without moderation or rules? is that it?

there's a function in this forum where you can create groups

http://projectavalon.net/forum4/group.php

Yes, I know target, - I am not THAT thick lol - this is why I do not understand - why wanting to created groups when we can already have. Why not just create one and advertise it in a thread for those who want to be there.

i think that it maybe the wish not to have moderation on those thread. But from what I saw in the past, there is little if any moderation in those groups, and by the way, they are not that successful either.

Just read LadyKitt answers, it is what I thought, but i still do not see the purpose, since most group are truly barely monitored.


the Questers Unlimited group are intended to be free of restrictions within the preexisting protocols and confines already being applied and agreed to by the AF members.

So I do not undertand the request of the OP.

EDITING: I just read the last posts of LadyKitt and now I understand better why his request, it is in fact very well explained and I respect that.
Start you group, this is my feedback, and then you will see whom is interested. You can even concurrently start a thread linked to the group activities, to keep us informed on the topic chosen or activities undertaken, for those who are not members but may become interested.

[LadyKitt]

[...................................]

Flash noted:

"Just read LadyKitt answers, it is what I thought, but i still do not see the purpose, since most group are truly barely monitored.


the Questers Unlimited group are intended to be free of restrictions within the preexisting protocols and confines already being applied and agreed to by the AF members.

So I do not undertand the request of the OP."


My response:

Almost all of the protocols I've sussed keep the discussions strictly on topic, and away from what might be deemed "rambling ruminations". Perhaps it would have been far less confusing if I'd called the group "Rambling Ruminations"? Granted the aura of magnanimity would have been lost. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Can you imagine if, desiring the personal thoughts and perceptions of fellow members, I were to dive into every thread thinking I was hopefully contributing to the discussion given the different perspective I myself bring......

I'd soon be tarred and feathered. This way anyone else interested in unfettered discussions and conversations can come and go as they please in that discussion group's threads, and I cannot be accused of derailing the other serious threads.

Still have to get an icon for the group to activate it. :sun:

[LadyKitt]

I would participate in such a group. As for an icon, can it be a common symbol (i.e., star, spiral, etc.)? [............]

Okay, I did a search and found some free celestial icons, and chose one to activate the group. We can always change it. Just go to "groups" and you'll see it.

I'm still trying to figure out how to post a new thread under that group. Hopefully others more knowledgeable than me here will just jump in and post a thread.

Although membership is not required to create threads or post to the group, I just discovered that another newbie has officially joined the group! :party:

[RunningDeer]

Although membership is not required to create threads or post to the group, I just discovered that XXXXX has officially joined the group! :party:

http://avalonlibrary.net/paula/Recovered/writing_zpsd26h7e8a.GIF FFT: some may not want their names announced on this open thread.

Couple of links:


Opening Post - "Welcome To Questers Unlimited" (http://projectavalon.net/forum4/group.php?discussionid=819&do=discuss)

Join "Questers Unlimited" (http://projectavalon.net/forum4/group.php?groupid=143&do=join)

Members (http://projectavalon.net/forum4/group.php?groupid=143) (listed in private area)

[LadyKitt]

Yes, that occurred to me when typing another related post. No names in that one.

[AutumnW]

A group without restrictions and 'protocols' confining Avalon and discussing subjects unrelated to Avalon, but drawing information from Avalon?

Forgive me while I scratch my head here.

[LadyKitt]

A group without restrictions and 'protocols' confining Avalon and discussing subjects unrelated to Avalon, but drawing information from Avalon?

Forgive me while I scratch my head here.


Yes, with so many responses to others attempting to explain the purpose of the new group, I can see where it would become confusing. This is the part which needs reexplaining: "discussing subjects unrelated to Avalon". Actually, the threads will be discussions about specific topics and subjects and people and events already being researched by Avalonian members. The difference is that the discussions will be unfettered, and may well include other focal points related, yet normally would be considered off topic to a particular thread. Allowing the discussion freedom of movement, as it were, and to be able to brainstorm the subject's impact on our personal lives and our communities would be nice as well.

Hope that clarifies it more effectively for you. :)

[AutumnW]

I see it as potentially creating a private space where members can freely criticize other members. That's what springs to mind, anyway--though that is not necessarily your intent.

If someone on a thread you create, let's say,"ancient fossilized banana loaf ," responds in a windy convoluted way, that ends with their describing how great they think Corey Goode is, for example, you would want to apply the same,'back on track,' rule...wouldn't you?

[LadyKitt]

I see it as potentially creating a private space where members can freely criticize other members. That's what springs to mind, anyway--though that is not necessarily your intent.

Let me stand back and examine what your concerns seem to be as objectively, and more importantly, as directly as possible. Firstly, I cannot even begin to imagine why you are characterizing the new group as potentially a private space where members can freely criticize others. The group is a -public- group and as such could not have posts made under its auspices which could be considered derisive or cruel flaming. As being a public group the moderators and administrators would be looking over our shoulders constantly if necessary. As per the rules here, if I engaged in flaming activities, I can assure you that Bill Ryan himself would most likely rescind my membership.

In fact, I was the one who was flamed by a senior member here. It would have been pointless to pursue even an ego-driven word battle. And so I walked away from it. I don't support sandbox tussles, and I don't waste my time on childish tit-for-tat arguments where no one wins and the combatants invariably come off looking the fools if the battle is being waged within such a forum as Avalon Forum.


If someone on a thread you create, let's say,"ancient fossilized banana loaf ," responds in a windy convoluted way, that ends with their describing how great they think Corey Goode is, for example, you would want to apply the same,'back on track,' rule...wouldn't you?

Frankly, I would hope that others here familiar with what is transpiring in the CG episode would give such a poster a head's up concerning the opinions and attitudes held by the majority here, and gently suggest that the topic is unwelcome due to the circumstances. If such a person insists on discussing it more, then I would most likely request that it be taken to a PM.

Again, I will repeat what I wrote in another post (http://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?98524-New-Group-Announcement-Invitation&p=1162932#post1162932):

"The new members have all been invited by senior members, and their applications submitted for approval. Serious people recommending other known serious people. And if the occasional rowdy person slips by, then the process gets reassessed and tightened up. None of us would be here if jerks were hanging out belittling the research the rest of us consider to be so vital."

Edited:

The following was said out of frustration at what is now bordering on what appears to be a thinly veiled personal challenge.

I would have removed it, except that would be akin to trying to cover over that which I'm sure that other members have already read. My final response will appear after it.

[Therefore, if you still have serious reservations about the ability of the moderators and administrators here to supervise the activities to ensure that any inappropriate behavior is immediately addressed, then I am most certainly the wrong person to whom those concerns should be addressed.]

My apologies for that unwarranted response.

[AutumnW]

I misunderstood what you are trying to set up. The only rules I have seen enforced are those that encourage respect and to stay on topic. When you described a sub-group where the rules didn't apply, I took it to mean basic etiquette rules as well. Sorry I was obviously mistaken. Good luck with the group.

[Noelle]

I understand the "back on track" rule, or why it's needed, but it could curb organic thinking and, as a result, could mean less good ideas and theories flowing into forum threads. There have been times when I wanted to say more in response to a thread and then did not because I thought it would not be considered on topic enough.