Forum Guidelines: No Theology Debates

Bob Pritchett:

Logos Bible Software is here to serve everyone who studies the Bible. That is intentionally "big tent" and we intentionally do not have a statement of faith or a doctrinal position.

The forums are here to support and discuss Logos Bible Software. There are plenty of forums for gladitorial theological combat; please take those discussions there.

Bob, you are going to have trouble with the Big Tent mentality when it comes to the folks that buy your software, and how they want to express themselves on a forum like this. Just as you brought up good points about church splits etc, when you are talking about the Bible, it will cause some to ask questions, who do not know about any discussions on other web pages (some of them I pray will never be found), but are reading your product and have questions. Or, do you simply want only question to come up about what button do I press to do this or that, and how do you inforce that?

With that said, I think you need to allow some of your VIP's authority to kill a thread when it gets out of hand. I don't think you need to make a commentary on all of this, or let Dan take the brunt of it (humor), because folks will view your comments differently then you probably intended them to.

I am sorry that you had to step in, and I don't know the thread that caused it, but you have some pretty good VIPs that could help nip this before it gets out of hand. Just some thoughts.

Ralph

 

Ralph Mauch:

With that said, I think you need to allow some of your VIP's authority to kill a thread when it gets out of hand.

JRS:

I think a better solution would be to establish a Cage Match forum which could be entered voluntarily or, posts/threads could be redirected there by the MVPs.

 Make sense to me. Look how it worked in Mayberry. Hang a star on the village idiot and let him patrol the halls. 

You assume that an unpaid hall monitor is more effective than a paid hall monitor?

Bob Pritchett:

I do not want to moderate the forums. I do not want to pay someone to moderate the forums. I am opposed to deleting or locking threads because it's pointless: the person who must make their voice heard will find other ways to do so. And the person who would respect the shut down doesn't need to be "deleted," only told. And I want to spend our resources on building tools, not hiring hall monitors for the forums.

 

In another thread a wise man recently said this:  http://community.logos.com/forums/p/34988/264860.aspx#264860

and this: http://community.logos.com/forums/p/34988/264902.aspx#264902

and this:  http://community.logos.com/forums/p/34988/264927.aspx#264927

Let Bob run Logos.

Oh, sorry.  I "get" your drift now, Matthew.  Rightly dividing one's comments is important, isn't it?

I'm not a big fan of sweeping things under rugs, mind you.

Well since everyone else seems to be giving Bob unsolicited advice, let me try as well.

First, these forums are owned by Logos. They pay for them, they have their name on them, they are the "face" of Logos on the internet. That means that no one, including me, has a right to say anything here other than Logos employees. There is a huge difference between freedom of speech and freedom of venue.

Second, that means that Logos can (and should) close threads, delete comments, and generally police the forums. If I get moderated, that is fine. Just because I have the right to believe and say what I believe, does not give me the right to go into your house and yell at you (or call you on the phone at 2am, or shout in a movie theater, you get my drift).

Third, the expectation of the forums is that this will be a place for help, discussion, etc. about Logos. This is especially true since Logos does not really come with any sort of help files or manual. That is not a problem - because the forums fill that gap very nicely.

Fourth, the users need to exercise restraint within the constraints of the above (and Logos forum philosophy). This is a place about software, not theology. When a thread comes up about a Logos resource where people gush about a resource that I consider heretical or dangerous, I simply avoid that thread (as I expect others do with threads I find useful). There is no need to "do theology" here. I want to know what resources are available in Logos, not what people think is wrong about certain authors.

My suggestion as an admin of a theology board with more than 2 million visits and 10 million page views per year, is that a little policing goes a long way. Having users "report threads" to Logos employees (through PM? email? a report thread subforum?) and then having Logos employees summarily close threads or delete posts that go against guidelines would all but stop this kind of time sink.

Keep up the good work, Logos. Your software is helpful, and so are these forums. 

Is Mebin:

Just thought I would tell a little story (fairly light-hearted)...

I was once working at a service station (gas station) and a Jehovah's Witness came in doing his night-time ministry.  He introduced himself.  I said "Great, because I'm a Jehovah's Witness too.  Yes, I witness about Jehovah all the time!  But I'm also a Muslim!"  He said, "how can that be?"  I said, "I believe in the one true God - that makes me a Muslim doesn't it?  But wait, I'm also a Mormon."  Looking even more bewildered, he asked, "How?"  "Well" I said, "I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ, and I am a saint living in the last days...doesn't this make me a Mormon?"  "Im also a Catholic" I continued, "Yes, I also go to the one true church!"

 

 

 

typical NEW AGE MOVEMENT, STOP YOUR OPION,THIS NOT TURTH.  hope confession in Gospel of Jesus.

Chris Thompson:

Ben:

typical NEW AGE MOVEMENT, STOP YOUR OPION,THIS NOT TURTH.  hope confession in Gospel of Jesus.

How's that no debate policy workin' out for ya?

As well as a spelling policy.

Ben:

typical NEW AGE MOVEMENT, STOP YOUR OPION,THIS NOT TURTH.  hope confession in Gospel of Jesus.

Thank you for your OPION (opinion) of what is TURTH (truth)...I really do value it...and yes, I am a New-Ager...a believer in Jesus Christ (in whom I put ALL my hope) living in a new age!!!  God bless you.

Thanks, Bob. I've taught classes recently where the 20-or so people present attend a different church. 20-plus in the same room from different theological backgrounds and all still respect each other at the end of each trimester. And they keep coming back. 20-some different churches! I understand your premise and know it can be done. Staying focused on Bible study with Logos Bible software is exciting enough. God bless {Charley}