Should communities ban the discussion of certain topics?
It’s a fact that more controversial topics may encourage hatred, flaming and other negative sorts of behaviors. But on the other hand, it motivates members to engage forum discussions. What should we do?
What is the subject of your forum?
If you decide to ban the discussion of certain topics, you must acknowledge what your forum subject is. For example, if you run a world news forum, the banning of topics regarding politics would limit and affect the community. Why? Because politics is a significant aspect of the news in today’s world. Even though the topic may develop heat within the discussion, it will psychologically encourage members to re-visit the forum to emphasis their point again.
What level of moderation should be executed?
To prevent the discussion traveling off-topic, reasonable moderation will be needed. But remember, to maintain a successful forum, you can’t just sit on your back side. Staff don’t need to sit at their computer, refreshing their window to keep track of the topic. To moderate it, simple visit it once in a while to make sure all replies are responses to the subject.
If you encounter any unhealthy replies, simple remind the members with a friendly notice about staying on-track and encourage a healthy debate. A great example would be topics regarding religion or politics, members often have strong views about those subjects. It is expected that members may become extremely passionate when discussing them, so the best way to prevent any abuse would be a friendly PM.
What type of members does your community attract?
Every community should attract their own type of members - if not, they should be! If your forum is targeted to more mature members, you will notice their will be a dramatic drop in flaming (or any other form of unhealthy acts). Usually mature forums don’t need the banning of any specific topic because they are handled/discussed appropriately, in a mature manner.
But if your forum is targeted to the younger generation, or those who are sensitive to disagreeing in them, you might consider the banning of specific topics.
Give your members a chance.
I would suggest all members adopt a laissez-faire approach in setting rules for your community. The more strict you are, the less you encourage your members. Allow the discussion of topics, take the risk. If you notice an up-rising of flaming, take action.
Your thoughts
Do you ban the discussion of certain topics? Do you actively encourage controversy and passionate debate? Has this ever come back to haunt you? Share your thoughts and experiences by leaving a comment below.
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