Have any of you listened to the podcast, "The Longest Shortest Time"? The main theme of which is, I think, let's embrace lots of different ways of parenting, because parenting, especially in certain places in this country, has gotten pretty darned judge-y.
Is it possible to interact here with a bit less judge-iness and a bit more diversity of thought?
If a moderator has extensive experience working in a health care field, perhaps the medical pedigree could be mentioned a little less often. This could help with the imbalance of power I sometimes see.
Also, could we have more teaching and patience from the moderators? Recently, another moderator made an abrupt comment to a newcomer about "reframing" or something like that, with no explanation or link to an explanation. "Take time to teach," please, Moderating Team!
A lot can be accomplished in terms of shaping people's posts through voting, both up and down. Also, there's a classic SE comment that comes across as encouraging: "This post could be strengthened by adding reference."
When a bunch of strangers comes together to share ideas and information and curiosity and --you name it-- can we leave space for a variety of points of view? When my post gets edited to the point that there's nothing left but the reference, then it doesn't feel like my post anymore.
If a moderator doesn't understand an author's attempt to connect two ideas, can the moderator recognize that this is a communication problem, and ask the author to try to make the connection clearer?
If a participant feels their words have been twisted, that is worth listening to and hearing. But if a moderator insists, "I'm quite sure of it. I'm certain you stated that growing beards promotes cannibalism," what is gained?
Can't it be okay to let a post sit, even if a moderator disagrees with the ideas expressed, or find it sloppily written? Don't worry -- in the big picture, less than stellar posts will get downvoted, and the cream will rise to the top.
In short, I am making a plea for a lighter, more supportive approach to moderation. One thing my kids taught me as they were growing up: If I breathe down their neck, ready to jump on the slightest mistake they make, they're going to lose their motivation.