I received the following PM from DougB:
"I realize that locking this is your decision to make. I am
assuming, with the associated risk, that the reason has to do with the
religious profiling. Yes, there were some anti JW statements. But what
should be pointed out is that the anti JW comments were confronted
within the thread, by members. Some thoughtful and thought provoking
thinks were said and discussed from differing viewpoints. Perhaps a
warning that guided the discussion away from the religious aspect and
into the dog related would have been sufficient.
I find that the
lockdown has a stifling effect on what I feel free to comment about. I
have noticed that when I get out of line or make a mistake here,
somebody usually points it out. When I get slapped down in a thread, I
can argue or respond or sulk in my office till I understand what was
said. With a lock down, I can not reply or question."
I replied:
"Hi Doug,
Thank you for taking the time to write me and express your concerns. I've
always respected your thoughtful posting style and always welcome hearing from
you!
The decision to lock the thread was not one made lightly, or rashly.
You are correct, it was in regards the the religious commentary that the
decision was made. I've noticed that people tend to "jump on the
bandwagon" as in any tight knit group. While there were people who
were defending the religion.... it remained completely inappropriate in many
ways. The one that was the true "clincher" (if you will) is
that this was not only off topic, it's off topic for the board as a
whole. It's a dog forum.
Please bear in mind that this is only the second thread to be locked thread
in at least a year, if not 2 or more years. So, it's not that we are just
running around willy-nilly locking threads as the mood strikes. I think
you'll find most forums use way more moderation than we do here and thus the
locking feature. We truly encourage an environment that is ripe for a
free-exchange of thought. However, imagine how you'd feel if you came to
the forum as a JW and found that thread still raging? Do you think you'd
be A. More likely to join the group, or B. Less likely to join the group
because you fear your religion makes you unwelcome?
I certainly hope that this hasn't stifled communication in any regard except
in maybe how we approach tolerance of others and respect towards their
religious values, regardless of how they may differ from ours.
I have heard your opinion and want you to know I seriously considered your
perspective. I think your point has merit, however I have to consider the whole
and truly feel that this thread needs to be locked as a reminder to the forum
that this was unacceptable behavior.
Thanks so much again,
Lani"