[email protected]

A member posted this to the owners/moderators of this group.

I wanted to share my response.

-----Original Message-----

Can you give me an idea of how
long you typically leave new members on moderated status before you
trust them
enough to allow them to post freely? I totally get the reason behind
initial
moderation, but it's hard to keep up with posting when my posts are
held up
during an ongoing conversation and then all sent in a wad.

-=-=-=-=-=-

It varies. For several reasons.

We have four moderators. Usually posts come through within seconds of
being posted---that's when one or more of us are online at the time and
keep reading and clicking.

But there *are* hours (and even an occasional day or two), when we're
ALL busy---off with our kids. Sometimes all at the same time
(sometimes, even toGETHER! <G>). That's when messages get sent in
"bulk." It's because no one's there to actually do the work. It's not
that we're purposefully leaving them in the queue; it's just that no
one's available at that time.

As for how long one remains on moderation, that depends on the
individual. Some groups moderate just to make sure the new member isn't
a Spammer. We have deeper reasons.

Sometimes, a member is on for years---posters that lurk and post only
very occasionally may never get off moderation because we never get to
know the poster. They don't seem to mind. <g> The ones that get off
moderation the fastest are the ones who seem to want to
understand---who ask questions, reflect on the answers, and ask more
questions. Also---the ones who give advice that is in keeping with the
philosophy of unschooling. Sometimes that can be just a couple of days.

Moderation stays on if a member repeatedly gives advice that won't help
others understand unschooling (advice that hinders others on the path).
And members who seem to want to argue instead of *learn* will stay on
moderation. Members who insist on attacking the list will stay on (or
be put back on) moderation until the attacks stop.

Sometimes we let "questionable" posts through because we realize that,
although they might be contrary to the philosophy, they will be greatly
helpful for discussion.

We use moderation to keep the list moving as smoothly as possible.
Unschooling and mindful parenting are not easy concepts to understand.
So we want *all* advice to move the posters TOWARDS unschooling, not
away. People teetering on the fence, almost there, need a gentle
*shove* forward, NOT a pull back. It's so much easier to fall back on
what we're already familiar with. It's sooo much harder to take that
tiny step forward. Allowing newbies to constantly keep pulling each
other back *won't* help them move forward. Moderation helps prevent
some of that.

Keep in mind, that, occasionally too, yahoo glitches and posts take a
while to arrive (no fault of the list!). I had a post that took four
DAYS to post. So it's not always *us*! <g>

-=-=-=-=-=-=-

I understand if you feel you
should keep this going for a while, but I think if that's the case I
will look
for another group. After reading some of the posts of other members,
I'm
not sure my input is going to be very popular, anyway, and that's
okay. Diff'rent strokes, and all that. ;o)

-=-=-=-=-=

I see you have now unsubbed. But you left before reading any responses
to your "teaching" question. I'm forwarding Joyce's answer on to you.

It's not unusual for folks to unsub and then come back later eager to
learn more because *something* rang true.

If you believe your "input" won't be popular, don't post---or be ready
to defend why if you do. (That's true of all lists, really. And in
life!)

Different strokes, yes. And although there used to be only one list
available, there are now dozens and dozens of unschooling lists to
choose from. One will fit right.

Good luck.


~Kelly

Kelly Lovejoy
Conference Coordinator
Live and Learn Unschooling Conference
http://www.LiveandLearnConference.org
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carle dehning

Thank you for posting this, I have joined this group hoping to learn about
Unschooling and appreciate the 'protection' that you are offering. As a new
student of this philosophy, I am certain that I will never post enough to be
taken of moderated status, but hope that the knowledge that I gain will help
be grow into the HS mom that my kids need.

I look forward to many an informative discussion that I can be a silent
participant in.

Blessings
Carle Dehning

--
ENVIRONMENTAL HOMESCHOOLING
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EnvironmentalHomeschooling/?yguid=317855850

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