Firstly, thanks for all of the responses thus far. I am respectful all points of view. In order to avoid mis-interpretation or worse misrepresentation I'll clarify parts of my post:
"While I accept that much of the subject matter we research, write about and represent using models, is based on the political world of conflict throughout history, I now have to introduce a protocol for this group build to ensure that we quietly return to the positive culture of our community."
So, as admin it was brought to my attention that party politics, sometimes in the form of name-calling was creeping into discussions and creating a negative atmosphere. As can be seen above I already agree entirely that we write about and build models of 'the political' - it goes with the turf! And when we do it through serious and 'respectful' discussion the culture and custom of the forum is retained. The issues drawn to my attention were about a lack of respect. In this forum, no good comes from that.
My intent is not an attack on free speech or democracy, see below:
"While I recognise this raises issues of censorship and free speech, it has become my responsibility, as admin for the group, to draw this to the attention of its members. By having no ‘politics’ we maintain the peace and positivity, and allow the focus to be broadly maintained on our projects."
This statement should have referred to explicitly to 'no party politics' - because the messages I received simply stated that many people come here as a haven from party politics, the vitriol that is too often associated with it, and whatever they see on CNN/Fox/Sky/BBC etc. Those outlets we can choose to switch off as we see fit. Others (myself included) choose to tune in to the channel that least represents their views. The reality is that people do disrespect the party political views of others. I disrespect the 'party political' views of certain 'extremists' on a daily basis! But not on here, because if that disrespect exists here then the whole culture of respect has gone.
In short - the firestorm that could be caused by a throw-away emotive comment along the lines of 'Bernie Sanders is an commie i***t and so are his supporters' and, for balance 'Rudi Giuliani is Trump's lapdog' or even as simple as 'Brexit is great/sucks' is what I am trying to get the group to self-manage. It is important to take up partisan political positions in life, but the message I am getting is that it is equally important to have place to divorce yourself from it. While I would never seek to apply that standard 'unilaterally' to the whole forum (that thankfully will never be my role or my wish), I believe it is what the majority of members of this particular group build would prefer.
To start a debate like this from the position of ‘what should we do about party political comment in this group build?’ would get a different response to taking a position that can be adjusted as the members of the group see fit (see below). So I started from a position and invited discussion!
"All I would ask is that members reflect upon the spirit of this post before replying. I am equally happy for this ‘editorial approach’ to be adjusted after some healthy, respectfully delivered suggestions. I am confident then, that after some prudent reflective editing of our own posts, I won’t have to act at all."
So I am happy to be getting a baseline for how the people here 'feel' and to apply the will of the majority of RAF100 iModelers, but would hope that people now know that one of the issues I refer to is the more emotive/provocative/crass comment, not the thoughtful and respectful one.
The last part of the original post is also important to me and was based on messages of concern and feedback I'd received, but also one of my own core values:
"feedback is always best when framed so that it is positive, respectful and emotionally intelligent. While nothing deflates us more than a haranguing or being ‘bluntly corrected’, nothing improves us like thoughtfully offered feedback and empathy. It is sometimes difficult to achieve the tone we wish to in written form – and it is easy to be misunderstood despite writing with the best intentions. Feedback is a supportive kindness and a gift and is best composed as such!'
This thread might actually make that point for me! I can see already that it could descend into a shouting match. Choice of language sets the tone of respect. Showing kindness of thought and word as points are made, such that one would rarely if ever need a mute button, would make this a better place. Group administrators have kept the peace since online forums began, this is as much a forum mechanism as the mute button. To those who say it shouldn't have come to this I agree. It may be too late to say that I don't want to open Pandora's box, but the spirit of this post is 'sweet moderation' for those quiet guys who come here to share what they have made without having it roughly pulled apart, or having posts spoiled by uninvited and overt party politics.
In terms of their models, iModelers often share them with self-criticism, with enough bravery to 'go public' and with a little pride at having accomplished their current best. I'll borrow from that highly political poet W.B.Yeats (my own personal favourite) to remind us all that each new wonderful thread says 'I have spread my dreams under your feet; Tread softly because you tread on my dreams'.
