Chatterbox: Chirp at Cricket

*taps mic*

Is this thing on?

person in the back: “YES!”

*clears throat* Cool. 

Dear CBers of all ages,

There is another matter I have come to talk to you about, if you don’t mind me taking a moment of your time. 

I’ve noticed that throughout my time on the CB, many CBers have come and gone, for various reasons. You too may realise this. However, quite a portion of the CBers often blame their farewells on the actions of the Admins. Now, I’d just like to reassure everyone that I’m not saying those who left all left because of the Admins. But I am saying that a good portion have because of claims that the Admins were “not fair,” or other complaints. 

I would just like to say this: 

The Admins regulate your posts because they not only need to make sure it follows guidelines, but they need to make sure it is beneficial to the positivity of the CB. They are not biased or unfair when posting your comments or stories. They need to make sure it does not hurt or offend other people, because they want to make everyone feel welcome to this wonderful place. 

Please understand and know that they are not trying to intentionally make your feel offended if your posts are tweaked or not used. 

If you have any comments, please share. I love to hear your opinions. 

submitted by Somewhat of a PSA
(December 29, 2017 - 3:18 pm)

I don't think this happens much anymore, but in the past, it was very much a problem. Thank you so much for speaking about these issues.

submitted by :)
(December 29, 2017 - 6:21 pm)

Actually, it has happened a bit more recently. Or maybe I just feel old. XD

Anyway, it has happened more recently, but I won’t mention the names of those who wrote about the Admins in that matter in their farewell posts or even their “I’m back!” posts.  

submitted by Somewhat of a PSA
(December 30, 2017 - 10:14 am)

Ah, this relates to the Diversity War. I think that conflict brought a lot of attention to the regulation of comments, especially when entire replies went missing or were heavily edited for reasons that not everyone saw as fair. It's an extremely delicate subject, so I don't want to go into detail, but while I agree that it's good to have someone watching out for spam and hate, it's always a little jarring when you notice that a comment with your name on it doesn't say what you submitted. And if you think that nothing you put in was hurtful in any way, it could be upsetting. I wasn't here for the war itself, but from what I know, some left because they felt that the admins weren't being fair, especially in regards to LGBTQ+, whether for allowing it or not. It's such a delicate subject that I wouldn't be surprised if this comment got edited for simply bringing it up. In keeping with that, please do be careful, dear writer of these announcements. Not everyone will see these matters the same way, and you may someday stir up something unintended.

submitted by Viola?, age Secret, Secret
(December 29, 2017 - 6:36 pm)

Thank you for your comments. 

In regard to the Diversity Wars, I was actually present for that, and I know it did hurt a lot of people. However, most of it is resolved now, as times have changed. The Admins just have to make sure everything is appropriate, so please keep that in mind, as you never know what was actually written in original posts.  

submitted by Somewhat of a PSA
(December 30, 2017 - 10:11 am)
submitted by TOP for thoughts
(December 30, 2017 - 10:13 am)

Why is it that I rarely post but always seem to end up on these sort of things? Ugh, I should stop procrastinating too.

Well, since I'm here, I must say that I'm a bit confused as to why this is being brought up now. Not to be offensive, but unless I missed something important (which, let's face it is more than possible), I haven't seen anyone leave because of this since the last sort of skirmish over the summer. (And only one or two people came back on and blamed the Admins a while ago.) I think this is a very touchy subject, and bringing it up again might start more arguments. But, if we are simply talking about the past, then for the most part I agree. Though I must say that everything and everyone has bias which they sometimes unintentionally let slip into publications and everday life (a notion driven into me by my teachers), I think the Admins were and are currently trying their very best to be fair. No community is going to be perfect, and since this is a kids website I know that their are certain things that will be censored, even if I may not always agree. I don't think that I'm the best person to offer their opinion, though, since I don't think I've ever had a post sensored (not a high bar since I never post XD) so I don't really have the full experience. I think I'd find it sort of funny on my first - like a rite of passage or something. 

Not to say that this isn't a problem at all, but I don't think it's a current issue. Unless I'm being totally oblivious. (I know that some CBers keep contact IRL and online with others elsewhere - could you be talking about something like that?)  

submitted by GreenMango
(December 30, 2017 - 11:06 pm)

No, I’m talking about the CB. And this is simply a reminder of what the Admins are trying to do. This was not meant to start an argument, so I would greatly appreciate it if people don't take it that way. :)

And this did happen recently, just not over the summer, with three CBers who either left or came back with complaints. 

submitted by Somewhat of a PSA
(December 31, 2017 - 8:55 am)

I agree. 

I do get what Viola was saying. It is definitely a bit jarring when you notice a part of your comment is missing. But I don't exactly see it as unfair. In the Diversity War, comments from both sides of the argument were edited and removed. So the Admins didn't seem biased one way or another. I know some people left over this, but I had parts of my comments removed, and I stayed.

Now that that war is over, I know it can still be a touchy subject. But I definitely don't think it's fair to take any of it out on the Admins. They only ever do what they think is best for protecting the CB. 

submitted by Leeli
(December 31, 2017 - 10:54 am)

I agree with Leeli. I kinda just stayed on the sidelines during the Diversity War, as I wasn’t that active during that time either. But I didn’t want to get involved, as it was a very touchy subject. However, I think this is a good reminder that you shouldn’t blame your leaving on the Admins, as they do what they know is best for the CB. Thank you Admins, for continuously working to make the CB a safe and fun place for all people. ^^

 

You're welcome. We enjoy hearing from you all.

Admin

submitted by Doctor Who?, age The 13th , The Blue Giraffe
(December 31, 2017 - 12:57 pm)

While I agree that this is sometimes the case, and that is not all the Admins fault, I do want a clear answer to what is allowed on CB or not. If something is not allowed, I would like to know.

Because I did make a thread a while ago called Little Rants and it included LGBTQ+ issues. The Admins deleted the LGBTQ+ related content on that thread. However, there are multiple occasions of LGBTQ+ romance on inkwell, which the Admins deem fine. While I can see what they're getting at with deleting mine, it's still slightly frustrating.

By the way, Admins, I have no grudge against you guys! You're cool as heck and I really appreciate you guys going through every single post and reading it. And I can understand that you guys aren't used to this sort of controversy, and I understand that you guys are just human beings who make mistakes. 

By the way, I don't want this to start another argument, I just want to spread some facts. Another war is seriously not what CB needs. 

 

Please keep in mind that comments have been posted by different Admins over almost ten years now. We aim to be fair to all, limiting romance of any kind, but guidelines may evolve over time. We spent a lot of time on the discussion in the past and do not intend to repeat it.

Admin

submitted by Danie
(December 31, 2017 - 12:57 pm)

Well, either way, I appreciate you Admins talking about it! 

submitted by Danie
(December 31, 2017 - 1:51 pm)

We're going there?

No. Cricket Chatterbox is not going there again. 

Admin

submitted by Claaws, RAINBOWS
(January 1, 2018 - 6:35 pm)