When we decided to create a new myUMBC that allowed anyone to engage with the entire UMBC community through posts and comments, we certainly acknowledged that some posts would be more controversial than others.  Our goal has always been to build a system that encouraged open, honest discussion within the community and that people should be able to share their personal thoughts and ideas.  To a large extent, things have been working just as we  would have hoped.  Sure, sometimes people say things that others disagree with or that might be considered unpleasant, but that's what the free exchange of ideas is all about.

That said… there's been a growing trend in myUMBC of off topic, argument inciting, and even personally spiteful posts.  I am in no way saying that we shouldn't have heated discussions in myUMBC.  We should. (it makes for interesting reading)

What we worry about is a situation where people stop posting for fear of their post being hijacked by those that would rather argue than discuss or veer off topic.  Even worse is the fear that people stop reading myUMBC all together because it is perceived as nothing but a bunch of people acting out.

I've said before that we'd turn commenting off before we implemented any form of staff-powered moderation system, but some have suggested adding "thumbs up/down" buttons to posts and comments.  This would put the power directly in the hands of the community and not require any staff intervention.  Please note, with any form of a "thumbs up/down" system, we would never remove posts.  The worst we'd do would be to hide the full content of the post with a "click here to see this post" link as seen in other forum systems.

We certainly don't want to change anything if everything is fine, and we don't want to leave things alone if there is a problem, but you're the best judge of that, not us.

Tell us what you think about the state of myUMBC.  Please feel free to share your thoughts and ideas on the comments below.