Simon, I apologize. We have different perspectives about what transpired and why. You are a totally cool guy in my eyes, and I am a guest in your "home". I will respect your wishes. I have already begun to do so by not replying to some posts that were posted after your warning. The content and motives behind those posts are obvious considering that the posters knew I am no longer in a position to respond to them.
Sloan, I apologize. I honestly did believe that you were duped, but if you say you talked to no one, I will take you at your word. So, I apologize.
Xena, what can I say? Thank you for your level head and reasonable and fair responses. I can learn much from following your example. Certainly today would have gone better for me if I had. You are that rare combination of intellect, diplomacy, beauty, fair-mindedness and a good heart. You know that this has always been my opinion of you. I can tell that you are an excellent mother, and I agree with your posts.
My opinion on the thread topic, for what it is worth. I agree that we should allow children access to chat. Despite protestations to the contray, I can't think of any one here who would not tone down their behaviour once it was known a child was in chat. JW or ex-JW children need the comfort that this site can provide, as it may be the only support they get in their JW world.
The point has been expressed twice that some of us, myself included, would have to stop posting on adult subjects. As I have stated the first time it came up, I am willing to do this. However, there is a way to have an adult only section on this site, and it is covered below.
Besides, how does one keep every child off this site? It cannot be done, especially when the child is a determined and technically savvy teenager. I agree with Simon that you can't keep every child off this site. If we want to tackle the issue, there are several approaches.
The simplest and the most band-aid fix is a page warning children that they are entering an area where adults discussions are held, like chat or the Relationships forum. A better approach is a child indicator.
A child indicator is not hard to create; it can be anything from a simple checkbox, to entering one's birthdate (this would also allow for an automated "Happy Birthday" feature), to entering a credit card number (but not the expiry date, and the number is not stored). The issue is level of effectiveness versus the amount of work it puts on Simon. A child indicator would automatically alert us to their posts or that they are in chat.
It would allow for adult-only sections of the site for those who insist on adult-only chat or adult-only threads. It would allow posters and moderators to have an ignore feature that would shield minors from adult threads.
In short, I am for children being on this site and in chat. I agree with those who say that we adults can change our behaviour when a child is present. If we want something more sophisticated, a child indicator can be developed.
Richard
