Do we need a host in this group?

[EvolveOrConvolve]

It probably wouldn't be needed much other than for the rare occasion when a proselytizer wanders into the group. Is it worthwhile to have a host just to keep out the occasional riff-raff?

[TZ]

1. Yes

I think we need a host. Someone want to volunteer( I want to stick to ssp group)

[EvolveOrConvolve]

2. Can we be hosts on multiple groups?

Or just one at a time? Between A&A and SSP, there will probably be very few host responsibilities, so taking two wouldn't be that time consuming.

[OswegoAtheist]

3. I say yes.

I've been advocating for every group to start out with hosts, then let the group decide after a trial period. My main focus is on having someone who can (with the group's input) help define the boundaries of the group; if it turns out no host is needed, that's great. It's better to find out that way than having to pick a host out of total anarchy.

Oswego "Anarchy in the DU" Atheist

[EvolveOrConvolve]

4. I'll volunteer to go first, if no one else wants it

It's up to ya'll.

[OswegoAtheist]

5. You've got my vote n/t

Oswego "one of the y'all" Atheist

[TZ]

6. Go for it

I believe you can host more than one group. At least I hope so as I am currently a host in the Lounge as well.

[NeoGreen]

7. I vote "Yes" n/t

[kdmorris]

18. You go first.

I would be willing to serve in a "secondary" role. I travel once a month on business for a week or so.

Of course, this group probably doesn't need a host nearly as much as others, but it's still good to have someone at the helm

[muriel_volestrangler]

20. I think you'd be fine (nt)

[laconicsax]

26. Maybe I should volunteer too...

It wouldn't right without a bloody struggle for power.

You've got my vote, BTW

[EvolveOrConvolve]

27. I'll thumb wrestle you for it!

[laconicsax]

29. I was thinking a Christian baby slaughtering contest.

Much bloodier.

[EvolveOrConvolve]

30. As long as I can eat the results

Nothin' better than a little tenderized Christian child and rice.

[laconicsax]

32. What else would you do with them?

[EvolveOrConvolve]

8. I'm going to leave the thread up for a day or two

to get feedback from some other members. Then, I'll put the request into Skinner to set me up as host.

Anyone like to volunteer as a second or third host?

[MarkCharles]

9. Thanks for volunteering! Question:

Does a host have a set term of office-holding, or is it pretty much up the host to decide how long s/he wishes to do so?

[EvolveOrConvolve]

10. From what I know from posting in the Hosts forum during testing

The term appears to be 90 days, and there can be multiple hosts at one time. I'm not sure how often members can reapply to be hosts of a group, but for the smaller groups like A&A, I'd assume that we'll have the same people quite often.

[MarkCharles]

12. Thanks for the prompt reply! 90 days seems short, to me..

But if one person can be re-appointed up to 3 or so times in a row, it might work out well.

Many of us probably don't have time to do this on a daily basis. I appreciate your volunteering.

[lindysalsagal]

11. Should be unhosted: Otherwise, ideology might creep in.........

And try to take over...

Smilieslookup!!! Help!!! Mommmmmyyyyyyyyyy..........

[MarkCharles]

13. Kind of amazing how NON controversial having a forum host is here, whereas..

over at the religion forum there's a big controversy over who should be a host.

So typical of religious discussions, I feel.

[beam me up scottie]

14. Not now, but can we change our minds later?

We've already had a disruptor in the Skep group.

[frogmarch]

16. I saw that.

Wow.

[EvolveOrConvolve]

19. Holy crap, what did I miss?

Did a jury take care of it?

[beam me up scottie]

31. A nasty attack on immoderate.

I didn't want to alert this early in the game and I found it quite hypocritical that one of the people who claim they need protection from the bad old skeptics was the first one to violate our brand new group on DU3.

[frogmarch]

15. We could think of our host as

a figurehead of sorts.

Here is how I'll imagine our host to look (if we have one):

[AlbertCat]

17. No thanks. We don't do Communion...

...badda bing!

[Iggo]

22. LOL...nice!

[mr blur]

21. Go for it!

Although the riff-raff are my favourite posters here.

[darkstar3]

23. I'm happy to take a turn at some point.

[lazarus]

24. why don't we all take turns?

I need a break, as mod burnout is a Very Real Thing, but I'd be happy to take a turn in the barrel in a few months.

I think you'd do fine. I think we'd all do fine, actually.

[EvolveOrConvolve]

25. Thanks!

[iris27]

28. Eh, as a safe-space group, I'd say so.

Just to fend off the sporadic distruptor who feels the need to follow us back here.

[Goblinmonger]

33. I say yes. Just for the rare intruder.

You have my vote.

I'll take my turn if needed.

[beam me up scottie]

34. Changed my mind, again - yes, we'll need a host.

The vitriol we've experienced in R/T today will continue and I've no doubt it will follow us here.

sigh...

[laconicsax]

35. Hell, they openly admit to lurking here for ammo!

[beam me up scottie]

36. Yeah, I caught that.

Having their own group isn't enough, they have to stalk us here too.

[EvolveOrConvolve]

37. After seeing the train wreck in the Religion forum...

I'm going to get myself setup as Host of A&A, as long as no one has any objections.

The sooner it happens, the sooner we'll be able to protect ourselves.

[MarkCharles]

38. Cool with me!! One more question:

Will having a host enable us to keep lurkers out of viewing posts here?

Just curious. It doesn't matter to me. I don't get too upset at what religionists post about atheist posters, I get more upset by religionists messing in our nation's democracy, the right to life folks, especially, but others as well.

[EvolveOrConvolve]

39. You know, I'm not sure

If a disruptive poster is blocked I'm not sure if they can still lurk, and if so if they're allowed to alert on posts or do anything other than read the group. My hope is that they are completely blocked from the group.

I'll ask in the Hosts forum and find out.

[laconicsax]

40. I asked about that in Help & Meta.

The short answer is, no.

The long answer is, not one bit.

[MarkCharles]

41. Thanks for the answer, I'm still in favor of having a host if there are volunteers.

I just don't like it when people misunderstand atheism so much and then use their misunderstandings as "ammunition" against atheists.

Case in point, right now, a thread over there about Richard Dawkins' views about the PM. Completely misunderstanding the context and nature of Dawkins' remarks, also mistankenly labeling the thread as having something to do with the No True Scotsman logical fallacy.

What strangely uninformed folks campaign against the noted atheists of the world !

[laconicsax]

42. You have my vote. n/t

[Taverner]

43. No! Follow Mikhail Bakunin's lead!

No overseers!

[kdmorris]

44. You got my vote (somehow I missed this thread yesterday!)

Let me know if you need a "helper" host.