Reply #102: It is a bad solution to a problem that isn't really a problem.

[woo me with science]

This feature goes well beyond supporting people's right to choose not to engage in certain interactions. It suggests that they have a right to control others in order not be bothered by the very PRESENCE of ideas they dislike.

As participants here, we all have the option of reading or not reading posts directed to us. If someone is harassing you, you do not have to open their posts, or pay any attention to them at all. Problem solved. I think you are seeing the word "childish" not to name-call or insult, but to point out strongly that, as adults, we ALREADY have complete control over what we choose to read and respond to. This feature is not needed for someone who exercises this sort of control.

As others have already stated many times, what is offensive about this new feature is that a single person is been given the power not only to control their OWN experience at DU, but the experience of multiple others.

DU functions like big, wonderful gathering place for generally like-minded people. Imagine going to a party of Democrats where a bunch of conversations are being held. You can always choose not to listen to certain people or pay attention to what they are saying. But you do NOT have the option of saying, "I, personally, decree that this one person must leave this conversation. Not only can't they talk to me, they also can't talk to anyone else in this conversation from now on." If you DO behave like that at the party, people will look at you funny.

Most of all, I simply don't understand the need for this, when every one among us already has the power and the freedom to select which posts we open and which we do not. This new feature creeps very close to saying that we all have the right to be spared the very presence of ideas we don't like, and to inflict our preferences on others. It does not feel Democratic at all.

I hope the administration reconsiders. I think you are making a serious mistake, to the detriment of DU as a whole.