The present discord at the .org is really bothering me and I think something needs to be done. In an effort to do something constructive instead of simply complain, I offer the following proposal:
.Org Disciplinary Proceedings:
A new forum for Discipline should exist. Any disciplinary action must be made public (even a warning). Any moderator has the power to initiate a disciplinary proceeding by posting the following information in a topic in the discipline forum:
1) State the member who is subject to discipline
2) State the rule that was allegedly broken
2) State the conduct that broke the rule
3) State the recommended punishment and duration.
If the punishment consists of a simple warning, then the moderator may issue the warning himself without further proceedings.
If the punishment consists of anything greater than a warning, the moderator must initiate a more formal proceeding--call for a council. The moderator then becomes the "Prosecutor." If the prosecutor recomends a ban (for any length of time), he may immediately suspend the defendant's posting rights until the council has issued a decision.
To initiate a council hearing, the prosecutor will make the 4 statments (member, rule, conduct, recommended punishment), as well as a 5th statement calling for a council. The council shall be composed of 3 .org moderators (other than the prosecutor) and a new topic shall be opened for a hearing by the head of the council.
At the hearing the prosecutor will present his case for banning. The accused/defendant shall have a chance to tell his side of the story. Other witnesses will be allowed to testify only at the discretion of the council. The council will then issue a decision.
After the hearing the other 3 moderators (council) will make a post which states their findings:
1) Member's conduct did/did not break a rule;
2) punishment/duration
This strikes a balance between the need for expediency and swift justice and also the need for public involvement in (or at least view of) the proceedings. It imposes only a small additional duty upon moderators but ensures that there is some consensus when justice is handed down.
I hope this will be considered as an option.
Oh, and there should be a procedure for normal .org patrons to file a grievance against other patrons. The grievance will be reviewed by a moderator and that mod will decide whether to initiate discipline.
Comments, please.
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