How To Improve the Forum Ourselves - A Platform
Journal Entry: Sat Jul 26, 2008, 3:41 PM

*LogicalRabble
*emmejay-fwz


If you want to take the DAPF election seriously, here is your chance:

I come to you as a member of the ~Party-Of-The-Nations ,

I believe in this party. I believe it will produce an active parliament.

Hi. My name is Michael, you know me as *LogicalRabble. I've been involved in the Political Forum community for years. As you may know, the previous Parliament failed to hold a single meeting.

While the twice-yearly elections are certainly a time for fun, I also have a responsibility to present a serious option for those inclined to use the community structure for feasible improvements.

So here is what I would hope to accomplish if elected:

Five Step Plan:

1. Actually hold meetings

The previous election resulted in a parliament that didn't hold a single meeting. Literally. I will fix this.

2. Improve the level of discourse through leading by example

Making quality threads, promoting quality threads, and working with those most knowledgeable on each subject to create a high level of discourse.

3. Use the immense resources provided by various clubs and the Political Forum Chat more effectively

As a member of the Political Forum Club and a high ranking member of the Political Forum Chat, I would work between all bodies to provide more services to the community, through the community - including Parliament sponsored contests and debates.

4. Legislate guidelines for the Parliament in order to avoid further inactivity.

Provide a framework to ensure that this parliament actually functions, including a founding constitution similar to those in any student legislature, or community organization.

5. Election reform that the past committee failed to enact.

Election reform has been on the table for over six months now. I’ll make sure it gets passed.


My Thoughts from the debate:


On issues facing the DA Political Forum community:

"First of all, a quick note. A lot of people think these elections are 'jokes' or whatever. Those who remember back to last time will remember that I had a four-page platform for ways to improve the community, despite the admitted lack of power within the structure of the site any DA parliament would have. I maintain that this should be a serious election. My platform will be similar to last time - but my current involvement in the DA Political Forum club gives me greater ability to contribute positively to the community. I think, the biggest issue facing the community - in a very general sense - is that it suffers from a low level of discourse. Obviously, new and young members contribute to this. But senior members could do more. Hopefully I will get the chance to outline the ways in which we can accomplish that."

On our involvement with other forums on DeivnatArt:

"While I admit most the other forums on DeviantArt are... well, they 'are'... I think some other forums are useful in conjunction with politics, especially the literary forums, and any artistic activity that involves Politics. DAPoliticalForum club has already done some work in this area, obviously more could be done with an active parliament, which I'd be a part of."

On ensuring the proper citation within threads, and quality threads:

"Well, obviously we can't enforce anything, but I think just making sure more knowledgeable or experienced forum users continue to make good posts - including sources - it is really a 'leadership by example' kind of thing. Beyond that, we could try and talk to site admins about existing rules and how and why threads are locked, but that is probably beyond our reach. I'd be willing to investigate anything"

On a potential religion forum:

“There should be a Religious / Philosophical forum. While these issues often intertwine with politics, they are unique enough to deserve their own forum. With that said, the parliament would have no power over this particular subject. I would still pledge to, if the opportunity arises, present the communities opinion to those who would have the authority to make a decision on this issue.”

On improving community involvement:

“I would work with various community organizations, including the DAPF club, this chat room, and un-related clubs to put together events for the community, including debates on current events and theory, contests, and thinking of ways to publically recognize members of the community.”


On how to combat flaming and trolling:

"Hopefully moderators will be encouraged to continue to, and expand their criteria, for rooting out flaming in threads. We need more constructive conversations. With that said, it also comes down to individual responsibility. I know most the people in here, including myself, are guilty of a sick 'WN' every now and then - but we are supposed to be the mature ones. So it will come down to moderators and each person taking it upon themselves to improve their behavior. The internet is srs business."