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   Polymer Witch (polymerwitch@social.polymerwitch.com)'s status on Thursday, 10-Nov-2022 13:21:00 JST Polymer Witch

   Governance on fedi is a hot topic again, and decentralized (ad-hoc) governance is something I am experienced in and have some biased opinions about. So, strap in...

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     Polymer Witch (polymerwitch@social.polymerwitch.com)'s status on Thursday, 10-Nov-2022 13:20:53 JST Polymer Witch

     in reply to

     For example, I can definitely think of times when I've let people know quietly that I'm distancing from an instance, but I don't want to make a fuss about it. Other times, I've blasted loudly about instances that pose imminent danger.

     Some communities I block because it makes me feel a little more comfy to be away from their brand of snark. Others I block because they are literally nazis.

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     Polymer Witch (polymerwitch@social.polymerwitch.com)'s status on Thursday, 10-Nov-2022 13:20:54 JST Polymer Witch

     in reply to

     So, we end up with blocklists. Each person and instance is going to have unique blocklists. Again, there can't be one "good" list. A golden list that is perfect for everyone is a silly idea.

     However, we can use whisper networks, and loud exchange to share aspects of them. Sometimes it's not safe to share our blocks with everyone. Sometimes it creates confusion. Other times we need to share them.

     𐪅𐪀𐪈 𐪑𐪁𐪉🇵🇸 repeated this.
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     Polymer Witch (polymerwitch@social.polymerwitch.com)'s status on Thursday, 10-Nov-2022 13:20:56 JST Polymer Witch

     in reply to

     As we figure these out, and setup our boundaries we start to figure out who are boundary crossers. Who is not safe for us. Who do we want to distance ourselves from to protect our neighbors. etc

     So, we start using out tools to enforce our values and protect ourselves.

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     Polymer Witch (polymerwitch@social.polymerwitch.com)'s status on Thursday, 10-Nov-2022 13:20:58 JST Polymer Witch

     in reply to

     Our communities are made of people. Trust and community building always come first. Defining our shared values and our points of unity is what brings us together. Maybe I federate with a community because I like their memes, or their posters inspire me. I have not unity or incentive to federate with someone who makes me sad and discourages me. We implicitly build these connections and grow together.

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     Polymer Witch (polymerwitch@social.polymerwitch.com)'s status on Thursday, 10-Nov-2022 13:20:59 JST Polymer Witch

     in reply to

     First thing first, we need to distinguish from moderation tools and values/morals. A block list isn't "good". A mute list isn't "bad". These are tools in our toolbox. Our values inform how we define our policy governance. That policy governance is what then helps us plan on how to implement and utilize those moderation tools.

     It is tempting with tech to look for a perfect fix through technology. Friends, no such thing exists.