Sensitive Topics - Please Read and comment
We've had several song posts recently on topics that can be sensitive: politics, religion, gender, etc
These are obviously areas where people can hold strong views (and be keen to share them!) and I'm not immune to that either.
The original poster (OP) is obviously looking for feedback on their song: how to improve it, rhyming, music etc, but it can easily become diverted into a debate over the topic itself, and the song gets lost amongst sometimes heated debate. In the worst cases, I have to close the thread and all chance for feedback on the song is lost. So how do we deal with that in a way that isn't overly prescriptive?
My thanks to @sidshovel for this suggestion, which I think could work.
If the OP wants to avoid debating the topic, and wants feedback exclusively on how to improve their song, they include a note to that effect with their post. Something like:
Sensitive Topic: I understand there will be others with alternative views and I respect those, but I am only looking for feedback on the song itself, not a debate on the topic. Please respect my wishes.
Those OPs who are happy to receive any kind of feedback simply wouldn't include this and would post as normal.
A person reviewing the song then has clear guidance on what kind of feedback the OP is looking for. And as a moderator I then have clear guidance on when to act if people do not follow the request.
What do you think? Is this worthwhile trying? Is it helpful? Are there better ways to handle the situation?
Comments
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@RainyDayMan - I think this is the perfect solution..
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Every song is sensitive . Writers with their heart on their sleeve
I like taking the value of the writing , not really on the topic
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Agreed. Sid's solution should work just fine. I've copied and pasted so I get it just right if I choose to use it.
Renee
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I agree on Sid’s idea. And btw sometimes you better keep it to yourself instead of spraying it on every wall…0
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Ok, I think there is enough support for us to at least try this out and see if it helps.
So, keep an eye out for anyone posting a "Sensitive Topic" note in their post, and please respect their request - with my moderator's hat on, I'll be following through on that.
Not every post is going to warrant it, so I expect it will be a little while before we can decide if it is useful . If so, I'll post it into our "Rules and Guidelines" section as official policy. If not, we'll try something else!
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Renee has volunteered to be our first guinea pig (no offence intended!!).
And the first learning is that the note needs to stand out and grab people's attention in case they miss it.
For that reason I'd suggest putting it in bold, when you use it.
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Makes sense to me.
😀John B
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Every song is sensitive , its a song .
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Howdy, Stranger!