I agree, but I also think that the staff need maintain a high quality response even in these situations. For example, this reply on the 4get engine is snarky. Doesn’t explain why its not being considered. Its a funny quip, sure, but these kind of replies set the tone for the rest of the community. I haven’t done enough research to say this is the norm, but something staff should be aware of. The linked example isn’t horrible, but if that becomes a pattern, well the community will also incorporate that.
I also agree. As someone whose bickered at other members twice, and haven’t gotten reported or talked to, I’m somewhat surprised. While it can feel draconian if mods stop every little bicker, I think its important to stop long-running banter and completely off-topic derailments.
This recent thread somehow became an argument about Apple. While I typically don’t like “I’m quitting and I’m making a thread about it” topics, it was a chance for the community to try to help understand why the user was having difficulty integrating privacy. What was shown was exactly what that OP described: arguing with people with elitist mentality. That isn’t a hard metric that the forum has gone to waste, but elitist mentality will be an issue for Privacy. Same issue can be applied to technical experts too on this forum.
Don’t known a solution to this either, just thoughts. Something to consider.
There is no barrier of entry to join. Even one with 0 privacy knowledge can post. The solutions oriented approach without tinfoil, derailment, bitterness, and banter, are up to the community and staff to shape. The staff can definitely can remind us to stay on this course. The community can also govern itself if that is how they feel. It’s a hard problem to solve, and requires gentle and considerate course correction.