LSD
2nd February 2006, 06:58
What is the Commie Club?
The Commie Club is a group of progressive, left wing Che-Lives members who participate in open and free discussion on the administration of this board and all its forums. Together, this group selects Moderators and debates bans and restrictions in a reasonably democratic fashion on a daily basis. The Admins and Mods, based on the debates and discussions, then carry out whatever action is called for and log it for all CC members to see. Please note that the name "Commie Club" is a little ironic joke, and NOT to be taken seriously!
Why is it here?
The simple answer is that this site groups together a large group of Leftists who believe in participatory worker's self-governance. So, while no one expected, or possibly imagined wanting the structure of the site to reflect that, in hindsight it was inevitable that the site would develop this way.
Eventually, this site needed several new Administrators and Moderators to continue to function properly, as Malte couldn't possibly do it all on his own. So, that necessity also contributed to the delegation of powers, and the world-view of members drove us towards the Commie Club as it is today.
We may not have expected it, but it's here now, and that's the way we like it.
How does it affect this site?
This structure is unique to Che-Lives, and something we should all be proud of. No other site debates amongst dozens of committed members on bannings, restrictions or the like. What other site votes on the appointment of new Mods? What other site is so committed to paying attention to what the members want?
Who can be admitted to Commie Club?
Anyone who has 200 posts or more, has demonstrated a commitment to the board through his or her posts (this can be shown through the creation of well-meaning threads, constant civility to other members -- especially toward those comrades who have a different political line --, respect for other members, and refraining from spamming, trolling or excessive flaming), and has shown a sound grasp of revolutionary left politics. Although a prospective member does not have to be a Marxist, he or she must not only be committed to class struggle but also be a fervent anti-capitalist and anti-fascist.
How can someone join?
A present CC member must start a nomination poll giving a brief explanation why they think they should be apart of the board and adding a link to the members posts so that those voting can determine whether they agree that the person fits the conditions for admittance.
The vote will normally stay open for 7 days unless there is an overwhelming majority (more than 75% of the vote). The person must have at least 5 votes above the No vote to be admitted.
What if I nominate someone and they don't get admitted?
That means that the majority of people in CC believe that the person does not fit the criteria for admittance.
You can start another nomination poll after 3 months, but every following nomination poll must always have at least as many votes as the first poll in order to be valid.
Why can't I see my nomination thread?
It was decided to remove the polls to an admin forum so that people who may have argued against your admittance can remain anonymous. This way it stops tension or potential arguments to happen in the future.
What do I do as a CC member?
The reason you are voted into CC is because members believe you can contribute to the running of the board. The role of a CC member is to participate in discussions and vote either way on a matter. Each CC member is encouraged to vote in each poll but it is not mandatory.
The CC can also act as a place to discuss personal matters, accomplishments or political debates and to talk about general private things you do not wish to discuss in the rest of the forum.
CC members are expected to be mature and not resort to out right name-calling and personal attacks. It is acceptable to dislike other CC members, but that does not mean you have the right to be rude and personally attack them. CC members should be able to debate properly.
Are all CC members communists?
Generally yes, although a varied range of communists. However, it is not necessary to advocate a communist society in order to be considered for CC membership and there are non-communist anarchists and Socialists who are members.
Can I be a reformist and a CC member?
No. Commie Club is for anti-capitalists and reformism by nature advocates the continuation of capitalism to some degree.
Can I be removed from CC?
Sometimes the membership may find comments made offensive and although not serious enough to warrant a restriction are deemed unacceptable for CC members. In this case, it is not unusual for the member to at least temporarily be ejected from the CC. We don't apply our rules one sidedly, and even long-standing members will be dealt with. We don't tolerate reactionary ideas, no matter who they're from.
Can I discuss or show threads and posts to non-CC member?
No! If you do you will be removed from CC immediatly. This is because the CC is a private forum and may contain personal information about members including names, address' or pictures which could be used against them.
Can non-CC members use my account to see in?
Absolutely not! It is against the rules to allow people to use your account under any circumstances let alone for them to see CC. You can be banned for doing so.
Restrictions:
What is restriction, and what is the Opposing Ideologies forum?
Restriction is a measure the membership uses to focus the debate on this site. We are a group of progressive Leftists, after all. That is about as much as many of us have in common however. We disagree on how the society we envision will work, how best to emancipate the workers and many other issues. We need to debate these things respectfully, amongst ourselves. So we restrict debate about whether we should emancipate the workers at all to the Opposing Ideologies forum.
This is where all right-wingers are sent. This is where anyone who is too disruptive to proper debate is sent. There are other reasons for being restricted to OI of course, but generally, it requires behaviour that is deemed in conflict with the membership's vision for this site.
This person was restricted/banned, why?
In the daily happenings at the board, members sometimes make comments that are unacceptable at this site. Comments that are racist, sexist or homophobic for example. This usually will result in a restriction, and if the problem is deemed serious enough by the membership, a ban. No matter where you fall on the political spectrum, this is the case.
What if I think someone should be restricted or banned?
If you believe that someone has made comments which bread the guidelines you must make a Poll in CC outlining the reasons why you think the person should be restricted and offering quotes and links to support your argument.
A poll will normally stay open for at least 7 days unless it is an overwhelming majority (at least 75%). The person must have at least 4 people above the No vote to be restricted.
What evidence can I use to support restrictions/bans/removals from CC?
Any post or thread on this board can be submitted as evidence. Comments made on other boards maybe used, depending on their validity. Chat logs of any kind cannot be submitted as evidence.
Is anyone ever unrestricted or re-accepted into the CC?
Yes, there have been many cases where a person has been forgiven and accepted back into the fold. It isn't easy however, because it usually requires genuine change for the membership to forgive and forget. It's hard for us to believe someone who says they are no longer racist/sexist/homophobic for example. However, as time passes by, and the person's comments continue to reflect a positive change, we become determined to see this member accepted after what then would become a learning experience for him/her.
I heard you restrict or ban Stalinists, is this true?
Yes and no. First off, the majority of the site is anti-authoritarian to some degree. So while we may share a spot with Stalinists on the economic spectrum, we promise no hugs. That being said, we tolerate Stalinists on this board, and they are not restricted or banned for being Stalinists.
There are two cases where we restrict or ban Stalinists. The first is if they are utterly disrespectful and we feel they contribute little to the site. We don't need to hear "trot, hippy, pothead, feminist extremist" in every debate. Any so-called Stalinist who resorts to this is sent to the Opposing Ideologies forum, where they belong.
The second reason is that even so-called "left-wingers" make comments that are unacceptable here. Comments that are sometimes offensive enough to warrant a ban.
I heard you have rules against preaching, is this true?
Yes.
1) Justifying religious hierarchy, Preaching to or converting other members is not tolerated and religious ideas belong in religious discussions.
2) If any religious sentiments are expressed, they obviously belong in the “Religion” sub forum in OI.
3) Personal beliefs/positions on religion/spirituality should not affect an individuals overall status on Che-Lives if kept within the Religion forum. Though this is not to say people won't be held accountable for otherwise unacceptable behaviour.
Admins and Mods
What is an admin?
An administrator is a member who has technical responsibility over the board. They can modify and change the layout of the forums. They are responsible for the direction of the board and to maintain the boards purpose and policy. They have the controls to restrict and ban members, alter members profiles, user groups and permissions masks.
What is a mod?
A moderator is a member who has responsibility over the day-to-day maintenance of the board. Each forum has a moderator assigned and it is there role to make sure that that particular forum has relevant and informative information available, is "clean" and "tidy" and that debate is continuing in a productive way. moderators can warn other members for things which the board does not approve of, move threads, close threads and delete posts at their discretion.
How do I become a mod?
You must have displayed a keenness to maintain the board in a political and theoretical way and must have contributed substance to the board and have clearly defined political and anti-capitalist beliefs.
Administrators start a poll when the time is necessary and moderators are voted on by the CC?
Can mods and admins do what they want?
Each admin and mod has a level of trust on the board, which determines that they have the ability to act according to board policy and with discretion. Admins and mods cannot arbitrarily restrict, ban or warn members, delete or close topics. There must be a valid reason in accordance with the guidelines, common sense or CC vote.
What if I disagree with the decision of a mod or admin?
Each member has the right to start a thread in CC outlining the reason why you disagree with the mod or admin, which mod or admin it is you disagree with and a debate on the matter can happen. If it is agreed the decision can be reversed.
Alternatively if it is an admin you disagree with you can contact another admin and discuss the matter with them. If it is a mod you disagree with it is better to contact an admin and discuss it with them. Appropriate action will be taken.
What if I don't think an admin or mod should have that position?
You can start a poll asking for their removal but you need to have a fucking damn good reason and be able to back it up with proof. A moderator or admin can only be removed from their position if they are racist, sexist, homophobic, overtly religious, anti-Semitic, promoting capitalism, use their abilities to damage the board or arbitrarily and consistently abuse their position.
Is it true that people who ask to be mods or admins don't get nominated?
Normally, yes. The position of mod and admin is a position earned and not demanded. We understand that people want to contribute to the board, but the best way to do that is by contributing debate, resources, knowledge and help. People who do this will eventually be considered for positions of responsibility.
The Commie Club is a group of progressive, left wing Che-Lives members who participate in open and free discussion on the administration of this board and all its forums. Together, this group selects Moderators and debates bans and restrictions in a reasonably democratic fashion on a daily basis. The Admins and Mods, based on the debates and discussions, then carry out whatever action is called for and log it for all CC members to see. Please note that the name "Commie Club" is a little ironic joke, and NOT to be taken seriously!
Why is it here?
The simple answer is that this site groups together a large group of Leftists who believe in participatory worker's self-governance. So, while no one expected, or possibly imagined wanting the structure of the site to reflect that, in hindsight it was inevitable that the site would develop this way.
Eventually, this site needed several new Administrators and Moderators to continue to function properly, as Malte couldn't possibly do it all on his own. So, that necessity also contributed to the delegation of powers, and the world-view of members drove us towards the Commie Club as it is today.
We may not have expected it, but it's here now, and that's the way we like it.
How does it affect this site?
This structure is unique to Che-Lives, and something we should all be proud of. No other site debates amongst dozens of committed members on bannings, restrictions or the like. What other site votes on the appointment of new Mods? What other site is so committed to paying attention to what the members want?
Who can be admitted to Commie Club?
Anyone who has 200 posts or more, has demonstrated a commitment to the board through his or her posts (this can be shown through the creation of well-meaning threads, constant civility to other members -- especially toward those comrades who have a different political line --, respect for other members, and refraining from spamming, trolling or excessive flaming), and has shown a sound grasp of revolutionary left politics. Although a prospective member does not have to be a Marxist, he or she must not only be committed to class struggle but also be a fervent anti-capitalist and anti-fascist.
How can someone join?
A present CC member must start a nomination poll giving a brief explanation why they think they should be apart of the board and adding a link to the members posts so that those voting can determine whether they agree that the person fits the conditions for admittance.
The vote will normally stay open for 7 days unless there is an overwhelming majority (more than 75% of the vote). The person must have at least 5 votes above the No vote to be admitted.
What if I nominate someone and they don't get admitted?
That means that the majority of people in CC believe that the person does not fit the criteria for admittance.
You can start another nomination poll after 3 months, but every following nomination poll must always have at least as many votes as the first poll in order to be valid.
Why can't I see my nomination thread?
It was decided to remove the polls to an admin forum so that people who may have argued against your admittance can remain anonymous. This way it stops tension or potential arguments to happen in the future.
What do I do as a CC member?
The reason you are voted into CC is because members believe you can contribute to the running of the board. The role of a CC member is to participate in discussions and vote either way on a matter. Each CC member is encouraged to vote in each poll but it is not mandatory.
The CC can also act as a place to discuss personal matters, accomplishments or political debates and to talk about general private things you do not wish to discuss in the rest of the forum.
CC members are expected to be mature and not resort to out right name-calling and personal attacks. It is acceptable to dislike other CC members, but that does not mean you have the right to be rude and personally attack them. CC members should be able to debate properly.
Are all CC members communists?
Generally yes, although a varied range of communists. However, it is not necessary to advocate a communist society in order to be considered for CC membership and there are non-communist anarchists and Socialists who are members.
Can I be a reformist and a CC member?
No. Commie Club is for anti-capitalists and reformism by nature advocates the continuation of capitalism to some degree.
Can I be removed from CC?
Sometimes the membership may find comments made offensive and although not serious enough to warrant a restriction are deemed unacceptable for CC members. In this case, it is not unusual for the member to at least temporarily be ejected from the CC. We don't apply our rules one sidedly, and even long-standing members will be dealt with. We don't tolerate reactionary ideas, no matter who they're from.
Can I discuss or show threads and posts to non-CC member?
No! If you do you will be removed from CC immediatly. This is because the CC is a private forum and may contain personal information about members including names, address' or pictures which could be used against them.
Can non-CC members use my account to see in?
Absolutely not! It is against the rules to allow people to use your account under any circumstances let alone for them to see CC. You can be banned for doing so.
Restrictions:
What is restriction, and what is the Opposing Ideologies forum?
Restriction is a measure the membership uses to focus the debate on this site. We are a group of progressive Leftists, after all. That is about as much as many of us have in common however. We disagree on how the society we envision will work, how best to emancipate the workers and many other issues. We need to debate these things respectfully, amongst ourselves. So we restrict debate about whether we should emancipate the workers at all to the Opposing Ideologies forum.
This is where all right-wingers are sent. This is where anyone who is too disruptive to proper debate is sent. There are other reasons for being restricted to OI of course, but generally, it requires behaviour that is deemed in conflict with the membership's vision for this site.
This person was restricted/banned, why?
In the daily happenings at the board, members sometimes make comments that are unacceptable at this site. Comments that are racist, sexist or homophobic for example. This usually will result in a restriction, and if the problem is deemed serious enough by the membership, a ban. No matter where you fall on the political spectrum, this is the case.
What if I think someone should be restricted or banned?
If you believe that someone has made comments which bread the guidelines you must make a Poll in CC outlining the reasons why you think the person should be restricted and offering quotes and links to support your argument.
A poll will normally stay open for at least 7 days unless it is an overwhelming majority (at least 75%). The person must have at least 4 people above the No vote to be restricted.
What evidence can I use to support restrictions/bans/removals from CC?
Any post or thread on this board can be submitted as evidence. Comments made on other boards maybe used, depending on their validity. Chat logs of any kind cannot be submitted as evidence.
Is anyone ever unrestricted or re-accepted into the CC?
Yes, there have been many cases where a person has been forgiven and accepted back into the fold. It isn't easy however, because it usually requires genuine change for the membership to forgive and forget. It's hard for us to believe someone who says they are no longer racist/sexist/homophobic for example. However, as time passes by, and the person's comments continue to reflect a positive change, we become determined to see this member accepted after what then would become a learning experience for him/her.
I heard you restrict or ban Stalinists, is this true?
Yes and no. First off, the majority of the site is anti-authoritarian to some degree. So while we may share a spot with Stalinists on the economic spectrum, we promise no hugs. That being said, we tolerate Stalinists on this board, and they are not restricted or banned for being Stalinists.
There are two cases where we restrict or ban Stalinists. The first is if they are utterly disrespectful and we feel they contribute little to the site. We don't need to hear "trot, hippy, pothead, feminist extremist" in every debate. Any so-called Stalinist who resorts to this is sent to the Opposing Ideologies forum, where they belong.
The second reason is that even so-called "left-wingers" make comments that are unacceptable here. Comments that are sometimes offensive enough to warrant a ban.
I heard you have rules against preaching, is this true?
Yes.
1) Justifying religious hierarchy, Preaching to or converting other members is not tolerated and religious ideas belong in religious discussions.
2) If any religious sentiments are expressed, they obviously belong in the “Religion” sub forum in OI.
3) Personal beliefs/positions on religion/spirituality should not affect an individuals overall status on Che-Lives if kept within the Religion forum. Though this is not to say people won't be held accountable for otherwise unacceptable behaviour.
Admins and Mods
What is an admin?
An administrator is a member who has technical responsibility over the board. They can modify and change the layout of the forums. They are responsible for the direction of the board and to maintain the boards purpose and policy. They have the controls to restrict and ban members, alter members profiles, user groups and permissions masks.
What is a mod?
A moderator is a member who has responsibility over the day-to-day maintenance of the board. Each forum has a moderator assigned and it is there role to make sure that that particular forum has relevant and informative information available, is "clean" and "tidy" and that debate is continuing in a productive way. moderators can warn other members for things which the board does not approve of, move threads, close threads and delete posts at their discretion.
How do I become a mod?
You must have displayed a keenness to maintain the board in a political and theoretical way and must have contributed substance to the board and have clearly defined political and anti-capitalist beliefs.
Administrators start a poll when the time is necessary and moderators are voted on by the CC?
Can mods and admins do what they want?
Each admin and mod has a level of trust on the board, which determines that they have the ability to act according to board policy and with discretion. Admins and mods cannot arbitrarily restrict, ban or warn members, delete or close topics. There must be a valid reason in accordance with the guidelines, common sense or CC vote.
What if I disagree with the decision of a mod or admin?
Each member has the right to start a thread in CC outlining the reason why you disagree with the mod or admin, which mod or admin it is you disagree with and a debate on the matter can happen. If it is agreed the decision can be reversed.
Alternatively if it is an admin you disagree with you can contact another admin and discuss the matter with them. If it is a mod you disagree with it is better to contact an admin and discuss it with them. Appropriate action will be taken.
What if I don't think an admin or mod should have that position?
You can start a poll asking for their removal but you need to have a fucking damn good reason and be able to back it up with proof. A moderator or admin can only be removed from their position if they are racist, sexist, homophobic, overtly religious, anti-Semitic, promoting capitalism, use their abilities to damage the board or arbitrarily and consistently abuse their position.
Is it true that people who ask to be mods or admins don't get nominated?
Normally, yes. The position of mod and admin is a position earned and not demanded. We understand that people want to contribute to the board, but the best way to do that is by contributing debate, resources, knowledge and help. People who do this will eventually be considered for positions of responsibility.