Let me preface this diary by saying, I'm sharing my opinion here and this diary isn't meant to upset folks. It’s meant to convey to our members that Daily Kos is indeed fairly addresssing issues that negatively impact our blog.
In my experience, Daily Kos does not pick and choose to reprimand members by the candidate they support and as most folks here know, I support Hillary Clinton.
A few weeks ago, I received a warning notice. Just to abbreviate the notice: Shape up or face the consequences. Initially, I was none too happy about this notice.
I contacted the help desk and asked for clarification. The clarification was sternly worded. This reply didn't mince words, a timeout or worse could be the end result. I was told I was not calming arguments down, that I exacerbated arguments. That I didn't stay out of arguments and that I didn't improve the comment threads in my diaries, that I actually made them worse.
To be very honest, at first I was upset. I thought, no way I'm this way. After some serious reflection, I came to realize the moderator was correct about my current behavior. It was an eye opener for sure.
It is in fact my responsibility to lead in my diaries and in other areas of the blog. I have made a concerted effort to do so. For example: If I notice a Hillary supporter making a derogatory statement in my diaries, I will reply and ask they do not make these statements and that this does impact our discourse negatively.
I can't control all that is going on, but I can be a calming influence where I can and encourage folks to take the high road.
I received a message the other day, that I was doing well to improve things on DKos and this was being noticed. That felt good, but it also reinforced I have to continue working to improve. I'm very careful with my comments. I think twice before publishing a comment.
I have realized, it is important that I understand the feelings others may be going through. When you invest time and effort in your candidate, things can and will be very emotional at times.
In the very end, we should respect each other and we all have a responsibility to improve the atmosphere here. If we all did a little, things could improve a lot.
We can debate, but respect is the key. When things are getting out of hand, we have the control to dial things back, reach out or just walk away. Could I trip up? Sure, but I'm much more aware now. I'm far from a perfect human being. I don't pretend to know all the answers.
What I do know is this, Daily Kos is very important to me. It’s a blog dedicated to electing more Democrats. There is no question that’s always been it’s mission. I personally think this blog does a great job. I think it's managed fairly. Some may disagree with this view, but my experience says it’s fair.
In the end, we are all on the same team. We want Democrats elected.
Thank you for reading.